This was a post that I have been asked to add to this thread, not a re-post.
I have determined that the best way to describe owning my X5 to people who ask is that it is like having a smoking hot girlfriend that you just cant tame and know probably isn't the right girl for you on certain levels. You highly desire both, they are completely sexy and amazingly fun to be with when they are cooperating with you. However, both will totally break your heart. Yet you willingly take her back every single time knowing full well she is going to break your heart again because a few good months far outweigh the bad times.
I have had more than a few issues with my X5 in my short 14-month ownership period, but I know that when I pick her up from her newest heart breaker (shot fuel pump), she is guaranteed to put a smile on my face before I even make it home and that is precisely why I will forgive her one more time, knowing full well she is going to break my heart again. Well, maybe there is a chance I can tame her this time, right?
Oh, by the way the warranty makes it a lot easier to forgive her. I am not sure how easy it will be to forgive come 14k miles or 01/15/2010.
14-months (20k miles) of ownership and so far I have replaced the alternator, water pump, valley pan gasket, all drive belts, valve cover gaskets, thrust rod bushings and now the fuel pump. Not to mention normal wear and tear like front and rear brake pads/rotors, service inspection II, brake fluid flush and an oil change.
Just a little venting to make myself feel better.