Diesel X5 Life expectancy
 

All,
I have a 2010 35D with 150k miles on it. I love this thing, use it for a daily and tow my travel trailer. However, I'm starting to get worried about reliability and was hoping you guys could help me out with your experiences.

In the last year (some in the last week) I have replaced the following:
Footwell module
Throttle Body
Turbo oil lines
Fuel pressure and temperature sensor
Glow plug module
Passenger airbag seat sensor
Headlights
One taillight
Getting ready to do the front and rear brakes and new tires.
I know it also needs new front strut bearings (and probably struts also)

So the question is, Is this thing about had everything fixed or am I in for another year of massive repairs? How much life on transmission, etc.

I'm trying to decide if it's time to move on and fork out the 70k for a new one, or if I'm pretty much done with major repairs I can just keep up with minor maintenance and repairs.

Thanks for your opinions.

You need to separate normal maintenance from failures.

Tires, brakes, suspension wear parts, etc are normal for any vehicle. FRM, GPCM, throttle body, etc. would be considered failures.

FWIW, you can do a bunch of repairs for 70k worth of payments.

You're the best judge of the overall condition.

Also, when you back out stuff that was covered under the CPO warranty, it can change the calculus...

At 150K, I am guessing none of there were replaced under any warranties?
Most BMW warranties (recalls, really) run to 120, such as your FRM module.

There are several points that decide if it's worth it:
1. Sourcing used parts (used tail light from local junk yard vs. new)
2. Space for do-it-yourself vs. indy shop vs. dealer (just don't).
3. Time for do-it-yourself
4. Backup vehicle

I have all 4 above, so nothing really scares me, unless the engine completely blows up.

For example, I a couple weeks ago, decided to finally deal with turbo(s) that was leaking oil for a while now. Went for rebuild vs. new ($1,500 vs. 3,500). Doing the work myself ($0 vs. $X,000). You get the idea.

Yes, the project is delayed by a couple weeks now waiting for turbo replaceable parts that I (foolishly) expected to be readily available. But, with a very flexible work schedule, it is not a major inconvenience when it comes to school runs, etc, etc. This is not a case for all families, of course.

After this major project, I do expect to take the X5d past 200,000 miles, as everything else looks solid.

My math:
If I go for another family SUV, I am looking at $700/month payment for next 5 years, at minimum. Not to mention, driving experience is hard to match in any other SUV of this size and utility.

the intercooler hoses will probably need new gaskets
the harmonic balancer will probably go
and the differentials and or transfer case could possibly go.

Id say the transmission and engine are pretty solid. except for the injectors

unless you have a turbo issue and need new turbos put in $$$$

Yep, all the above has been out of warranty. I do some stuff myself and indy the rest. I just don't have the time that I used to between work and the kids, and would rather spend it watching my kids grow up.

My main concern is a complete failure of an item that leaves me stranded. I tow a trailer in the woods a lot with my family and worst case would be to get stuck out there, with no phone reception and no operational vehicle.

Luckily it sounds like complete failures might be out of the question, so I'll probably keep it and fix it as we go. There just isn't a drive for a new vehicle to replace this. The new X5's don't seem to be much different than this one, and the only other mid sized diesel powered SUV that tows, looks like a Land Rover Discovery (am I'm worried about reliability for sure).

Thanks for your help

I'm at 185,000 & the only things I've replaced are the front sway bar end links, right front wheel bearing, & the idler pulley bolt. Everything else has been perfect. But, at 90,000 miles I deleted the DPF/CAT/EGR cooler which I'm sure eliminated many potential problems.

My only question is, How much is a new one? You say "I love this thing". Will you love a new one as much? I guess sometime it's not about the money,
its about what makes you happy and can you afford your happiness. I'm asking those questions right now. Perhaps I will find a reason to love a newer one.

is your harmoic balancer the original?

trying to figure out how much life i might have on mine.

Yes, the balancer is original. I've never heard of a balancer going bad.