Are these common problems?

[primetime]

Originally Posted by faz

Oh, thanks for reminding me... I edited the top post to include that... I forgot... the reason I took the car in was that the 4x4 warning light came on, and I took the car in for that, and also asked them to look at the alarm issue and others.

Thanks for providing the list... it seems like they mostly came up after 80k miles... in my case, my warranty would only be valid between current 45k and 75k miles in two years. (even though some of those items already appeared in my list too... so who knows.)

Yeah, a good thing about living in California weather is that your car stays better than it would in colder climate (like Canada where I moved to California from.) Even though we end up paying for it anyway, with high state taxes, housing prices, and traffic/etc.

No problem buddy..Good luck to you and whatever you decide..

[faz]

Originally Posted by mccalia1

I've owned many BMW's and never extended the warranty but with the X5 I definately will because of the number of issues i've had since owning the car.

The expensive failures include a new Panoramic Sunroof and Satellite Navigation and general labour costs for sorting out little rattles here and there.

However, it's the most enjoyable car I've owned in terms of ride height which is why I'll keep it rather than sell it which is what I would do normally with a car with these issues.

I have the panoramic roof, but no navigation. I saw on this forum somewhere that panoramic roof (not the glass, but the inside cover) stopped working and extended warranty didn't cover it as it was considered 'trim' (which the plan I am looking at doesn't cover 'trim' either). The plan also specifically doesn't cover 'rattles' and noises either... it seems like the part has to be definitely worn out and broken before they take care of it.

The list they provide of items that are covered are also interesting. Here is the link to their total care:
http://www.easycare.com/easycare/ben...acts/totalcare

For example, valve cover is said to be only covered if damaged by the failure of an internal, lubricated part. This would mean, to me, that a crack on its own in valve cover would not be covered.

[edit:]
ok, I just called them directly and asked them... first, they are saying they are not starting new policies in CA anymore... (how is the dealer then selling them? I asked.)

Second... in a specific example of a crack in valve cover, or valve gasket... neither will be covered under this 'total care' policy (which is their all inclusive one that the dealer is selling.) The only gaskets that are covered, are the ones that the part fails and the gasket needs to be replaced as a result of changing the part... not the gasket failing on its own. That is a 'wear' item, the customer support person said. Interesting, no?

[X5 Meister]

Good question, and IMHO a relatively simple answer. If you plan on keeping the car (especially beyond 2 more years) and you cannot afford a major repair then get an extended warranty. Just think how much a tech chasing an electrical problem will cost you!

There is no reason why your car might be more or less reliable than another X5. There are plenty of posts on the forum listing X5's with 100,000+++ miles in addition to the complaints here and there of problems (which quite honestly are still pretty rare I would think...keep in mind BMW has sold hundreds of thousands of X5's worldwide (http://www.worldcarfans.com/9090115.017/bmw-x5-celebrates-10-years-of-success). There are only a small number represented here on the board).

Most of the problems you've had a typical of many cars. A few might be more common with the X5 or BMW's in general, but honestly so far they are not too bad.

[faz]

^ thanks for the reply, mgruber.

Yes, the forums are usually representative of a small number of actual owners out there. And I am glad to see/hear about those X5s that have a relatively problem free life. I really like everything about this X5, and like it more with every drive. At this moment, I must say, i am leaning towards not getting the extended warranty ... I have got enough tools and ability to do small jobs myself, and with help from this forum, I think smaller issues here and there should be no problem. Bigger items, I will deal with if/when they come.

[4 Wheels of Fun]

Just a quick clarification for this thread and other threads...we just got our X5 back from the dealer after a bundle of CPO warranty repairs and the invoice says they replaced both the Cyclone Valve and the Oil Separator + all hoses connected to both. So, the Cyclone Valve and Oil Separator are in fact separate distinct parts in case there is still some confusion out there on that issue.

FYI the Cyclone Valve, Oil Separator and hoses were not items covered by the CPO warranty.

[X5 Meister]

Very interesting info. Can you tell us what year and model X5 you have? Is your CPO warranty from BMW or a different company? Also, how much did you pay for the work? Finally, from your invoice can you list the separate parts and part numbers?

BTW, I would think that the work would be covered under warranty given the SIB's that exist on the issue. That really blows.

[ZsX5o3]

Originally Posted by 4 Wheels of Fun

FYI the Cyclone Valve, Oil Separator and hoses were not items covered by the CPO warranty.

are you kidding

[4 Wheels of Fun]

Originally Posted by mgruber

Very interesting info. Can you tell us what year and model X5 you have? Is your CPO warranty from BMW or a different company? Also, how much did you pay for the work? Finally, from your invoice can you list the separate parts and part numbers?

BTW, I would think that the work would be covered under warranty given the SIB's that exist on the issue. That really blows.

Kind of a long story, but we bought the car used recently and part of my deal with the non-BMW dealer I bought it from was a $1500 credit for various repairs. So, bottom line is I didn't have to directly pay for any of the repairs just completed at the dealer (although I did buy new tires and installed new front and rear rotors and pads, etc.). The stealer charged $525 to replace the Cyclone Valve, Oil Separator and all hoses.

The CPO warranty is from BMW and expires in June (and yes I'm considering getting another warranty). My X5 is a 2003 4.4i w/ sport package with 85k on it.

Parts / Part #'s for Oil Separator / Cyclone Valve Replacement
Cover: 111617508541
Oil Separator: 111151705237
Vent Hose: 11157556837
Vent Hose: 11157556838
Oil Return Hose: 11151438302
Hose Clamp: 116131179065
Oil Return Hose: 111157560068
Hose Clamp: 216131379229
Hose Clamp: 407129952109

[X5Flyboy]

The idler pulley is something BavAuto recommends replacement whenever you replace the waterpump, but if you get one of those Stewart WP, they have a lifetime warranty (stainless steel vanes & better bearing) - It was suggested to me that the serpentine belt should be replaced every 30k/3yr - if so, then I'd replace the idler sometime after 60k - the OEM waterpumps apparently break at 60k-80k due to having plastic vanes

[X5 Meister]

A few questions:
- What is your car's date of production?
- I don't recognize any of those part numbers. Are there any other part numbers listed on your receipt?
- You mentioned getting another extended warranty. I assume then your 6 year 100,000 mile warranty is the one expiring. When you decide on another extended warranty, please post the info as I'm sure plenty of people would be interested in it.