Quote:
Originally Posted by LA02MAX
Yeah, I'd call you pretty lucky then. When I picked mine up with just under 100k on it, there were leaks from:
- Power steering hoses and reservoir (massive leak)
- Alternator bracket gasket (massive leak)
- Valve cover gaskets (driver's side was particularly bad)
- Upper timing cover gaskets
- upper oil pan gasket (albeit small)
From all my experience with this generation BMW and older, it's the same story. My 2002 maxima with over 250k miles on it has oily residue along the edge of the timing cover but it's never had a leak that drips. That's 4 years older and 150k miles greater than my leaky X5.
Not saying BMWs aren't worth the extra effort, but let's call a spade a spade here  |
Consider an important distinction. I bought mine new. After the warranty expired I have done all the regular and do preemptive maintenance. As an example I change the oil and filter every 5-6,000 miles. I did a complete overhaul of the suspension at 75,000. I change the transmission fluid and filter every 50,000 miles. IMO, ones experience purchasing any vehicle with say over 75,000 miles is heavily weighted by how that vehicle was been maintained.
I have not had to replace power steering hoses, alternator gasket, upper timing cover gaskets or had an oil pan leak. I am suggesting there is a rest of the story out there of experiences better than yours.