If you knew what you know now, Will you buy a X5..!?!?

[JBF]

No, I'll never buy another BMW again. Stick to Audi, VW, Porsche.

[Hosse]

I got my third X5 now. Got 2 E53 for in total 6 years and now an E70. I can seriously say that I don't have ANY bad experience with X5 at all. Just normal services and some extra cost around breaks and "wheel-related" issues (don't know the English word for every part that's worn out because of the big wheels:-))

BUT watch out for the X5 E53 pre facelift with the 5 gear automatic GM gearbox. Thats a big problem and really expensive.

[PropellerHead]

Originally Posted by Hosse

BUT watch out for the X5 E53 pre facelift with the 5 gear automatic GM gearbox. Thats a big problem and really expensive.

Mother in law has a 2001 with 77K and no issues with her transmission. She's replaced the transmission fluid twice for preventative maintenance. Both at 5 and 10 years.

[wallyx5]

Originally Posted by patineto

So we have fallen in love with this 2001 X5 with about 130.000miles, But the more a read about the more scare I get, I'm pretty handy with tools and in fact I enjoy doing it very much, But I like to do it for "Fun" and not because the machine keeps breaking down all the time, I do suck with Electronics and this X5 look to be really heavy on that field.

We don't have a lot of money, Sufficient to buy the car and keep with normal upkeep for sure, But no way we can afford the "$3000 surprises" every few months.

So we are looking for a Honest answer, Will you buy one after your past experience with your current X5

Thanks

Lauren & Ricky

Of coarse I would. It's been the most reliable car I have ever owner.

[romeokc10]

Originally Posted by wallyx5

Of coarse I would. It's been the most reliable car I have ever owner.

And you can say that with a straight face...lol!!

[X5-DINAN]

Own X5 for about 2 years. So far I had no any issues except window regulators (all 4).
Love my car. Do the maintenance on time, don't buy chip parts and you will be good.

[raindance74]

In all honestly, I have to disagree with some of the posters on this thread that feel spending thosands $ each year should be expected. I love BMW, but I have owned both an e30 318i and e40 325i convertible for years that ran without a single problem, just had to change the oil and brakes. So IMHO, BMW should make their higher end models more reliable. I've owned over 25 cars, and my 3.0i X5 and my Jeep back in college have been the most $ to maintain. As far as reliabity, I love the poster who says in regards to all the repairs needed he likes his car to have character. If character means high maintenance costs, then sign me up for something that lacks it. I agree with the other poster that say parts are incredibly expensive and some components should simply last longer. Shockingly, the most trouble-free car our family has ever owned hasn't been a BMW, Toyota, or Honda. Its a 1998 Plymouth Grand Voyager minivan with 300,000 miles and that we bought from the original owner 10 yrs ago, and never spent more than $500 on since and we cant believe how solid it is. To answer your question though, I wouldn't buy another X5, but I would definitely buy another BMW.

[1stE53]

I have to agree with last poster on a lot of points. My cousin has a 525i with 110k miles and does not have single issue, not even the smallest fluid leak of any kind. The rubber parts around the suspension are all in perfect shape, the CV boots are perfect. He does not take near the care of his 5 as I do my X and that damn thing has something fail on it at least every other month. I still love it but am starting to get frustrated.

[c4racer]

I have owned many BMW's and I fully knew what I was getting into. Actually I expected worse - mine has only required normal preventative maint. that any high performance german lux / sports sedan needs. Brakes, oil changes, a CV boot cracked, radiator started leaking so replaced entire cooling system, now at 120K miles the front control arm bushings are shot so replacing those and w few other related items in the front end. Shocks could use replacement too.

I would never own a vehicle like this or my E38 740i unless I could do 80% of the repairs and maint. myself. Even the parts are rather expensive and there is plenty of preventative maint that needs to be done once or twice in a reasonable expected lifetime of pretty much any BMW - X5 is no exception to that.

I keep eyeing the Pilot lease deals for $300 / month which is under $4K per year and think I would pay at least half that even in a low year, never mind the 20-25% gas savings. But do you see a Pilot in my driveway? Well, not just yet you don't!! But there is this '93 red E34 M5 that is calling my name and I can't help but consider doing a double switch and replacing the E38 with the M5 and then swap the Pilot for the X5.


I gotta say tho - I drove both the X5 and the 740i today and I do very much enjoy driving them both..... Very different but both excellent road cars with fantastic drivetrains.

[TriX5]

I guess my buying a 4.8 after having had the 4.4 for four years means that I am comfortable with it though a bit miffed at the sudden eruption of problmes at the 90k mark on the 4.4.