Yeah, unfortunately, the more I read about the frequent and expensive repairs that seem so common on these, I think I'm going to sell the one I just bought. It has no issues at all right now, so that may be a good time to sell it.

I do a lot of my own work on my cars, but some of what I read on here is more involved than I want to get. I may do the work, but its not something I do for a hobby. I'd rather be doing many other things than working on cars.

It is a wonderful vehicle, but I don't think I am going to get to where I can actually trust it, so why have it. Someone else can enjoy it. I hope it serves them well.

If you cannot trust it though it's offered no reason, getting rid of it ASAP is a very good idea. The first bit of trouble will have you telling yourself you should have listened.:thumbup:

Leaving me on the road 100 miles from home the first time I took it out of town was a reason. But, I can forgive that. It's more that so many of the people on this very forum, people that love their X's seem to have very frequent problems. If I could keep it as a third car, I probably would, but that's not practical for us for several reasons.

The problem is that I am somewhat addicted to driving it, and having a hard time letting it go.

Ahhh, the pretty face and ungodly nice a$$ syndrome! We know that one well. Most BMW owners suffer this malady. Only shrugged shoulders and money help. But make no mistake:

There is no cure! :D

It's nice to be understood.:D

Yeah, you are NOT alone... ;)

I don't have frequent problems, bought it new.

^ I've also not had frequent problems. I am the third owner and bought at 90,000 miles.

I do lots of preventative maintenance however rather than waiting for failures. I throw many fully functional/serviceable parts into the trash bin. Especially when it comes to suspension and cooling system parts as those are on a ~100,000 mile service interval for me.

If you bought yours used, and you wait for things to start breaking, they will, and that will of course affect reliability. If you are proactive then you can avoid the headaches but not the work if DIY or expense if not.

The others are right, BMW's are high maintenance girls. And you are not alone in your loving the way they drive. We feel your pain. My wife and I solved this issue by owning 4 of them (not a brag, they are all older). :yikes: 2 X5's, 1 X3, and a 325i convertible. When one goes down for service, we have others we can jump into without missing a beat. I realize that's not a luxury everyone has or is practical for everyone either.

At the end of the day you have to decide what your priorities are as to whether to keep or sell. Good luck, breaking the BMW habit is not an easy thing to do. Ask anyone here. :thumbup:

This.

This has been the secret to my success with the E53 as well. Like any unexpected repair, I've been delayed, but never stranded. Neither of the '04's I've driven for 13 years and over 200k miles has seen a flatbed. Proactive maintenance- getting in front of known/expected issues before they explode is central to this experience.

But then of course, the '01 is the 3rd E53 I've had lots of time with. We bought it new for my mother-in-law. It's been towed 2-3 times in 16.5 years and 110k. It's even the more 'reliable' 3.0 driven- literally- by a little old lady. :rofl:

For the second time in two years, I will send my wife, my daughter and a group of 'BFF's' out of town for a birthday celebration in the '01 3.0. I don't expect to have to rescue anyone. :fishing:

+1 on the preventive stuff. I've had to do a bunch of maint on my '05 but as you learn the vehicle (and read this forum!) you can keep ahead of any issues that might lead to a breakdown.

I've replaced items like thermostats, wheel bearings, brakes rotors and engine breathers etc. - items which all gave plenty of warning that their time was up, either by symptoms appearing or by mileage/time in service.

And like PropellerHead, I've recently sent my wife and daughter off in the X5 for a multi-day road trip without any concerns about reliability. :thumbup:

And +1 on what crystalworks said - "If you are proactive then you can avoid the headaches but not the work... " ;)