Is it true that the X5 had about twice as many problems as the average vehicle?

[MHKitchen]

Mine certainly has. Its a love/hate relationship. Love how it drives, handles, and looks. HATE that component failures are a daily/weekly experience.

[MHKitchen]

And don't forget to add the failed tail lamp assemblies to your list of problems. You can Google my post on how to fix this problem if you have it.

[ake53]

Originally Posted by MHKitchen

And don't forget to add the failed tail lamp assemblies to your list of problems. You can Google my post on how to fix this problem if you have it.

just ordered new ones after 476785656 times fixing them

[HEISING]

From my experience YES! When we first bought our X5, I thought, what a great looking vehicle. It has an awesome stance, and the color of the vehicle really makes it look like its high end.

BUT.... The most unreliable vehicle I have ever owned "HANDS DOWN!" I'm
lucky to go 4 months without seeing some stupid light on the dash. And all the mechanical issues are really over whelming. I'm a very tolerant guy, I have fixed my own FSR, ABS/DSC module, Waterpump and hoses, recovery tank, alternator, belts, CV boots, Transmission.... YA tranny too. Rear diff, Air pump,.... I can keep going too! This all on top of regular wearing stuff like brakes, rotors, oil, battery,........... I could have a full time job just taking care of this X5.

Now.. I've owned a lot of Vehicles! I'm am an engineer, and appreciate good design. When I bought this, I thought BMW... German... Engineering at its best..... Boy was I wrong! I wanted a vehicle that would be very dependable... A vehicle that I would spend minimal time under. I purchased the exact opposite of what I wanted . I have owned "used vehicles" with half a million "Miles" on them, that have taken less maintainance than this thing!

Im being really honest here...... If anyone thinks these are dependable, you really need to buy a Honda or Chev. (of same value)

I know these X5's are plagued with problems now (too late for me) But maybe I got the really rotten lemon of the lemons??

So ya... we are getting rid of it....ASAP.... Im done with this X5. Never again will I buy another. Sorry X5 lovers....

[X5SND]

Prima Donna at times, sure. But all the silly quirks, poor design of various components, and seemingly never ending 'maintenance' regimes are quickly dwarfed by the looks and driving characteristics of the thing.

On the reliability front, mine has been pretty good....sure it's had all the usual stuff, but as with any vehicle pushing 10 years now it's bound to have some issues. Take it in stride an move on.

[TiAgX5]

No major issues with my '03 4.4 Sport. 10 yrs and over 160k miles, has only needed a waterpump, FSR, upper rad hose ass'y, battery, 2 set of tires, front turn signal bulb, 1 set of plugs, ALL fluids changed out at 100k miles, oil/filter is changed when the service indicator goes down to 2 green bars. I've put thousands of miles on it with trailers weighing between 3k and 7.5k lbs no less.

[HEISING]

Originally Posted by TiAgX5

No major issues with my '03 4.4 Sport. 10 yrs and over 160k miles, has only needed a waterpump, FSR, upper rad hose ass'y, battery, 2 set of tires, front turn signal bulb, 1 set of plugs, ALL fluids changed out at 100k miles, oil/filter is changed when the service indicator goes down to 2 green bars. I've put thousands of miles on it with trailers weighing between 3k and 7.5k lbs no less.

How about your ABS/DSC box? is it still original?

[TiAgX5]

Originally Posted by HEISING

How about your ABS/DSC box? is it still original?

It's original. The brake fluid has been flushed every 2.5 to 3 yrs while cycling the module. Moisture will cause corrosion and in cold climates the freezing of the moisture will cause ice crystals that destroy the seals in the module. A basic brake fluid flush does not remove/replace the ABS/DSC module fluid.

[HEISING]

Originally Posted by TiAgX5

It's original. The brake fluid has been flushed every 2.5 to 3 yrs while cycling the module. Moisture will cause corrosion and in cold climates the freezing of the moisture will cause ice crystals that destroy the seals in the module. A basic brake fluid flush does not remove/replace the ABS/DSC module fluid.

Well, Actually, there is no fluid in the module, just components. The block behind the module has fluid in it though.
Anyways, if its your original module, your a very lucky man!.... or your in denial .

[rogerkiu]

Originally Posted by Falcon1

I've got an annoying rattle from my tailgate. How did you fix it?

Check the tailgate lights, the catch foot might be broken. Mine previous 01 made 4.4i had the rattle in the trunk too, I found that the catch foot of the light in the tailgate was broken, I replace the light and the rattle sound was gone then.