The X and I, it's a love/hate thing...

[SeattleTopaz]

Last week the X basically barfed all its coolant onto the garage floor. Didn't look like a broken or slipped off hose from what I could tell, so took it to the dealer (they're near my house) and could fit me in on short notice. Turns out that the radiator drain plug "was cracked in two".... This I guess was lucky for me since they also told me about another $3k worth of work they wanted to do. Isn't it always like that?

- Both outer CV boots (cracked)
- Brakes (front & rear, at sensor)
- Control arm bushings
- Belts

Did Inspection II last year, at 60k... and the bushings were flagged as "weak" so she's in for all the work the dealer found, plus a bunch of stuff I've put off like final stage resistor, and I slipped in an oil change. In the last two months I've also replaced a rear window regulator, and the front driver's side lock actuator. Not to mention the perpetually mis-adjusted rear gate and rubber stops. Argh.

I love the X though, just not when she's in the shop... I test drove an RDX after I dropped off my car with my mechanic, and while it was kind of fun and peppy and full of gadgets, it just wasn't a BMW! Tempting though... the nav system is impressive I have to admit. With the X5, it's a love/hate thing really... there's no way I could afford to keep this car if I had to drop her off at the dealer for any significant service (a trustworthy and capable mechanic is worth his weight in gold)

Anyways.. sorry, had to vent... on Monday, $1500 poorer, I'll have her back and be happy once again.