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  #31  
Old 05-29-2011, 09:10 PM
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I'm not sure I agree with the comment about buying VW/Audi/Porsche. They do not have a stellar reputation either - and I was one of the unfortunate boobs that bought a 2004 Touareg and got burned big time.

We've had two BMW 3 series and they have been rock solid. The first X5, my 2001 3.0 was quite reliable. My 2004 X5 4.4 was pretty good up until about a year ago and if I'd not had the extended warranty it would have cost me $12K in repairs in just over 1.5 years. I'm hoping my 2011 X35d is a good experience.

We would DEFINITELY go to another 3 series when we replace the 2006 without question. But as said before, find a great indy mechanic and keep on top of maintenance.
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  #32  
Old 05-29-2011, 11:23 PM
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NO! Buy the newest, lowest mileage X with the most remaining factory warranty that you can afford if you are going to do this.

I have owned my 2001 4.4i X sport pkg 3 years, have only put 15k miles on it (104k total now) and have spent over $10k just keeping it on the road.
My problems were:
1. Window 2 motors
2. Water pump
3. T stat
4. Front cv joints and boot
5. Had to replace front tires because of # 4
6. Battery
7. Alternator
8. Battery again 1 year later
9. Alternator again (have a short somewhere in the $1200 DSP amp which I replaced the amp and still have the short)
10. DSP Amp
11. Oil tubes froze up and blew out, almost lost the motor. BMW came out with an electric heater to heat those tubes so it won't happen anymore, but it was cost prohibitive for me to buy that part when I had the $3200 repair- gaskets had to be replaced too
12. Brake job with sensors and 4 rotors
They are good looking cars, my 4.4i was way more powerful than my 2006 Range Sport,
BUt it isn't worth the trouble!

I'm selling mine $9,999 CO craigslist. Runs like a dream with the latest $4k I dropped into it- but it needs an aftermarket radio as I unplugged the stock radio due to the short draining the battery and stressing the alternator...
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  #33  
Old 05-29-2011, 11:59 PM
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i dont know, i think export models must be vastly better built
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  #34  
Old 08-03-2011, 11:10 AM
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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)
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  #35  
Old 08-03-2011, 11:53 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by patineto View Post
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 !!!
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  #36  
Old 08-03-2011, 12:49 PM
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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.
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Last edited by J.Belknap; 08-03-2011 at 12:54 PM.
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  #37  
Old 08-03-2011, 01:20 PM
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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 !
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  #38  
Old 08-03-2011, 01:39 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by britcon View Post
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
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  #39  
Old 08-03-2011, 01:51 PM
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Buy or not to Buy

Another possibility to consider is whether to buy a third party extended warranty and factor that into the cost of acquisition. Those run $2000 and up, but sure could provide peace of mind if you get the right one.
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  #40  
Old 08-03-2011, 01:54 PM
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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.
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