'01 X5... Lemon?

[rcbrambila]

Hi,

I bought my 2001 X5 4.4 two months ago and up until two days ago, everything seemed perfectly fine. The only thing I noticed was that the coolant kept running out fast (suspected a leak).

That's when, while driving (about 20mph), my electronic system turned off (car stayed on) and then 20 seconds later it came back on. Then it gave me a "Trans Fail Prognosis" error. I got home fine and didn't notice any hiccups. Later that day when I tried to use it, it would not start.

I had it towed to the nearest BMW center and it ended up costing me $1600 to repair what they said was an alternator problem.

Now, they are also saying there are multiple costly repairs needed. Here are what they told me:

* Coolant leaks from valley pan, valve cover gasket leaks, both vanos seals leak oil --> $2427

* Both front outer axel boots torn open, lubricant lost --> $1492

* Right Side Carrier burned (tail lamp) --> $324


My question are (as I've never owned a BMW before and they strike me as pretty high) --

a) Are these prices reasonable?

b) What should I do? I'm still paying for the car, I've only had it for two months, and I could barely afford that $1600 I paid today (and that's putting the majority of it on my cc). Are there any options for me?

I don't know much about cars, so are there any solutions open for me -- any possibility of taking it back to the dealer?

Basically, if you were in my position, what would you do? I'm frustrated as hell, honestly I feel ripped off... I never had any problems like this with my other cars.




Thanks for listening to my pity rant and I look forward to hearing your advice.....