My Dream car was a LOTUS. Bought mine after graduating from college. Bought another one once I learn how to fix cars. Still, have both of them.

But the majority of the newbie posting on this form is about problems with their new to them BMW and what could be wrong with it and how to fix it. They don't have the money to take the car to a dealer or an indy. They don't have the knowledge or the tools to fix a car. They just thought that a BMW doesn't break like a normal car because after all, it's a BMW.

But isn't that the main reason for a forum membership? To learn from the experienced members and gain from their knowledge to do the work themselves and avoid the dealer or indy?

That was my thought. It's a good way to separate the avg. owner from an enthusiast. Luckily I can do some DIY and can afford an indy.

I agree with upallnight on some of the complete facepalm questions that newbies will post but I rarely see them on Xoutpost. The E46Fanatics site on the other hand is one big facepalm. http://s1.e46fanatics.com/forum/imag...palmsmiley.gif

I have to say that I am generally capable of taking care of my BMWs but this forum has helped me tremendously when it comes to the onboard electronics in our models and want to give a shout out to all the members that have helped me when I have had legitimate questions. I still learn everyday. :thumbup:

I don't have a 4.8 but from reading 4.8 threads valve guide failure is a fairly common problem. This will likely generate a long Debbie Downer list of anecdotal experience but IMO there are still good ones out there. There is a 4.6-4.8 thread you could wade through that might help. I think the nav/radio etc system is very dated but there are aftermarket units designed for plug and play installation. The are also aftermarket products to improve the handling and lower it. Dinan still offers tuning packages and some other mods.

It seems there has been a more rapid 'turnover' of members and average age of members is likely younger than a couple of years ago but whatever. I think the forum is very worthwhile regardless of DIY experience. I like to hear from members that don't have DIY experience and are on a limited budget since many decades ago that's how I started out and am still learning from the forum.

I remember a noob coming on board with a trans question. I told him that from his description he's probably looking at a trans rebuild. He didn't want to hear that, he wanted to hear "Oh do a fluid change" or "disconnect the battery and let the trans readapt itself", called me a know it all and a douche bag. Well, I'm sure he listened to the other members and when he wasted his money on a fluid change and the battery disconnect didn't work, he probably got rid of the X because he NEVER came back on the forum.

Unlike the current bunch of new members, when you bought your X you bought it brand new with a maintenance schedule and a bumper to bumper warranty. Big difference in term of ownership. You knew that if you had a problem you could take it back to the dealer and it will be fixed under warranty. These new owner doesn't realize the cost of owning a BMW until they have a problem and take it in and get sticker shock for what it cost to repair the X. What??? a new trans is going to be $6,000??? but I only spent $3500 on the entire car.

As a person recently FORCED into an E70 by the wife I can safely say the older bmw's are much better cars.

What MORON came up with the idea to put the main water pump as an electric water pump should be shot, resurrected and shot again and again.

STUPID.

Not to mention I have an airbag recall and no airbag available yet to do the recall with.

But the water pump is beyond excuse.

I miss my E53 like you would not believe.

I miss having a key that you turn to crank the car.

I miss knowing that the water pump will be reliable and not fail at 30k to 70k miles over and over.

I miss the cruise buttons on the steering wheel.

I miss my Seicane radio. Idrive is nice and all but takes to much effort to get to anything.

I miss the sound quality of the e53 vs the idrive professional in the e70.

I miss having a dipstick to check the oil with. Sure the idrive will tell you all of that but there is no way to double check to see if its reading the oil level correctly.

I miss the gear shifter that doesn't think its a joystick for a video game.


So yes older is better in a bunch of ways to me.

As a 'Newb' to the X5 platform I certainly hope you don't paint everyone with that broad of a brush stroke. I've owned several old bimmers but you are always a 'Newb' to a new platform until you aren't. I found a deal I could not pass up. I researched this forum and others for about 40 hours in just a matter of days before I even looked at the thing. After test driving it I scheduled 3 more drives with other sellers. Trust me, I hated being the 'Newb' when just 7 days after my purchase I got the 'Engine Failsafe Pog' warning and the thing wouldn't run but I researched another 10 hours and had it sorted the next day. My Foxwell scanner and Bentley showed up a few days later unfortunately. I think many people buy a car based on looks and affordability and I think they understand there is a cost in maintenance with used vehicles. I even think most realize that used European cars are likely the most expensive to repair and own. Not all but most do. I got my X5 dirt cheap but I certainly didn't need it. I've always liked the E53 and I search websites almost every night looking for deals on a myriad of models. I just never had a need for an X5 but I am a BMW enthusiast and little did I know how well this thing fits my lifestyle. Newbs like me have appreciation for all of the information on these forums and input from those with experience. The last thing I want though, is to be categorized or put into a class by those who 'bought new'. Congratulations on your great fortune. Fortunately I don't think that is the consensus of all long time X5 owners but as a longtime BMW owner I have been classified as a douchebag just for associating with the brand. The shoe does not fit in my case.

I've done my part on many forums to help 'Newbs' understand what they are getting into with different makes and models and advise them on repairs and I will continue to do it without prejudice. The X5 is turning into a classic. If it will become as prized as the earlier bimmers is yet to be seen but man they sure seem to age well. Mine is 16 years old. The interior is mint and it's well appointed and I like that you feel more connected like a BMW should be. I feel so isolated and removed from the driver experience in newer vehicles and, I like to wrench on them, modify them and put my own stamp of ownership and appreciation on them. Like my earlier 6ers and 5ers they paved the way for what was to come. For their age the tech is unbelievable. I think it's great there is a lot of enthusiasm and new ownership for the first BMW SAV. Sorry it's not the good ol' days but things are what you make it.

Easy solution. Sell e70 buy e53 use the extra money to repair e53. /done.


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Guess I need to take my poor Mcdonald hating ass somewhere else. How dare us newbs ask of ways to fix our busted ass horseless carriages.

I get that there are some "special" people, but geez you're basically saying anyone that buys a used Bimmer is poor and stupid. And to have the audacity to post on here, well let's just stone them all! Guess this needs to be a silent forum. No X5 peasants allowed! :dunno: