300,000 miles...I made it!
 

Hey Guys,

Just wanted to give you guys some hope. Last night I was driving home from the airport and I hit 300,000 miles. I am still on the original transmission, front and rear diffs, transfer case, motor, & drive line. My repairs have pretty much just normal maintenance and thanks to this website I have been able to take care of most of my repairs. Thank you for all your help.

I guess I will continue to drive into the 300,000s... I told my wife once I hit 300,000 I will buy another car, but I will keep my X because she just works so well. I am thinking M5 or X6 50i.

Wow! That is awesome! :wow:

I'm still working on getting to 100k. :p:

I've been waiting for this post!! Congrats!

Congrats to you and your X, Wally! :thumbup:

:bow:

GL, mD

Wow! That's great. Hoping mine goes the same distance

Nice one! Clearly a good owner, keeping that thing maintained.

It's been a lot of fun getting to this point. Most of my friends can't believe that the X still runs because of my driving style, but a BMW mechanic told me they engineer these cars to perform and that is the way they should be driven. So that is how I drive mine. I am really amazed that the transmission is holding up for so long. I have never changed the filter or dropped the pan. Once I just drained the fluid and then put in new which really only kinda freshen ups of the old fluid. Funny thing is that I still get a lot of compliments on how nice the X looks, then I tell people it's 9 years old and almost 300,000 and they can't believe it. But for now I will just keep forging ahead.... I am kinda thinking, can it do 400,000? We will see.

nice, congrats

Unbelievable!!!

Wow that's great . Obviously the forum is here to help others, so posts are going to be mainly about problems, but I was beginning to wonder why I bought it even though it looks and drives like a dream.

There is still hope !

That's half a million of kilometers... wow!!! you really make us feel confident, especially us, the 3.0 guys :thumbup:

btw mine is 2001 sport as well :D but still with 104K miles

anyway, tomorrow i'm going to my mechanic: i have an oil leak :D

Unbelievable, wow nice job X. Keep taking care of the X, and he will do the same

Wow!

That is truly awesome! I hope to get to 200K, yet to hit 100K, but no problems with anything (knocking on wood) and love the X!

Congrats! :thumbup:

WOW !!! 480.000 km. Very welldone. Makes me hope :)
Main problem here in Austria is that they salt the roads very heavy over the winter.
This might kill her before mechanical problems come up.

Take care!

Very awesome!

Although it would not apply to me, I am curious to the results of a cylinder compression check.

Keep on truckin!

Congrats - pretty big milestone for sure.

I'd love to know how its still on its original transmission. After having owned many BMWs and now needing a car that can tow I have been considering an early X5. The only thing that worries me is that most seem to need transmissions in the 80-120k mile range which would mean almost any that fit into my budget would be susceptible.

When did you do the partial trans service? Is your driving mostly long highway trips? Congrats and thanks!

I did the partial trans flush at around 188,000 miles. My driving is a split between highway and city. I drive around 100-300 miles per business day. Sometimes its all day in Seattle and other days out on Whidbey Island, or Vancouver BC. Its kinda all over the place. I consider my self very fortunate with this transmission. I can say one thing, when I drive my X I make it give all its got! After all it's only a 3.0 and I really wish it was a 4.8.

congrats
 

congrats i am happy for you and amazed....i didnt think an x would last that long especially with all original equipment...i cant see my 2005 4.4 lasting that long...again keep on truckin

Congrats; you continue to be an inspiration for my high mileage goals. You also support my theory that these cars (and maybe all cars) are made to be driven and that generally less problems pop up when they are regulary exercised!

awesome! congrats wally! Could you post up a picture of the outside of the X? I always see your list of mods, curious to see how great she looks!

Congrats! We're at 105K miles, only 1/3 of the way to your mileage (same tranny and fluid) and we thought we were doing well - that's awesome! Keep us posted! :thumbup:

congrats! hope to go that far too..

Cause for celebration
 

Wow unbelievable... we have a 4.4 with 106k running the same trans fluid... I've been debating doing the fluid changed but been also worried about all the talk about the trans failing afterwards. Now that i know you changed yours at 188k, I don't feel so bad changing it at 106k. Thanks for sharing the good news and here's to another 300! If you have some pics to share that would be great.

Or to put it another way: you have already gone to the Moon, camped out, and are now 1/4 of the way back! While most us are not even half-way there....

WOAH. Very cool way to describe that distance.

- J

Hey thanks guys. Here are some pics. Lasting this long is a double edge sword because I really want something faster now but I am also curious how long the X will keep running. It's fun telling people how many miles I have on it.

wow, it looks great!

I'm amazed by the fact that your orig. transmission is still going. I have considered a simple drain and fill, and you've got me leaning towards doing it again.

Thanks for giving us hope! Though I know your 3.0 is likely more reliable than my 4.4!

Which fluid did you use?

I used Royal Purple. I'm not sure if it is compatible with you transmission.

Amazing...both you for driving ~34k/year and the X for never leaving you stranded!

This whole transmission thing has me wondering, too, since I have 183k on the original trans in my 2002 4.6. Every now and then I think it's starting to "feel funny", but then again it's my only true automatic so I don't know what else it's supposed to feel like. I'm thinking about the fluid change, but know that complete replacement of fluid on an older unit WILL cause problems because it is too clean and there is nothing left behind to "fill the gaps" between the (now worn) gears. Sounds like you have cracked the code to just refresh the fluid, but not a complete changeout.

Without dropping the pan and having to replace gaskets and filters, too, how do you change the fluid such that there is still just enough "gunk" left behind?

I don't really agree with your transmission fluid analysis.

It is not a given that a fluid replacement will cause a problem. It may do so. There are lots of examples of a fluid change causing a problem, but lots is a relative term. There are more examples of a fluid change not causing a problem. The real issue is whether there is any benefit to changing it other than the feel-good factor.

Any transmission fluid change (other than a power flush) is only going to change 50% or so of the fluid, because you can't drain the torque converter. The old fluid doesn't fill the gaps due to its thicker consistency, it is more that the new fluid contains fresh quantities of detergents that can loosen the deposits built up over time inside the transmission, allowing them to shift from where they were doing no harm, to somewhere that they do cause harm, like a valve body, with many small passages, or an actuator or solenoid.

Common wisdom is, if you are going to change it, to change it early and regularly so that there is no buildup inside the transmission. Also, common wisdom is to change the filter every time you change the fluid. Finally, common wisdom says to use approved fluids that meet the original spec. I agree with all of the above. However, wallyx5 didn't do any of the above, but had great results nonetheless. My point is that I don't think fluid has much to do with transmission failures, whether it is changed or not (unless you use a bad fluid that in and of itself causes a problem)

People are paranoid about X5 transmissions, and worry endlessly about them, but look at a few facts:

• Different models of X5 have either GM or ZF transmissions, and either 5 or 6 speeds (different models). Yet all have similar transmission issues. Why would all versions have problems if there was a weakness in the transmission design? Wouldn't one be better or worse? I suggest that it isn't due to the design.
• Some run for a very long time. That demonstrates that they are capable of running for a long time, without wearing out. I think this one is the longest on here, but there are others at high mileages as well.
• Transmissions have reported to have failed for a wide variety of reasons. It is because something broke in them more often than not. Breaking is not the same as wearing out. They are entirely different failure modes. Breaking can be a weakness in the metal; a failed solenoid, sensor, or controller; a failed actuator; failed wiring harness; or a software problem. Transmission used to fail years ago because the clutch plates were worn out, for example. Too much friction and heat. These aren't failing like that, they are simply breaking randomly, in many different ways, at a wide variety of mileages from 10,000 on up. There isn't a common failure time or mileage from the reports on here, they are spread all over.
• Given the above, it doesn't appear that there is much to be done to change the results of the transmission lottery. You can't change something which is random. It may fail. It may not. Abusing the transmission will speed it up, but not much else seems to matter.

If you want to change the transmission fluid, you should. If you don't want to, that is fine as well. There are arguments both ways. However, wallyx5's great results with his X5 have resulted in three posts about his transmission fluid practices. I think they are entirely irrelevant. He has shown that driven properly, the vehicle can run a long time, and that is great news. I just don't think it results in transmission fluid change recommendations.

I hadn't congratulated you yet, and wanted to. It is terrific to see that these vehicles can perform in the way they were designed for. I think your driving style (somewhat aggressive as you describe it) doesn't hurt, and that there is some truth to the thinking of driving these vehicles as they are meant to be driven. I also suspect you don't go so far as to abuse it, and there is a difference between aggressive and abusive.

I also think that your high mileage suggest you don't do a lot of short trips, that you get it hot regularly if not every day. That is critical IMO.

Congratulations again.

Congratulations! May you reach another 100,000 mi

congrats - that is some serious mileage. I'm just barely 1/3 of the way there myself. There are reports of several E38's with 200K+ and I recall seeing a few up over 300K, many on the original transmission as well. So it can happen, although it doesn't always work out that way either - my buddy lost his trans at 130K miles or so, but rebuilt it and is now going on 190K in his E38. Since E38 is basically the same generation and drivetrain as the V8 E53.

:iagree: It's really a lottery and you just have to wait and see. If you do decide to change the fluid and filter I would recommend the OEM fluid, and do it earlier on. Like I did on my Mercedes, with 40,000 miles. I just went with the partial fluid change and Royal Purple fluid because it gave me some piece of mind. But at that point of 188,00 it did not experience any problems that prompted me to do it. I just felt like doing something.

wow thats great

i think its the high miles per day that does it, i think its another case of use it or loose it.

i do about 100 / 150 km per day and have not had car troubles in years

i have done 20,000 km in 7 months in my new to me X5 3.0d and i love it

after browsing here for a few months however ive started to worry.

so its good to see high mileage stories

I just got to thinking, I'm sure the Honda/Toyota people out there would chuckle at all this, as this is not such a rare thing for them. I guess I am one of them, since I have a Land Cruiser in my stable.

I love my BMW's though!


Any super high mileage V8's out there?

congrats! did you get an alignment after you installed your wheel spacers?

Chad ..... Congrats to you and your X.:thumbup: I'm -100k of your....

Funny that you say that, I've got a little 1990 POS S10 Blazer that I drive around in the winter (I've got plenty of snow here now, just got new tires yesterday) that has 270k...I want to see how long it goes till it dies as well. I also agree that driving it hard is the way to go...103k on the X, 136k on the 7 and 198k on the M5...all driven hard, just as they should be. Congrats on hitting 300k, I'm sure 400k is right around the corner :thumbup:

If you ever get really bored, you should write down a parts/maintenance list of everything you've done over the years, just for the fun of it.

I was thinking about that. Maybe I will get around to it this weekend. But I will do it.

Whoa:wow:...I did not intend my post to be considered an analysis, so appreciate your thorough response :thumbup:. I've been worried about when I might hit the transmission lottery since I bought the vehicle with 148k, and at 183k I'm just looking for the silver bullet ;) that will save me from getting stranded in a remote area where I do much of my long distance driving .

If I'd owned the vehicle since new, I could have influenced the maintenance shedule as suggested, but at this point I guess I'll stick with the ol' "if it ain't broke, don't fix it" approach and hope I don't hit the lottery.

I didn't want to pick on you, you were just the 4th poster on this thread to bring up the transmission fluid change issue. I was really addressing all four posts. :thumbup:

congrats wallyX5 on hitting 300k miles. Awesome!

:thumbup:Thats one great achievement. Congrats on 300K.

WOW! I'm speechless really...we both have 3.0's and I'm hitting 100k miles in a month so I'm hoping to reach 300k as well. I even joke around with my wife saying that I will hand over my X to my 4 year old son when it's time for him to drive. We will see if that happens.

From your pic, I can't believe that even your cluster looks brand new and dust free. You sure take good care of your X!

Congrats! 300k is awesome milestone to achieve. I too believe that driving longer distances every day keeps problems away. In almost all of my cars, the problems have started when they were not being used a lot. Every car that I have driven a lot has had less problems in its life time.

Holy cow, congrats!! I just got my first BMW ('11 X5 35i) and am at just over 300 miles ... hope to make it as long as you!!

Damn, I just can't seem to catch up!! :D

Congrats!!

Outstanding Wally! I have been hoping to see a post like this one.
MIne is a 2000 X5 4.4i. Lucky to get it in great shape with all Dealer/Warrantee maintenance by-the-book. Been doing the 100K mainteneance in affordable chunks.

I did just change the trans oil & filter - getting some quirkiness when the fluid is cold, less when its warm. I have owned & operated many automatic transmissions over the years. Never had one be so fussy about a fresh dose of premium grade fluid :dunno: ($15/quart) & a nice new filter. So, thought I would search for Transmission posts to see what is out there.

I too have benefitted greatly from this site; so went "Premier" this year to say thanks to Webmasters & Moderators who manage this great resource.

Best to you Walley...:thumbup:

Skidmark X5

ARE YOU A SORCERER OR SOME SHYT? IM AT 86K AND HAVE WAY TOO MANY PROBLEMS IN MY OPINION.CAN YOU TOSS ME SOME OF THAT MAGIC?yes the caps were necessary

i have the same X5 but its an 02.same color and rims though.since u have 300k of experience can you list of problems,fixes, and mods?

BMW World - M54 Engine

The M54 is the most reliable BMW engine ever built. Here's why:

• The camshaft chain drive and the V-belt drive are maintenance-free and designed for the life of the engine.
• Valve clearances are kept consistent throughout the entire running life of the engine by a self-adjusting hydraulic valve clearance mechanism. There is no need to adjust valve clearances, ever.
• There is no need to reset the clutch since it is self-adjusting.
• The air filters and spark plugs only have to be replaced after 100,000 km or 62,000 miles.
• The oil in the transmission and final drive is a lifetime filling not requiring any replacement.
• There is no need for any particular running-in service.
• The BMW Service Interval Indicator informs the driver of the remaining distance until the next oil change. You no longer have to change the oil after a fixed, rigid mileage.
• The engine is able to adjust automatically to all fuel grades between 87 and 98 octane.
• Anti-knock control automatically adjusts the engine's running conditions to the respective fuel grade and quality.
• Please note that the engine's maximum output is only achieved when running on 98 octane premium fuel.

Bet that might be some new info for some people, definitely was for me

if you believe that you will believe anything .

Wally - I missed this when you posted in November...Belated Congratz!!!

Rich:thumbup:

Thanks Rich,

I am getting the transmission rebuilt and then we will keep running, but she will get to rest a little bit more now. I was waiting for the transmission to die before I could go get the car I really wanted....the mighty M5. I went and test drove two last week and I have been infected. I am planning on picking up a 08 on Monday if all goes well. I am going to keep the X and use her as a detox treatment for Horsepower addiction.

Congrats Wally. Good luck with the M. Hope it is as good to you as the X.

Wally, is the new vehicle going to get the same use as the X5 did? If so, that is a lot of fuel, and a lot of fuel stops. Pretty limited range. I got very close to an 08 M5, but went with the 535 instead due to the fuel consumption and range issues. Good luck whatever you get!

Congratulation Wallyx5, on your milestone, can you please list some of the preventive maintanace on the x drive, diferentials, water pump, I have a 2006 with 72,000 miles, i;m dabating on changing the oils on the difertian and transmision, than you.

Mine does not have idrive, the 2001 did not have that option yet. I didn't do much to the fluids. I drian and re-filled the differential around 220,000 and drained and re-filled the transmission with new fluid, but I did not change the filter. It's up to you if you bought the 06 new and put the 72,000 miles on your self and you plan of keep the X for a long time then you may consider changing all the fluids and doing it on a regular maintenance schedule. But its really up to you.

Thank You

for the OP u said u drive urs like u stole it and made it to 300k???!!!.i drive mine like it cant go over 40mph with a 0-40time of 10 secs or something.nothing but problems but i insist on keeping just because its practically a vagina magnet.anywayz you really must of gotten lucky with your x5

nice wow

I am not sure if I got lucky or not, BMW builds amazing machines. I am stilling running and just passed the 309,000 and still driving her hard. She likes it and built to take it. The transmission finally died at 308,000 but I had it rebuilt and we are back at it. I want to see 400,000 out of the motor

Cost of rebuilt tranny?
 

I see that your tranny died at 308,000. What were the symptons. What did the rebuild entail and how much?
I'm at 255,000 and somewhat apprehensive that if the tranny goes I might just part it out.

My Indy pulled the tranny and I shipped it to a shop in Cali, Peter something I can't remember right now but they were excellent to work with. They rebuilt it and shipped it back for $ 2800.00. They offered a unlimited milage warranty for 2 years. My Indy charged $ 1000 or so. All in I spent around $ 3800. The X is now back on the road being abused and loving it.

transmission rebuilder
 

What is MZF Bayer-Transmissions Rebuilt San Francisco San Mateo