Thinking out loud: It'll stop when I sell it!
 

Please share your experience. When was the last time you said to yourself that it was enough. What made you decide to keep it and do you look back and regret that decision?


Here is my story.

February 28 2013 bought the 4.8 and it was in great condition. Really, the previous owner pampered it. It looked great , smelled great , engine bay was like if it came out of the dealer when new. No leaks , no funny noise....WOW!

A few weeks after and to this day:

-Air suspension leak (arnot replacement) ......1000$ + a few hundred labor.
-oil leak .......................1200$
-Actuator gear (DIY)........150$
-Angle sensor repro.........200$
-A few diagnostics ..........200$
-windshield washer pump (DIY)..50$ (if I remember corectly)
I'm not mentioning the normal stuff like break pads , oil , battery , tires, etc.

A few days ago coolant leak coming from the bleeder screw..... 7$ plus 20$ for coolant

Today the expansion tank failed..... I need it Monday morning so I'll have to order from dealer not sure how much they go for and I'll DIY....

Just about the same story for my wife's E70 but thats another story and lots of the repairs were done under warranty before it ended.... so basically you can almost say it caused us lots of trouble in the past year without counting 4 to 5k in repair.

So, today it's my "It'll stop when I sell it (them) " moment. A few weeks ago I announced that if the X failed again before spring , that would be it. Well it happened again. So before I sell it, I'd like to hear from the ones that have been in this situation before and what made them change their mind and did they regret keeping it...
On the positive side, In a few months I'll have a private garage to bring them in if they fail and do most of the work myself but is this enough to convince me.??????

Whats your story....

When you buy a 70K dollar used car for around 10 grand, you can expect to throw some money at it. :)

Every time I swear because of a new problem, that anger is erased when it's repaired and I go for a drive. No other SUV on the road drives like an X5. That alone is enough to keep me throwing bandages on her and patching her up.

How many miles on it? Did previous owner have all the maintenance and repair records?

Well gio here's my list after I bought in December 2011, within 18 months I did the following:

-Arnott front air struts (1300)
-New compressor (gently used 250)
-Belts and tensioners, fan clutch (500)
-Driveline fluids change (300)
-Brake and clutch flush (150)
-Front suspension control arms, thrust arms, ball joints, front sway bushings, rear sway links and bushings (800)
-New tires and staggered 168s (1800)......For what its worth I could have just gotten new tires on the stock 18's, but I sprung the extra few hundred to buy a set of 20s with the Toyos pre-mounted, much more worth it


That was year 1.

This past year I did the following:

-Tie rods and front wheel bearings (450)
-Oil filter canister lid (30)
-2 new PDC sensors (35)

My second year was basically not bad besides the wheel bearings issue, but now at 10 years old my CCV system is done. Just ordered 450 in parts to do the CCV, rebuild my DISA, refresh my PS reservoir and fluids, and should be good for a while.


Note that the previous owner did the expansion tank, thermostat, hoses, and coolant flush, as well as front and rear brake pads/rotors, and new height sensors/ EHCII module before I bought the X.


The first two years are the worst with a used car as you are catching up on maintenance and aged parts, but at this point I can't see myself saying "enough is enough" unless the motor blows. I'm on top of my maintenance and anything that fails is either from a random occurrence or me not paying attention to what I should be preventatively replacing or paying attention to.

It gets better man!

-J

QUOTED FOR TRUTH Brandon, well said. No other vehicle I'd rather own or drive than my E53. :thumbup::thumbup::thumbup:

Could be bad luck, could be fate, could be the car was a powder puff hiding a time bomb...
none of us can know.

I haven't spent that dough on our '01, that now has ~93k miles, over a 12 1/2 year time frame. Just luckier, I guess.

I have had a few used cars in my 50+ years of cars: some were dogs but fun 'learners', some were just damn dawgs. Haven't had used car in decades; they are often someone else's previous problem.

None of us can tell you what to do or understand your situ, but it may be time to throw in towel. An every couple three months repair, and costly at that, would not enamor me to keep the car(s).
GL, mD

It has 170K km (just over 100K miles) , Yes previous owner had the repair records. A few minor things done here and there and mostly tie-rods, bushing , very frequent oil changes etc.

I got mine in October of this year.

Valve cover gaskets
Trans was slamming from a rolling stop, trans service fixed this
Oil pan gasket
brakes at all four corners
CCV's
Fuel filter
Alternator bracket is leaking, not bad, but will be repaired when it gets warmer
Tail light problem, fixed free
Needs thrust arm bushings
Pano roof problems, just disabled the rear portion
Cold start/intermediate lever problems
Spark plugs (was misfiring at low RPM's when warmed up)
Self level suspension needs calibrating

But you know what, I wouldn't give this car up for anything. I absolutely love everything about it, even it's quirks and problems.

I could understand an owner getting frustrated if they can't do major repairs without a mechanic or can't afford to keep up with it. Luckily I have been a mechanic for just over 17 years so most repairs I can do on my own.

Sell it, buy another SUV and we will see you a few months later when you realize that no other SUV on the road compares when it comes to driving pleasure.

I have 110,000 miles on an X I bought new. At around 75,000 I made the decision I would keep mine and go through the mile range where more parts wear out. This is not unique to the X5--stuff just wears out after several years and thousands of miles.

At 100,000 miles I would have a very thorough inspection done to get a read on the state of repair of your vehicle and take a look at the 100,000 mile maintenance check list to see what BMW suggests be done. With that information you can make a more informed decision. While the previous owner took great care of the vehicle he may not have begun to replace the common wear items that at 100,000 miles are due or coming due soon.

From what I have read, I have had far fewer problems than most. I am very satisfied with cost of maintenance and repairs.

These are not my first BMW's and I love driving them. I've had many other suv's. Most of them are MUCH better in snow and off road and most of all MUCH more reliable. But I've said it many times , like you say , once you get back behind the wheel after a FIX , it's love again. ADDICTIONS are never a good thing.

Then why did you chose a BM Trouble U? Even though people like to make fun of FORD (Fix Or Repair Daily) my 93 Ford Ranger pickup truck has been one of my most reliable car/truck in the fleet. I put up with unreliability in the PORSCHE and Lotuses because they are TOYS and not really meant to be daily drivers, but this BMW has been one of the most unreliable vehicle I have ever own.

Besides new tires (sport package staggered 19's) and regular maintenance like lube, air and oil filters:

Trans oil cooler
Trans thermostat
Expansion tank
Expansion tank cap
Radiator
All coolant hoses
Alternator
A/C compressor
Alternator belt tensioner and pulley
A/C belt tensioner and pulley
Deflection pulley
All belts
Steering column coupler joint
Tie rod assemblies
Torsion strut bushings
Front outer axle boots
Rear hatch soft close mechanism
Tail lights
HID ballast
Front driver outer door carrier
Door weatherstrip clips

Oh, and cup holder tabs

Got the truck at 28t miles, now at 46t miles.

Now looking at:
Valve cover and spark plug hole gaskets
Front window regulators
Engine oil pan gasket
Coolant thermostat (starting to run a bit cool)
Radio LCD screen

All from the top of my head, I'm sure I fixed and need to fix more stuff on it lol!

I can ask you the same thing: why did you chose the X. And why keep up with it?

To answer your question , I have always been satisfied with all my other BM's especially my M3 with zero problems as surprising as it may sound.

I got my '03 4.4 in August. Almost immediately it needed an alternator, battery & outer CV boot. I did it as economically as possible for about a grand.

I did a bunch of PM, (hoses, expansion tank rotors & pads) etc for about another grand

I got until last Tuesday incident free and the door handle broke. 101 shipped from Beverly Hills BMW.

I love it & figure my choice is 800 a month X5M payment or put up with glitches from time to time.

Needed another tow vehicle that could carry the entire family. I use the pickup truck if it just me, but with the wife and kids I needed a larger vehicles. Wife doesn't drive stick so she wouldn't be able to drive any of the toys if we go to the lake with the boat or jetskis.

You still trust the most unreliable ( like you said) of your fleet as a family car?
Thats another major concern of ours ( wife, daughter and I ) , we are loosing trust in them ( both X's).

Never said I trusted the BM Trouble U. That's why I have a AAA membership. The truck and all the other toys are just use for pleasure. Neither the wife nor I need a car to get to work. Once the weather is warm enough I will be back on my fleet of road bikes.

Can't wait for spring to take the KTM bike out and park this cage for a while. :thumbup:

I hear you Gio, most reliable vehicle in my house is my '11 Triumph Thunderbird

http://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/02/09/e7eraqa8.jpg

My simple logic

#1. I own the SUV ( no more monthly principal + interest payment)
#2. I know the market value of my SUV, it's cheaper to throw in parts for repairs & preventive maintenance than getting a new or pre- owned ( w/c in the near future you have to do maintenance)
#3. getting the car or a truck is just the beginning , maintenance cost is going to be a budget line item for years to come
#4. Please read, it's a personal decision, it's up to you . No one can influence you to keep up with maintenance.. It's your money your call ;) good luck!
Living Stingy: Will your car really go 300,000 miles? Probably not.

And ( check our BMW blogs)

Doug's Domain

Nice ride man :thumbup:


http://i575.photobucket.com/albums/s...b/IMG_1267.jpg

you should be lucky its not doing this ..... click to watch my 2002 jeep tj :(

20140207_133526_zpse9646d33.mp4 Video by bigmoe | Photobucket

i'd rather fix the X than drive a reliable highlander...on a side note,it gets boring when something doesn't break..sometimes I quite enjoy buying parts.

Thanks Gio, I LOVE your KTM! Nothin like Austrian goodness!

If I could I would so get an RC8R to add to my stable, such a gorgeous bike with such rider adjustability, love it!

The RC8R is a dream bike ....I'd have to sell my 690 Enduro R (the one in pic) and my 530 XCW ( full enduro ) to get that one lol.... Just beautiful.

Planning on buying one of these this summer.

http://domain.com.s180574.gridserver...7_racer_03.jpg


It's either the V7 racer, or a Triumph Thruxton.

When I spoke about wanting to ride my road bikes I meant these. LOL

https://fbcdn-sphotos-d-a.akamaihd.n...85978339_n.jpg

Oh... In that case here is mine.

https://scontent-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hpho...82349412_n.jpg


Me and My daughter race BMX. I've been doing it since I was 13, I'm 38 now. She just started last year at 5.

Here she is on her new, custom built race bike on xmas morning.

https://scontent-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hpho...24282431_n.jpg

:rofl:

Now stop joking around and show us your real "road" bikes.

lol

I got very close to selling mine that i purchased in june 2013. I always say it has a 5 week grace period. Initially, I was going to trade it in for a brand new 320i with 6 speed. My reasoning was that the car will be new, with a stick shift, while i stay in the bmw family; but after looking at the 3 series and reading up on some of the problems with the new car, I decided to deal with the evil I have. I also think this truck is a more substantial vehicle than the 3 series. Bigger, more room, more unique..simple a world class.

since purchased:

both front axle boot
alternator
both front arnott bags
compressor repair kit
rear rotor and pads
power steering fluid holder
rear tail bulbs
outside door handle carrier.. driver
two oil change
replace steering wheel black plastic
replace bmw hood roundel
new wiper blade
many bottles of windshied washer fluid
wheel alignment an balancing

Great comments guys and it makes me realize we are all having just about the same problems and thats the price to pay for owning an "exotic" car (yes I now put mine in the exotic category lol ) .

I've come to accept that it's just how this model is. Now I've also understood (while sleeping on the sell or keep question) that the problem is my setup. Because I have nowhere indoors to work on the X , I had to send it away to fix at dealer most of the time while I was focusing on how I could have done it myself. Well I'll try something different. In a few weeks , I will have an indoor space (garage) that will be available for me that I take back from a tenant and I will set it up as my repair headquarters with all my tools there. Whenever one of my suv's fail , CAA will bring it there if I consider it's a DIY job. I'll have my X-Terra as a backup and take whatever time I need to order parts ( part of the fun like Four.8is said) and fix the X's.

That's the spirit!

My driver door has been apart since Thursday waiting for the handle carrier.

Hopefully FedEx comes early in the morning as they usually do so I can put it back together.

I live in an apartment complex building so I dont have any place to easily work on the truck. Only a paid parking spot and we are not supposed to do any mechanic work in the parking lot.....and I agree with the policy. However, I took the chance and replaced my alternator....this took a very long time due to the fact that i couldnt get the new one back in. It goes back in the location in a unique way and plus its way down low in the engine. I replaced my door handle carrier in the parking lot, as we as doing one oil change. I also installed my aux jack input in the parking lot.

But when I changed my rear brakes, I went to this location where traffic isnt that busy and is somewhat quiet and replaced them. For the Arnott front bags, I paid to install those, including the axle boot.

I am going to replace the rear bags and im going to do it myself. I may take the chance and doing in my paid parking lot that im not supposed to do any work or bring the truck and do it at my secret location because it seems like a pretty easy job compared to the front.

When I purchase this vehicle, I knew it will eventually need work and I knew it wouldnt be difficult to do certain things. I was hoping with such low miles I would buy myself some times while I get a house, but 5 weeks in the alternator went kaput.

Honestly. i love the truck. Everytime I park it and walk away, I look back at it as if im looking back at a sexy chic that walked by.Hearing that V8 growl, hooking up my Ipod, the space to carry things. Hell i tied down a mattress on the top recently. I love the truck so I am working with it for now.

One of the things that ease my mind right now is the fact that its under after market warranty that will cover engine and transmission type of mishap. So I am hoping that if or when I develop the valve seal issue or valley pan issue or transmission issue, it will be under warranty to cover those cost.....so right now im cool with the truck.

Once the warranty is up, i am not sure how comfortable i will feel. The volts fluctuate 13.6 and back up to 14.0, and you can kinda feel that something isnt right....or its my mind. Again, I will change the rear bags to have a "fresh" air ride system...

I must be extremely lucky. My X has not been high maintenance. Never had a Lotus but have had 2 Porsches and both of the them were also very reliable.

The X5 I currently drive has been in my family since new, back in 12/02. It has gone from my mother's car, to me, to my father, to the spare car. I'm using it in college this year since my 318 is broken. It's been a trooper so far, but I know I'm never going to bring a nice car to college ever again.

A small list of things that need work:

1. Coolant flush
2. Brake fluid flush
3. Caliper rebuild
4. alignment
5. subframe bushings
6. rear suspension arms/ball joints
7. shocks and struts
8. front ball joints/bushings

The freezing weather also hasn't been kind to it. I've had a door latch jam in the unlatched position, so I couldn't shut the doors. The windows have also been frozen up a few times now. Add that to me still wanting to fix up and make my retrofitted headlights better, there is quite a laundry list of things to do on it.

I've actually been searching up used car prices if something catastrophic happens to the X5 while in college. Just been looking for a good appliance car for cheap on the STL Craigslist just in case it's the end of the road for the X5 here. I need a way to make it back to NJ somehow...

This is a good thread giodog2000, I'm sure the replies are pretty much how you thought they would be. Those that have dumped a ton of cash and countless man hours into keeping theirs running are fed up, while the fanboys think BMW can do no wrong. I think your problem is that you have two of the damn things, for gods sake man what were you thinking...lol!!:rofl::rofl:

:iagree:

:popcorn:

Disagree.

Several posted as did I that although we have had issues they were managed and not deal killers.

Every manufacturer makes a bad car.

Not trying to arm wrestle, but I re-read the 4 pages and didn't see any 'fan boi' posts...
Some of us have had the plethora of repairs, problems and glitches, and some of us have had very few. I am in the latter group, though the crap could hit the fan tomorrow.

Also in the latter/luckier group, there are dozens of posters here, (some very infrequent or currently absent), that have run hundreds of thousands of miles with remarkably few repairs.

These kind of thread almost always devolve into a few segments:
-my X sucks and it's costing me a fortune to repair monthly
-my X needs a lot of repairs, but I like doing them
-my X is the worst car ever built/owned
-my X has been basically problem free, other than normal maintenance and a few repairs.

The noise level increases by the month as more old, older and seemingly 'cream puff' used Xs find their way into 2nd, 3rd or 4th owners' hands.

Back at the What Should I Do Ranch, per the OP, if it were mine, it would be gonzo, regardless of how many BMWs I had/have, based on that litany of repairs, with potentially more to come. But that's just me...

Some people like used cars, some people like used fixer uppers...I love cars, but am not sanguine about used ones.

Everyone has their own bag, but Fan Bois are few here, in my years of reading and posting, other than raves over how a 2 1/2 suv handles and 'feels'.
GL, mD

Drugs??? :rofl::bustingup

Since you listed only two categories I choose the "fanboy" side even though it sounds like you are saying I am one tire short of a full set. I don't think BMW can do no wrong but my X has never been a money pit.

I am amazed that those in the fed up category still have a BMW and they are here advertising their mistake while still dumping cash and hours keeping it running. Even as a nutcase fanboy I would have cut my losses a long time ago. At least I am doing the same thing over and over and experiencing a more than satisfactory outcome.

FYI- I also have 2 BMWs and intend to have 3 at some point.

I have never been called a fan boi but we are selling a perfectly good & running 2004 CR-V 4 wheel drive because my Wife wants an e92.

I have owned my share of BMW's and while there have been issues with some, they are the same issues that 99% of other cars have. They are just a lot more expensive to fix if you can't find your way around a tool box or are afraid to get your hands dirty. Parts can be had for similar prices to any other car thanks to the internet, most jobs can be performed yourself as well thanks to the internet if you have any technical knowledge or can follow directions.

If you bought a 10 year old car, thinking it was going to drive for years without normal wear and tear items finding their way to the grave you should just buy a new car, with a warranty. Any used car is going to eventually need repair, if you can't fix the car yourself I'd suggest buying something that you can afford to pay a mechanic to repair for you.

It's a car that was 70 grand when new 10 years ago (or there abouts), they are worth around 10k now... there is a reason for that and that reason is maintenance costs if you are relying on a mechanic.

I like how this thread is going, Giodog, i picked up my X for a song, because it needed alot of work, (possibly bought from an owner who like you was tired of his X "thousand dollar billing" him to death! this guys wife finally said its me or the X, I would have taken either, however, i ended up with his X5, it did need alot of work. I was able to get most of it done myself, using parts from the wreckers, and a few select "stealership" parts. Found alot of GREAT help on here from alot of GREAT people. Now i drive a SWEET X5 makes my day each time i make my way onto the freeway and it pulls away from everyone!
I learned alot about BMW engineering, and actually i have alot of respect for them. there are a couple things i scratch my head at, but all in all , the X is a nice looking truck with an amazing ride!!! my wife doesnt even mind it when i am speeding down the freeway at Bonneville salt flat speeds!! actually she hardly notices the speed, its smooth and quiet!
The X5 is a bit of a maintenance pig, there is alot of maintenence that needs doing, or else things start getting REALLY expensive!!
(side note, you may wish to change out your timing chain guides, as a pre-emptive measure, as they seem to fail at the most inopportune time.)
I also agree with other posters, that if the X is paid for, then the extra hundred or so every other month for parts, is just little gifts you buy for the fun of driving her! thats my rational for spending money on the X :)
Nothing compares to the handling and feeling the X gives you when you drive it as intended :)
:cool:

I Totally agree with your mindset....:thumbup:

BTW: both my X's are paid for so repair costs was never the issue (for those who were wondering). I've read people on this forum wonder if they should take their X on the family road trip...They are basically saying they do not trust a 70K car (aging I must admit) to be capable of going on a road trip with and make it back...It can be the most trilling car to drive but what good is it if while driving, you always think about if it's going to make it back safely or not. We all agree they need maintenance like most cars do , but the repair intervals are so short , it makes you question how far from home you are willing to risk the next fail.

EDIT:
Expansion tank was installed today only to learn that the quick connects do not seal anymore.... ordered ALL the hoses ...another 300$
The fun never ends :wow:

When I purchased my X, I knew I had to fix stuff. Test driving and looking at it didn't reveal anything. No papers either, and the dealer told me it had "all the necessary maintenance done" without going into details, or willing to pass me the info, even I told them to black out the P.O. info.

As timed passed, lots of things were wrong. The car was not maintained to my standards (and probably to many other people standards), but I was OK with that. I knew in what I was heading into. A few things were fixed, more are waiting to be fixed. Once it's done, it will be an allright vehicle for many months to come. What's made by man, can be fixed by man.

:iagree: ....... 100%

:iagree:....... 100%

300%

I've been reading a lot about the 4.8 in the past few weeks because of the problems I'm experiencing with it and some parts will inevitably fail in a near future ( for my X vs mileage). I'm still figuring out what I'm willing to do myself and what will need to be done by a shop (either Indy or dealer). I accept these things will have to be done to have peace of mind (Valley pan, chain guide etc) and like you , I also accept to invest the money and my labor.
After everything is done, I'm asking the question to everyone:

Will you ever trust this car again to go on road trips with wife, kids, dog etc ????
Lets hear the post war dream speech!!!!!

Whenever we go on vacation we just rent a SUV or Minivan from Hertz or Avis. I figure if it breaks down, I will just call them to tell them where their car is and ask them when they can get another car to me. Last summer we had a 2013 Toyota Rav 4 with just 280 miles on it. The saving in regular cheap gas versus premium and lousy mileage almost made up for the difference in rent vs using the X.

I bought my X to enjoy it not to rent a car for vacation and frankly I don't have the money to rent out cars and suv's to go on vacation. Maybe that's the difference between some of us. I'm happy for the ones who can travel this way but it's just not my case. When My X fails , I miss work days or I need to re-schedule to go pick up my daughter at school ....

We do the same thing only because I hate racking up the miles and worrying about finding a safe place to park. It usually works out to at least a cost wash and I always return with a greater appreciation of a X5.

:iagree: Totally

I found my 2002 X5 3.0 on eBay after carefully searching for about three months. I wanted the six cylinder, with the premium and cold weather options. Additionally, it had to be a southern, but non-hurricane impacted vehicle if possible. I was fortunate to find a lease return from North Carolina with 53,000 miles on it. All the service records were intact with BMW and there were no instances of flooding in the county it was registered in or in the CARFAX records either. I picked it up in Houston from the broker who accepted my bid of $23,800. It was almost eight grand under book at the time, but the broker didn't have much invested since the lessee paid a hefty premium for racking up an extra 5000 miles on his contract.

In the first ten thousand miles, I replaced both front axles, and all pads and rotors going to Akebono pads and Brembo rotors. There's more than 180,000 miles on those rotors now with no measurable wear. The FSR, and expansion tank, and alternator were replaced during the next 50,000 miles along with two window regulators. Then the fun started!

The front driveshaft splines and transfer case went out at 136,000 miles. It was $4200 repair, employing a used transfer case, and pretty much took me to the point as if I had paid book for the vehicle when I bought it in 2006. But still, I figured I had just netted out and now had a vehicle with a solid drive train.

I've replaced the other two window regulators since then, the driver's door handle carrier and lock cylinder, another FSR, another expansion tank, and the thermostat. Everything else has been routine such as belts and hoses.

In the end, the annual repair costs have been less than half the cost of what my payments were, so I'll bank the difference as a down payment, and run this one until the wheels fall off! I do have some concern that I'll lose the front driveshaft again, but nothing else drives like it! ;)

2002 X5 3.0 248,353 miles
2004 325i 110,000 miles

For what it's worth I believe that there is a member on here who machines a longer driveshaft stub which if done preventatively might make one able to catch the drivetrain before a failure at the transfer case, stripping the splines. I'd have to dig up the post but honestly with the age of our cars it should be a sticky.

I figure when it goes, it will be time for a transfer case rebuild anyway, so I'll go with the aftermarket shaft with the extended splines and a $995 remanufactured transfer case and continue to drive the heck out of it with my original transmission fluid still intact! I might even spring for recovering the driver's seat since that's the only part of the vehicle that seems to actually show any wear, and my butt is plainly responsible for that!

2002 X5 3.0 248,476 miles as of this evening
2004 325i 110,000 miles

QUOTED FROM A THREAD IN 2009, THIS IS NOT ME!


Here are some pictures of the new shaft repair components.
These are the new one piece blanks I had made.
http://i341.photobucket.com/albums/o...s/100_3390.jpg

This will give you a good idea of what the damaged shaft looks like and the amount of good spline that gets used.
http://i341.photobucket.com/albums/o...s/100_3393.jpg

The press fit step is machined to fit the i.d. of each shaft repaired. Runout is checked as it's being machined as well as when it is being welded in.
http://i341.photobucket.com/albums/o...s/100_3517.jpg

Here is the first finished shaft.
http://i341.photobucket.com/albums/o...s/100_3405.jpg

I haven't ordered any more blanks yet to keep in stock, but if you need one done they're only 4 days for me to get, so I can have them by the time I receive your core. If I get enough interest in these I plan on having some finished shafts in stock. If your interested in having one done please call me at 262-749-0689 or e-mail me at [email protected]. Thanks again, Tom Gottschalk.




^^^That is the info from the guy on the forums who remanufactures the driveshafts for us with a longer stub. Hope that helps!

http://www.xoutpost.com/images/buttons/quote.gif

Thanks Ricky! Watch that weather. Looks like there's plenty more time this year for CCV woes.

2002 X5 3.0 248,502 miles
2004 325i 110,000 miles

Yep lol my CCV was whining again this morning (10F outside) but I had to drive my X to work, wife is taking her car to hair salon after she is done today (long story but we carpool together), I don't notice any stumbling yet so its prob just early signs, but definitely glad my ECS order is on the way so I can hopefully replace all this weekend.

Ricky, those driveshafts are for the whole X lineup, or only for the 3.0l ?

Hey Dorin, from what I know, they should fit any pre-Xdrive (NV125) transfer case for E53.

From what I gathered from the guy Tom who makes them, you send him your core and he remanufactures it with the stubs he machines. His email is in the post if you had any questions for him. My driveline is working awesome now as I have low miles (71,000), but I wondered if preventatively it should be something done to extend the life of the factory transfer case. I have already done a flush and fill with Redline D4 ATF at 62k.

My thinking is along the lines of the CCV. We change it when it gets clogged and hopefully before it blows out the valve cover gasket, requiring additional work and parts.

Perhaps we should be preventatively getting our driveshafts repaired/remanufactured with longer splines, so as to not strip out the transfer case and require a rebuild of the transfer case for some time in the future?

If I could install a driveshaft with longer stub, and know that the positive engagement of the splines would keep the transfer case from getting stripped out or damaged for some time to come, I would do so.


Seems to be a common NV125 issue when at 100k or above, from what I've seen, another wonderful design by BMW, with 3/4" of splines engaging from the driveshaft lol.

When I had my new (used) engine put in awhile ago, I had my local Indy lengthen the splines on my driveshaft, before he installed the engine. I wasn't having any problems, so I'm hoping this preventative will keep me from having problems down the road somewhere... As far as reliability, we regularly visit family (450 mile round trip), and I have no fear whatsoever of getting left on the roadside, and wouldn't hesitate going further. I thinks it's all in knowing what you have done preventatively, and doing what needs done before any extended travel. There's enough info on the forums here, that we should be able to know what needs replaced (per mileage) before we run into serious trouble.

Should definitely help. Did he remanufacture himself or did he install a remanufactured shaft? Curious as I know Cobra Transmission does make the reman driveshafts as well with the lengthened splines.

I have the X-drive, so this doesn't apply to mine?

He got a reman made at a local machine shop, I took a look at it before installation to make sure they lengthened it enough, and thot it looked really good...

Nope, you just have to worry about the actuator gear in the Xdrive ATC500 transfer case, and fluid changes/adaptation resets.

Some days I just shake my head. Seems to be one thing after another. To date, I still have not resolve my 'AC won't kick in until I drive around for a bit or hit highway speed" and the "mysterious oil leaks that won't go away". Most of the major stuffs I take to my indie, the minor things (door handles, filters, etc) I diy. My wife took out the passenger side mirror last week. I found on this board that I should just replaced the mirror glass ($26 from eBay) and I did that. Works like a charm, saved money, made me feel good afterwards. Didn't have the heated feature anymore, but I'm not sure if I ever needed it. The elation of a successful DIY was quickly followed by seeing a gallon of washer fluid that I just refilled yesterday found it way onto my my garage floor (near my oil leak stains). SMH. Querying the board, I was able to find a couple of known solutions, so I'll be trying them out this coming weekend. So here's my list so far:
2005 X5 3.0I -
1. Bunch of hoses and belts (indie)
2. Radiator (indie)
3. Expansion Tank (indie)
4. Oil Housing (indie)
5. Valve Cover (indie)
6. Crank case, breather, Oil Sep Hose (indie)
7. Aux Fan (stealership - warrantied)
8. Condenser (stealership - warrantied)
9. Coils, dryer, pump (stealership - warrantied)
10. Water pump (stealership - warrantied)
11. 1st Battery (stealership - out of pocket)
12. 2nd Battery (Autozone - DIY)
13. 2 sets of tires (Discount ties)
14. 2 brake fixes (stealership - maintenance plans)
15. 3rd brake work (DIY -- amazing simple, but didn't use OEM pads so noisy)
16. Door Handles 2x (Seriously, door handles?! LOL, but DIY)
17. 2 alignments (stealership - out of pocket)
18. Oil Pan Gasket (TBA - high dollar item even for indie)
19. Suspension and bushings (TBA - high dollar item even for indie)
20. Stupid AC issues above ((TBA - high dollar item even for indie)
21. Washer Fluid leak (TBA after next weekend)

I'm sure I missed a lot of items. In the beginning of CPO ownership, I recalled spending time at the dealership every other months. Stupid warning lights kept on coming on. After CPO, I quickly found an indie I trust. Now, when I pull into my garage at night and turned my engine off, pulling out the keys, I am almost expecting to hear a beep or warning of some sorts. And when there are no beeps, I'm not relieved...I'm more weary about what will come. So is it worth the headache? Yes and No. I love to drive it. Handled better than any vehicle I've ever driven. I love the feeling of accomplishments after a DIY that works. I hate the thoughts of spending money for fixes that I can't DIY. And I hate the feeling of anticipating what's next. I've been considering getting a reliable SUV, but my X5 is already paid off. Do I incur new monthly payments for a reliable SUV or do I crossed my fingers and keep the X5; using the 'unused' payments as a 'rainy day fund' for future X5 fixes? There's the conundrum.

Compressor not kicking in when you are standing still leaves me to believe that the aux fan is not coming on when you are standing still or in bumper to bumper traffic. Not enough air flow through the condenser which in turn does not cool the refrigerant enough. The hotter the refrigerant the higher the pressure and if the pressure is too high, the high pressure sensor prevents the compressor clutch from kicking in.

The only way to keep costs in check with a high mileage E53 is DIY everything.

In the past 6 mos I've......

1) BrakeLabs drilled/slotted rotors, Cool Carbon pads and rear sensor.

$420 total.

2) Replaced front tires, found a set of BMW take-offs at a used tire shop. Michelin Latitude (has BMW star on sidewall), tread measures 8.5/32ths (new was 9.5/32ths)

Got the set for $100, paid $110 for mount road force balance at Classic BMW.

$210 total.

3) Powerflex FCABs, $90. Hyd press to remove old CABs, $70.

$160 total.

4) Waterpump, $120. Belts, $60.

$180 total.

5) Valve Cover Gaskets, $130. Coil pack, $110. Plugs, $40. Refinish covers with Ceramic paint, $10.

$290 total.

6) HID bulbs, $150 (dim from age).

$1410 for everything DIYed.

Had a BMW dealer done that work the total would have been well over $8000, Indy around 35% less.

When E53s start needing numerous repairs, annual repair cost can exceed the value of the vehicle.

Any sane, non-DIY owner would have sold it immediately after the past 6 mos of repairs.

That's the thing, once AC (cool air) kicks in, it works throughout the time I'm driving or stopping or even parking to go into a store and come back out. My theory is once the engine is 'warm' due to driving, ac works. On long intervals of not driving, ie parking when going to work or at home during the night, the next startup, AC will not kick until repeated steps above. Very weird. Aux fan, condenser, coils and dryer been replaced by dealership once. Scratching my head. Aux fan kicks in at engine is 'warm'. Sometimes even when I park and turn off engine, Aux fan is still running. Maybe it's a relay or switch or something like that.

Yea 100k is when they start to have problems......You are only doing minor things and seems to me that You are paying too much for You service................good luck hang in there.

Just had the rear suspension rebuilt, replacing all upper links, swing arm bushings, ball joints and integral links. With a four wheel alignment it stayed under $2400 with the work down by an indie. So my reliability level has been restored to "near new" status and it was equal to six months' payments on my prior loan.

2002 X5 3.0 257,000 miles
2004 325i 114,000 miles

anthonytexas,

I think if you enjoy the self satisfaction of DIY, not having a car payment and still like the way it looks and drives--keep it. If you decide to do that it comes with accepting that there will be stuff the wears out and stop worrying about it. At 100,000+ 10 years old, where many of us are, that is just what happens to any vehicle. If your plus side does not outweigh the negative, you are not able to enjoy your X5, then it is time to move on. Decide which way your scales tip and there is no conundrum.

My history of repairs is much less than car payments. I DIY almost everything. There is no question in my mind that the plus side is a mountain to a mole hill.
One thing I have done that keeps the plus side up is doing mods that add to or renew the fun and enjoyment.

Next time when the AC is blowing warm or hot air, check to see if the compressor is engaged. By engaged, I mean the center portion of the compressor should be spinning. If the center portion is not spinning, the compressor is not engaging and that is why you don't have ac. It could be that the air gap between the clutch and magnetic coil is out of spec and with the engine getting hot the metal expand just enough to cause the clutch to engage.

I come from E39 and have written extensively for E39 (cooling overhaul front, rear suspension overhaul, CCV etc. etc.).

One can always look into bimmerfest E39 section for all those DIYs. A lot of similarity between E39 and E53.

You need to learn how to DIY to stay alive lol...

And to save money in the long haul! I have read many of your E39 DIY's and have saved a lot of money from it, being handy and proficient in DIY is the key to keeping aging bimmers in tip top shape and on the road!

Ricky,

I didn't realize you own an E39 as well, good taste!

I wish I did actually but don't! But I agree that the E39 DIY's are very useful and similar to many E53 DIY, so I have benefitted the past few years from your boards and doing research there :)

So you scan E39 sections and use the DIYs for your E53?
That is smart because there is so much more "traffic" and DIYs in the E39 forum!

Exactly! Your DIY is what helped get my wheel bearings done last year, as well as the threads on the Bosch 5.7 ABS module (mine is due to get sent in the BBA Reman for a rebuild) and the rear ball joint and other suspension DIY's. you guys have a great group over there and all very helpful postings,

@anthonytexas,

All 21 items on your laundry list: most of those DIYs are over the E39 forum if you want to get your hands dirty. But seriously, people need to take initiative to learn how to DIY, or learn how make a lot of $ lol...

The E53 M54 engine is almost the same as the E39 M54 setup. A lot of similarities...

Hey thanks for the info. Will definitely look at it now for some of my DIYs. I'm still laughing at my door handle incidents. Two years into ownership and the door handle falls off. LOL. Should have known I was gonna be in for a wild ride.

The E53 X5 is a fine car but this forum lacks some DIYs.
So for the DIYs, look into bimmerfest E39 forum, tons of DIYs, from cooling overhaul to OFH gasket etc.

I am in the process of bringing my X5 3.0i back to "Stage Zero" and will be writing some DIYs, stay tuned.

Don't worry, as long as you are willing to get your hands dirty, you are ahead of people who fix cars wearing Tuxedo...