2006 X5 A Lemon?

In_A_Jam · #1 12-19-2006, 12:33 AM

Hi,

Just wondering if anyone else has had this much difficulty with their '06 X5 4.4...

First week of owning the car the "Self Level Susp Inact" error message comes on. Called dealer and reported problem and was told to bring it in the next time it occurred.

Few weeks later, same issue so car went to dealer and item was allegedly repaired.

Five weeks after that, same issue. Again, car goes into dealer, this time spending two days there and was told the item was, again, repaired. Indicated on our "satifaction" phone survey, that not so satisfied with the car given the recurrent issue. Was told that my concerns would be forwarded to BMWNA and that they would be in touch--never heard a peep from them.

Six weeks later, same issue AGAIN. Car is currently at dealer (tomorrow will be day two).

Have mentioned CA Lemon Law and dealer has filed a report with BMWNA and I will be calling them to follow up.

Any thoughts and/or suggestions?

Car is 5.5 mos old and has already needed service 4x for the same issue. I have young kids and having to take the car in so frequently is getting annoying, not to mention that I get saddled with a crummy Mini-Cooper each time as my loaner.

Sponsored Links

MSUSaul · #2 12-19-2006, 02:14 AM

Jam,

Hi. I have a 2000 X5 and I get the same "suspension" message. I am taking it in soon. I have had a lot of problems with my X5, all of course, engineering problems and nothing to do with me. I thought spending this much money on a car was a good idea. I don't know now. I should have bought a Benz I think.

Quicksilver · #3 12-19-2006, 03:35 AM

Change dealers. That might be the ticket. I hate to say it but some folks on this site have issues with dealers who it appears don't know what their doing.

SilverBullet · #4 12-19-2006, 04:13 AM

X5Sport · #5 12-19-2006, 04:58 AM

Dealer quality is just as poor in the UK. We no longewr use our supplying dealer for any work as both rides always come back with the original work done but something else screwed up. When I'm paying $200+ (£115) per hour (plus tax) for labour they have got to do better.

Their service and support was great until the money was handed over - since then it's been poor and as we have a dealer 7 miles away rather than the supplier being 25 miles away it was no contest really.

BMW GB aren't much use either. I don't think the issue is with the make specifically, it seems (to me) that most auto-dealers have some serious problems keeping up with what the manufacturers are producing.

LeMansX5 · #6 12-19-2006, 06:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MSUSaul

Jam,

Hi. I have a 2000 X5 and I get the same "suspension" message. I am taking it in soon. I have had a lot of problems with my X5, all of course, engineering problems and nothing to do with me. I thought spending this much money on a car was a good idea. I don't know now. I should have bought a Benz I think.

Don't think that Benz is problem free, in fact they have more quality issues than BMW. My relative bought an ML and he is one unhappy ML owner due to repeated problems. The transmission on his ML failed at 14k miles.
On the other hand there are several members here who are very happy X5 owners.

v10rick · #7 12-19-2006, 09:23 AM

It's a common practice for manufacturers to set a reimbursement limit for diagnostic and repair work. If your tech is familiar with the issue you are in luck.
If not another service center may be in order.

Speaking from personal experience with a POS SLK350, their engine/transmission problems are much worse than any BMW issue. IMO

E61Silver · #8 12-19-2006, 09:35 AM

I have a 2005 X5 4.4 and have had very little problems with the car.

I agree with the suggestion of trying another dealer. Or maybe you should call the service manager at the current dealer and discuss the problem with him.

The problem you are having while aggravating will not leave you stranded.

I had a Volvo with a check engine issue that caused me to visit the dealer many times. I that case the dealer worked hard to solve it but it talk many tries. Today's cars re lie on computers and it is hard to solve an intermittent problem.

shodanusmc · #9 12-19-2006, 11:47 AM

That message seems pretty common is not a cause to worry about the safety of your ride. We have a 06 X5 4.4 and I also got that message. It went out the next time I started the car, and never came back. However, before the SUV was 2 months old, I had to have the fuel pump and all 8 injectors replaced for hard starting problems. I know it was a bad injector, but inititally they must have thought lets also throw a fuel pump at it. That had no change, and only fixed when the injectors were replaced. Since then, it has performed flawless. Talk to the Service director and ask him to call BMW Tech assistance if he has to.

nupe10123 · #10 12-19-2006, 12:55 PM

Sorry to hear about your problems - the truth is you are not alone in your frustrations. I have not had any problems with my car (knock on wood) but know several people who have and decided to cut their losses and move on to other brands. I hope this gets straightened out for you to your satisfaction soon.

Sponsored Links