Need Some Serious Advice

babysvt · #1 08-03-2007, 12:14 PM

I am in need of some serious advice on what to do. I have an '01 X5 4.4 and have only owned it since February 2007. I have racked up about $3000 in repairs so far and have found that the front strut is starting to go out. I really love this vehicle but have had nothing but problems so far and have considered looking at other options. One of my biggest problems is that being from a smaller populated area I only have one dealership that services the BMWs. It seems that everytime I take it in there is something else wrong a couple of days after I get it back. I could generally overlook this but this will be the fourth time in two months that it will be back in their shop. I am beginning to feel the service department is not as competent as I would like.

I have looked into buying a CPO but am having issues with the fact that if something goes wrong I am very limited in my choices of repair. I should probably mention that when I first got the vehicle it was still under CPO warranty and I had the service department check things out (supposedly) so that I could get everything fixed. The only things they found were the things I complained about (mainly the power steering) and after the warranty ran out at the end of February it was back in the shop a month later for more work on the power steering unit but I was told it was the other end of the pump that had leaking hoses. I also at this time had two intake hose completely melted and completely visible when I took the plastic enginer cover off. I find it hard to believe this all happened in less than a month after they had gone through it. This was a very expensive repair.

Sorry for the long winded post but I am really stuggling with this decision. I have always driven Fords and have 5 local service departments to choose from. I am having a really hard time giving up the performance and handling of this car but can't keep taking it to the shop every other month, especially with no warranty.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Tracy =0)

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Zulu95 · #2 08-03-2007, 12:45 PM

Find a good local mechanic who charges reasonable rates. Unless you actually need to replace a part that requires programming any experienced guy who picks up a little extra cash on the side can help you out.

babysvt · #3 08-03-2007, 04:28 PM

I am in search of someone right now but not having any luck. I took it to one place and they weren't even sure where to find the part that the code was telling them needed to be replaced.

I have an appointment with another guy on next Thursday. The search continues because I really LOVE my X5. I figure I will probably spend less in repairs then I would in interest and car payments on a new one.

BimmerDude · #4 08-03-2007, 04:53 PM

Get away from the dealer your going to. They are not doing S&^T to your X. Find a good mechanic and dish the money out once not twice. It will cost you less in the long run. GL

fast4d · #5 08-03-2007, 05:37 PM

the problem here in los angeles is that even the indy shops are charging 80% of what the stealers are. luckily I can do most the the work myself.

Tracy, I don't know how many miles your X5 has but it might be worth leasing a new one so you won't pay ANY repair or maintenance.

motordavid · #6 08-03-2007, 06:45 PM

Not sure there is a good answer; it sounds like my situ with one stlr
within an hour and another azzhole stlr within another hour ride, and
they both suck, imo. Indies are on every corner; Indies that know BMW
and, are "good", are not ubiquitous in small pop. areas. We have same
situ here. I empathize with you, but can only suggest looking hard,
reading the BMW CCA local rag for indie ideas, etc.

I'd run from that stlr though; it sounds like he hosed you on the pwr
steering situ, and the basics are: they love and live off non-warranty
"fixes" and the charges those repairs incur.
Good Luck,
mD

babysvt · #7 08-03-2007, 06:47 PM

We are definitely considering leasing or buying a new one or trying to find an '06 loaded CPO. I just can't imagine giving up my X5 for anything but another X5.

There are 75K miles on my rig. From the looks of things that I have been finding, the previous owners DID NOT take very good care of the vehicle and I am assuming that would include the maintenance. I do love it though!

Thanks for the advice and the help!

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