Not sure if this is a huge problem
 

I have heard about the x5's catching electrical fire and recently for probably a month now iv had random burnt smells in my car. Its not heavy but noticable, and it comes and goes. i am not exactly sure when it happens but it just randomly smells like something was burnt. i thought it was another car outside so i would turn on the air circulation and seem to disappear, but me and my gf were driving down a road with no cars in front or around and we both smelled something that was burnt. i am not sure if this is a real big problem but i was hoping for any things to check for just incase anythign goes wrong.

Based from the article, it appears to be an electrical failure stemming from the fusebox. Also, all the fires had been spontaneous with no prior warning (i.e.: your burning smell). Lastly, I think these fires are exceptions to the rule because this can occur in any car model; however, the chance of a spontaneous fire that can envelope the entire car in a matter of seconds is quite rare.

Maybe you're just driving really hard? I've read many posts of "burning smells" after a car is pushed aggressively.

Wow scary, please update, i just bought a 2004 x5 3.0...

http://www.xoutpost.com/bmw-sav-foru...your-life.html

I don't think this is something to alarm yourself over... These seem like isolated incidents, and like I said before, this "problem" isn't specific to the X5 or BMW for that matter.

It will only become a massive issue if BMW becomes a threat to obama motors' sales. Since they don't compete in the same league (Toyota) I think BMW will be out of the government's cross-hairs :D. Just keep the car in good order, clean, and in a garage as much as possible. Leaves in the drains tend to clog things up and divert water to places it shouldn't go.

hmm, i would like to know which fuse went out now =/ everything works right now. but i guess i should test out my cig lighter because i have had to replace that fuse once. Whats a good way to test for which fuse went out btw?