@ RickM5X3
please tell what is the non-return valve mod .

Sorry, it is when parts of your oil pump fall out of the oil filter when you change your oil and subsequently decline to fix it b/c it costs so much. Only funny to me I suppose . . .

http://www.xoutpost.com/bmw-sav-foru...ce-update.html

LOL to my own post. As I was typing this, my wife arrived home and reported that the service engine light is on again. Peake code 2796 - 'check at lower stop' I have no idea what this is but the reset function on the reader works well.:(

ya - kinda scary but me too. Most vehicles I move in 1-2 years. I have had the X5 for 1.5 years now and there is no such thought in my mind. I can see owning this one a long time.

Yep, keepers.

Okay, I want to chime in now. I am 1 more service visit to the dealership from calling my 2005 X5 3.0i a POS. I've always wanted an X5 because I thought I has classic, elegant look about it. And it's a BMW! A brand that is synonymous with quality. Well, I jumped in on the CPO 0.9% ARP a year ago. Here's their marketing ad for buying CPO:
[
Only the best pre-owned BMWs qualify for the Certified Pre-Owned BMW Vehicle Program. To be eligible for enrollment in the Certified Pre-Owned Vehicle Program, a late-model vehicle must be in service for at least six months or have more than 6,000 miles but less than 60,000 miles on the odometer. They must pass an extensive examination - a thorough and rigorous inspection by BMW factory-trained technicians. They inspect the vehicle for safety, performance and wear. If something is not right, it is fixed. If it cannot be fixed, the car cannot become a Certified Pre-Owned BMW.

In short, we're picky. But when you see everything covered under our Protection Plan, you'll understand why.

Ask to see the Certified Pre-Owned Inspection Checklist. It is your assurance of the quality, reliability and overall pleasure BMW owners have come to expect.
]

Here's what I had the previledge of owning such a prestigious vehicle:

1. Water Pump - CPO covered. $50 deductible.

2. Brakes - Maintenance plan covered. $50 deductible.

3. AM weak frequency - 2 visits. "Working" according to the tech each time. Still sucks.

4. New set of tires (from Discount Tires) - $1,100. Didn't noticed this until I had a blowout to find out that my factory tires are really old. My fault for not noticing before purchase. Looked new to me and the salesman said they were new also.

5. Alignment - $185. Had to be at the dealership since BMW alignment is very technical and precise.

6. Front suspension / Bushing - Quoted $2,500, but I rejected. Found a solution here on this board and will be DIY after my CPO expire.

7. A/C flush / rebuilt - Quoted $250. Rejected. DIY.

8. Front Lightbulbs - Went out twice. DIY.

9. Thermostat - $50 deductible.

10. And now - Battery - Quoted $450! For a freaking battery that I could get at Sears for $125. But no, this battery is BMW-certified and has to be installed at the dealership to be sure that the computer will accept it. The $450 was a slap in the face, but it wasn't as embarrassing as having to get my BMW x5 jumpstarted by a stranger in a parking lot with a KIA.

Apparently they missed a couple of items during the certification process of my X5. True some of these are maintenance items, but the CPO inspection should have caught them and rectify them before they become a headache for me. Aside from the money spent (this is on top of spending $3,000 more to get CPO and $1,500 for the Maintenance Extension), I've lost countless hours with the wait and shuttling back-in-forth from work. Man, I'm so freaky pissed right now....

Sounds like you need to spend some time with the senior people at the dealer about those tires and go to BMW NA if necessary. If they tires were no good they should not have passed inspection or CPO. Didn't that come up? When you buy new tires you typically do an alignment anyway. You didn't say how many miles are on the vehicle, how long you had it or if you have tried any other dealers.

Not sure why a a/c flush and rebuild was necessary, if the AC broke, isn't that covered under CPO?

When the water pump was covered under CPO didn't they look at the thermostat? Many times it just gets changed along with the radiator cap when a new pump is put on or fluid changed.

Find another dealer, I have two that provide free loaners for service work, if it is covered or it comes out of my pocket. Waiting for the bus or a ride wouldn't work.

Good luck. But doesn't sound like you have a real POS there to me. Just saying.

Sounds like you should spring for the Kia next time. That way you'll experience it all over again!

P.S. - every thing you listed.. happens to every car. You drive it, you add up miles, the clock ticks away. Stuff breaks and weathers. Get used to it, its called owning an automobile. Brakes, tires, lightbulbs?!?! seriously? wow..

I know right? I mean, I can't believe I had to replace the wipers on my wife's Mazda - what, considering I must have done that like 2 years ago.... Jeez.

BMW = breaks most weeks .