Hello,

I am looking at used X5's in the 2001-2003 model year range. I am favoring the 4.4 since I will be doing some towing with the vehicle. I am familiar with the reliability and maintenance of the M62 engine as installed in the e39 540, as well as the typical service issues with e39 electronics, front suspensions, etc.

What are the maintenance and reliability issues for a 4.4 X5? Are they relatively the same as a e39 540? Are there some concerns unique to the X5 , or other areas that are better than the e39's of the same vintage?

Also, I have only owned BMW's with manual transmissions. What kind of life expectancy are people getting out of the X5 auto tranny's? Are they ZF made?

Thanks to all!!!