So long, and thanks for all the help.

[Rusty Pancelode]

Well, after just one year of ownership, I've sold my X5.
(2006 4.4i, Premium package, Sport package, Cold Weather package)

I loved the vehicle, but I guess I didn't like its design philosophy.

For example:
- Battery (that's somewhat proprietary) under a cover, under the spare, under a cover, under my camping gear
- Non-user-replaceable key batteries, that drain over time (had 3 keys, only one worked)
- Required dealer visits for simple settings that should be user-controlled
- Too many aluminum, torque to yield fasteners (It's a car, not an airplane. )
- $1400 /ea. plastic headlight assemblies
- That little hole in the side of the power steering fluid cap

and on, and on.

Granted, it's one of the nicest vehicles I've ever owned, but it was also the most intimidating.

Well anyway, thanks guys for being available with answers, and giving me a place to research all the silly things my car was doing.
(Especially on the night that I walked out and the driver's side parking light and tail light were glowing mysteriously)

Oh, one more:
- The tape deck behind the NAV screen (It was as if the boss said, "There absolutely MUST be a cassette player in these X5s!'. Then the design team decided that they'd include one, but they'd hide it so they wouldn't be embarrassed, and then have it show itself in spectacular fashion.)

Take it easy guys, and enjoy your rides.

Rusty

[pezho405]

Good luck hope you find something else. But it does sound like you will be better off in a different car, something alittle less european...

[upallnight]

Originally Posted by Rusty Pancelode

Well, after just one year of ownership, I've sold my X5.
(2006 4.4i, Premium package, Sport package, Cold Weather package)

I loved the vehicle, but I guess I didn't like its design philosophy.

For example:
- Battery (that's somewhat proprietary) under a cover, under the spare, under a cover, under my camping gear
- Non-user-replaceable key batteries, that drain over time (had 3 keys, only one worked)
- Required dealer visits for simple settings that should be user-controlled
- Too many aluminum, torque to yield fasteners (It's a car, not an airplane. )
- $1400 /ea. plastic headlight assemblies
- That little hole in the side of the power steering fluid cap

and on, and on.

Granted, it's one of the nicest vehicles I've ever owned, but it was also the most intimidating.

Well anyway, thanks guys for being available with answers, and giving me a place to research all the silly things my car was doing.
(Especially on the night that I walked out and the driver's side parking light and tail light were glowing mysteriously)

Oh, one more:
- The tape deck behind the NAV screen (It was as if the boss said, "There absolutely MUST be a cassette player in these X5s!'. Then the design team decided that they'd include one, but they'd hide it so they wouldn't be embarrassed, and then have it show itself in spectacular fashion.)

Take it easy guys, and enjoy your rides.

Rusty

I loved the vehicle, but I guess I didn't like its design philosophy.

What's not to like about the "Ultimate Driving Machine" as long as there a factory warranty to go with it.

- Battery (that's somewhat proprietary) under a cover, under the spare, under a cover, under my camping gear

If it's available at Wally Mart I don't consider it proprietary.

- Non-user-replaceable key batteries, that drain over time (had 3 keys, only one worked)

I can still open the door and start the car with my non user replaceable key, just can open and close them remotely. But non of my other "High End" cars does that either.

- Required dealer visits for simple settings that should be user-controlled

You mean you didn't spend hours visiting dubious websites to down load INPA, DIS, and whatever other software and then spend all your free time for the next couple of month trying to 1. remove all the virus from those websites, and 2. trying to get the software to run?

- Too many aluminum, torque to yield fasteners (It's a car, not an airplane. )

But you get a lot more money for aluminum instead of steel at the recycler.

- $1400 /ea. plastic headlight assemblies

next time use eBay they're only 300.00 for hazes over plastic, but with a bit of polish they be looking new.

- That little hole in the side of the power steering fluid cap

what little hole? Is that were all my fluid been going?

What did you replace the X with? Hopefully not an Audi Q?

[tmv]

GL on your next car.
For me, the ride and handling of an X5 easily masked the minor details you mention.

[pezho405]

The hole is supposed to be there. if its bothering you it may be that you put too much fluid in there. Its like a vent/overfill hole

[jcorreanyc]

Originally Posted by Rusty Pancelode

Well anyway, thanks guys for being available with answers, and giving me a place to research all the silly things my car was doing.
(Especially on the night that I walked out and the driver's side parking light and tail light were glowing mysteriously)

The reason your driver's side parking and tail lights were glowing is because you shut the car off and locked the doors with the your left blinker engaged! You probably hit the blinker stalk down while you were getting out of the car. This is a feature for when you are parked on narrow streets so you don't get side swiped by a passing car.

Learn your X5's features before you get mad at it for doing what it's supposed to do!!

[jgold47]

if your 05 had a tape deck, then you got a mucked up car. Those stopped being available early on.

[pezho405]

Originally Posted by jgold47

if your 05 had a tape deck, then you got a mucked up car. Those stopped being available early on.

I have a tape deck in mine....

[mrbmwx5]

I always said .. You bought a BMW and can't keep up with maintenance .. Sell it.

[Lowblock]

Originally Posted by mrbmwx5

I always said .. You bought a BMW and can't keep up with maintenance .. Sell it.

This....I have 4