i have had a TON of little problems ..... almost incessantly since ever:

lights going out; windows falling into door; door handles breaking; climate control buttons falling off (WTF?!); climate ceasing to function; steering wheel buttons and their lights STILL not function with no known fix (WTF?!); and other such miscellaneous things; there have been times -- like last week in fact! -- where i've had to take my car to the dealer two or even three times in the same week for one little thing going wrong after another

also had a few not so little problems: CV boot (2x); intake manifold had to be replaced (i think); coolant lines exploded one day lol; i think that's about it .....

had a lot of problems as well.mostly electrical.hopefully the next bimmer wont be as bad.e46 3 series or maybe the new 5 series seem like good ideas

I had the alternator, Valve cover gasket, CV boot, (both outer front), Transfer case actuator motor, and BT TCU But I still wouldn't trade it for any other make.

The E53 X5 is more solid and reliable than the new E70 X5 without a doubt! E70 drives like a minivan. Ask any BMW tech. E53s are among the most reliable and tough BMWs. Parts r expensive but they are of top quality and have a good warranty.

Well lets see, I have my 05 4.8is for two years. It now has 55K on the clock. I got it with 36K. In that time,

Battery
Angel Eye lights
Front air springs
Rear air springs
Suspension compressor
CV boot
Transmission
valve cover gasket
Valley gasket
Parking distance sensor
One Button off the climate control
Leaky Power steering reservoir

This is of course in addition to all the regular maintainance items like:
Tries
Brakes
Oil changes
Air filter
Cabin Filter
Front and rear diff fluid
Transfer case fluid etc. etc. etc.

So I would say no, it's not true. It breaks way more often than twice as much.

That said, I love the damn thing.

Oh yeah, I forgot one.

Transfer case acturator motor.

I just consider mine to be new now....

:)

Problems with X5
 

Bought my 01 X5 3.0 in 2010 with 94k miles on it, one owner always garaged, pretty flawles shape, all service records. In three years of ownership, had to replace, three window regulators, both front outer door handles, (inner drivers side is currently broken), alternator, MAF, rotors, pads, water pump, thermostat, two coils, battery, and now need a lower radiator hose coolant sensor, as my auxillary fan is spinning very fast at times, and even before engine reaches normal temp and with NO Ac on. Otherwise its been a good car, minus the money it takes to fill up. Not your average commuter car thats for sure. Im looking to sell it it anyone is interested. 147k miles, Black with beige leather.

If I read all the threads of problems X owners have had it I would never have purchased an X. I think the perspective to have is that this is not one owner with all the problems of threads combined, there are different years, different options, driven in different places and different ways, etc. My X is 2002, driven hard for 108,000mi. but very well cared for in all ways. I have had very few problems and if I ever sell this one I will buy another.

True or not, we don't care. we love our X5.