any model/year to watch out for???

[JCL]

Originally Posted by sunny5280

Do you have any examples?

Just look at published data for early hour dealer visits, comparing various years of production. Pretty clear trend lines.

Ask a BMW dealer about 2007 X5 customer complaint rates compared to other years.

Edit:

OK, found a year by year summary. Note how many recalls were done in 2000, and how the numbers dropped through E53 production:

NHTSA Recall History

2000: In rough road conditions, the collar on the steering rack may loosen and separate from the rack, causing loss of steering capability.
2000: One of the steel-mesh oil lines may chafe a brake line, causing the brake line to rust through and leak.
2000-01: Due to disruption in electrical current, the vehicle may switch from "Park" or "Neutral" to the emergency program and the ability to maintain speed in traffic will be diminished.
2000-01: Some vehicles may have faulty safetybelt buckles. Dealer will inspect and replace affected parts.
2000-01: The brake-pedal arm could detach from the bracket, rendering brakes ineffective.
2000-02: Some vehicles may have faulty brake-line retaining clips, resulting in loss of brake fluid. Dealer will insect and replace affected parts.
2001: A tie rod may disconnect from the steering gear box, causing noise from the steering linkage and misalignment.
2001: Brake-pedal travel may be reduced due to relative movement between the pedal and booster, adversely affecting braking performance.
2001: Front-seat seatbelt anchorages may not have been properly secured.
2001: Loss of steering capability may result from a disconnected spindle.
2001: The bolts that fasten the pulley to the pump could loosen and cause the pulley to throw off the drive belt. Power-steering assist, water pump, and alternator functions may be lost.
2001: The cooling-fan motor may fail, overloading the circuitry of the fan-control unit and possibly overheating the engine.
2003: Insufficiently tightened engine-support bolts may lead to a loss of vehicle control. Dealer will tighten all affected bolts.
2003: On some vehicles, the distance between brake line and the steering shaft joint is too short, resulting in a reduction of front brake performance. Dealer will inspect and replace affected parts.
2004: Engine stalling could occur due to incorrectly attached fuel line on certain vehicles, even though fuel gauge indicates that gasoline is present in tank.
2004: On certain V8 models, engine stalling may occur after short period of operation; engine may be unable to restart.
2004: When certain vehicles with 3.0-liter V6 engine and manual transmission are moving slowly in first gear, with gas pedal held in constant position and clutch pedal in partially depressed position, vehicle could accelerate unexpectedly.
2005: On certain SUVs, front left brake hose on certain SUVs could become damaged by rubbing against wheel well, possibly resulting in loss of brake fluid.