X5 E53 4.8is Reliability

[Chris_731]

I've had my '04 4.8is (55k miles on the clock now) for a little over 2 years now and while I love the car it's had it's fair share of fixes. Fortunately I have the full extended warranty for another year so it has been fairly inexpensive for me...

Both front u-joint boots tore - DIY
Both front air shocks replaced (I don't think converting to coil springs is a feasible option)
Had the 'suspension failure' (or whatever it says) message on the OBD, dealer replaced just about every part of the air suspension control system trying to track it down. Finally figured it out and it's been fine ever since.
Coolant tank exploded on the hwy, had to call BMW assist.
P/S leaks, new hoses
new control arm bushings
Out of the blue one day the thing just shut down, some electrical glitch. Had to disconnect the battery on the side of the road a couple of times to get it started and it hasn't happened since. Dealer thought it might be the alternator.
Occasional transmission jerk, sometimes very subtle and sometimes like I hit the brakes (scares the crap out of everyone in the car). still not sure what that's about.
There is an occasional clicking noise from the speaker in the door, usually starts when someone slams the hatch (grrrr) and then stops a few days later. still not fixed.
Has an issue where it doesn't fire up like it should sometimes. Takes a second to start and sounds kind of pitiful. But when it does fire up properly, it still brings a smile to my face.... sounds like a beast. (mid pipe replaced with x-pipe).

There's been a few other small things that I can't think of right now, but those are the biggest issues I've had so far.
My neighbor had a '06 4.8is for a while, and finally traded it in after multiple trips to the dealer for various issues. I'll keep mine till the warranty runs out, and then I'll probably get another one... maybe an Xdrive50i.