I am now over 2000 miles on the 2010 x5 35d. Mostly loving it, except for a little complaint with the front end. On uneven or rutted roads, the steering has a life of its own. The tires tramline (follow the ruts like they are on rails, meaning I have to fight it with a close grip on the wheel.) Haven't (in a long time) experienced this with prior trucks, and my 2003 X5 was not prone (it had other front end issues). There is no vibration in the wheel at any speed, and no pull to the side when braking on flat surfaces. The car just hates bad or rutted road surfaces (by "rutted", I do not mean unpaved). I find, however, that the steering feel is MUCH lighter than the 2003, despite what I have read. Essentially, I have floaty steering on less than ideal road surfaces, and the tires seem to catch every bump and follow its contours. When the road is perfect, the problem isn't a problem.

I once had a mid-80s Buick station wagon, with GM's early attempt at front wheel drive (before SAAB taught them how to do it right). Its overkill power steering and floaty front end was similar.

Anyone else having this, or have any ideas if this is a specific problem? Drove the car straight from the factory so no techs have ever had the car on a regular road before.