Long road trip with a high mileage x5 - things to check?
 

Hi - I own a 2007 BMW X5 3.0 with about 150k miles on it. I just did a full revamp on the SUV and changed the following items with new parts:

Sway bar links
Tension struts
Front Control arms
Shocks & struts
Transmission oil fluid and filter change
Water pump and thermostat
Coolant flush
Air filter
Oil and filter change

I plan to take the car on a road trip to Canada and was wondering if the experts here advise on anything else I should check before I make the trip? The last thing I’d want is to be stranded in the middle of nowhere which tends to happen with bmws if you don’t maintain them [emoji6].

I want to keep this car forever/ until it dies so have tried my best to keep up with maintenance.


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Also the better question is, would you guys hesitate to take a well maintained high mileage x5 3.0 on a long road trip with family?


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The three most likely to fail items: water reservoir, alternator, fuel pump.

The most difficult to get on the road is the fuel pump. You get really no warning. I had a spare I could bring with on trips.

Is that the low pressure pump?

I have 3.0i only has one pump and likewise would be the easy to fix in a parking lot job. I did mine on the street right where it failed. Was very good to have a spare.

Make sure your siphon jet is working by driving down to single digits of distance to empty before you go on a long trip. You can then rely on the low fuel light for refills.

I have a 2007 X5 - with over 200K KM some thoughts below

- no, I won't take the X5 on a long trip to OTHER country; when I had long trips, I have rented a car, the potential $$$$ and risk of vacation disaster from an unexpected issue would be enormous. e.g. We have driven Toronto-Florida & Back a few times.

- I have taken the X5 to long trips (+1000 KM) IN Canada, as I have AAA (CAA here) so at least I would be able to get a tow to somewhere close/major city.

- IMO, a major risk is the Cooling System (e.g. Water Pump, Expansion Tank, Hoses,...)

Even in USA we usually rent for long trips. The wear and tear on the car is typically close to the cost of the rental. (typical wear and tear is about 10¢ per mile in my world).

I sold my E70 35D with 240k km on it. The buyer flew into Toronto from Winnipeg and drove it first to Ottawa (500km), and then back to Winnipeg (2200 km) with zero issues. Its all about the maintenance on the car really