Bought an 2006 X5 4.8is last week...

[lhordmclain]

Indy Labor - 89-100/Hr (must find a honest mechanic)
Dealership - 150-200/Hr
DIY - Free (only if you have the time, patience and skills)

These are very technical stuff (Mechanical Aspect)
- Tools Investment (some are specialized for BMW)
- BMW specific diagnostics softwares and cable / multiplexer / interface
Old/Used or New Laptop
- TIS or Bentley Manual
- OE versus Alternative OEM
- Not all have a lift and space to work


I'd rather know the weak points as early as possible (if that's what you call negative nancy, clown, crappy outlook) so be it.

You and I have all the good and bad experiences why can't we share that to the new owners?

I am not offended by any means. Just like you said we are all BMW owners, just different outlook and opinion which is good for true collaboration (This is a free forum right?) I encourage freedom of speech( positive or negative stuff ) like good cop and bad cop

Originally Posted by PropellerHead

A GIAGANTATRON +1!

It's really irritating when some clown writes in "Get ready to spend money on xxx.!" Or "Hope you're a great mechanic!" The community is UNDER SERVED by this kind of crap. It chases people away from the board AND from the brand. They may think they're being 'realistic' or whatever. IMO, They're being a big ole collective Negative Nancy



I drove an i6 for 7 years. It had about as much monthly expense as the 4.8is I've driven for the past 3. My mother in law has had an i6 since new at 13 years now. I've had my E39 540 (V8) for 14 years and the i6 330 for 12 years. They're all BMWs and they are ALL expensive when they break. A new owner is either ready for that or not, but let's give him the benefit of a nice welcome rather than a crappy outlook.