I bought my 2001 3.0 back in January with 212,000km. 9 Months and 35,000km later I have found I really like this as a bad road banger. I make this commute 3 to 5 times a week. Through deluge and dust bowl, dodging bears and deer, & playing chicken with logging trucks. The X5 has had many glitches but never broke down (there now I have jinxed myself) I have drove it hard and covered it in mud and have no regrets. I am into it for maybe $4kCDN and this car owes me nothing.


The link is to my youtube of a recent commute as an example of the daily grind my X5 endures.



Looks like I will have to make a call soon about whether to pump a couple of grand into steering and suspension, or cut and run. I have owned well over a hundred cars and am not generally sentimental or willing to throw big bucks at something I can replace for much less, but this one kinda has its teeth into me....


Anyone know what shocks/struts are best for severe service? Not looking for ultimate road handling; durability is key. Soft ride would be a bonus.