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.