$150 sounds like a lot of money for a key... tell you what- send me $75 and I will send you one of my spare keys... o.k.?

Agreed. They are REALLY proud of their keys!

If you get a 2nd key, remember to use both keys as the battery inside them is recharged by use. The 2nd key I rec'd was never used by either of the 2 previous owners and would no longer unlock or lock the X5 by pressing the key buttons. I ended up buying a new key. A good dealer is rare, but can be found. Good luck with your X5.

As a '01 x5 owner, let me pass on what I've run into - my light bulbs started burning out between 50-53K miles - there are 2 ~25mm dia hoses in the back of the engine compartment that will need replacing if they have not already (if they are soft, flexible, and feel thin) - the water pump (& thermostat) will need to be replaced sometime between 65-85K (call this prevent maintenance - plastic impeller does not last) - You really ought to have someone go over your X5 to find what shape it really is in - despite dealer horror stories, it is still less expense to fix it in the shop than out on the road.

Do you have the maintenance records for your X5? Does it still have the original battery? If so, I'd suggest replacing it with winter around the corner.(it's 5+ yrs old by now) If you don't have records, then ask the previous owner what he's had done and where (maybe you can get copies from the dealer who did the work).

THIS website IS the place to be to learn about your X5. Check out the articles and search thru the threads for any questions you may have because the questions have probably been asked. Again, best of luck and have fun

The dealer said $150 for a key, $410 for Inspection II, and $650 to replace the water pump. I get what the key is about,--some magic programed thing, but isn't that a little high for a water pump? And what is 400 dollars worth of inspection?

I would buy the water pump and take it to an indie shop for replacement, same goes for the insp II, that's what I would do.