Is it true that the X5 had about twice as many problems as the average vehicle?
 

What's your honest opinion???

http://ksl.stanford.edu/people/kpfle..._problems.html

MIne has been ok, but squeaky brakes definitly bother me but lately they only do it after it rains, but its a common issue, same thing on my last x5
I have had my fair share of rattles from the spare tire and rear tailgate, all fixed

I don't have any problems with my X5 06 4.4i.. she ride and handles tight and right....:thumbup:

So, no hesitation in the 06' 4.4?

noooooo not my X5.....

W56

I disagree....I had very few problems my my X5s. The AC on my '01 was a constant problem, they never did get it right. That was the only problem on my '01. '05 issues have been window regulators and a tweeter replaced. That's it..Oh, the tranny software upgrade.

My two Jeep Grand Cherokee Ltds ('96 & '99) were plagued with issues, as was my '92 Jimmy.

No, I've not experienced anywhere near as may problems as some have posted on this website - My '01 went thru 2 owners before I got it - other than 'mods' and upgrades, I've replaced 1 window regulator, battery, waterpump, and a bunch of bulbs - absolutely normal wear'n'tear - In the '06, I have to replace the passenger sun visor because it does not turn off the vanity light - it did not need the tranny software changed - At 61K miles, I figure the '01 will be ready for a brake job soon, but both X5s have given me normal or even less than normal problems, IMHO

I believe that the X5 build quality is not worse than average, it is simply average. On the X5, I have had more early-hour warranty work done than any of my last five vehicles. Two of those were also BMWs (see my sig). One of those vehicles was built in the same plant.

I think there are high owner expectations due to the price of the vehicle, but BMW spends the extra money on technology and design engineering, and not on building them, IMO.

The very long list of annoying problems one can find on this site would lead one to believe that the X5 is not a high quality vehicle, but it is the typical message forum reality that problems get reported more often than a lack of problems.

Although I don't think that the build quality is particularly good, my ownership experience overall is very good, due to the design, performance, and driving experience outweighing the build defects.

I must be lucky - I've had several late models BMWs and have had very few problems with any of them aside from known issues (540i radiator and water pump). I had a 318i that I kept through 150K, needing only 1 set of brakes at 80K. a clutch (replaced at 100K, mechanic said it really did not need replacement after he replaced it), a battery, a couple of bulbs, and a front passenger side window switch. That was it. Most reliable car I ever had, period. Other than condensation in my left headlamp, my X5 has been problem free in the 28K miles that I've driven it.

The string of chickens hung across my garage probably helps keep the car gremlins away.

List of problems I've had with my 04:
- wiring harness came loose on driver's door.
- tailgate self close sometimes activates right after opening (very infrequent).
- wiper blade on driver's side skips.

That's it!

Considering the number of functions and system on the X5 the failure rate is remarkably low. You have to consider that a basic econo-box vehicle with 10 functions of which 2 fail (20% failure rate) is likely worse built than a high end vehicle with 200 functions and 6 of them failing (3% failure rate). That's not even accounting for the severity of the failure. Many of the reported X5 problems, while annoying, are not related to drivability or safety.