Newbie... with questions on costly repairs
 

Hey all, :imnew:. Wife and I just purchased our first X5 a few months back and I'm just wondering what kind of costly repairs to look forward to?

Can you guys give me list of the most costly common problems specifically with E53 4.8is? Our warranty is going to be running out at the end of the year, and I'd like to know what kind of things to expect.

Any help would be greatly appreciated. :thumbup:

Here is a very recent thread, similar question, a couple pages of good, anecdotal responses...
http://www.xoutpost.com/bmw-sav-foru...s-repairs.html

And, a few pages of Threads, on similar topic...Search Tab is your friend.
GL, mD

Xoutpost.com - Search Results

The kinds of costly repairs you can look forward to are those repairs that you'll have to perform. While there are a few things which appear to have a higher rate of problems (window regulators come to mind) there is nothing to say they'll be problems for you. For example I have yet to replace a window regulator in any of my BMW's despite the fact they stand out as having higher than normal rate of failure.

I guess what I'm trying to say is don't worry about it and enjoy your new X5.

I would say anything suspension related is 'generally' the costliest repair bill. Typical things are front thrust rod/tension strut & bushings & ball joints. Rear ball joints & upper control arms. Wheel bearings.

Thanks guys, much appreciated.

Airstruts, intermediate levers...

^^ Thanks for the heads up. Much appreciated.

Window Regulators (I replaced 5 of them within 7 years), Oil Separator (Parts are cheap but labor will kill ya), Water Pump if your E53 has about 80K miles (I did it myself and it cost me less than $300 including A/C and driving belts, belt tensioner. Water Pump is not easy to take out due to space limited) and Lock Actuators (Replaced 4 of them to the front doors).

:iagree:
Though that depends on what you mean 'costly'. Do you intend to do the majority yourself, have an indy do it, or be ripped off royally by a stealer?

Personally after nearly 3 years' ownership of my 2001 4.4 with 100k miles, I have replaced the steering angle sensor myself (£40), then had to have it re-configured to the DSC (£90-indy, because of software etc), replaced both camshaft sensors myself (£120 for pair), renewed all of the front end suspension myself (approx. £150-£200), an indy did the rear subframe bushes for me as I kept getting rained off (£85 parts + £150 labour), I have just recently replaced the battery (£85) and a door carrier (£65). I shall be doing the inner tie rod (and tie rod ends while I'm there) for approx. £100, next week some time-weather permitting, then approx. £40 for alignment.

Doesn't look too bad. Until I remember that a couple of months ago I shelled out £1100 for the timing chain guides to be replaced. Although this is an engine strip, and labour intensive, my friend who has the indy garage did it for £500 labour and £500 parts, so I gave him £100 for a drink. Reason for the drink on top... BMW quoted me £3000 (24 hours labour) just to strip the engine before any parts. :wow:

BTW included in the parts was a new waterpump, belts etc, and all necessary gaskets/o-rings, and of course the plastic timing chain guides that had failed in the first place!

Hope this doesnt put you off. It hasn't put me off. This car is a beast-point and squirt, or a slow V8 rumble around town, he excels at both! And now he's been put right in all those areas I love the big fella even more! :thumbup:

The air suspension and bushings. Cooling system. Valve cover gaskets and upper timing case gaskets. Window regulators. CV boots up front. Those are a few.