Thoughts on problem X5

[ozam]

My vehicle is a 4.8 too.....the dealership told me that all the factory options* on the car causes a heavy electrical draw and hence the need for the occasional trickle charge (and yes my battery and "intelligent" sensor have been replaced. Every time I take it in they put it on an electrical discharge meter for days to determine what is causing the excessive draw. As one might imagine in this situation it is a moving target.

What frustrates me the most is that BMW has put me in this ethical dilemma. I can trade the car to a dealership and get screwed on value or I can sell the car privately (with the warranties) and make thousands more but are dumping a problem car on a poor soul (not good karma). It just isn't right!


*options: cold weather, technology, rear climate, 3rd row seating, sport, heads up display, premium sound, comfort seats, comfort access, tighter steering ratio

[nachilus]

Originally Posted by ozam

My vehicle is a 4.8 too.....the dealership told me that all the factory options on the car causes a heavy electrical draw and hence the need for the occasional trickle charge (and yes my battery and "intelligent" sensor have been replaced.

What frustrates me the most is that BMW has put me in this ethical dilemma. I can trade the car to a dealership and get screwed on value or I can sell the car privately (with the warranties) and make thousands more but are dumping a problem car on a poor soul (not good karma). It just isn't right!

I am willing to take a hit for piece of mind...if it comes to that.

I have a 05' S55 AMG and I tell you i have only issues like tension pulley and alternator, thats it.

[soldmystang]

Originally Posted by ozam

My vehicle is a 4.8 too.....the dealership told me that all the factory options* on the car causes a heavy electrical draw and hence the need for the occasional trickle charge (and yes my battery and "intelligent" sensor have been replaced. Every time I take it in they put it on an electrical discharge meter for days to determine what is causing the excessive draw. As one might imagine in this situation it is a moving target.

What frustrates me the most is that BMW has put me in this ethical dilemma. I can trade the car to a dealership and get screwed on value or I can sell the car privately (with the warranties) and make thousands more but are dumping a problem car on a poor soul (not good karma). It just isn't right!


*options: cold weather, technology, rear climate, 3rd row seating, sport, heads up display, premium sound, comfort seats, comfort access, tighter steering ratio

but if you trade it in to BMW you would be passing the karma back on them as they sold it to you.

[bergs]

Sorry to hear about your story...seems oddly similar to mine.
I have an '08 4.8 with around 32K miles on it. Since day one, it's been nothing but trouble. Battery issues. Transmission issues. A minor engine issue. Sunroof issue. It's been one thing after another. Currently I'm having a noise issue that the dealer can't seem to figure out. It's been extremely frustrating. Trying to figure out what to do next...should I just keep on dealing with it or get rid of it? I don't think I would get another BMW after this - and they have been my last 4 cars.

[nachilus]

Originally Posted by bergs

Sorry to hear about your story...seems oddly similar to mine.
I have an '08 4.8 with around 32K miles on it. Since day one, it's been nothing but trouble. Battery issues. Transmission issues. A minor engine issue. Sunroof issue. It's been one thing after another. Currently I'm having a noise issue that the dealer can't seem to figure out. It's been extremely frustrating. Trying to figure out what to do next...should I just keep on dealing with it or get rid of it? I don't think I would get another BMW after this - and they have been my last 4 cars.

My only next option is the Mercedes GL450 or 550. They seem to be more reliable, couple friends have the GL550 and none of these type of issues have shown up. Plus the 3rd row is useable.

Most of the X5 options are standard on the GL550......temping, but again we will see.

[drod]

you guys are all freaking me out ...
I had an 08 X5 3.0 and never had a mechanical or electrical problem other than a dvd unit that gave me read errors and was replaced immediately after delivery...

i have traded that in for an Acura MDX because i wanted more HP and they have a really nice advanced interior/tech pkg..

the MDX also gave me some NAV problems eventhough it was hard drive based. froze a few times and even lost track of where i was headed.

these jap vehicles do not compares to the bimmer when it comes to performance and handling... i wish i had gotten the V8 from the get go..

now i'm back to BMW and looking at a 2012 50i but you guys are scaring me into keeping my Acura.. wft is up with all these issues?

[AaronSD]

Originally Posted by drod

now i'm back to BMW and looking at a 2012 50i but you guys are scaring me into keeping my Acura.. wft is up with all these issues?

Excuse the hijack, but I left Acura for BMW. Acura would not resolve my brake issues on my brand new RDX (apparently common), which caused my SUV to stop long, make horrible grinding noises in the brakes and hallow chasis during routine driving (no time for lemoning). I would gladly take the BMW electrical issues over Acura's lack of customer care and horrible SUV brakes FWIW!

[drod]

that's true Acura does have terrible breaks.. no confidence in fast driving/stopping at all... plus the ride is too loose even with the sport pkg.. i have all the options but again it's no bimmer!

miss the X... can't wait to get my next one..

[motordavid]

Have you ever tried another dlr? You mentioned the one you go to is close by/ convenient, but in ATL area there are several; why not try another one that may have a fresh pair of eyes/ideas. If that doesn't solve it, I would toss it like an old rock.
GL, mD

[UCrewX5]

have you tried installing a new battery?