X5 WORST BUILT CAR IN THE WORLD!!!!!!

[TiAgX5]

Originally Posted by bcredliner

Is there a way to view the previous 6 posts by OP?

Click on his XOut name to open menu, click veiw posts.

[bcredliner]

Originally Posted by TiAgX5

Click on his XOut name to open menu, click veiw posts.

Thanks, should have known that, found the posts interesting.

[Russianblue]

Originally Posted by Ogopogo

I previously had a '97 528i, with a lot more mileage that never gave me a fraction of the issues that this pig has.

i think this is at the core of a lot of folks' frustration. These X5's not holding up to BMW's long-earned rep. People assume they are getting one thing...and get another.

I saw that British car mechanic on youtube (Ed, I think his name is) who has that show where they buy old classics and flip them. He said "BMW makes the best cars out of the worst steel." I thought this was very interesting.

these are 100,000 mile cars with 300,000 mile engines. after 100-120k miles, To run at 90% of new performance (which is relative of course), a 10 year old X5 often needs work and replacements which exceed the value of the car itself. it would be NOTHING to spend $6k in repairs on a 2003 X5 and depending on the condition, 2003 X5's are going for $5-$10k. New tires, suspension all around, cooling system, drivetrain maintenance, brakes, CCV system, aux fan, HVAC (if necessary), valve covers, vanos seals, dead pixel repairs, door handle carriers, window regulators, airbag units, factory paint bubbling and peeling. I have had ALL of these happen on mine, and my car was purchased new, softly driven and DEALER MAINTAINED the first 7 years of its life. I have had it for three yrs.

Again, BMW's are turning into 100k mile cars, intended to be owned and cared for the life of the OEM and/or CPO warranty. BMW I believe has found a 'profit sweet spot', whereby it no longer pays for them to build these cars to last much longer than the average NEW BMW DRIVER will own them. Frankly, i don't blame BMW one bit. They are catering to an impulsive society driven by conspicuous consumption. People don't care that they have a $1000 car payment and a $500 net worth. Leases allow for 'instant gratification purchases.' Rarely does one have to SAVE to own a new car.

So who SHOULD BMW market to and create cars for? A plummeting segment of society which appreciates fine engineering, craftsmanship, product longevity and quality? no way. they are mandated by their shareholders to increase profits. profits = 100k mile cars. i have nothing against profit or big corporate mind you. this one is on society in general.

i bought my 2003 X5 with the idea i would keep it for 10 years, NO problem based on the fact that my e28 simply will not die. it is a friggin piece of granite that is 25 yrs old now. not a CHANCE this car lasts that long. tranny will go for sure. interior has held up well but has barely been used. when the interior starts to go and the rest of the paint peels off....i am ditching it and will shopping other brands.

the big catch though is that i think the whole automotive industry is headed in the same direction and i will likely run into the same predicament with any other vendor. it'll just drive worse.

it would probably be wise for me to quit thinking about my car like i currently do and just realize that it is only a temporary implement of mine and develop no real attachment to it. incidentally, this is probably a good lesson for life. after all, cars don't make people happy despite what the latest BMW commercial might lead you to believe.

in the end, i will always love BMW because before i owned one, i didn't even know how to change my brakes. it's been a long and lovely ride. but it could be on the home stretch now.

[BigLion]

Very nice post - confirming that

1) people who owned BMWs from 'back in the day' expect their more recent purchases to grow old gracefully, not fall to pieces within an agonizingly short time-frame - my 1990 E30 was the nuts, as was my E46 323i...

2) all the evil in the world is the result of shareholder greed!!

[bulbec]

I have to a agree on X5 crappy built.Its 2001 4.4i I bought it 180 000 km a year ago. Its 218 now. Besides all the suspension issues air suspension went, rear struts, abs, vacuum leak, camshaft sensor, bearings, 2 lock handles, 3 windows (I mean plastic attachments??? come on...), post cat O2 sensors and last but not least chain guides($$$$$$$$). I realize those are the COMMON issues. But for a car that boasts german engineering there should not be COMMON issues that are prevailant through all the models and never get fixed.

[Quicksilver]

Really? You bought a 2001 4.4i I bought it 180 000 km a year ago. Its 218 now
and you were expecting what?

Nobody knows what kind of condition it was in when you bought it or how it was maintained.
So with all due respect in your case I can't agree. Any vehicle can be called a crappy build under those circumstances......

Originally Posted by bulbec

I have to a agree on X5 crappy built.Its 2001 4.4i I bought it 180 000 km a year ago. Its 218 now. Besides all the suspension issues air suspension went, rear struts, abs, vacuum leak, camshaft sensor, bearings, 2 lock handles, 3 windows (I mean plastic attachments??? come on...), post cat O2 sensors and last but not least chain guides($$$$$$$$). I realize those are the COMMON issues. But for a car that boasts german engineering there should not be COMMON issues that are prevailant through all the models and never get fixed.

[TiAgX5]

Full service history, documentation of where vehicle was registered/operated and a thoroughly executed PPI are ALL musts when purchasing ANY used vehicle.

Those who don't do all 3 like to complain that BMW is at fault when in fact they didn't do their homework before purchase.

I spent over 1 yr driving to see/researching EVERY M62 powered '02 & '03 X5 within a 200 mile radius of my home. Got a superclean, never seen snow, central FL owned (Lake Mary, near Sanford/Orlando)/operated, dealer maintained (even tires) 100k mile '03. At 173k miles now with only minor repairs. Waterpump, upper rad hose, coolant tank, FSR, battery, brakes, tires, all fluids changed, NEVER had any issue removing a fastener due to rust. Currently needs front control arm bushings and a new radiator (slight leak at seam).

BMW spells out regular chassis washes MUST be done when their vehicles are operated in snow/exposed to salts/mag chlor yet 99% of the owners IGNORE this fact. Don't blame BMW because POs neglected your X.

[740ilDuke]

Unless I hit the lottery or triple my salary, Id never buy a new BMW. The depreciation is crazy. I've only been in my X5 for about 10k miles - but I knew what I was getting into as I have the same year model E38. For me, its a 540 on stilts, I love driving it. The 4.8 is even more fun! To me it comes down to the level of excitement behind the wheel. Sure, I could go buy a Toyota, but it will never handle or feel like a BMW. Nor should it. I got lucky with my X5 purchase, as it came from a friend and I paid $1k for it. Ive put about $4k in it because I wanted to, and I know it will reach 300k. the transmission might not, but who knows. Thats a crap shoot.

No regrets, title in hand = I'll gladly throw a few parts at it or even a major repair here and there. In the end its cheaper than any new car ever will be. Cars are for the most part the worst investment ever, sunk cost - but I am mostly smiles driving either my X or my 7. It's just a game.

[tmv]

OP, thanks for letting me know that I have THE WORST vehicle built in the world. Where were you in June when I decide to upgrade from an 01 3.0i? Should have talk me out of it then.
Now I need to go PICNIC to get away from the disappointments.

P.S Maybe a video of your X being set on fire will help with my depression. Hurry up and do it.

[bcredliner]

Originally Posted by BigLion

Very nice post - confirming that

1) people who owned BMWs from 'back in the day' expect their more recent purchases to grow old gracefully, not fall to pieces within an agonizingly short time-frame - my 1990 E30 was the nuts, as was my E46 323i...

2) all the evil in the world is the result of shareholder greed!!

This threads confirms absolutely nothing and is ludicrous to even suggest that it does.

1) Comparing cars to SAVs is apples to oranges. Comparing cars of the 20th century to SAVs of the 21st century is worse.

2) Extreme self restraint to say--no comment.