+1

Over 17 years combined of solid service out of E53's in my family. My mother in law's '01 3.0 has been rock solid for ~80K miles and +10 years. My '04 3.0 was the same for 98k miles and 7 years. My replacement '04 4.8 has only 16K miles, so it's not a solid comparison.

I don't know what people expect when they drive a car that is anywhere from 6-12 years old, but you know what? Light bulbs burn out and axles/CV joints fail on every car eventually- it completely depends on how it is driven and maintained. Drive a 6000lb truck like an E46 coupe and you're looking for trouble. Believe that there is such a thing as 'Lifetime Fluid' and you're down the same path.

Google 'BMW Old School Maintenance' You path to peaceful X5 (and any modern BMW) ownership.

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