Reliability after 85K?
 

I am new to the forum and have 85K on an '01 3.0 automatic. Other than keeping up with the factory maintenance schedule, is there anything else I need to be doing to ensure reliability for several more years? Anything to watch out for? Thank you for your help.

:wavey::xoutpost::wavey:

Well I'm guessing it isn't a CPO so just make sure you keep up with scheduled service, like the 90K one.

BMW's are solid vehicles, for the most part, but when they break it costs $$$.

Watch the cooling system, thats going to the the system that takes you down if it fails, the engine will go to very high miles with little effort.

:iagree: good point, water pumps are hit and miss with Bimmers as well.

I would change the transmission oil at 100k

Welcome. Do some reading here. Some guys are in the 100-150,000 mile range. Enjoy.

Change the engine oil more often at winter...

Talking about water pump. Wonder what's the longest service life out there? Anyone out there has original H2O pump over or close to 100k miles?

72K miles for me on original H2O pump and still going strong! :thumbup:

Check the belts...esp the main serpintine

:wavey::xoutpost::wavey:

Wash your vehicle yourself instead of taking it to the carwash. Do an quick inspection in and around your truck and under the hood when you wash it. Check your tire pressures. Keep your oil and coolant levels filled at all times. Top the oil between service intervals. Use approved lubricants and fluids. Check your belts frequently. Do this religiously and you'll extend the life of your X5.

Hello everyone, I just joined and I have a high-mileage 2002 4.4.

Replace all the plastic parts in the cooling system and possibly the water pump. Then change your transmission fluid. You'll probably have many trouble-free years.

:xoutpost:

I've got 114k miles on my '01 3.0 automatic. Original water pump etc. Probably ought to change it....

No major problems yet!

Nice Spam, Punque...
DFD.

I have 109k on a '02 3.0. Check the C.V. boots today and often. R&R both axles will set you back @$1400 unless you can dyi. Voice of experience. Other than that it has been awesome.

125k for me 2001 x5 3.0. can anyone beat that ?
planning on changing it 150k. keep my fingers cross!:nanana:

I changed waterpump, radiator and front hoses right at 100k.

Typical maintenance needed on most BMW's of that mileage:

-Check to see if belts were changed, ie. a/c and serpentine, if not, change asap.

-Check for coolant leaks or adnormal behavior in temp. or overheating ie. check water pump, thermostat, thermostat housing, radiator, hoses, and especially fan clutch.

-Check to see if differential fluid has ever been replaced, if not replace asap. (this service is not part of Insp. 2, it is considered optional)

-Good time to replace the lifetime tranny fluid. original transmissions tend to go after 80-120k miles on original fluid.

-Check suspension system for play, clunking sounds, looseness... thrust arms (ball joint, thrust arm and bushing typically sold as one piece) tend to cause 60mph shimmy or vibration when braking at that mileage.. check or replace sway bar link, lower control arm, and further down the road, steering parts such as tie rods etc. if you're unlucky a steering box may need replacing..

I'm still undecided on this one. It generally makes sense to me to change the fluid. My dealer says "absolutely not". My BMW tuner says "absolutely". And I recall "The Cleaner" saying that he has seen failures after a transmission fluid change.

103k and getting a little worried...just replaced the h2o pump along with: a/c idler pulley, front and rear diff fluid, o2 sensor, fuel filter and transfer case fluid....runs and looks brand new

2001 3.0 bmw x5

95k miles So far 3 window REgulators.

Final Stage is dead too didn't fix yet.
besides that car drives excellent.

how long have you owned your car? i had to replace the fsr and a window regulator after a few weeks of ownership.

use the Stewart aftermarket water pump for the 3.0 - stainless steel vanes vs OEM plastic - your present water pump is one of the rare ones to last this long - personally, the risk of losing the engine if it fails scares me - did mine at 61k miles and will do it again at 120K (at 88k now) - but everybody has a different comfort level

Just replaced water pump at 106,000, other than that just normal items like brakes, belts and following the service schedule.

final stage resistor
 

i found the after-market final stage resistor on ebay for 50 bucks. i did the repair in about 30 mins. note...you do not have to remove the glove box to do this.