Problems with 08 X5's?

[ohiobimmer]

Is it just me or do 2008 X5's seem to have a majority of issues posted on the board? I posted a thread about my 08 X5 needing the FSR replaced and I started searching issues just be aware. It sure seems like the 08 has a lot more issues than other years (anecdotal of course). Add to it that I saw a report somewhere that 08-09 X5's were not recommended as a good used car purchases because of costly nagging issues.

Curious if anyone knows if this is true and if so, why? Did BMW make some quality changes during that time facilitating the issues?

[Price]

My guess it's mostly due to them being out of warranty

[brian5]

I haven't seen anything to support this assumption about the 2008 X5's. The only general statement that I've seen about the E70 issues is that people say that the 2007 X5's (first year of E70) had more issues (not saying significantly different).

I don't think there's any differences in reliability in 2008 - 2012 models...

[brian5]

Originally Posted by Price

My guess it's mostly due to them being out of warranty

Yes, that will definitely make a difference to people reporting concerns and looking for solutions. Mine is 5 years old now...

[Xtony]

Mine's been flawless other than the tailgate, so I'll say that '08 is the best year to own!

[jeremym]

My 2007 has been great so far, other than a few minor things which could happen in any year/generation/vehicle/brand/model.

Now it probably won't start when I go to leave work today...

[Investor]

My '08 has been trouble free. Out of warranty so fingers crossed

[ard]

My IMPRESSION is that the earlier cars had a higher CHANCE of showing some teething issues- BUT, I feel that if these tended to show up and get dealt with (or at least are on record)...the older MY, if clean in their young years seems to hold up well.

Having said that, OBVIOUSLY an issue that takes time to manifest itself will show up in the 2007 before the 2008, in the 2008 before the 2009, and so on.

Based on my experiences, a few truths:

1. Buy the youngest car you can afford.

2. Know that a car that MSRPd for $70k will have repair bills befitting a $70k car- even if you pay $14,500

3. Be prepared to perform deferred maintenance and repairs. If you are a DIYer perfect- if you know a good indy, great...best is if you are married to a certified BMW tech.


A


PS Yes, i knew a guy that WAS married to a BMW tech!

[brian5]

I think the most important thing (and one that ard mentioned), is buy the youngest car that you can afford.

My 2008 X5 has been great; it's 5-years old now. If I had to replace it, would I buy a 2008; hell no; I would buy the newest (and most powerful) model that I could afford...

[BGM]

Mine has been fine.