Let me first say that my 02 X5 at almost 210k miles has been super reliable and a joy to own and drive. I suppose I have been lucky. However I do understand other owners' frustration expressed in this forum. For example, window regulators have been failing for years. So have plastic water pumps, plastic DISA valves, lock actuators, etc. So instead of coming up with better designs, BMW chooses to use the same lousy components year after year.

At some point a few years back this company started to shift focus from excellence in engineering to maximizing returns. Although some could argue that it has gone too far, it should not come as a surprise. Most other manufacturers, from automobiles to washing machines are following the same philosophy today. My 1986 535is had well over 300k when I gave it to charity and was still running well. The X5 might come close. But my wife's 06 330i is falling apart at 70k miles. I can clearly see a difference in the built quality between this car and the seven other BMW's that I have previously owned.

In my view BMW no longer builds cars for people like me, who buy them new but keep them for many years. And perform their own maintenance once out of warranty. Their ideal customer is someone who turns it in as soon as the warranty runs out. Their cars are made to appeal to customers in the showroom, Not to go 300k miles. And this is also the case with all high end cars, including Mercedes, Lexus and others.

So, do you want a dead reliable and cheap to maintain BMW? Find a nice e28 or e30. They are still out there. Own a late model high end automobile out of warranty? Be prepared for possibly some pain.