2001 BMW X5 Frustrations
 

Dear Forum-

Oh and before I begin my rant, let me say how much I appreciate all the great information and people on this forum. Without your support, I would have set fire to this ungrateful POS long ago. Then again, had I been intelligent in the first place, prior to purchasing this demon seed, I would have researched it’s known problems on xoutpost.com. Well, too late now.

I've pretty much had it with my wife's X5. Since I'm at my wits end with this machine, I thought I'd at least ask the forum members if they have had similar experiences and it would allow me to vent my anger at the same time:

We bought this 2001 X5 in May of 2007...

June 2007: Full Transmission Replacement for $7,000.
June 2007: Window Regulator repair $300
July 2007: Dead instrument display pixels created an unreadable situation $700.
September 2007: Both camshaft sensors, DIY
October 2007: Lower control arms, DIY
October 2007: Rear tail-light housings, solder blob fix, DIY
December 2007: Front outer CV boots
October 2008: Both front CV Half-Shafts, DIY
November 2008: Power Steering Hoses (currently dealing with to pass inspection in Virginia, not to mention…. A HOSE IS $130 or more???!!! Come on.)

Stuff I am currently facing yet can't address right now:

Two out of four door locks don't function, vacuum issue I guess... quoted at more than $250 per lock, maybe I can DIY as seen on this site
Mass Air Flow sensor is bad, tried cleaning with no success, found part on RockAuto.com for $300 or more for the part, definite DIY
Oxygen Sensors are surely gone as well (She gets around 15mpg average, four of them for $80+ per sensor) another DIY… thankfully.

I’m not looking for sympathy; actually, I’d probably feel better if everyone said… Oh yeah, I had to do the same thing on mine. I'd also feel better if BMW would send me a nice check for around $10,000 too.

My wife and I don’t make much money really; I just wanted her to have a nice car. I drive a 1977 International Scout II…. And as rusty as it is, I’d buy three more Scouts before I’d ever consider getting another X5. I love cars and consider myself an enthusiast that can put up with quite a few shortcomings of vehicles (I’ve had some corvettes, camaros, old trucks, etc.), but I think this is appalling quality/reliability for a major, luxury manufacturer.

Any advice, recommendation, or happy pill would be appreciated. Oh yeah, it’s nearly Chri$tmas too… that’s nice.

nearly 8 year old first model run X5...definitely not the most reliable choice for a daily driver, especially since it doesn't have a warranty. Trade it in and get something else.

Thanks... that's probably the only advice I really should be getting. It's sad though, I love the car and BMW's in general, but I guess we just can't afford this one anymore.

2001, X5, 96,000 miles... any ideas on what a dealer will laughably give me on trade in? I was hoping $10,000, considering I've fixed a lot of what's wrong.

German cars are expensive to own and maintain.

If you want less cost buy a Ford or a Jap car/truck.

Do a look on kbb.com. Keep in mind a dealer will probably give you less, but at least you'll have an idea.

Word to the wise, only by a BMW under warranty.

Every single item in your list is very common with exception of the power-steering hose (which isn't uncommon, we had one replaced too). High-pressure line hoses are expensive in any vehicle. The trans is the big item every X5 owner is afraid of, and you've got that out of the way along with a bunch of others. Imo, I would keep it since you're capable of diy and the trans will be fine for many more miles to come. You've pretty much replaced all the common stuff. It should be getting to be reliable now. Fwiw, you don't need to replace the O2 sensors after the cat. They don't do anything other than monitor that the cat is ok.

I feel your pain. I had to do a plethora of repairs to mine as well. ran me about 7k last year. I had a cracked valve cover and toasted oil serperator as well. I was at wits end with the car too. the damn thing was in the shop every other week with all kinds of problems for the first half of the year. I had a few items on your list to fix as well. The best thing I can tell you is this, once the repairs are made you will calm down. I was about ready to toss the thing and when it came decision time, I couldn't let her go. When the thing is running good and repairs are made the X is too good of a drive to get rid of and downgrade to another lesser vehicle. I feel your pain trust me. Just think on it. Don't make any snap decisions on getting rid of her. If you come to the same conclusion after a prolonged period of time, then it may be time to get rid of it. But wait it out a little.

I have spent over $10K in repairs in the past year or so, plus had the X in the body shop for 2 months this year after a $12K repair from an accident (not my fault) - still can't believe the insurance company did not total it.

With that said, I still enjoy getting in it every morning and driving it for my 1+ hour commute. It still turns heads, even with 150K miles on it. It still takes off like a bat out of hell when I want it to. And man can it take a curve!!! And most of all - ITS ALMOST PAID FOR!!!!

Sounds like you got screwed on the tranny - I only paid $4200 for my rebuild with a 2-year unlimited mileage warranty.

Your decision - based on it being "the wife's car", I can see you wanting a more reliable vehicle for her.

First , sorry to hear about your troubles.

Second, if you have to put more than another grand into the car, I say cut your losses ... get another car.

Thanks for all the nice responses. I think my blood pressure has gone down to near normal levels, so I'm starting to think a bit more clear, along with all of your help.

My plan is to replace the MAF and if needed, just the two pre-cat O2 sensors (THANKS vinuneuro) and fix the power steering hoses. I should be able to do all that for under $1000 DIY and then sell it. I'm sure selling private party would yield more return, but Katie will probably not have the patience for a private party sell, and since it's her daily driver... I may have to take a beating at a dealer.

This is insane, but is there any interest here for a well used, but recently well cared for, 2001 X5 4.4i with 96,000 miles? Does $12,750 with the repairs seem reasonable? I probably just violated some forum rules too, sorry.

You could always get another X5 - the one that you describe above sounds to me like a LEMON

I think the X5 does not do well in states where the winters are bad. I have not had very much trouble with my Jan 2001 production X5. I have 95k and so far I have had

3 of the 4 window regulators
control arms and support arms
FSU
Steering rack replaced
All c/v boots replaced.

Several brake jobs but I don't count them.

I think that is a good record for a almost 9 year old SUV. I have had similar luck with every BMW I have owned. The difference is I live in very mild weather all year round.

Hell, you've fixed every single thing thats a major problem......keep it and drive it now, you'll get years of good service out of it with all you have done to it recently. You'd be a fool to let it go now with all you have spent on it. If you are happy with the appearance, style, and comfort......drive the chit out of it!

If you're going to sell it anyway, only change what's triggering the SES light. They're not going to check stuff like power steering leaks etc.

Well, I'm guessing the MAF is the only thing setting a code right now. I have one of those Actron Code Readers and it gives me, "Bank 1 Too Lean," which was thinking would be the MAF. I don't suppose anyone knows of a Voltmeter Resistance test I could do on the MAF to rule it out? Like a range of volts that means it's still serviceable?

Thanks and I'm thinking for Katie's next car, it will either be a Kia, a Hyundai, or a Subaru...

I'm keeping the International until the EPA rips it from my cold dead fingers.

I wouldn't want to pawn off the power steering issue to a private party though... I'd only stick that one on a Dealer.

Have a good one and not that it matters at this point, but I found some amusing reading in one of my first threads, haha:

http://www.xoutpost.com/x5-e53-forum/...s-package.html

Sorry for your troubles - I agree with the posts that suggest getting something else for your wife as a daily driver. Given the troubles already there is nothing to suggest it will be different going forward. Newer X's with fewer miles are going to be less expensive to own and more reliable.

If Kelly Blue Book shows that you can't get much for it and you can swing it maybe you can keep it, fix it as you can and get your wife something that is reliable and cheaper.

You get to have fun in the X when it's up and running again, you'd be driving it less and putting less wear on it and your wife can drive a reliable less expensive car/vehicle.

Again, sorry for your troubles, it's not fun I'm sure.

Check the forum here, you have covered the major issues. Buying this particular car was your issue. Seems like somebody unloaded it instead of maintaining it.

YOU however have done the the maintenance. Especially the 7g on the tran. You would be selling the car in MUCH better condition than you bought it. Knowledge of the true vehicle condition is priceless.

(door actuators, not vacuum, 195 per part)

I think you have WELL passed the the sell it option. It is a great car and one if the safest on the road. Since you are a capable DIY, it would seem foolish to sell now. Finish the few items and instead of immediately doing somebody else a favor, do yourself a favor and drive it.

IF problems persist, then your residual value will not have changed much and so you sell it then. But you have to find out, there's really isn't anything left to lose by keeping it.

I would sell, and then look into something newer that is CPO!!!

I must say you all scare the hell out of me.... I have a 2001 4.4i Sport just a few hundred miles short of 100k. Not my daily driver because I have my bike and a 94 740iL, but in the last 5 months I have put over 15K on the X alone. I have not had any major repairs with my X. I know I have to change one of my CV boots because while I was changing my oil I noticed that one of the boots was missing a clamp. So I ordered both front axels and will replace both as soon as they arrive. But So far my X has been a dream, same goe with my 740... I have 300K on it and still on the original trans, now I did change almost my entire front suspension on that car, but only because a few rods did not look good while I was under it changing the oil so I just did an overhaul on it to prevent damage to anything.

But I agree with the others that say, since you have made all the major repairs, now you should start enjoying your X.... Just pray I dont get hit with all these problems at once

Duke i've done most of the repairs you have DYIs except replacing tranny, but I replaced engine...I have the car paid off...but If i sell it know I would loose even more...so for me its all about maintaining it as long as i can at this point...

:iagree: my 01 with 151k miles and some one want to buy mine forr $15k but i dont want to sell it, because i done fixed every single thing on mine and i'm gonna drive it untill it die and to see how good the BMW really is.

I am in the very same position with out the transmission replacement. I am worried everytime I drive it now! I find it very sad when you put out a large amount of money for a "quality name brand vehicle like BMW" and then it nickle and dimes you to death! I am sure there are many quality cars that BMW make. But when a quality car is outfitted with every option available to man or women, what good is it when it lacks the most important thing of all (reliability) I have a 94 jeep Grand cherokee and far surpasses the bmw in reliability.

Dukediablo: Good luck with whatever way you choose to go! listen to your wife she knows best.

I think as well that warmer climates do not age cars as much (it's not just BMWs). I grew up in Chicago and cars don't last as long there. My 3.0 is a January 2001 production as well that I've had since new. I have 83K miles and only problems to date are:

2 of the 4 window regulators
CV boots
Front Control arms
Front bushings
Mass Air Flow sensor

I think it's also widely accepted that the 4.4 has a longer list of issues. The only major repair was the tranny the rest are hit and miss. I say find a good indy or try a DIY. I would say on a trade you would be lucky to get $10K with the work that has to be done. You could just take that and get a newer model since prices are so low right now.

On your poll you listed pimping yourself out for the extra cash---that is an option as well assuming that you don't look like Chris Farley in the Chippendale dancer skit from SNL. :bustingup

With all the money you've put into it, I say keep it! I agree with the member who said that you scared the hell out of him--I have the same year and model as you, also. Man these cars are awesome and nothing comes in comparison to the performance...but I understand where you are coming from. If it's an option, buy your wife a new car and you keep the X:thumbup:

The only thing with a vehicle that has all the options known to man is that there is THAT much more than any other vehicle that can go wrong. But it is all of those options, when working properly, that make it what it is!

I've had my 2001 X5 Sport since June, 2005

post-buy inspection replaced FSR, blown speakers, 1 slightly bent control arm, 2 hoses behind the engine, and a window regulator that failed on the trip back from picking it up, and I had the battery replaced

since then I've replaced the rear hatch lock/light assy, virtually all the exterior light bulbs, the windshield, 1 fuel sending unit, just did all 4 brakes/rotors at 93K, just replaced the Diamaris it came with at 91K, BMW replaced the instrument cluster for labor only ($115), BMW also fixed the taillight short, replaced the caution light/master door lock switch assy ($42), the coolant tank was replaced by previous owner, I also replaced the water pump/thermostat at 61K since it typically fails sometime between 60K to 80K miles (a couple less, a few last longer)..., 1 camshaft sensor also

the driver's door lock sticks occassionaly, door locks will sometimes freeze up in very cold conditions and not work untill frozen section warms up

I've never had to fix anything a second time, tranny still works great, mileage is 15-17mpg around town and 19-20mpg hwy, though I have gotten as high as 22.7mpg, I always ride as much as possible with the windows down to exercise the window regulators and it actually rides quieter, with less breeze with all the windows down (vs front windows only), I have not had to replace another window regulator in over 3.5yrs & 50,000 miles

for an 8yr old car (12/00 build date), it has no rust, rides great, and I love it. like I stated earlier, once I've had something fixed, it's stayed fixed. I can only hope yours does the same.

My first reaction was to sell it but considering all the work you have done I think keeping it might make more sense. Nothing stopping these cars from going 200,000 miles plus and you will not get much for it if you sell it.

I would have to say you should keep it as well. It sounds to me like you bought the car right around the mileage that all of that maintenance work needed to be done, so I'm not surprised by any of it. Aside from the transmission, which is a toss up.

If you now have a warranty on your transmission I'd drive it into the ground.

you will not get much for the X5...less than $10k..if you want to know what you will get KBB is a waste of time because the dealers don't use that. They use Galves because that will tell them what a specific vehicle went for at the dealer auction that week if not that day...they don't care what Edmunds or KBB says.

Personally my 3.0 is my wife's car and it hasn't been without issues, it's paid for and this summer I was told by a dealer they would give me $8k-$10k and the car had 88k on it with the sport pkg, cold weather pkg and the premium pkg.

Thanks for all the replies.

The Wife and I actually started looking around at some Dealers just for fun, since I managed to fix the "reported" leaking power steering lines and get an inspection.

We checked out quite a few SUV's from the Hyundai's, Kia's, Chevys, Jeeps, Toyota's, and Subaru's... but none of them really interested us that much. The new Cherokee was pretty nice looking but we haven't gone for a test drive.

One dealer offered me $11,000 which I was shocked at, but I guess happy. I'm still going to give Private Sale a try first and I may wait until the Spring now. That way I'll have enough time to fix the "Bank 1 Too Lean" issue and make sure it's ready for sale.

Thanks again for all the help and advice and yall have a good one. Oh and I got the X5 washed, waxed, and detailed yesterday and even the Wife said she is really going to miss it when it's gone. The warranty is up on the transmission in June 2009, so I'm guessing we'll want to find something else before that comes to pass.

I still wouldn't sell it. X5 transmission don't let go randomly, usually only when they have a lot of miles on them. Yours is basically new.

Well, from what I've gathered though, is that there was a design flaw, or production flaw in the early X5 ZF Transmissions... which I did have.

Now, this remanufactured one that BMW only warrantied for 2 years or 36k miles... do you think they fixed or updated the valve body on it? I read that the original had a valve body issue and that's why many of them went out at low mileages.

I have a 77 International Scout with a TorqueFlite 727 Transmission... and it has nearly 200,000 miles... and has never completely quit. I've had it rebuilt once. I realize this is merely a 3 speed, non-computer controlled setup... but my confidence in BMW transmissions is a little weak from my own, one experience.

Maybe we'll have a change of heart between now and June...

I traded mine in a couple months ago and got right at 13k trade in...2001 4.4 wth 83k miles...good luck!

I'm ready to get rid of my 01 X5 as well. It has 103k the motor clanks a lot and the tranny sometimes makes a thunking noise and has shifting issues on the freeway.

I'd dispose of it promptly. Problem is how ... who's gonna buy that car with all those probs.

I say keep it. You have got most of the known issues fixed and if you were selling it now you would get nothing for it. If it looks good and drives good keep it. My 2000 4.4 has 104k on it and I had my share of problems (3 windows regulator, water pump, water hoses, CV joints, control arms, steering rack, valve cover gaskets, etc...) fortunately all during the extended warranty period but none of what was replaced failed twice. I had owned it since almost new so I know what is good and what may fail and that is priceless in my opinion. As far as the transmission is concern it still works as new. I never changed the ATF and will never do until it dies. The X looks in very good shape and drive like new and has been trouble free for the last 14 months.