Bought a BUM X5...WHAT WOULD YOU DO?

[JCN83]

Originally Posted by mgruber

Have them check out SIB 110205 Replacing Intermediate Levers.

Also, make sure you get a loaner.

they're currently testing for this...and so far, the test is indicating that the intermediate lever is the problem.

unfortunately...i have no clue what this means, hah.

have you had this experience (mgruber)??

[JCN83]

Originally Posted by acitydweller

sell it and add it to your list of sold on your sig

hah - i'm thinking about it

[X5 Meister]

Originally Posted by JCN83

they're currently testing for this...and so far, the test is indicating that the intermediate lever is the problem.

unfortunately...i have no clue what this means, hah.

have you had this experience (mgruber)??

I'll try to get the SIB for you. The problem is well documented and I know someone who had a 2005 X5 with the same issue. Requires major surgery on the engine (they are part of the valve timing gears, on the camshaft inlet. Took about a week or so of work to get all the parts and fix it. Done fully under warranty. No problems after that, car ran like a Swiss watch. Until I get the SIB, go to Realoem.com and look up this part number and you'll see where the intermediate levers go (11377516895) there are 16 in total.

By the way this issue affected cars built 6/2004 to 2/2005; covering
E53 (X5 4.4 i/4.8is); E60, E63/64, E65/66 with N62.

Hopefully you've got good mechanics at your dealer, you don't want joe average fixing this. Also, make sure to get a loaner. You want this problem fixed and fixed RIGHT so let them take their time on it.

[JCN83]

thanks a lot. i appreciate it. my dealership is one of the best in ohio...i'm not worried about the quality of work. i just want the car back...and i want it to work, hah.

nonetheless, thanks for taking the time to write a detailed response...

[BWX5]

Seems the 05 X54.4i is anything but the ultimate driving machine. I am the original owner of my X5 and am frustrated with a newly arisen transmission issue at time of my warranty expired. Since owning the vehicle:

* Steering box had to be replaced. One dealer sent me away knowing I was six hours from home telling me the couldn't duplicate the problem with the car was steering totally eratic. Almost hit a tunnel driving home (this was at about 30k miles). Took it to another dealer and they were well aware the problem existed in some X5's and fixed it, thankfully.

* Check Brake light comes on and stays on at 45k miles....I need all my brakes replaced due to "wear". Thankfully under warranty.

* Transmission issue that has yet to be solved (see my earlier post)

I've had my car for three years and have loved it for the most part. I am disappointed that I would drop that much money on a car to have it go through major mechanical issues with only 50k miles or less! I drive it in the snow, on the coast and everywhere inbetween because of where I live and it performs nicely but I have become hestiant knowing that something else is going to come up.

I'd say have them take the car back and try a newer model --

[JCN83]

the more and more i read, seems as if the 05 4.4's have a multitude of problems! man, i wish i knew this before purchasing...

sorry for all of your bad luck BWX5 - i certainly feel your pain. just hoping i'm not in for a lifetime of issues...

[X5 Meister]

Originally Posted by BWX5

Seems the 05 X54.4i is anything but the ultimate driving machine. I am the original owner of my X5 and am frustrated with a newly arisen transmission issue at time of my warranty expired. Since owning the vehicle:

* Steering box had to be replaced. One dealer sent me away knowing I was six hours from home telling me the couldn't duplicate the problem with the car was steering totally eratic. Almost hit a tunnel driving home (this was at about 30k miles). Took it to another dealer and they were well aware the problem existed in some X5's and fixed it, thankfully.

* Check Brake light comes on and stays on at 45k miles....I need all my brakes replaced due to "wear". Thankfully under warranty.

* Transmission issue that has yet to be solved (see my earlier post)

I've had my car for three years and have loved it for the most part. I am disappointed that I would drop that much money on a car to have it go through major mechanical issues with only 50k miles or less! I drive it in the snow, on the coast and everywhere inbetween because of where I live and it performs nicely but I have become hestiant knowing that something else is going to come up.

I'd say have them take the car back and try a newer model --

I'm amazed to hear this. 2005 X5's were almost at the end of the production run and most of the bugs should have been worked out. I've heard the car was basically bulletproof. If you look at the changes made to the 2006 X5 over the 2005 model, there were very few in all, and mostly minor.

In any case, I'd really like to hear more about the steering box failure you experienced? Can you tell me/us more about the problem, how it was diagnosed (and what was the final diagnosis) and how it was fixed (with part numbers)?

Brakes are brakes, and pretty simple IMHO. A brake light means the sensor is worn and they need replacing. Nothing unusual to me.

What transmission issue are you talking about? There have been some SIB's on transmission related issues, most of which were solved with a software update.

[Quicksilver]

Well if you believe "the more and more i read, seems as if the 05 4.4's have a multitude of problems"

Then read this..... I have an 2005 4.4 and in comparison to the few complaints I have seen on this site it's no more troublesome than the average BMW. If you were expecting Toyota realibility your right you made the wrong purchase. BMW's can be high strung vehicles. Mine has been in the shop for more things than yours has but i wouldn't charactize it as a "BUM VEHICLE". I'm having fun driving it and i just consider it's troubles a minor distractions. (I confess i do have a warranty )

Let me be clear though. I can appreciate how you may feel.

Lots of people go out and buy high line vehicles and are not aware of the maintenance aspect of owning them. But don't despair. The whole idea of owning a BMW is the fun your going to have driving it. Repairing it is part of the cost of the fun. Welcome the the world of BMW......and welcome to X5world.

Originally Posted by JCN83

the more and more i read, seems as if the 05 4.4's have a multitude of problems! man, i wish i knew this before purchasing...

sorry for all of your bad luck BWX5 - i certainly feel your pain. just hoping i'm not in for a lifetime of issues...