Quote:
Originally Posted by Ogopogo
I previously had a '97 528i, with a lot more mileage that never gave me a fraction of the issues that this pig has.
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i think this is at the core of a lot of folks' frustration. These X5's not holding up to BMW's long-earned rep. People assume they are getting one thing...and get another.
I saw that British car mechanic on youtube (Ed, I think his name is) who has that show where they buy old classics and flip them. He said "BMW makes the best cars out of the worst steel." I thought this was very interesting.
these are 100,000 mile cars with 300,000 mile engines. after 100-120k miles, To run at 90% of new performance (which is relative of course), a 10 year old X5 often needs work and replacements which exceed the value of the car itself. it would be NOTHING to spend $6k in repairs on a 2003 X5 and depending on the condition, 2003 X5's are going for $5-$10k. New tires, suspension all around, cooling system, drivetrain maintenance, brakes, CCV system, aux fan, HVAC (if necessary), valve covers, vanos seals, dead pixel repairs, door handle carriers, window regulators, airbag units, factory paint bubbling and peeling. I have had ALL of these happen on mine, and my car was purchased new, softly driven and DEALER MAINTAINED the first 7 years of its life. I have had it for three yrs.
Again, BMW's are turning into 100k mile cars, intended to be owned and cared for the life of the OEM and/or CPO warranty. BMW I believe has found a 'profit sweet spot', whereby it no longer pays for them to build these cars to last much longer than the average NEW BMW DRIVER will own them. Frankly, i don't blame BMW one bit. They are catering to an impulsive society driven by conspicuous consumption. People don't care that they have a $1000 car payment and a $500 net worth. Leases allow for 'instant gratification purchases.' Rarely does one have to SAVE to own a new car.
So who SHOULD BMW market to and create cars for? A plummeting segment of society which appreciates fine engineering, craftsmanship, product longevity and quality? no way. they are mandated by their shareholders to increase profits. profits = 100k mile cars. i have nothing against profit or big corporate mind you. this one is on society in general.
i bought my 2003 X5 with the idea i would keep it for 10 years, NO problem based on the fact that my e28 simply will not die. it is a friggin piece of granite that is 25 yrs old now. not a CHANCE this car lasts that long. tranny will go for sure. interior has held up well but has barely been used. when the interior starts to go and the rest of the paint peels off....i am ditching it and will shopping other brands.
the big catch though is that i think the whole automotive industry is headed in the same direction and i will likely run into the same predicament with any other vendor. it'll just drive worse.
it would probably be wise for me to quit thinking about my car like i currently do and just realize that it is only a temporary implement of mine and develop no real attachment to it. incidentally, this is probably a good lesson for life. after all, cars don't make people happy despite what the latest BMW commercial might lead you to believe.
in the end, i will always love BMW because before i owned one, i didn't even know how to change my brakes. it's been a long and lovely ride. but it could be on the home stretch now.