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If looking at the aftermarket warranty, definitely look deep into what exactly they WILL pay for and WON'T. Seems like many of the repairs on a BMW can be considered maintenance. The big repairs you want covered are the transfer case, coolant pipes (is this still an issue on the N62?), and transmission.
How much would the warranty cost vs. one of these repairs that -might- happen. $1200/year? how many years should you pay for while waiting for something big to happen that is covered? Seems like a similar argument as is it worth it to replace the tranny fluid every 40k miles...
How many miles do you drive per year? What's your current gas mileage? What vehicles would you be considering replacing the X with? New or used? What is their gas mileage and projected maintenance/repairs costs? The only way you'll get a vehicle with the same amount of standard/optional equipment and significantly better gas mileage is a new cheap car (VW/Hyundai/Mini/Kia/Honda/'Yota). Only way to get the same quality with better gas mileage is a new(er) high end car, X5 3.5d, Lexus RX400h, Highlander Hybrid Limited, etc...
In most cases it takes several years or much longer to ever see the benefits of a higher gas mileage car. That's assuming maintenance and repairs are on par. A vehicle both cheaper to maintain with good gas mileage would be much sooner.
We're going through the same dilemma right now. My wife really hates the gas mileage of the 4.6, but loves the car. Worried about gas mileage not because of cost, but because of emissions. We drove a Mini Countryman over the weekend, it was nice and well equipped, but obviously not a $70k car like the 4.6 was new. I think the 4.6 manages to feel both sportier and more upscale than the Mini. I was hoping the Mini would feel peppier. The X5 has ruined cheap cars for me, nothing with good gas mileage really compares all around.
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Olympic Peninsula, WA, USA
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2005 Mini Cooper 100k, British Racing Green/Silver-Black
04/2002 4.6is 140k, Silver/Black-Alcantara *FOR SALE*
1989 325iX 270k, Diamond Black/Black
1984 318i 370k *SOLD* (First Bimmer)
Honorable Mentions: '71 2002, '87 325, '90 325ic, '92 525it, '93 325i, '94 530i
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