Thanks for the insight on the shocks and air suspension.

I purchased this X5 with 39,000 miles on it in 2004 and have done most of the maintenance on it myself. I have found a lot of owners with transmission problems and that has and still is a concern of mine. Knock on wood, but I've had good luck with my tranmission and I contribute it to changing the fluid at 50,000 and just recently at 150,000. Both times when I did it, the fluid came out black as midnight and you could tell that it had lost it's viscosity. I've not been easy on this transmission or engine as I've towed three 4,000lbs loads back and forth from Columbus, OH to Kansas City, KS. Not to mention I have a need for speed as well.

I'm proactive instead of reactive with it comes to maintenance intervals. Every 50,000, I replace the following:

-spark plugs
-air filter
-cabin air filter
-front and rear diff
-transfer case fluid
-transmission fluid (at 50,000 & 150,000)
-oil & filter (every 7,000)
-flush radiator

To date, I've had to replace the following:

-front left control arm
-final stage resister (twice)
-battery (elective)
-alternator
-fan clutch
-front right and left CV boots
-two front bushings (elective)
-serpentine belt & AC belt (elective)
-tires (can't remember for sure but I think I've been through five sets of Michelin Diamaris)

I hope this information helps current owners plan for the trip to 150,000