Is it reasonable for a $5000 maintenance bill

[milinatw]

Hi,

4 years/50000 miles warranty coverage was expired last year for my 2002 X5. I forgot to purchase the extended warranty. It had run 60000 miles. This week I sent my X5 to BMW dealer for Inspection II service. The estimation cost is $5000. Is it reasonable for a "BMW" car? The maintenance fee is such high after the warranty expired. Following is the detail:

1. Inspection II and oil change ($1000)
2. Drive Belts
3. Rear Brakes
4. Front Drive Shafts
5. Thrust Bushings
6. P/S Hose Pump Torack

The firs one is $1000. Let's fine. But item 2 to 6 costs $4000. Do you have the same problem? Or I have bad luck to have a defect X5.

Will you fix by BWM dealer or other independent shop after warrant expired?

Should I trade-in to get a new X5, or pay $5000 to fix the car?

Next time should I sell my car before warrant exipred, if the maintenance fee is so high?

Thanks,
Michael

[tommys103]

what exactly does maintenance II cover - i never got that when the dealer told me it was over $700 bucks - figured it was a scam or some sorts so i just stuck with the oil changes - maybe thats why my X sounds like shit and is loud

i would burn the truck and go lease a new one so its covered the whole time - then if you add mods take them with you for next X...thats what i am going to do next after i can rid myself of my problem riddled X

[tommys103]

seriously though - dont burn it - but def get a new one

[motordavid]

Wow...
Maint II is usually in the $600 range, though nearly all of that is an "inspection"; how much is really inspected is well, up for debate.

Did the Stlr really diagnose all the other work as absolutley needed, or is that a shopping spree and gross margin builder by the dlr?!

I'd take it to an independent BMW specialized privateer and ask them for an "inspection", oil and filter change, etc. See what they come back to you with regarding the laundry list you got from dlr...I would not mention any of the items in order to see if the lists are similar.

You may need brakes; you may need all that stuff...the last place I'd get it done, on my nickel, was at that dlr.
Edit: ironic to me how all that stuff goes kaput!, minutes after the warr & maint. coverage is gone. Maybe it's jes'me, lol!

Maybe try another stlr too, just for the helluva it.
Let us know the outcome and Good Luck!
BR,md

BMW...BringMoneyWithyou

[kakalika]

I am new to this board and have not yet purchased my X and don't claim to be an X5 expert, but I'll have to say that the Stealer is ripping you off. $1000 for an oil change and insp. II is a lot. I would say find an independent BMW shop in your area or do it yourself.
just my 2 cents

[ljnlaw]

Once your maintenance and warranty plans are up don't take your car to the dealer take it to an authorized BMW service shop I am sure there are many in CA where you live. If they don't have the service schedule you can print it out from this X5World link:

http://www.xoutpost.com/articles/x3/g...RVICE+SCHEDULE

lol

[milinatw]

Thanks for all replies. Basically, Inspection II is around $600 (as motordavid mentioned), oil change and oil filter is around $100, and a lot of misc items such as micro filter ($60), cooling system flush ($130), etc. Total is around $1000.

It's ok for me, although I should take my X5 to other independent service shop as you suggested. I can't believe that I should pay another $4000 to repair my X5. Are these problems common for a 60000 miles/4 years X5? Drive belt and rear brake should be replaced for a 60000 miles/4 years X5? But how about drive shaft, thrust bushing, and hose pump torack? Are they common?

BTW, is there any news about new big change of 2007 or 2008 X5, such as outlook, engine? The question is that whether I should wait for 2007 or 2008 X5. I heard there could be X7. But it seems it's rumor.

Usually how many miles will you expect to drive for your X5 before buying a new car? I expected 100000 miles. Is it reasonable?

Thanks you all,
Michael

[lil4.4]

Originally Posted by kakalika

I am new to this board and have not yet purchased my X and don't claim to be an X5 expert, but I'll have to say that the Stealer is ripping you off. $1000 for an oil change and insp. II is a lot. I would say find an independent BMW shop in your area or do it yourself.
just my 2 cents

OH GOOD I HAVE A 4.4I FOR SALE IN THE DC AREA. CHECK THE SALE BOARD FOR DETAILS

[EX-5IVE]

wow, i just had the same thing done to my car...i went in for a basic service II inspection, at least thats what i thought, i came out with a car with a bunch of new parts, ranging from new door actuators-to new drive belts....luckily my aftermarket warranty picked alot of it up....i also told the dealer that i was looking at trading in the X with them and asked him to give me a break on the price....hahahaha, so he gave me a free rental car for the 8 days, and a couple of other discounts....i love lying to $tealers, they say "what goes around, comes around"

[CND]

That is a ridiculous price.

I remember I bought my first BMW in 1981 (320i) w/50K and I took it in for an inspection to the dealer. I was told I needed a new transmission. I couldn't afford it so I figured I would drive it till the transmission broke down. 100K miles later the clutch finally went out.

Only go do the dealer if you have to. A good independant should service a lot of cars in your age/mileage bracket and have a good feel for what is actually needed.