+1 on the pre-purchase inspection. I do this for any car I buy and its worth the $200.

I just bought my X5 last Monday so I can't speek to reliability yet but I'm expecting it will be like my old 540 or my current M5.

First thing is it is not as reliable as a Honda or a Toyota. Just accept that.

Second thing, don't expect the repair bill of a $12k car. When it was new I think these cars were around $50k. The parts are really no cheaper and chances are hourly bill rates at your local BMW shop have only gone up since then. if you are used to a Honda or Toyota expect more frequent repairs and double what you wod expect to pay.

Why do we buy them then?
- Awesome to drive (my M5 is and my wife seems to love the X5 so far but she came from a Buick so...)
- Safety.
- Sensors for EVERYTHING (great for knowing what is wrong, you no longer have to go to the mechanic and have to sound out strange noises to try to explain what is going on)
- Online community. This is huge if you want to save some money and do some of the wrenching in your own garage.
- Style this is very subjective but I love the look of my cars.

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Matt Atkins
'01 Titanium Silver X5 4.4
'01 Lemans Blue M5