Long List of repairs....Time to sell?
 

Always loved the X5 since my mother bought one of the first E53's out. Love the look, and the way they drive. So I happily picked up a one owner '08 3.0si with around 40K miles from a local Audi dealer that got it as a trade in. I'm a decent DIYer and have always kept up with maintenance, so I've always intended on keeping it until 150k+.

It's now at 90k miles, and the list of repairs the last few years has me rethinking whether or not that's a wise idea.

40k miles
Radiator and hoses (done by dealer after pre-purchase inspection)
Valve cover gasket (Also done as part of PPI)

60k miles
Water pump and thermostat

70k miles
Coolant expansion tank
idrive controller module

85k miles
Oil filter stand gaskets

90k miles
Vanos solenoids

And now I'm looking at another $3,000+ in repairs to replace the Active sway bar and a leaking oil pan gasket (10 hrs labor).

Now I fully expected to have to do some repairs and maintenance, but the list at 90k miles is worrying. Has me wondering if I've taken care of all the major failure points already, and from 90k-150k should be smoother....or if it's just going to go downhill from here.

Why are you going to the dealer for this work? Don't you have an indy with cheaper labour rates? Also, why is it 10 hours labour to change the oil pan gasket?

I should have clarified that the radiator and valve cover gasket were done by the audi dealer for free at time of purchase. Car has only been to a BMW dealer once recently to diagnose the VANOS issue, but they have never performed any work on the car. All work has been done either by myself or an independent.

And the sway bar is $1,600 for the part alone. I'm likely going to install that myself. But the oil pan gasket was quoted by and indy. $40 gasket, but have to remove practically half the front end as the axle runs through it. Not something I'm all that comfortable attempting myself.

Are you sure it's the oil pan gasket? It'll usually hold out longer than that. What's wrong with the sway? Regarding you initial question; it would cost you a whole lot more to trade. I don't the expenses warrant a trade.

I replaced the OPG on my E46 wagon at 110k. Had to drop the front subframe and disconnect the steering rack for the pan to clear for removal. It was an all day job, hoping not to do that one ever again.

Worst place to diagnose VANOS issues.... did you try internally cleaning the solenoids? were they open circuit or sluggish actuation on the VANOS test? Remember, dealers are parts replacers: fail the vanos test, replace parts

anyway, to your question: You need to drive it another 150k to get your moneys' worth... at this point the car is worth 10k- id keep it

90% sure it's the oil pan gasket. Dealer noted oil pan gasket was seeping when I brought it in...not that that necessarily means it's true. But I've been getting oil on the skid plate probably the last 8k miles, and a large amount seems to be leaking down onto the center of the steering rack...but only the front side. Implying it's coming from above and forward of that. Cleaned it all really well after I did the OFHG, so it's all a leak from somewhere else. I cleaned it up again yesterday to try and locate it, and I did notice the edges of the gasket were wet with oil in a few places.

As far as I can tell you basically have to drop the front sub frame to get at it, and do the front differential fluid and seals as it's all connected to the ODP. Another local shop quoted 11 hrs labor. Then I called the dealer for entertainment...$2,100!!

I did try cleaning the solenoid, but it still had barely any movement.

And after this repair I'll have around $4.5k into it, so you're right, it does pay to keep it. I'm just worried about what else might develop that will push that number up even higher. Tranny issues or something else engine related. It's got the super common valve tick that shows up once or twice a month. Always worries me it's a sign of oil starvation that could be damaging the top end.

Get a 3rd party warranty that covers those issues if there is one - that may be an option?

When I got my 08 3.0 si, I got a warranty. It covers everything. I would get one and keep the X5. When this one runs out in a couple of years I am going to get another one.

No warranty covers "everything"

Good luck buying a warranty for a 10 year old car.

All vehicles break down. My Dodge for example didn't blow the oil pan gasket but rather the whole pan on both the motor and transmission. They rotted through and I replaced both. My Expedition has broke down more than any BMW I have ever owned. There is now way to know what is coming next on any vehicle but it is def easier to live with if you can learn to fix yourself.

I think with cars its usually more of a want than a need. If you want to get a new car go trade it in and pay up. If you still like the X5 fix it and keep on keepin on.:thumbup: If you want a BMW that is more affordable to maintain than buy an older one NOT a newer one.

Yeah, I quickly tried shopping online for a warranty earlier out of curiosity. Ard is correct, nobody is going to warranty a 9 yr old BMW....at least not unless you fork over a huge amount of money, and the policy has lots of exclusions on repairs.

And I do love the car, so I do think I'll keep it. Just been dealing with so many mystery noises and running issues the past month that I say a little prayer every time I start it up. But I finally found a good indy locally, so hopefully they'll have the recent issues sorted next week, and I can go back to enjoying it again.

You are right. Tires, brakes wiper blades and bulbs I pay for. Anything drive train and electronic is covered. Came with the vehicle for 50,000 miles of coverage. And they have informed me they WILL extend it for me when this initial one is up. I just have to stay with them and pay around $2800 for the privilege.
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