Worried about X5 Purchase

[hrmaddie]

Yes, it will be my first BMW. No, I don't get frustrated easily. I have done a lot of searching trying to decide if there are reliability issues. Problem with the internet, easy place to complain without any repercussions.

[soldmystang]

Originally Posted by hrmaddie

Yes, it will be my first BMW. No, I don't get frustrated easily. I have done a lot of searching trying to decide if there are reliability issues. Problem with the internet, easy place to complain without any repercussions.

i think you will find most people are satisfied with their E70s, and for that matter the E53s. BMWs are quirky but the motors are strong and the handling exceptional. change the oil every 7500 miles and it should run forever.

[Tester]

Originally Posted by jimsaq

10 months 25,000k's

Only fault has been the computer saying the steering system has failed (no noticeable issue though) - took it into the shop and they replaced the power steering pump because it had some faulty sensor

Niggly issues:
- passenger seat wobbles too much
- clunking sound from left rear - I think it is tailgate or something
- vibration in overhead light unit up front on certain road surfaces

I'll get those all dealt with when it has it's first service in another 5000k's - I'm too lazy to go in and deal with them now

When my power steering pump die, computer dont write any massages.
May be its becouse old firmware? I update it just yesturday. Now power steering pump works, but i have creak noise from steering column. Mainly when I turn on left. What this?

[JBF]

Don't buy one. Go for a VW, Audi or Porsche.

[travel4b]

Originally Posted by JBF

Don't buy one. Go for a VW, Audi or Porsche.

Now there's a well thought out argument. Very convincing and logical.

[JBF]

Originally Posted by travel4b

Now there's a well thought out argument. Very convincing and logical.

I don't need to spend an hour telling you why that's my opinion, some of us have things to do. But seeing as you're going to be sarcastic about it my opinion is based on owning a 2004/5 approved used car for the past year, brought with 40k on the clock now at 56k. Has spent weeks at the dealers with most issues requiring at least 1-2 return visits after not being resolved the first time. Have had two new turbos, oil seperator, battery, FSR, thrust bushes, anti-roll bar bushes, lower control arm bushes, rear pads/disc/drums/shoes. Two new passenger side wing mirrors - issue still not resolved and dealer ignoring, same goes for strange flickering of interior boot light and NAV/TV bug.

Last two cars were VW and Porsche (both part of VAG group). Didn't have any problems with them at all - rock solid, dealershps were also very good for servicing, no charges or month long waiting lists for a courtesy car. Had a 3-series before that which also had many issues and component failures (clutch, power steering pump, radiator, thermostat, oil seperator), after that I swore I would never buy another BMW again, then I was tempted by the X5. Regret it but what can you do - now i really will never buy another BMW again. Just not worth it - I want a car to enjoy driving not constantly worry about things breaking, strange noises etc. The service manager told me pretty much all the work they do is warranty work, they really need a whole seperate garage just to keep up with that let alone scheduled servicing and new car prep so I don't think it's just my car that's suffering from poor build and component quality.

[travel4b]

My bad. Sorry I wasn't able to divine the reasoning behind your executive summary. Thanks for the follow-up post. Sorry that you are burdened with a lemon. I'm sure I would be bashing the brand, too.

[DWill]

Originally Posted by JBF

I don't need to spend an hour telling you why that's my opinion, some of us have things to do. But seeing as you're going to be sarcastic about it my opinion is based on owning a 2004/5 approved used car for the past year, brought with 40k on the clock now at 56k. Has spent weeks at the dealers with most issues requiring at least 1-2 return visits after not being resolved the first time. Have had two new turbos, oil seperator, battery, FSR, thrust bushes, anti-roll bar bushes, lower control arm bushes, rear pads/disc/drums/shoes. Two new passenger side wing mirrors - issue still not resolved and dealer ignoring, same goes for strange flickering of interior boot light and NAV/TV bug.

Last two cars were VW and Porsche (both part of VAG group). Didn't have any problems with them at all - rock solid, dealershps were also very good for servicing, no charges or month long waiting lists for a courtesy car. Had a 3-series before that which also had many issues and component failures (clutch, power steering pump, radiator, thermostat, oil seperator), after that I swore I would never buy another BMW again, then I was tempted by the X5. Regret it but what can you do - now i really will never buy another BMW again. Just not worth it - I want a car to enjoy driving not constantly worry about things breaking, strange noises etc. The service manager told me pretty much all the work they do is warranty work, they really need a whole seperate garage just to keep up with that let alone scheduled servicing and new car prep so I don't think it's just my car that's suffering from poor build and component quality.

Geez…. Since 1983 I've probably avereaged buying a BMW evey 18 - 20 months. Mostly M3's with a few 3ers thrown in as DD's when I got married.

Since late 2005 I've owned two M Sports X3's (06 and 07).
I picked up a 10 X5M in March that I ordered in December, and just a week or so ago picked up a 10 X5 M Sport.

All these cars over all these years and I've never had even a fraction of the issues you've had.

You've had some really bad luck…

[rh71]

VWs are notoriously unreliable too.

[nynd]

All german brands are known for electrical issues - simple. That has to be the biggest dis-satisfier hence the outrageous costs when it comes to service or repair these related items. If your overly concerned, try and buy an extended warranty or at least make sure you've got a couple years warranty so you can "evaluate" your purchase. If it proves to be good, keep it.. if not, let it go prior to warranty ending.