I like how this thread is going, Giodog, i picked up my X for a song, because it needed alot of work, (possibly bought from an owner who like you was tired of his X "thousand dollar billing" him to death! this guys wife finally said its me or the X, I would have taken either, however, i ended up with his X5, it did need alot of work. I was able to get most of it done myself, using parts from the wreckers, and a few select "stealership" parts. Found alot of GREAT help on here from alot of GREAT people. Now i drive a SWEET X5 makes my day each time i make my way onto the freeway and it pulls away from everyone!
I learned alot about BMW engineering, and actually i have alot of respect for them. there are a couple things i scratch my head at, but all in all , the X is a nice looking truck with an amazing ride!!! my wife doesnt even mind it when i am speeding down the freeway at Bonneville salt flat speeds!! actually she hardly notices the speed, its smooth and quiet!
The X5 is a bit of a maintenance pig, there is alot of maintenence that needs doing, or else things start getting REALLY expensive!!
(side note, you may wish to change out your timing chain guides, as a pre-emptive measure, as they seem to fail at the most inopportune time.)
I also agree with other posters, that if the X is paid for, then the extra hundred or so every other month for parts, is just little gifts you buy for the fun of driving her! thats my rational for spending money on the X
Nothing compares to the handling and feeling the X gives you when you drive it as intended

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2003 X5 3.0i (02/2003) sport package, Sapphire black metallic / Black Dakota Sport seats. compass mirror retrofit, trailer hitch retrofit, Prodigy P2 trailer brake controller installed, PDC retrofit, Lumbar support retrofit. heated rear seats retrofitted. Running boards retrofitted and subwoofer install in progress. 4.8is Brakes installed front and back. Bluetooth TCU installed, Rear Fog lights installed. Retrofitted reclining rear seat backs.