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

[TEMA]

Originally Posted by 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 !

you have no idea whats going on underneath your car dude!!!! bmw make the best handling car/trucks with the shities steal and thats not even the half of it. i do however love my truck and cars that i own that are made by ultimate driving me crazy machine

[romeokc10]

Originally Posted by 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 !

Here's an excerpt from Wikipedia on the E53.

However, despite selling well, these vehicles have acquired a reputation for chronic unreliability, especially with their electronics which are complex and prone to expensive failure. Customer satisfaction surveys in Europe place them well down the list.

[J.Belknap]

Curious on your research regarding reputable third party warranty companies. It's a tough spot to be in with dollars/wrenchtime spent for a fully maintained vehicle when the major parts reach the end of their life-cycle.

[x5sportman]

Originally Posted by J.Belknap

Curious on your research regarding reputable third party warranty companies. It's a tough spot to be in with dollars/wrenchtime spent for a fully maintained vehicle when the major parts reach the end of their life-cycle.

My only experience was not a good one. I followed a link from this site and ended up buying a policy from Automotive Service Protection for my '04 4.4i with 65k miles. I ended up buying a 5 year/100,000 mile policy for $1960. When I got the policy a week later, I found that it paid a max of $6000 broken down by category - $3300 for the engine, $2200 for the transmission, $500 for electrical, and so on. I also read that they go to great lengths to deny claims based on their fine print.

I cancelled right away, and I will say they refunded my deposit within a few days, with no funny business. The coverage is laughable, given what the X5 actually costs to repair.

I haven't found a more reputable carrier, yet.

[Hawkdaddy63]

Originally Posted by x5sportman

My only experience was not a good one. I followed a link from this site and ended up buying a policy from Automotive Service Protection for my '04 4.4i with 65k miles. I ended up buying a 5 year/100,000 mile policy for $1960. When I got the policy a week later, I found that it paid a max of $6000 broken down by category - $3300 for the engine, $2200 for the transmission, $500 for electrical, and so on. I also read that they go to great lengths to deny claims based on their fine print.

I cancelled right away, and I will say they refunded my deposit within a few days, with no funny business. The coverage is laughable, given what the X5 actually costs to repair.

I haven't found a more reputable carrier, yet.

Check out carchex.com...

I bought a policy for the 05 X5 I just purchased w/ 84k mi. Cost $2500, but it's got a $100 dedcutable and covers a lot of repairs. Also, they pay the shop - it's not a payment reimbursement deal to me.
I haven't had to put in a claim yet, so can't speak to the quality of the carrier yet - but I'm hopeful for when the time comes.

[Ghost-Flame]

Originally Posted by Hawkdaddy63

Check out carchex.com...

I bought a policy for the 05 X5 I just purchased w/ 84k mi. Cost $2500, but it's got a $100 dedcutable and covers a lot of repairs. Also, they pay the shop - it's not a payment reimbursement deal to me.
I haven't had to put in a claim yet, so can't speak to the quality of the carrier yet - but I'm hopeful for when the time comes.

Beware! of those warranties. I had purchased a brand new fully loaded Windstar LTD. After 4 years and 90,000 miles I was solicited by one of those companies that sold me a "$3800" unlimited warranty for $2600... good deal right? Well at around 105,000 head gasket went and needed to be replaced about $1000 as I recall, I had to pay my dealer the thousand and collect from warranty co. That warranty company did everything they could to avoid paying. they eventually negotiated the cost reimbursement to me down to $400... I reported them to the better business bureau ... big deal.

Those companies have a good schtick and have a one way door for money... good luck.

[coasterjob]

My wife has already advised me that if hers kicks the bucket she wants another one.. She loves the X5. She said she wants the latest possible model like hers (she means an E53) with lowest miles because she loves her car and doesn't care for the new ones. Yes it's expensive to maintain, but we all say that because we mentally battle the Japanese gauntlet. As far as I am concerned Yes, we'd still had bought her X5 knowing what we know. (let's hope I don't jinx myself)

Here's my take on German vehicles:

If you want the exhilaration that you [can only] get from driving a BMW or Audi (we own both) "you gotta pay, to play". Accept it or buy new every 4y/48k. Either way, you pay.

[Quicksilver]

I bought new and the answer to the OP question is "YES"

[imalabil]

Ya know, I was riding in the back of mine tonight (my son was driving) thinking that this really is a nice car/truck/SAV/whatever. I also have a Pontiac Torrent, G8 GT, and Suburban. The X5 is special, it just feels so solid. The Torrent is a nice runabout, but in a completely different class. It also rides a lot better!

[sapphireX5]

Don't forget that many people like to whine and complain about anything at any chance. However when something is good and they love something they, often times, don't speak of it.

So...My first '04 X5 3.0 was incredible for all of the 125k miles I put on it. Never left me stranded and never had $3k surprises. I only got an itch to change for more "toys" in my current '06 X5 4.8iS. Similarly I have had no expensive surprises.

I love my X5's and would by another one but as another poster stated "I don't like the E70 styling".

I also have an '01 540i and have had many surprises with that model but love it none-the-less.

Take what you read with a grain of salt. But surprises do happen.

Good luck and I'm sure you'll love your X5 for another 130k miles.