I have had it into the dealer 6 or 7 times. I escallated to BMW Canada after each time. Every time I get it back from the dealer all my GPS addresses are gone, the car measures in miles, and the last time it tells me that I'm overdue for service.

I dropped it for service 3 weeks ago to be told that they had no loaner. I couldn't be without a car so I rescheduled (no problem). When I showed back up, there was a snowstorm and they told me that they'd need the car for a week or so, and were giving me a 3 series with summer tires. I saw them slide around just getting it out of the back. I declined to take it and said we'd reschedule.

I called BMW Canada back after this and asked them to please make sure that the dealer had a suitable loaner (bmw or other, but something decent in the bad weather). They then told me that there was only 1 issue on their records! I was surprised because they just sent me a letter listing all the problems.

The problem isn't just minor glitches but real performance issues for me. Backup camera taking over a minute to activate and not working at all in the dark. Sure I can backup without it, but I paid for it and I expect it to work. If you think that's unreasonable, then you're just the kind of buyer BMW is looking for.

Ipod cable - $800! it takes minutes to change a playlist, which is annoying and I should be able to expect better for that cost. My real problem is that the playlists are missing entries. I use my iPod for listening to Audiobooks and missing entries means that there are entire books I cannot listen to. I have to make custom playlists just to keep a single book available. I shouldn't have to do that, not after buying an $800 cable to go in my $90k car.

GPS freezes up each time I use it. It takes me about 5-10 minutes to put in the average address. Annoying.
GPS cannot easily locate places like stores. I once found West Marine, but I have never been able to find it again. It's not user friendly. I used to use a Garmin and I find it much easier to use and more flexible. I also find it more functional and faster.

My ABS brakes are okay, but not great. I'll slide sideways under braking in the snow often. I never did this on my Avalanche or any of my Porsche's.

Unfortunately BMW seems to feel that my issues aren't worth fixing either. That, more than anything else, is why I want out.

I've owned 6 911's in the past and never had a single problem that wasn't regular wear and tear. Regardless whether the Porsche is reliable (which I firmly believe it to be), the Porsche dealers are much more responsive.

The BMW dealer asked me if Porsche (Pfaff Motors) would give out a loaner Porsche in case of problem. I had to think back, because they never have. I've never had a problem they couldn't fix while I waited, except when I needed a new clutch on an old 911. I dropped it off in the afternoon and got a ride home with the salesman who lived close to me, he drove me back in the morning and it was ready.

For me the difference is that Porsche drivers expect perfection from their cars and Porsche strives to deliver. My old mechanic at Pfaff is now the service manager. He knows his stuff and he makes sure that all the customers are 100% happy, 100% of the time.

I once had a problem the day before a trip where my high beams wouldn't stay on. I drove in to service but it worked when I got there. Instead of screwing around with it, they replaced the entire steering column electronics stalk so I could get going. Nothing wrong (I think it was something I did but didn't think of).

I expected the same level of service from BMW because I had a friend who had great things to say. Even he has since changed his mind after they've attempted to fix the same problem 4 or 5 times.

I think Porsche is up at the top of reliability. With Pfaff behind me, I think any problems will be expertly and promptly taken care of.

I understand that people here don't want to hear what I've said, since I'm really insulting the car we've all spent money on. Believe me, I wanted it to work. This switch is costing me almost $15k just to get rid of the X5 early. I am so fed up with BMW and the X5 that I don't want to try to fix it.

Just so everyone is aware, $15k is a lot of money to me. I didn't do this lightly.

PS. FSETH, thanks for making light of the problems that I've had with the car. Your turn will come.

I work hard during the winter months so I can relax and enjoy my boat in the summer. I don't have the time or desire to deal with this crap during the winter.

I will certainly lose storage and passenger capacity (although my rear passengers are almost always my 6 and 8 yr old's, so they'll still fit).

I'll improve fuel economy significantly (the X5 is a fuel pig).

The 911 looks better (I know, unfair comparing a sports car to an SUV. Unfortunately the X5 did awaken in me the desire for another sports car).

The 911 will be more reliable. (Disagree all you want, I'll smile as I see the X5's in the shop as I pass)

The 911 is faster! (come on, we all have to agree on this one!)

My opinion (just my opinion here), the 911 handles better in the snowy, winter weather. Flame me all you want. I'm more confident behind a 911 than an X5. I mean the 2 wheel drive too!

Here's a big one. The 911 will drive forever and will retain its value much better than the BMW.

BMW sold 1.7 million vehicles last year. Porsche sold 88,000. BMW is a mass produced car. My Porsche mechanic told me once that Porsche sells so few cars that they cannot afford to annoy even 1 customer. They're getting a customer back because of this very fact. I guess it works.

Good luck.

I'll post the dealer name shortly (after I conclude everything). Please understand.

Thank you. I wish all other X5 owners the best of luck and I sincerely hope that my experience is an anomoly.