x5, What year? Reliable?

[bpowa]

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[bcredliner]

The first 1-2 years of a new vehicle introduction tend to be the most problematic. That's when there are the most new parts that haven't been subjected to longterm real world conditions. This includes facelifts, new engines, transmissions and suspension changes in an existing vehicle. Even when proven parts are moved from an existing application to a another vehicle in the line, there are many differences in the new application that can cause problems that were not apparent in the original offering.

IMO, BMW would never consider planned obsolescence. The positioning of brand is far to critical to allow something with such an negative impact. If there is a flaw it may be that the positioning as the drivers machine implies to the end user, not just high performance, but unrealistic demands of reliability or durability. Another flaw of the brand may be customer expectations of what the cost for parts and repairs should be are misaligned, especially as it relates their dealers.

I suspect all forums are primarily negative about that particular vehicle. Seems realistic since most are seeking a solution to a problem then didn't want. However, what is, by far, the most important point to take away, is that all the forum members still have the vehicle. That can only mean, even if the brand is falling short of realistic expectations, other aspects of that brand more than compensate.

I don't expect major failures or maintenance until my BMW is over 75,000 miles. After that, especially over 100,000 miles I am OK other than the cost of parts or labor. If I was not able to do most of the work myself I would be less OK but I would still drive an X. Even though I have always had a very selective range of criteria to purchase a vehicle based on all costs over time I think I will own the vehicle, there have been disappointments.

I think your question is very valid and a great one that will be beneficial to you. As an example, I have a 2002 X5 4.6. It was the first year for that model. Whenever I have a problem, which has been seldom, I check to see if the part was the same part in 2003. I also spend a lot of time determining if part failure of another X model is the same part on mine. One example is that the 4.6 torque convertor is different than other Xs which will impact the reliability of the transmission one way or another.

[Doru]

Originally Posted by bcredliner

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I don't expect major failures or maintenance until my BMW is over 75,000 miles. After that, especially over 100,000 miles I am OK other than the cost of parts or labor. If I was not able to do most of the work myself I would be less OK but I would still drive an X. Even though I have always had a very selective range of criteria to purchase a vehicle based on all costs over time I think I will own the vehicle, there have been disappointments.

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My e39 is past the 100k mark. And the X5 is getting there. As mentioned before, if you do some preventative maintenance, these cars won't let you down. Actually in my last 8 years of ownership, I wasn't stranded (Now I jinxed it!!!!!). The truth is, if you take a few minutes of your time every now and then to listen to the engine, and check fluids (level & color), and other stuff - all which is basic, there's nothing really to worry about. Also, the biggest thing I believe is to scan for stored codes every time you do an oil change (which I do). This helps you catch developing issues, and these are usually easy fixes. Once you get a solid yellow CEL, it might be accompanied by a slew of different codes, making troubleshooting harder. But that's just my opinion. And I think, this is valid for any car. As an example: I have that first generation Tribby, which still looks almost like showroom, and trouble free. Preventative maintenece also done, as soon as different sound started to develop.

0.02

[bcredliner]

There is always a maintenance schedule. The choices are to (1)do the maintenance before it is due,(2) on time, (3)late, (4)when you have a problem or (5)not at all. IMO the choice of number 1 will result in the lowest cost of ownership. The risk of choosing any other option dramatically increases the risk your vehicle will be a money pit for you or a horror story for someone else. This certainly applies for a BMW.

[Ricky Bobby]

I've found that giving my wife's car the same love and attention with cleaning, maintenance, etc, not only makes her happier when she sees its cared for just as much as my "ten year old garage queen", but it makes me happier as well.

Before I bought my Triumph and sold my VW, my cars were always impeccable and when my wife and I were dating I used to not care about her car as much, because she "always kept it dirty" and wouldn't appreciate it as much, or so I thought. I find that although she may not keep her car as clean as I'd like, if I give it the same type of attention that I give my car, she does try to take care of hers better, so our cars are on the same "playing field" so to speak, both are kept clean, both are parked far away from cars that can dent them, etc.

With that said, she sees her car as sort of equal to mine now, and not like its just the dog hauler/grocery getter that we drive around 70% of the time (she can't drive stick yet so when my car is taken I'm always driving)



Lesson learned, take care of your wifes car as good or close to as good as you take care of your own, she will be thankful, be happier, and take care of hers a little bit better than she did before.