What's next to go?

[cbirk]

My thread came across more sourly than I intented.
I was actually asking for predictions on what else is likely to go (for which I should prepare).
2001. 100K miles. Replaced valley pan gasket, water pump/therm, cv boots, control arms, valve cover gasket, window reg (only 1), brakes and transmission (rebuild under way).
I suppose additional window regulators are most likely. What other big ticket items should I expect?

[panzercommander]

Originally Posted by BGM

I am not understanding the correlation between someone who is given (the link above) or purchases (Redvault) a car with 100K miles on it and wondering why they are spending money to get it fixed. I think that is kind of given considering the age of the vehicle. If you buy it when it's new or only a couple years old and keep it you spread the cost of any repairs over the life of the vehicle which will be little.

in my case it's a comparison issue. my 94 e36 (164,000 miles) has had FAR less issues then my 2004 X. the 2000 e39 i sold had 129,ooo miles on it and also had very few issues . as has been stated, i like the x5 but it doesn't meet my standard on bmw relability and design. after decades of bmw ownership i am disappointed in my bmw X5 and i would not buy another one or reccomend buying one to anyone else.

[panzercommander]

cbirk,your guess is as good as anybody elses

[dkl]

Originally Posted by panzercommander

in my case it's a comparison issue. my 94 e36 (164,000 miles) has had FAR less issues then my 2004 X. the 2000 e39 i sold had 129,ooo miles on it and also had very few issues . as has been stated, i like the x5 but it doesn't meet my standard on bmw relability and design. after decades of bmw ownership i am disappointed in my bmw X5 and i would not buy another one or reccomend buying one to anyone else.

Your e36 & e39 are much less complicated than the X5, therefore less issues. For example, neither your e36 nor e39 (assuming non-xi) have all-wheel-drive, therefore, you won't have front CV boot/joint issues. Those also lack the T-case and front diff...so these cannot break on your e36 & e39. The windows are larger and heavier on the X5 than on the e36 & e39, therefore, window regulators would go south faster on the X5 (I do agree that BMW should have beefed up their regulators to account for the additional weight). But my point is that you're not comparing apples to apples. Anytimes you have more mechanical hardware, things are bound to break and be less reliable than those absent of those mechanical components.

Waterpumps, brakes, cv boots...all seems to be normal wear and tear items on something that's close to 100k. All of my cars, I wouldn't let them go past 90k without overhauling their cooling system (replacing waterpump, T-Stats, hoses, etc...)

[BGM]

Originally Posted by dkl

Your e36 & e39 are much less complicated than the X5, therefore less issues. For example, neither your e36 nor e39 (assuming non-xi) have all-wheel-drive, therefore, you won't have front CV boot/joint issues. Those also lack the T-case and front diff...so these cannot break on your e36 & e39. The windows are larger and heavier on the X5 than on the e36 & e39, therefore, window regulators would go south faster on the X5 (I do agree that BMW should have beefed up their regulators to account for the additional weight). But my point is that you're not comparing apples to apples. Anytimes you have more mechanical hardware, things are bound to break and be less reliable than those absent of those mechanical components.

Waterpumps, brakes, cv boots...all seems to be normal wear and tear items on something that's close to 100k. All of my cars, I wouldn't let them go past 90k without overhauling their cooling system (replacing waterpump, T-Stats, hoses, etc...)

Correct, older model BMWs are: a) less complicated and b) those models probably have had years of R&D where as the X5 was a first of it's kind for BMW. Now, that's not an excuse for some things but cars these days just have so many more components in them.

[panzercommander]

i know the why and i agree and i've had no awd issues although the old e30 awd system was a reliable one.. the point is if you make it bigger,heavier etc..then you must design accompanying part sturdier,etc...and bmw has failed to do that

[bd3500]

Originally Posted by cbirk

So far I have had the following issues:
Valley Pan Gasket: $760
Water pump & thermostat: $620
Front Brakes: $430
Valve Gasket Cover: $400
Window Regulator: $275
CV Boot: $400
Control arms: $700

Are you getting all work done at the $tealer? Find a good independent mechanic, these prices are outrageous. Water Pump and T Stat $620? That was a $225 job for me. My guy is really honest and doesn't pad his hours. He also charges $45 an hour.

[panzercommander]

Originally Posted by bd3500

Are you getting all work done at the $tealer? Find a good independent mechanic, these prices are outrageous. Water Pump and T Stat $620? That was a $225 job for me. My guy is really honest and doesn't pad his hours. He also charges $45 an hour.

what he said. and do what you can yourself

[mautzi]

in my case: MAF, O2 sensors, catalytic converters. If they have never been changed then they can go at anytime (though cats are less likely to go)