Originally Posted by willgabriel (Post 702810)

Yes, I realize the transmission may last upwards of 200k+. Yet, the number of "failed transmission" in my X threads on here, and in general is HIGH compared to other SUV/SAV's. Certainly every vehicle has its weak areas, but the X5 has the transmission, cooling system, oil separator valve and hoses plus the window regulators, etc to monitor/be prepared to fix. That doesn't necessarily mean they are bad vehicles to own, and I certainly enjoy mine. But, at some point (around 100k miles), I think it is wise to ask the question: "Do I want to put another 4-5k in this vehicle (8-10k if the transmission goes) to hopefully get another 50-100k miles out of it, or do I need to get a newer X5 w/ warranty or a Toyota Land Cruiser, etc? My Master BMW mechanic suggests that I sell before 100k if I am not ready to invest the $ for repairs (and I have owned 540's, so I know some repairs go along with the territory).

Originally Posted by c4racer (Post 702709)

Or you could drive a Lexus and save yourself that expense.

Originally Posted by faz (Post 702896)

Do a search on RX300 transmission problems and you will see those are also prone to costly repairs in and around 100k miles. I came across this when I was looking into buying one a couple of years ago, and when the owner said 'the transmission has been changed too, so you don't have to worry about it!' ... I was like 'what???'... then went searching and never looked at RX again.

Acura TL's also had lots of transmission problems... engine too strong for the transmission to handle, or so they said.

Originally Posted by willgabriel (Post 702899)

Yeah, Lexus RX 300 (older model; newer 330 and 350 may be more reliable) could have problematic transmissions at 100k, but they are fairly major-maintenance free otherwise. Anyway, I'd say if you want performance-based AWD and can afford/have time to deal with the maintenance above 100k, get any X5. If you can't afford the maintenance, stick to X5's that have 50k or less miles (warranty). IF you want less road performance, but superior bad weather and off-road function with far superior build quality and reliability, get a Toyota Land Cruiser or 4Runner. NEVER get an Audi though ;).

Originally Posted by c4racer (Post 702924)

I dunno - my 05 Audi S4 has 83K miles and has been absolutely bullet-proof.

Originally Posted by willgabriel (Post 702925)

A little BMW/Audi competition humor. I do hear that Audi repairs (should a person ever need them), are much more expensive than BMW repairs.

Originally Posted by X5Sport (Post 704323)

Just got mine back - and I know I'm in the UK so not technically relevant proce wise for anywhere else, but UK Members may fin of use.

BMW To replace auto transmission - they DO NOT repair them: £6,700 inc labour and Tax. The box is £5,600 on it's own for a remanufactured unit NOT a new one!

ZF Specialist to repair: £2,000 including recovery of vehicle, remove, strip, rebuild, refit and road test - and VAT (sales tax).
Parts changed (less tax):
Torque converter - £240
Master Overhaul kit - £240
New Pump Assembly - £150
New filter Assembly - £30
Fluids - £70
Labour - 18 hours @ £60/hour - that's less than half a main dealer charge/hour

The failure was caused by a plastic part in the torque converter failing and getting into the oil pump which mashed it nicely and spread the bits throughout the rest of the box which did all the other (extensive) damage.