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

[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"

[Quicksilver]

The real third party extended warranty is the individual. Just set up
an account and sock away some money. Very easy.....

Originally Posted by x5sportman

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.

[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!

[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.

[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.

[Kev's X5]

first and last BMW. 4.8is
had it for a little over 2 years, been in BMW shop for 4 of those months, still not fixed. That just takes all the fun out of it.
1. air ride -dead
2. TPMS - dead
3. bluetooth-dead
4. 3rd battery in 2 years

[Naz24]

Originally Posted by Kev's X5

first and last BMW. 4.8is
had it for a little over 2 years, been in BMW shop for 4 of those months, still not fixed. That just takes all the fun out of it.
1. air ride -dead
2. TPMS - dead
3. bluetooth-dead
4. 3rd battery in 2 years

That's odd. Did u replace the FSR. Could be your battery problem.

[1stE53]

which could be leading to your air suspension going out as well.

[Naz24]

Originally Posted by 1stE53

which could be leading to your air suspension going out as well.

... that right there is what we call xoutpost team work