Average life expectancy of an X5

[beavers]

My 4.4 202 X5 has had no major engine problems...knock on wood. I have 144K on it but I keep it well tuned. I did dent the transmission pan that caused a shifting vibration (as the trans oil heated it did not draw properly from the bottom of the trans oil pan, but was my fault for the dent). Fixed that and life is good again. I have had other things go out like an AC module and the infamous pixels on the radio display but just smaller items so far.

[Nik]

There is time to do gaskets, pump, thermostat and all of that. you cannot get away without doing those anyway. It also metters how car has been cared of. If you replace those when time comes or they start acting up, youll have a good experience. However on the other hand, if you let all those go, you will have all problems at one time and it will drive you crazy IMO. Go each troubless month and buy something you'll know youre going to need soon depending on miles and youll be set.

[bigwave2255]

to the original OP, you need to get out and drive that thing its fading away while you sit and look at it

ive done 114,000 km in my 2005 3.0d sport, in fact i bought is second hand 18 months ago with 63,000 on it so ive done 50,000 km in 18 months or 30,000 miles.

having read many of the hate posts on the internet i,m of the opinion these cars need to be driven, so dont worry about how long it will last and get out and enjoy it

[heizervr6]

2001 3.0 5-speed manual, ZSP, ZPP, ZRC with 150K miles (bought it with 100K miles 4 years ago). So far the repairs have consisted of two water pumps (second one was done under warranty), driver's side window regulator, chopsticks, rear headlight leveler sensor, oil filter housing gasket and oil separator. All the other items were the usual maintenance things so overall not too bad...knock on wood. Wouldn't drive any other SUV and no plans to sell.

Overall these are fantastic vehicles and with a DIY attitude and regular maintenance they really aren't that much trouble. As mentioned most people only post up when they have a problem so it seems like many of these vehicles have reliability issues when in fact they don't.

The only downside is that these were never properly cold weather tested before they were built but for anyone in warmer climates this will obviously be a non-issue.

[X5SilverBeast]

purchased our 05 n62 with 78k back in april 10' currently @122K. Only had to change deflection pulley and belt tensioner, battery, brakes, and expansion tank. gonna be doing fuel filter and spark plugs this weekend. I expect to get another 100k or more out of her. looking forward to an exhaust system next year. I am very anal on maintenance with my rides. 98 540ia has 191k and 96 pickup with 175k. DIYing everything on all cars is a must. My 540 is damn near rebuilt with the exception of the motor & trans.

As long as you drive these cars like there meant to be driven and keep up on routine maintenance they will last a lifetime. I have the "while you're in there" method. I need to do a full cooling system & suspension overhaul, which will be done next spring.

Thanks to this xoutpost and bimmerforums, I've learned so much about these cars.

[bakersx5]

My 3.0i is a 2002 with 126,000 on it right now. i have mixed feelings about this vehicle. We also have a 328i which i love but not near the problems as we have had with the X5. I thought BMW was a high quality vehicle after owning the 328i. For the $ one pays for these car, i would expect much better quality. I have owned other cars (non BMW) that have never had near the problems. on the X5 I have replaced: 1) Three window regulators 2) Drivers side control module for the seat 3) Idle air control valve 4) Illumination bulbs in the dash 5) alternator 6) One door handle carrier 7) After having trouble with the tail light assembly and finding a hole burned in it where the bulb contacts the assembly, i replaced it as well. And let us not forget the god awful failing pixels on the MID. Sure i would expect an alternator, maybe even one window regulator, crap happen but for the $, i am pretty disappointed.

[2004_BMWX5_4.4i]

On my 2004 4.4i, I've racked up 164,000 miles plus and it's still going strong. I believe I have had only normal wear and tear on mine.
Third set of tires and shopping for a fourth set now, Brake pads twice, Rotors once, One radiator hose, Front CV boots, Regular scheduled service.
The only real annoyances have been:
Window regulator clips - Why are window regulator clips so cheap?
Transmission programming - recall reprogramming which then started strange behavior for two days following the service, then it mysteriously went back to normal behavior. A month later the symptoms came back for about a day and then back to normal; I'm sure there are enough messages on the board to cover that topic.
Brake light lamps - they failed within in a year and the OEM replacements parts used are still working fine.
Other than that (knock on wood grain finish) it's been very nice.