'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.....

[UCrewX5]

The issues you describe are not abnormal. In my opinion, your best bet is to find yourself a good local independent mechanic that works on BMW's. It'll still cost you, but not as much as you'll get tagged at a dealership.

You should have considered buying an aftermarket warranty at the time of purchase. It's too late now to have the items you describe covered. Sorry to hear that you have experienced all these issue so short into your ownership, but keep in mind that the vehicle is almost 10 years old now.

[primetime]

First thing is this. You weren't ripped off. Let me guess you got around a 100k miles on the 4.4 right? CV boots are a normal replacement item. The coolant leak is also not rare at your mileage. Again the alternator also is not uncommon either. Tail lamp is a known defect for all our x5's. Basically everything you mentioned is known to fail at higher miles. You may feel slighted because you are having to fix these all at once. Your X is not a lemon.

Anytime you buy a used car with high mileage and age on it, you have to be sure of everything. You should've taken it to a mechanic to get a diagnosis before you bought the car. He would've been able to identify most of the issues you state, if not all. If you try to take it back to the dealer you bought the car at, they will laugh at you while you drive off unhappy. Your biggest issue was not being thorough before buying the car. The repairs your X needs are not abnormal at this stage of its life. Furthermore, I suggest you taking it to an independant mechanic shop who is familiar with BMW's to do the rest of the repairs. An alternator can be bought for 250 bucks. It could have been installed for a couple hundred more for labor. Price shop, be smart. Good luck.

[rcbrambila]

Thanks for being honest. I am kind of on this rant mode right now because everything seemed to pile on at one time and I did just get it.

I was driving a '96 Lexus that's been in my family for a number of years before this and we didn't have any problems like these. I also have a '94 3000gt that I've owned for six years and the only issue I've had was the clutch which needed to be replaced and that was like $300.

I kind of figured that the dealer would probably laugh in my face Rightly so, I guess, I should have been more careful. I'm just used to my cars working.. I'm only twenty so maybe I've still got plenty of car pain ahead of me Haha.

Thanks for all the advice.

[X Foomph]

+ 1

Jeff & primetime are spot on.

Maybe get items fixed then go and buy a warrantee to cover future issues. I bought one when I purchased my X after having a thorough inspection done by a reputable company. Took 2 hours and gave me a 4 page report, cost me $250 but was well worth it.

I did an alternator within 1 month of purchase. The warrantee covered everything, it has virtually paid for itself already.

Good luck, hang in there.

[LeMansX5]

www.bimrs.com to find a independent BMW repair place.

[rcbrambila]

^^^ Thanks

edit: ...wait. that site didn't work.

[mrbmwx5]

www.bimrs.org

[iredlinemy///m3]

Car Tender in Seattle. ($$$)
Strictly BMW in Bellevue. ($$$$)
Eastside Bavarian in Issaquah. ($$$)
Performance Motors in Edmonds/Lynnwood area. ($$)

Are all indie shops I would recommend in the Seattle area.
I've heard lots of things about all four... mostly good/great, but also a few bad.

I can speficially speak to Performance Motors.
http://yourwrench.com/
(425) 775-5670

21116 67th Avenue W.
Lynnwood, WA 98036

I have had two E36 M3s, an E46 330ci, and a '04 Mini Cooper S, and now the E53 ('05) X5 4.4l. My 4.4l is still under factory warranty, but Pete at Performance did everything on my other cars. Oil changes, clutch jobs, brake jobs, installs of performance parts. Every time coming in under the quote, and doing a fantastic job. I would take my X5 there without thinking twice, and plan to as soon as my warranty is up.

If you really want the dealer to do the work, talk with Dan Perry (service writer) over at BMW Bellevue... tell him "Brian from DTM" sent you.... he'll at least give it to you straight, and try to get ya the best deal.

[rcbrambila]

Hey thanks man! I appreciate the tip.