Found an oil puddle in my garage...looked under my 2007 4.8i X5 with 56K miles on it and found oil EVERYWHERE underneath...took it in and was told the right side timing cover was leaking, the left side was seeping, and oil was coming out of the alternator bracket...wtf??? The alternator bracket??? Yes...oil and coolant run through this bracket. Go figure...

Total to repair...$4,500. No, that is not a typo...$4,500!!!!! First estimate was $6,700 because they said a few bushings in the front looked a bit worn. Did I mention this POS has 56K miles on it? I drive it 10 miles a day to/from work. So BMW said to save money, they could fix just the right side and the alt. bracket for $3,040 because the left side was just seeping and I had time to go before it leaks. Yeah, that makes a lot of sense.

So I took it to a reputable shop near my house that only works on high-end Lambo's, Ferrari's, BMW's, Porsche's, etc. Their bill is $2,800 compared to BMW's $4,500...and that included BOTH timing covers and the alt. bracket. The owner of the shop told me X6, X5, 7, and 6 series are the worst build cars he has seen (and he drives an M6). Given my X5 has spent more time in the shop than any $75K car should confirms what he told me.

If your X5 is nearing the end of its warranty and you're offered the extended warranty, by all means BUY IT!!! I sure wish I did!

I love my X5 for its power, looks, and handling (325's in back look mean as hell), but I hate its guts for the repairs I've had to pay for.

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