X5 Shopping
 

I'm in the market for an E53 4.8L X5. I just test drove a nice one, 2004 with 75K miles. I have a question on a problem I noted. When I braked when on the highway over 65 mph, both front tires displayed a very bad shimmy, shaking the steering wheel almost violently. It is not noticable at lower speeds. But it is very, very evident braking above 65. I'm thinking it could be ball joints or rotors. Any ideas? BTW, any thoughts on buying one with 75K miles?

It could be brakes, but IMO it is more likely to be something loose in the suspension, set off by braking. First thing to check would be the control arm bushings. Lots of posts on this topic if you do a search.

Thanks. Did a search and there is definitely valuable info on the subject. Could be something minor. They'll let me take it to my mechanic, so I'll get a definite answer then.

Do yourself a favor and forget the X5 unless you're prepared to fix something every other week at an extremely high cost.

Hey:stickpoke,your bad experience doesn't necessarily apply to everyone else ;)

:iagree:

My X has been reliable and cheap to run. It's never been near the dealer except for regular services.

:iagree:

Cut me some slack guys! I just got royally screwed! However, in my research now I do read over and over about X5's constantly needing repairs, always costly, not reliable. I guess you're prone to hearing the horror stories before the good ones, but it's a pretty expensive product so you'd expect it to be solid.
God I miss my benz...

I enjoy driving Eleanor but of the Bimmers I have owned this one has been the challenging one.
Window regulators (three out off four door)
Almost entire cooling system
Oil pan or valley pan gasket
This isnt all but things I think went prematurely. My daily is a 97 4runner w/ no issue's or leaks and it has 221k miles

I may be going down the toyota road. :(