:iagree:

Another new X owner with buyer remorse. Sell the X or trade it in take your lost and move on with your life. Don't drive it with the head gasket problem because you will do more damage to that fine piece of German engineering.

I suggest you make a trip to a well recommended independent shop that specializes in BMWs for a second opinion and quote before trying any fix.

Nothing in OP post about I wish I hadn't purchased this X5. Some of your posts are great. Unfortunately, there are relentless posts like this one for all the new owners even though you still have your X5.

Hopefully if I can get another year out of it I'll be gone. :D

You mean that after buying a BMW and financing for who know how many years, and being told that the car/truck/sav now needs $6100.00 in repairs that you wouldn't have buyer remorse???

I'm more up front with new BMW owners than a lot of owners on this board. Obvious the new owner isn't a DIY type of guy and like I told other new owners that if they don't have a warranty or are not a DIYer then a used BMW E53 is probably not the right vehicle for them.

I thought the advice that I gave the new owner was great, along with David.X5

If it were my situation my answer could be yes as well as it could be no just as it could be for OP. It would depend on a fairly long list of circumstances at the time.

My point is none of us know the circumstances such as years of financing, cost of vehicle, reason for financing, how much he likes it, etc. I see your conclusion of being in a state of buyer's remorse as a wishful assumption, a rush to judgment. Feeling as you do and keeping your X5 for another year seems similar to punching yourself in the head everyday of that year, a self inflicted compromise of personal happiness.

I think a constructive response is to suggest ways to be sure what is wrong and correct the problem at the most reasonable cost that fits OP circumstances. And, I am positive that is WELL within your capabilities.

I thought I gave I gave him the constructive response.

O.P "Car broke, can't afford to get it fix."

Upallnight "Sell or trade in the car."

Since he's not a DIYer I don't think that giving him a how to replace a head gasket is the correct response.

Telling him to drive around to other repair facilities to get estimates is inappropriate because my advice is to not drive the X until it is fix.

Driving around with a head gasket problem could warp the heads if the engine overheat, or could seize the bearings in the crankshaft or rods if the water travel to the oil sump and if you remember high school science oil float on water. The oil pickup is normally located at the bottom of the sump, so instead of oil circulating through the lubrication system you now have water. So instead of an expensive fix you now have a really big expensive fix to deal with if you need to replace the engine.

I never said that I hated my X, and unlike so many other new owners I know how to fix my X when it is broken, or at the very least have the means to bring it in to get it fix.

I'll throw my hat in here as I can see both your points of view.

I've been here a short time and seen more than a few buyer's remorse type threads and posts. These vehicles are expensive to own, and even more expensive if you aren't a DIY'er.

upallnight did make an assumption about the Ismael's situation... but it's probably a pretty accurate one. These things are running sub $10000 now and as such are being purchased by people who don't have two nickels to rub together in some cases. Most have never owned a BMW of any sort and are pretty unprepared for what it takes to keep a vehicles like this on the road. And saying someone has buyer's remorse is not necessarily an insult either.

Sorry, I know I wasn't party to the disagreement... but thought maybe some outside insight would lend to the discussion? If wrong, I apologize.

Edit: Oh and to the OP, we are kind of hijacking your thread as well... apologies.

actual quote is "I really don't have that." That doesn't mean he cannot afford a more reasonable amount. We all know the dealer price causes 'heart attacks'.

You are correct, he shouldn't be driving it. I should have suggested having it towed for second opinion and cost to fix. At least to check for any indication of water in the oil before he does and even then don't drive far.

I never said you hated your X either. I don't think you do even though I don't recall you mentioning overbalancing redeeming values. And as you know, I haven't experienced your costly history with my X5. I feel like if only one story is told the assumption will be that's how everyone feels. I can DIY most things and that certainly is nice to be able to do so but I don't think it is an imperative capability to owning an E53. I agree that if something needs to be done the cost to address a X5 issue is a shock if base of reference is a Chevy Tahoe. OP certainly understands BMWs and my assumption is he made an eyes wide open purchase. If I was told I need to spend 6 grand on anything you can be sure I would be searching for an alternative regardless of my bank account balance.

If your contribution is received as constructive that's great. I would like to be incorrect.

To the X owner with the head gasket problem, you came to the wrong forum to ask your question.

You should have gone to this forum where the product was actually used by a BM Trouble U owner and his results.

Does Thermagasket or Steal Seal or Blue Magic Work?