What is happening to BMW

[texvette]

This is my 5th BMW, 3 series, 5 series, now the X. The other have been trouble
free compared to the X. Law of averages, just time for a lemon.

Beginning to think as some mentioned part of my problems with mileage is the
Regen cycle. Its been filled 3 time, 4 if count the factory fill. In 15,000 miles.
One suggested why mileage low is the vehicle is staying in Regen cycle too often.
Ever since purchased hear a pump sound coming on. Some say they think its
what pumping the fluid from the tank. It comes on at least once during a drive
something quick sometimes runs for a while. Service at BMW says no code
is being shown, so not much they can do.

[Quicksilver]

Originally Posted by texvette

In 15,000 miles.
One suggested why mileage low is the vehicle is staying in Regen cycle too often. Ever since purchased hear a pump sound coming on. Some say they think its what pumping the fluid from the tank. It comes on at least once during a drive

Not an expert but that pumping sound may be the air compressor
that keeps the rear suspension bags pumped up. I hear it every
now and again also. Not to worry.

[texvette]

there all the same anymore, rides down the interstate on cruise are comfortable.
Some offer fairer prices on repairs.

What I get next time depends on who does the best deal on trade. If BMW than
so be another BMW. If not than be another brand, don't keep a vehicle past the
warranty so all are good. Blow the money on High end because can, not because
better.

[Quicksilver]

I understand now. You, like many other people look at
vehicles as an appliance rather than a driving experience
and that's ok. The rest of us enjoy the performance and
handling. So if money is your only deciding factor then
do as you say "find another brand." Perhaps a Honda fit, or
any of the others on this list. In fact you could buy 2 of these
and save one for later. All have a warranty

Regards B&R

Chevrolet Cruze — MSRP not yet announced.
Toyota Corolla — MSRP not yet announced.
Subaru Impreza — MSRP not yet announced.
Hyundai Accent — MSRP $14,745.
Kia Rio — MSRP $14,165.
Scion iA — MSRP $15,700.
Honda Fit — MSRP $15,890.
Dodge Dart — MSRP $16,995.

Originally Posted by texvette

there all the same anymore, rides down the interstate on cruise are comfortable.
Some offer fairer prices on repairs.

What I get next time depends on who does the best deal on trade. If BMW than
so be another BMW. If not than be another brand, don't keep a vehicle past the
warranty so all are good. Blow the money on High end because can, not because
better.

[14thbmw]

I've owned several high mileage BMWs going back to a 2002, Bavaria, 7-series and others. Currently I have a 2005 X5 4.8is with almost 160k miles and a 2008 X5 4.8i about to turn 100k miles. For 40 years I've heard that the high series BMWs (7 series, 6 series, X5, M) are super expensive to maintain, and are crap as they approach 100k miles.

In my experience that is just rubbish.

I learned on my first BMW that you have to maintain them by the book, and address problems as they emerge. That was 1974. At the time typical practice with an American car was to run it until it broke or made a really bad noise, then take it in. So maintenance after the fact, not preventative. When I changed to preventative, all problems became easy to manage and costs dropped significantly.

Today most cars are assembled from components made elsewhere, save the body and engine. ZF transmissions, Bosch electronics, Lear or Recaro seats, etc. The design and assembly, and engineered differences set one marque apart from another more than component reliability. There is variability, however, as a conservative engineering approach (wait to adopt new tech) should result in greater reliability (Lexus) but perhaps at the expense of driving dynamics or fun (BMW M). The trade offs BMW makes have always worked for me; I've had Audi, Benz, Porsche and several others but for me (again, FOR ME), BMW has the right formula. I wish they were a bit more reliable, parts were cheaper and the fuel economy was better (see my engine choices above). But I still accept that for they way they drive, etc.

I have the opportunity to have a company vehicle and spent some time shopping recently for another SUV. Dodge Durango R/T? Exploder Sport? GMC Yukon? And several others (can't really do an import other than Toyota for biz reasons). Result: I'll keep my vehicle allowance which gives me the ability to continue to drive what I really like - BMW!

[FourPointEight-is]

Originally Posted by 14thbmw

I've owned several high mileage BMWs going back to a 2002, Bavaria, 7-series and others. Currently I have a 2005 X5 4.8is with almost 160k miles and a 2008 X5 4.8i about to turn 100k miles. For 40 years I've heard that the high series BMWs (7 series, 6 series, X5, M) are super expensive to maintain, and are crap as they approach 100k miles.

In my experience that is just rubbish.

This has been my experience as well and I've owned various french & italian cars that are not exactly known for their reliability.

But unfortunately my luck ran out when I ended up with my X5 - I thought it is a good buy since it had service history along with previous owner already spending several thousand on it (with receipts) for new radiator/hoses, reconditioned transmission, replaced valve stem seals etc. Now, the valley pan is leaking coolant, one of the windows won't go down (probably the regulator) and the engine is leaking a oil from various places. Also automatic kerb monitoring mirror tilt doesn't work properly but the mirror definitely moves!

I mean, that pisses me off. My feeling is that it is a vocal minority that have had bad experiences that spread these myths. Then these types of myths are (allegedly) perpetuated further by independent repair shops so they can charge you a lot of money.

https://www.consumerreports.org/car-...they-stack-up/

I think in this day and age if your product is SUBSTANTIALLY more unreliable than the competition it will be very difficult to keep the company running... it's not like BMW is the ONLY option for luxury/performance vehicles.

[PropellerHead]

Originally Posted by FourPointEight-is

I think in this day and age if your product is SUBSTANTIALLY more unreliable than the competition it will be very difficult to keep the company running... it's not like BMW is the ONLY option for luxury/performance vehicles.

And this is where the enthusiast and the accounts disagree.

Make a car designed for 100k miles last 89k miles before it needs more work than it's worth. Just like the car dealer's model, BMW will make what they make on the extremely competitive sales side. But when it comes to the replacement parts- some of which only BMW can provide- BMW is the only thing that controls the supply. Which is to say that they get to set the profit based on our demand.

In other words, the enthusiast on which the company was renewed is bent over at the waist. But this is nothing new or different across any brand. It's the new success model...

Who's buying Dodge Hellcats after all?

[andrewwynn]

Originally Posted by FourPointEight-is;

Also automatic kerb monitoring mirror tilt doesn't work properly but the mirror definitely moves!

By design it doesn't dip when you have the control switch to passenger side.

I'm quite happy about this since it dips down waaaay too far: it literally points at what you just ran over. I would much rather have it point at a point in space slightly behind the car to help me actually avoid hitting the curb.

So on my car the memory 3 position is with BOTH mirrors tipped down to aim at the curb just behind the car! (I very often park on one way streets also helpful to back into a parking spot!

[Harv2002]

I just ordered a 2018 X5 35d. We had a TDi Touareg that was bought back. That Q7 is just but ugly. The interior is nice but I wasn’t hot on the infotainment. Range Rover sport felt dated inside. The Discovery....... I never could figure out if I liked it or hated it. Mercedes is just lost on me.
For 76K my X5 could have come with a trailer hitch!

John

[ard]

It is comforting to think that (1) we can, by virtue of our actions, control our automotive destiny, and (2) bad things happen to bad people


DIY is a way to dramatically reduce costs, we agree there. I wouldnt be so cocky that your gentle driving, refusal of 87 octane, or strict adherence to a maintenance plan is the entire story. While all that helps, it doesnt guarantee.