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

[Milsy]

Originally Posted by bigwave2255

i dont know, i think export models must be vastly better built

I think it may the extremes of Europe and some parts of the US? Australia doesn't get THAT cold mostly, where some of these boys cars get to like minus 15 degrees celsius then up to 40 degrees celsius. Could be a contributor.

Saying that my water pump just blew, so am doing the alternator at the same time. US imported parts so not too bad, save about 60% in costs from Australia.

[JDM-20L]

Originally Posted by bigwave2255

i dont know, i think export models must be vastly better built

One would think hey?

I don't hear many horror stories and I was in the trade for 10+ years.... usually it is a by product of poor maintenance history when a car has on-going problems.


Although I will admit there is those "Friday Afternoon" built cars for sure...

[Kev's X5]

Originally Posted by JDM-20L

I don't hear many horror stories and I was in the trade for 10+ years.... usually it is a by product of poor maintenance history when a car has on-going problems.

How much maintenance does a 23k mile X5 need? I have followed ALL BMW requirements.

[Naz24]

Originally Posted by Kev's X5

How much maintenance does a 23k mile X5 need? I have followed ALL BMW requirements.

Let me google that for you

check that out. BMW old school maintenance

[Kev's X5]

Originally Posted by Naz24

Let me google that for you

check that out. BMW old school maintenance

So, If I change my oil and air filters more often I would not have had the problems with my X5.

Did not know cutting the the maintenance in half would have kept my:

1.Bluetooth
2.Air Ride
3.TPMS
4.Window motor
5.4x4 dash light
6.folding mirrors
7. on and on
8.........

In working order.

Thanks for your help. Next time I get a new BMW I will not go off the the manufacturers recommended maintenance plan, but use your very insightful suggestion. It might just work

[JCL]

Originally Posted by Naz24

Let me google that for you

check that out. BMW old school maintenance

I love how the first thing that comes up in the search is the old school maintenance document, the first line of which reads "Do Not Post This On The Internet".

Nothing wrong with following that maintenance schedule if one wants to, but if one wants to promote changing the oil twice as ofen as the manufacturer calls for, there should be some data that shows it actually helps something. Other than the bottom line of one's oil retailer.

[aimtimes100]

wow i haven't had THAT many problems with my X.off the top of my head
3 drive shaft replacements
1 new battery
2 new regulators
4 replacement bulbs
2 brake pad sensors
spark plug change( but thats wear and tear)
oil change(just to be on the safe side)
3 fuse replacements
1 window wiper motor
2 wiper blades(i guess thats wear and tear as well)
few things have yet to be repaired like a fog light, MID and bluetooth but i don't think my X was a bad move, espically with all the heads it turns.I was aware of some stuff that would go wrong but after what i have just read i easily would of went with an MDX(yea i know ew japanese cars) or a cadillac SRX(doesn't compare to an X AT ALL, but that interior will always have my heart)

[igosal]

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

Well, I already bought it second time. Its a great ride and it has its own disappointments sometimes but then you forget them once you fix them.... And you know what? Good things in life don't come cheap !!!

[J.Belknap]

Carry a wrench or an amex... or both. Preventative / Life cycle maint isn't cheap, and major failures (not changing trans fluid every 30k, warping head due to faulty coolant temp sensor, spun bearing due to faulty oil level sensor) is likely beyond economical repair. If the owner does regular checks for small problems, it will minimize chances for big problems. That said, I love the damn thing.

[britcon]

Not sure I would.....don't get me wrong - I love my 4.8 - handling, braking, performance all terrific. What concerns me is all the little stuff , and not so little stuff that is faulty. This is my 3rd BMW so I know parts are expensive, but when you look at the quality of some components you have to shake your head - window regulators , seat heaters, door handle carriers, come to mind. These are darned expensive vehicles and I expect more - i think BMW has changed from an enthusiasts vehicle to a yuppie mobile, and let their quality slide in the process. Thank heavens I can do a lot of my own work, and have a decent independent mechanic for the tough stuff - how Owners who must rely on dealers only can afford these vehicles I don't know !