The X5 is becoming a money pit.

bcb1 · #1 03-13-2009, 05:42 PM

Quit going to the overpriced stealer. A good independant mechanic can do everything the dealer can do, and much cheaper. The guy I use has all the latest BMW dealer software on a laptop and goes to specialty BMW clinics once or twice a year to learn the latest stuff. I trust him more than I trust the dealer.

TwinsPoppa · #2 03-13-2009, 05:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bcb1

The guy I use has all the latest BMW dealer software on a laptop and goes to specialty BMW clinics once or twice a year to learn the latest stuff. I trust him more than I trust the dealer.

Would that be the Laptop GT1 like you find on ebay? Like this:

http://www.xoutpost.com/x5-e53-forum/...aptop-gt1.html

alpac · #3 03-13-2009, 06:11 PM

A little bit of elbow grease could save you a bunch of money. BMWs cars, or bikes for that matter, are pretty expensive to maintain unless you do some of the maintenance yourself and a site like this one should help you to be less apprehensive to start working on your car. Jobs like brakes, control arms, tie rods are really that difficult to tackle yourself and you can save anywhere between 40 to 70%.

generx · #4 03-13-2009, 06:49 PM

I second what alpac said.

It sometimes seems difficult when you open the hood and see a mess of hoses and mechanicals but it's just an engine like any other car. Start with a simple DIY oil change, the BMW I-6 is one of the easiest engines to do this on. IMO, the thermostat and the water pump are extremely easy to do since there is no timing belt to remove unlike many cars. Forums like this make everything so much easier too since others have tackled the same things, Google is your friend.

When it seems intimidating, remember this: Someone put it together, I'm pretty sure I can take it apart. You can always get help to figure out how to put it back together

mautzi · #5 03-13-2009, 07:17 PM

lessons recently learned:

1) don't drive your X5 toooooo hard

2) once your car is out of warranty - never go to a dealer

Oct - stealership suggested I change the brake fluid, 3 months later get grinding noise while stopping only to find out that I need you front brakes (right side non sensor was worn down so the warning light didnt come on). Shouldnt the tech at tehd ealer have noticed that my pads were worn down during brake fluid chnage? you would think tehy would check it

my tranny went at 140k miles, so has my O2 sensors and possbily my cat converter. Stealership wanted 7$k for tranny (gt it done for $4.5 at tranny place)

they wanted $1200 for O2 sensors and $3k for cat converter. So in essence they want $11k for a 2002 x5 3.0 - the book value is $9k

I did the tranny cause I had, doing the O2s myself (Bosch parts $250 total for all 4). Hopefully I will not have to replace the cat. I just want my X5 to last until the new 5 series comes out

I love my X5 kind of the way one loves a sexy, but abusive girlfriend. Sometimes you ask yourself if you are better off without her.

vegasX5 · #6 03-13-2009, 07:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mautzi

I love my X5 kind of the way one loves a sexy, but abusive girlfriend. Sometimes you ask yourself if you are better off without her.

Best analogy I have heard yet

I can relate to that one sooo well!!

faz · #7 03-13-2009, 08:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mautzi

lessons recently learned:

I love my X5 kind of the way one loves a sexy, but abusive girlfriend. Sometimes you ask yourself if you are better off without her.

This is the exact analogy I have used to describe owning a BMW to my friends. It is worth the drive, if you are willing to put up with extra b.s.

M_Six · #8 03-13-2009, 09:31 PM

I stopped going to the stealer after the warranty ran out, but the stealer is the only place around here to get an alignment because of the DSC. I looked around at several places and all of them told me the DSC required "relearning" at the dealer. So I'll get the tie rods done at the indy and then go back to the dealer for the alignment.

I appreciate the idea of doing this all myself, but I am truly a walking disaster with a wrench, saw, or hammer in my hand. I can build computers and set up switches and routers and run entire networks in my sleep. I can even do plumbing and wiring and have built very complex groundwater remediation systems. But I have also destoyed engines and butchered walls when I tried auto mechanics or carpentry. I know my limitations.

Just a quick example, while hard wiring my radar detector to the overhead panel, I dropped the center light module and cracked the wood surround by my shifter. I *am* a disaster around cars.