I think it is unreasonable to expect a ten year old vehicle, regardless of the mileage and brand, will not be wearing out some of the more expensive parts.

More often than not the vehicles compared here to an X5 as being more reliable are not in any way similar. As an example, it makes no sense for me to say my X5 is not as reliable as my lawnmower even though it is a Honda, it dents much easier than my military tank that I take on the freeway as an equalizer for Texas trucks. It doesn't get as good mileage as my bicycle even though it is only a ten speed, or it costs more to fix than my wheelbarrow even though it's a high end beauty from Home Depot. I have never read a Motor Trend or Automobile magazine comparison of two vehicles that were not similar in size, weight, performance, price etc. Which means, I don't even think it reasonable to compare a 3.0 to a 4.4. Nor do I think comparing the reliability of 2002 4.4 to a 2005 4.4. is a good idea unless it is an advantage in a d%$k dance.

I can't remember how many times I have read something like I replaced a bad belt tensioner and while I was in there I replaced all the pulleys, the belts, the water pump the alternator, the hood and both of my pine air fresheners. I could be wrong about the fresheners. I have read so many posts where someone started replacing parts that were fine on the way to the real cause. I think that must feel similar to my premature ej#%$^lations when that is over. When we do that we are inflating the actual maintenance cost. Another thing we don't usually know about someone complaining is if they are a DIY or have to pay someone. What if they go to a dealer-- I would complain to customer service that they don't like me if my advisor didn't come out and tell me at least a grand of other stuff was in need of repair.

Based on my BMW experience they have all been very reliable and have not been costly to maintain. If that means anything to anyone I will tell you my secret. I drive them very hard all the time. Always exceed the speed limit. Take lots of curves fast enough to made the tires sing. On the X5, modify the engine and transmission until they scream in agony. Along with that do all normal maintenance at half or less of the recommended intervals. Keep it clean top to bottom at a great carwash on Preston, park inside and you won't have any reason to be negative about your BMW. Then again--perhaps it only happens in Texas.

Oh, and as far as winter or snow tires--I lived in Michigan many years, right on Lake Michigan, lots of lake effect snow. I never bought snow tires and I was certainly not unsafe at any speed-- I say thats' hogwash. My parents always went the snow tire route. They could go in deeper snow than I could but on ice or packed snow that is most often the case. I did not experience any benefit. I don't think it is appropriate to shame someone because they don't buy or can't afford snow tires unless they are also drunk and forgot their bifocals. If you're wondering I don't have a fire extinguisher in my X either, or safety flares, or blankets or a light you can crank to get it going or even a handy dandy first aid kit. I do have duct tape and paper towels and some mints.. I did stop driving my Corvair.

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X5 4.6 2002 Black Sap, Black interior. 2013 X5M Melbourne Red, Bamboo interior
Dallas