185K miles and going strong

[Tomaz]

This week my 2001 X5 4.4 hit 185K miles. The body and interior look great mostly because its a California car that I try to never park in the sun for long times. The exterior paint is holding up well and the leather interior looks great. I'm meticulous about keeping everything working and replacing the smallest part that is ever missing or broken.

The engine burns less that a 1/2 quart of oil between 10K changes. I run Amsoil 10-30 which I recently changed from 5-30. I do the brakes, plugs, oil changes, and other maintenance myself.

So far, I've rebuilt the transmission at 170K, the vanos including timing chains and guides at 150K, the rear suspension bladders at 160K, and various hoses, belts, CV boots, water pumps.

I love the vehicle and if I ever get rid of it I will probably buy another X5. Besides a business and family vehicle, its a ski and camping vehicle, I've had it off road in places I would not believe it would go. I use it as a pick up truck and tow vehicle as well.

[tmv]

Give her some love and she'll love you back. Sometimes friends and family wonder why I'm so religiously maintained my bimmers. I can jump in any of them and drive cross country without worry.

[motordavid]

Good to read...there are dozens of us on here with fairly trouble-free Xs, and substantial mileage and/or duration.
The happy/lucky high mileage/older model E53 cars get little in the way of kudos, or following with pages of posts.
GL, mD

[Kristophe]

I'm at 171,000 and going strong. I just replaced the front struts/strut mounts and sway bar links. I plan on replacing the control arms and tie rod ends next month then having it aligned. Since the thrust arm bushings and ball joints was replaced last month I'll have a rebuilt front-end.

How much was your transmission rebuild, if you don't mind me asking.

[Tomaz]

$6K including some new seals and coolant gaskets that were leaking behind the flywheel.

[bigwave2255]

wow i feel like a youngen at 188,000 km ( 117,000 miles)

super reliable daily driver ( 2005 turbo diesel)

[TiAgX5]

At 175k and the body/chassis/interior is so fresh I'm considering a total engine/trans/TC-diff/bushings overhaul for the next 175k miles. I have a set of KW Var3s to install, the X will retire from tow duty after Coilovers are on.

[bigwave2255]

ive had a great run from my car over the last 4 years, yep there have been some service issues, ( drivers door handle carrier, front outer drive shaft boots) but when you consider the fact this car is daily driven 100km round trip to work plus weekend duties for me its been ultra reliable and certainly no lees so that my two previous cars, both Mazda 6,s

and more importantly never let me down, ive done a couple of 1000 plus km trips in the car and its super comfortable and a joy to drive. and as i own it, if i do have a major failure i am prepared to pay the money to fix, better by far than that $900 monthly payment. my vision is to keep this car indefinitely

i have a track record with this, i also have a '94 jeep cherokee with 400,000 km on it that i have owned for the last 16 years, i like to get my moneys worth out of them.

i dont see the point of constantly upgrading and constantly being in debt.

however each to there own.

[Kristophe]

Your X looks brand new, TiAgX5

[srmmmm]

I've had the normal run through window regulators, CV boots, FSR and the door handle carrier. The only major shock was the front driveshaft and a transfer case at 136,000 miles for $4200. But I don't hesitate to drive for 1000 miles non-stop or tow a PWC for 600 miles with the X5.

With 243,600 miles on it, the only thing that actually shows any wear is the leather on the driver's seat and some cloudy headlight covers!

2002 X5 3.0 243,600 miles
2004 325i 108,500 miles