Problems with 08 X5's?

[bmw_jeff_X5]

Recently sprung a leak from a cracked radiator at 44K miles. I also had a rear suspension issue 6 mos ago that I thought was the infamous tailgate rattle. Thankfully under full warranty and CPO to take care of these issues. I have 1 year and 8 mos left on CPO. Will I keep it past then???....hhhmmmm

[jlam86]

Cracked coolant reservoir, cracked style 214 wheel without hitting anything, corroded can-bus cable, battery crapped out so windows were opening themself while car was parked and unattended, gator surrounding on sunroof came off, self closing mechanism fell off inside of door, creaking panels from hell, plastic fittings under the passenger seat cracked twice (don't know how when no one even sits in that seat), I am sure I can add a few more things when I can think of them. These were just off the top of my head. All items replaced under warranty thankfully as they occurred in the first 9 months of ownership. First and last BMW...probably

[BGM]

Originally Posted by jlam86

Cracked coolant reservoir, cracked style 214 wheel without hitting anything, corroded can-bus cable, battery crapped out so windows were opening themself while car was parked and unattended, gator surrounding on sunroof came off, self closing mechanism fell off inside of door, creaking panels from hell, plastic fittings under the passenger seat cracked twice (don't know how when no one even sits in that seat), I am sure I can add a few more things when I can think of them. These were just off the top of my head. All items replaced under warranty thankfully as they occurred in the first 9 months of ownership. First and last BMW...probably

How many miles do you have on yours ?

[jlam86]

Originally Posted by BGM

How many miles do you have on yours ?

73xxx KMS

[95wildtt]

Fuel Pump replacement
Coolant/Valley Leak Repair
Thrust Bushing Replacement
USB HUB

[BGM]

Originally Posted by 95wildtt

Fuel Pump replacement
Coolant/Valley Leak Repair
Thrust Bushing Replacement
USB HUB

Fuel Pump and Thrust Bushing (Control Arms) are pretty standard to go out at 60K+ miles. I know on my '01 X5 they went around that time.

[rcasey]

Would you kindly elaborate about the thrust bushings so I can better identify the parts being replaced?

Thank you,
Dick

[jlam86]

Originally Posted by 95wildtt

Fuel Pump replacement
Coolant/Valley Leak Repair
Thrust Bushing Replacement
USB HUB

Did you keep up with annual coolant changes? I am terrified of the coolant valley leak. From my understanding, this occurs because the PH in the coolant drops causing it to be acid and eating through a rubber gasket. If you've changed your coolant annually or frequently, maybe it's a good incentive to sell the vehicle before it occurs...

[95wildtt]

Did you keep up with annual coolant changes?

Annual coolant changes... No.

I've never owned a car that required annual coolant changes, and the X5 doesn't either. IMO you can throw a bunch of money away trying to prevent the problem, which may or may not occur anyway. I'd rather put the $$s in a maintenance account and have the money if/when something happens.

If the part was properly designed, and it's not, the age of the coolant would not be an issue (assuming gross neglect) as the rubber and tubing would be able to handle the typical daily usage.

If you don't love the X5 as much as I do, sure sell it, or trade it prior to the possability of the leak happening. When would that be?

Mine happened at 69k miles, FYI. I went to a good Indie shop and $3k later have the leak fixed and a new water pump/tubing and thermostat installed as well.

FYI, I really considered trading mine when it happened early last month, but honestly can't think of anything that i would rather have to drive. So I bit the bullett.

Plan for the worst case, and maybe you won't need it...

Cheers,
John

[jlam86]

Originally Posted by 95wildtt

Annual coolant changes... No.

I've never owned a car that required annual coolant changes, and the X5 doesn't either. IMO you can throw a bunch of money away trying to prevent the problem, which may or may not occur anyway. I'd rather put the $$s in a maintenance account and have the money if/when something happens.

If the part was properly designed, and it's not, the age of the coolant would not be an issue (assuming gross neglect) as the rubber and tubing would be able to handle the typical daily usage.

If you don't love the X5 as much as I do, sure sell it, or trade it prior to the possability of the leak happening. When would that be?

Mine happened at 69k miles, FYI. I went to a good Indie shop and $3k later have the leak fixed and a new water pump/tubing and thermostat installed as well.

FYI, I really considered trading mine when it happened early last month, but honestly can't think of anything that i would rather have to drive. So I bit the bullett.

Plan for the worst case, and maybe you won't need it...

Cheers,
John

I hear ya! I keep thinking to myself too, if I was to sell this car, what would I get? I keep drawing a blank.

I love this vehicle for so many reasons, but with my reliability track record with it so far, there is much to hate about it. Hopefully i have most of the issues addressed and at the point where it will be more reliable.