Originally Posted by 95wildtt

Annual coolant changes... No.

I've never owned a car that required annual coolant changes, and the X5 doesn't either. IMO you can throw a bunch of money away trying to prevent the problem, which may or may not occur anyway. I'd rather put the $$s in a maintenance account and have the money if/when something happens.

If the part was properly designed, and it's not, the age of the coolant would not be an issue (assuming gross neglect) as the rubber and tubing would be able to handle the typical daily usage.

If you don't love the X5 as much as I do, sure sell it, or trade it prior to the possability of the leak happening. When would that be?

Mine happened at 69k miles, FYI. I went to a good Indie shop and $3k later have the leak fixed and a new water pump/tubing and thermostat installed as well.

FYI, I really considered trading mine when it happened early last month, but honestly can't think of anything that i would rather have to drive. So I bit the bullett.

Plan for the worst case, and maybe you won't need it...

Cheers,
John