2001 BMW X5 Frustrations

[DukeDiablo]

Dear Forum-

Oh and before I begin my rant, let me say how much I appreciate all the great information and people on this forum. Without your support, I would have set fire to this ungrateful POS long ago. Then again, had I been intelligent in the first place, prior to purchasing this demon seed, I would have researched it’s known problems on xoutpost.com. Well, too late now.

I've pretty much had it with my wife's X5. Since I'm at my wits end with this machine, I thought I'd at least ask the forum members if they have had similar experiences and it would allow me to vent my anger at the same time:

We bought this 2001 X5 in May of 2007...

June 2007: Full Transmission Replacement for $7,000.
June 2007: Window Regulator repair $300
July 2007: Dead instrument display pixels created an unreadable situation $700.
September 2007: Both camshaft sensors, DIY
October 2007: Lower control arms, DIY
October 2007: Rear tail-light housings, solder blob fix, DIY
December 2007: Front outer CV boots
October 2008: Both front CV Half-Shafts, DIY
November 2008: Power Steering Hoses (currently dealing with to pass inspection in Virginia, not to mention…. A HOSE IS $130 or more???!!! Come on.)

Stuff I am currently facing yet can't address right now:

Two out of four door locks don't function, vacuum issue I guess... quoted at more than $250 per lock, maybe I can DIY as seen on this site
Mass Air Flow sensor is bad, tried cleaning with no success, found part on RockAuto.com for $300 or more for the part, definite DIY
Oxygen Sensors are surely gone as well (She gets around 15mpg average, four of them for $80+ per sensor) another DIY… thankfully.

I’m not looking for sympathy; actually, I’d probably feel better if everyone said… Oh yeah, I had to do the same thing on mine. I'd also feel better if BMW would send me a nice check for around $10,000 too.

My wife and I don’t make much money really; I just wanted her to have a nice car. I drive a 1977 International Scout II…. And as rusty as it is, I’d buy three more Scouts before I’d ever consider getting another X5. I love cars and consider myself an enthusiast that can put up with quite a few shortcomings of vehicles (I’ve had some corvettes, camaros, old trucks, etc.), but I think this is appalling quality/reliability for a major, luxury manufacturer.

Any advice, recommendation, or happy pill would be appreciated. Oh yeah, it’s nearly Chri$tmas too… that’s nice.

[Wagner]

nearly 8 year old first model run X5...definitely not the most reliable choice for a daily driver, especially since it doesn't have a warranty. Trade it in and get something else.

[DukeDiablo]

Thanks... that's probably the only advice I really should be getting. It's sad though, I love the car and BMW's in general, but I guess we just can't afford this one anymore.

2001, X5, 96,000 miles... any ideas on what a dealer will laughably give me on trade in? I was hoping $10,000, considering I've fixed a lot of what's wrong.

[E61Silver]

German cars are expensive to own and maintain.

If you want less cost buy a Ford or a Jap car/truck.

[Wagner]

Originally Posted by DukeDiablo

Thanks... that's probably the only advice I really should be getting. It's sad though, I love the car and BMW's in general, but I guess we just can't afford this one anymore.

2001, X5, 96,000 miles... any ideas on what a dealer will laughably give me on trade in? I was hoping $10,000, considering I've fixed a lot of what's wrong.

Do a look on kbb.com. Keep in mind a dealer will probably give you less, but at least you'll have an idea.

Word to the wise, only by a BMW under warranty.

[vinuneuro]

Every single item in your list is very common with exception of the power-steering hose (which isn't uncommon, we had one replaced too). High-pressure line hoses are expensive in any vehicle. The trans is the big item every X5 owner is afraid of, and you've got that out of the way along with a bunch of others. Imo, I would keep it since you're capable of diy and the trans will be fine for many more miles to come. You've pretty much replaced all the common stuff. It should be getting to be reliable now. Fwiw, you don't need to replace the O2 sensors after the cat. They don't do anything other than monitor that the cat is ok.

[primetime]

I feel your pain. I had to do a plethora of repairs to mine as well. ran me about 7k last year. I had a cracked valve cover and toasted oil serperator as well. I was at wits end with the car too. the damn thing was in the shop every other week with all kinds of problems for the first half of the year. I had a few items on your list to fix as well. The best thing I can tell you is this, once the repairs are made you will calm down. I was about ready to toss the thing and when it came decision time, I couldn't let her go. When the thing is running good and repairs are made the X is too good of a drive to get rid of and downgrade to another lesser vehicle. I feel your pain trust me. Just think on it. Don't make any snap decisions on getting rid of her. If you come to the same conclusion after a prolonged period of time, then it may be time to get rid of it. But wait it out a little.

[X5Dawg]

I have spent over $10K in repairs in the past year or so, plus had the X in the body shop for 2 months this year after a $12K repair from an accident (not my fault) - still can't believe the insurance company did not total it.

With that said, I still enjoy getting in it every morning and driving it for my 1+ hour commute. It still turns heads, even with 150K miles on it. It still takes off like a bat out of hell when I want it to. And man can it take a curve!!! And most of all - ITS ALMOST PAID FOR!!!!

Sounds like you got screwed on the tranny - I only paid $4200 for my rebuild with a 2-year unlimited mileage warranty.

Your decision - based on it being "the wife's car", I can see you wanting a more reliable vehicle for her.

[TwinsPoppa]

First , sorry to hear about your troubles.

Second, if you have to put more than another grand into the car, I say cut your losses ... get another car.

[DukeDiablo]

Thanks for all the nice responses. I think my blood pressure has gone down to near normal levels, so I'm starting to think a bit more clear, along with all of your help.

My plan is to replace the MAF and if needed, just the two pre-cat O2 sensors (THANKS vinuneuro) and fix the power steering hoses. I should be able to do all that for under $1000 DIY and then sell it. I'm sure selling private party would yield more return, but Katie will probably not have the patience for a private party sell, and since it's her daily driver... I may have to take a beating at a dealer.

This is insane, but is there any interest here for a well used, but recently well cared for, 2001 X5 4.4i with 96,000 miles? Does $12,750 with the repairs seem reasonable? I probably just violated some forum rules too, sorry.