Effduration: I hear ya. BMW ownership is not for the faint at heart. Especially if you can't work on them yourself. Fortunately for me, I do work on them and have access to my brother in laws lift and professional tools.
The X was our first V8 bimmer. I wasn't looking for one, it found me.
We too, have always driven the 6 cylinder cars and never had any serious issues. WAY less issues than the 8. Fortunately, the X we bought had the two major failures repaired by the previous owner. VSS and crossover pipe. That was really the only reason I didn't walk away from this X. That and it had everything that I wanted plus the color combo.
We certainly do enjoy the 20+ year old bimmers and still do have a few around.
80'sTech: I showed her a '16 diesel X3 yesterday that was perfect and I got side eyed.
She loves the X5.
Aurelliusmax: Those faults were active after we had gotten in back from the mechanic. I have a feeling that I will get the runaround when I tell them it started after they did the work. Hopefully not, as I really like them and they do the best work in town. And they warranty their work!
Electrical work is where I call in the pro's. I just don't have the knowledge or equipment to solve those issues. As I stated above, I do work on our cars and have since we've been driving. I like doing the work and knowing that it was done right and with the right, quality parts.
The shop replaced the valve covers. Not just the seals. That's why it was so expensive. And they will only use original BMW parts. Cha-ching!
Getty150: I'm not scared to drive the X, I just need it to be reliable for my wife. I suspect a newer X with an N55 is in our future. She is not into the X3. Not sure why? I'd drive one!
And this car has certainly not been neglected. It gets the royal treatment. After all, it is my wife's daily driver!
Thanks again, all! Keep 'em coming!