I've put my plans on hold for now. This forum sure doesn't make X5 ownership seem like a positive experience! I'd like to think part of the issue is that the owners with negative experiences are the ones who are the vocal majority and there are thousands of happy X5 owners out there who've never had a complete transmission or cooling system failure.

Ultimately, I want a vehicle that can carry 4 adults, tow 5000lbs and will be reliable for long highway trips - but I do not want a full size truck. I'm not in any rush to get one so I'll keep searching. In the meantime, thank you all for your help.

it is sad that you go, but to be honest, the most important thing is, making an informed decision... If you noticed, the X5 is called SAV, as there is not much of a Utility in it... as a matter of fact, i have heard that E39 station wagon (universal touring) has more utility than the X. of coursr it will do fine, towing upto 6000 lbs with proper equipment, it will haul 4 adults with comfort, but it is still a sports car (on growth hormones... lol) you would not expect this utility from a Corvette - and the beast you were looking at, the 4.6iS is a capable contender to the Corvette...
still plenty of time to research...

The X5 has enough utility for me, as long as it is properly equipped to tow the 6000lbs that BMW says it can and doesn't cost $3000 in annual maintenance. If I bought this 4.6is, I'd likely use the existing Reese hitch receiver to tow my 1300lbs tent trailer but upgrade to the OEM hitch before I get a larger trailer. I loved the power, ride and handling of the 4.6is. Driving this SAV was a revelation...more in line with my current daily driver 2005 Mustang GT than the FWD sedan/minivan based SUV's out there.

You probably know this already....

WHEN the trans goes, $3k minimum. If and when the motor goes, $6k+. Almost any small suspension job (with labor) will be $1k+. Tires are $1k-$2k. It's important to buy a truck that is extremely solid as these numbers add up quick. There is nothing more expensive than a cheap BMW.

Do you do your own work?

Hope we haven't soured you on the X5 but what you asked for above is not what I would consider a high mileage 9 year old BMW to be.

towing is such a tip toed around subject around here I would take it with a grain of salt...

In General Take all forum topics with a grain of salt. If you bought a full size truck (1500) you may have to rebuild the tranny at some point, 50k? 100k? 200k? There is no real way to tell. No need to hide with your head in the sand.

Towing 5000lbs will not be great on the transmission but just be smart. I would use the steptronic and leave it in a gear where it can use decent torque and not be slipping between gears. Downshift before the hill not during, and don't hot rod.

I wouldn't cry over using the Reese mount either. Tongue weight is what is going to matter in this application, just keep the tongue weight down (easy to do) and it will pull it.

Worst case scenario buy a warranty, or simply save up for the transmission, Say $3000, put away 250 per month and after a year you are fine. This really isnt the end of the world people

You have some bargaining with the PPI tell them 13k, and buy a warranty or 14.5 and they include it. If it sells it sells but if your worried about the Tranny dont walk out of there still worried walk out of there care free, why else did you just drop 14k? my $.02

It's funny. There I am looking for a thread on replacing the Nav system with Non-OEM kit and I tumble on to this one…I thought the salesman was pulling my chain about someone else interested in it…..
I just bought it today. I was the guy that took it out to Otto's (great dealership btw, a refreshing change from MB that's for sure) last week for a PPI.
Anyway, will have her in the driveway tomorrow!

Congrats! Be sure to post a thread about it. Enjoy it.

congrats, pancho... read up on the forums, a lot of interesting info... welcome to the board

I have an '03 4.6is Dinan with 155k on it now. TC acts up in normal drive but in sport, it's been fine now for 15k miles. I got way spooked with all the forum talk and basically just quit reading. I drive mine everyday, I have the factory hitch and pull my 5000# Cobalt 252 boat with no problem - albeit not far. The 4.6is is nice because it's loaded. I've had one coolant hose fail ($400 installed) and a window regulator fail ($120). Otherwise, it's been great. Don't get discouraged. You will love pulling up to Denalis and MLs and waltzing away from them with ease. But, it's not a Corvette or a Mustang. It has it's place. Also, it's not a great 'offroad' vehicle. Keep her on asphalt.