Okay - I just need to rant. Longtime reader and infrequent poster here...
Have a U.S. spec 2009 X5 35d Vermillion Red here in Germany. 35000 miles and the vehicle drives like a dream. 100 mph on trips throughout Europe and the gas mileage is fantastic. However, these gremlins are a freaking nightmare! In two years we have gone through 2 batteries and are now on our 3rd. Within the 1st six months ownership we had a new nav unit put in. The power tailgate has now failed for the 3rd time. Arrgh!
Now to top it off I need to replace the tires (OEM are Michelin Latitudes RFT)...fortunately I am down to two different types I want to select from. Either the same RFTs or Conti DWS. $1000-$1500 expense. Within a year (once we move back to the U.S.) we'll probably have to get an extended warranty given we will most like hit the 50K mark in 12 months. $2500 expense. The rear brakes will need to get new pads etc. in about 4 months along with the regular scheduled service. About $700. Keep in mind that we don't get the free maintenance over here in Germany. We may get discounted and tax free pricing but in two years I have spent approx. $2500 in maintenance expenses.
All in all - my wife and I love driving this beast...but man is it expensive to maintain. We're at a point of not knowing what to do next. Get a new X5 and take advantage of the free maintenance since we are moving back stateside in a year or continue with this one. My concern is having the second one with the same problems as the first. I guess our biggest issue is that there is not much else out there that we like and we have a feeling nothing will perform like the X5. Thought about a Q5 but it is probably too small. Same for a XC60 T6 RDesign which also has the turning radius of a garbage truck. Q7 is like the QEII. That leaves MB and the new design is just awful.
Crap - I sound like my 4 year old whining right now.
But I do feel better now even if for just a minute.
08-14-2011, 08:52 AM
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