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

[ekimv65]

Mine just turned 100,900 and I have my first problem in 40K miles, I think I have a wheel bearing going out. I would expect $300 roughly and about 3 to 4 hours of my time.

I would buy and am planning on buying another, but, as not many people have mentioned, if you cant afford the large dollar items, I would recommend an aftermarket warranty... Just my opinion.

Good luck,

[dkl]

As all others have indicated, expect to spend some $$$ for maintenance at that high mileage. My 'lil 3.0 have been super reliable since new. No major issues. Just an annual oil change, a couple of brake jobs, tires and that's about it for the past 7.5years. Minor niggles such as window regulators and final stage resistor may be costly if not DIY. Surprisingly, I have not had to change a regulator myself yet (fingers crossed) - the fronts were replaced right before my warranty ran out. The most I've ever spent on maintenance was a bit under $3k last years for the cooling system maintenance (water pump, hoses, thermostat, drive belts, fan clutch, etc.), transmission filter/fluid change, bushings, rear suspension pads, etc. - all done at an indy.

You're on an X5 board, so expect some biased opinions. Also, most don't come on here unless they have a problem. So reading message boards can easily dissuade you from getting one. Had I been on message boards prior to getting my X5, there wouldn't be one in my garage now. The X5 is my first BMW and the Z4MC is my 2nd and probably my last as I don't like the direction BMW is heading.

[patineto]

First of all thanks for all the responses, As Sad as the outcome may be.

I do need to confess I'm a big BMW Freak, A motorcycle freak that is.

I have a few of the big GS's and specially this one is been my friend since 1996, I have trash and trash this poor thing for years, Absolute abuse most of the time, always park outside, But also always well keep in terms of mechanical issues.



The bike has almost 500,000miles (462,000 as today) Going to bicycle and motorcycle events or just going for a good breakfast 200miles away from home, all over the west coast (base in San Francisco) In fact I just learn how to drive a car two years ago (I just don't like them much, But I have work on many in the past) All this in the original engine, final drive, drive shaft, wheels, forks and pretty much all the original electronics, But 4 gearboxes, about 7clutches, many brake rotors, pads but so far it has been a incredible machine.



But times are changing, Now I have a family, Three awesome dogs and a baby on the way, Plus we move from SF to Salt lake city where the motorcycle is not needed as much since you can park anywhere and you can not "Lane split" Plus is a lot of snow, so I learn how to drive a car out of necessity a few months ago.

My first car was this Range Rover that I got for a song, Yes they have also a horrible reputation, but thanks to the forums I have learn a lot and pretty much fix all the issues, So far is been very dependable (After a lot of work) As you can see we abuse it too, At least push the boundaries of the possible from time to time.



But now with the Baby coming things are changing in a hurry, No more crazy road trips, Not much adventures and we are looking for a reliable vehicle (somehow) so we can carry the little baby, the two of us and the three dogs, The basic idea is that since I don't like driving I want to get a super cool car in hopes of changing my mind about the joy of driving (The rover is a Beast and a Mule, But I don't feel connect it to it) Here is where the X5 comes in to play, What a awesome freaking machine, so "Well made", so solid, so fun to drive in any condition (Maybe I have drink way to much "CoolAid") But we are also scare of the phetora of problems and issues and even if refuse to go "Japanese" sound like it time to start to look elsewhere beside this German machines.

Well I will keep you updated on the course we take and I thank you in advance since I have read about 40 pages full of posting and I have learn a lot in the last few days about this vehicles.

Ricky

[JCL]

Originally Posted by patineto

So we are looking for an honest answer, wouldl you buy one after your past experience with your current X5

Thanks

Lauren & Ricky

Well, I would, but I really don't think you should. I buy new, and sell at the end of four years. My X5 was a great vehicle, but I just didn't want to own it after four years, and that is even though I can work on it myself, and have access to a shop with a hoist.

You note that you don't like working on electronics, you don't like surprise maintenance bills, you don't like cars much, you don't like driving cars much, and you need lots of room for 3 dogs and life's toys. None of those are a good match with a high mileage used X5. I think you should look at Explorers and Toyotas, maybe a Tahoe. Nothing wrong with them. You have your motorcycles for your passion, your car can be utilitarian.

Love your motorcycles. I drove an R50/5 many years ago, it would have run forever as well. Solid as a tank, even though it shifted like a tractor. BMW car engines (at least the 6 cylinders) are much like that, but the amount of electronics and marginally useful options that can break and which are now part of the package deal make recent BMW cars quite different IMO. Even thought the engine can run for hundreds of thousands of miles, I would just never try to do so due to the rest of the vehicle.

Good luck, let us know what you decide.

[PropellerHead]

After 7 years and 100K (basically) trouble free miles out of my 2004 X5 3.0, not only *would* I buy again, I *did*. A 2004 4.8is with 11K miles was just the ticket to another 7 years of budgeted repairs. We have a 2000 540i6, a 2002 330i, and this car (plus 2 2002's- a '75 and a '76). All you have to do is be smart. Realize that its a machine with moving parts that *will* break and budget for it. On the old one like the 330 and the 540, that was $3-4K a year. On the 'new one,' who knows? As long as you keep the $ in savings during the lean years, you'll be able to pay for the years when it's high.

There isn't another sports ute that gives this much to its owners. It makes sense that the owners should give in return.

[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.

[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.