I agree with some of that, but personally, would never buy an X5 new (I have neither the financial means to spend money on depreciation or desire to do so). I'd much rather pay $7500-10000 for a well cared for used one and budget $2000/yr to maintain it. Some years will cost nothing after the first year or so of "catch up" has been done to the truck.

Through 20+ BMW's I have yet to find something I couldn't fix or didn't want to fix because it was too much work. That doesn't mean I don't get frustrated from time to time, but that's part of enjoying a BMW for 1/10th the original purchase price. I realize not everyone has that attitude or the ability/know-how to actually do a proper PPI when purchasing a used vehicle, let alone a BMW. But the number of these still on the road indicate they are no less reliable than any other brand out there. Yes, some of the technologies dictate more complexity (and cost) in some cases. People get shell-shocked because the "BMW tax" gets implemented when they visit the independent, or worse, the dealer.

People complain, because it feels good to vent. And that's fine, but an enthusiast platform specializing in the product is probably not going to be the place you'll get much sympathy or support. People want to drive a BMW, but not pay full price, not learn how to work on them, not pay someone else to work on them. That's what confuses me. Not many times in life where you can have your cake and eat it too. BMW ownership is no different.

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2005 X5 4.4i Build 04/05 Maintenance/Build Log
Nav, Pano, Sport (Purchased 06/14 w/ 109,000 miles) (Sold 8/15 w/121,000 miles)

2006 X5 4.8is Build 11/05 Maintenance/Build Log
Nav, DSP, Pano, Running Boards, OEM Tow Hitch, Cold Weather Pckg (Purchased 08/15 w/ 90,500 miles)

2010 X5 35d Build 02/10
Nav, HiFi, 6 DVD, Sports Pckg, Cold Weather Pckg, HUD, CAS, Running Boards, Leather Dash, PDC, Pano (Purchased 03/17 w/ 136,120 miles)