Decided not to go with the x5 after all..
 

AFter all of these problems and wretched reliability stories...I've decided to shaft ordering the x5.

I always figured that once I got the car I'd be happy. But what through me over the top was the over all arrogance of 3 BMW dealerships, their unwillingness to negotiate, and reliability (free service every 15,000 miles is only 3 services eff that).

I decided to splurge on the Lexus GS instead. Looking forward to going in and happy and coming out happy...not going in sad and coming out happy *hopefully* as in the x5

you are in the wrong board buddy then!:fencing:

Glad to hear you made a choice you can live with. Thing is about that free service is that it really is free. And if it all boils down to just the 3 15,000 miles services that you mentioned than that would be a wonderful thing. But for those who have problems beyond the 3 services it's still free free free. Ask a fella who knows. (me) Have i had a lot of problems? NO. The few i have had were handled promptly and professionally. So as far as realibility is concerned if you listen to the folks around here who complain about their issues you'll be missing the vast majority of the voices that are never heard. Voices of owners who have nothing to complain about.

Can't speak for the arrogance of 3 BMW dealerships or their unwillingness to negotiate cause i don't know what you were asking for.

Sorry to say that in this case your losing out. Especially if you believe a Lexus GS will replace an X5.

I switch from a Lexus to the BMW X5. All I have to say is good luck with Lexus. They are not all that they are cracked up to be. Aside from the electrical and transmission issues I had, the normal service interval (every 5k miles) costs were really expensive. Every service was no less that $200 and the most was $800 for a 30,000 mile service. Ride comparision between the two vehicles is night and day.

GS is now a very old model, came out in 2003, if I remember correctly.

It does not look as nice as 5 years ago. All Lexus SUVs are very dated now, and due for change soon.

Go for Audi Q7, it does not seem to have as many problems as MB or BMW.

Good luck to moving to the Lexus forum! In my experience, maintenance costs for the Lexus is too much for a high end Toyota IMHO

My 07 X5 has been completely problem free, it's the best SUV I've ever had including Range Rover, MB, Lexus etc.
I think these forums give a very distorted view of problem vehicles in that people with problem cars are more likely to complain about them in these forums giving a very distorted view on the percentage of problems.

One thing that most people don't think about is wear items. You know, things like wiper blades, and the internal air filters, etc. Ok, that stuff is minor. What about shocks?

BMW has had to replace both of my front air shocks on my 04 4.8iS. I wonder what that would cost if I had to pay for it? Big bucks + a lot of labor charges. Brakes are also included as wear items. BMW brake job is probably $700+.

I realized this as I was evaluating whether or not to buy a new 4.8i. I checked out the MB GL450 - they don't cover wear items as is the case for most everyone outside of BMW (can't speak about US makes as I haven't checked that out). It's a nice car but for 70K I think their warranty could be better.

:iagree: Exactly

Lexus is a nice car, Japanese and German cars are 100% different. Enjoy the ride. I really hope though you didn't base a decision on information you read on a forum (I hope you test drove and talked to service techs, if not your opinion is poorly picked), as the purpose of the board is to help X owners with issues, which means...the majority of items you'll see are issues ;)

Again enjoy :thumbup: & good luck.

thats the problem with forums...4 people come in looking for help because the had major issues and now the vehicle is considered a lemon. Good luck w/ Lexus...I was a happy camper the day I traded in my Lexus for a X5. There is no comparison, BMW hands down is a better drive.
As far as realiability...I had as many issues with the Lexus as my X5. Its a shame a few people complaining on a board have scared you away, but imo its your loss.

unwillingness to negotiate how much? How much off were they willing to do?

You know I don't often weigh in on other people's opinions, but I gotta say that your words here are wisely chosen and very accurate. Great post!

The GS is a sedan, not an SAV. The GX is the Lexus sport utility.
You can buy the GS in all wheel drive... I also have a Lexus LS 460 and like it. I agree, two different vehicles. I'm waiting for the X5 diesel. My other car for bad weather is an Infiniti QX4.

Good luck,

Craig

best of luck to you...one final word... expect to read issues on all forums.. regardless of manufacturer!!

these forums don't just offer info on aftermarket items and maintenance tips but it is also a support forum for those experiencing some sort of problems with their vehicles..

we don't normally sign up to these forums with the intentions of meeting someone and setting up drive nights!!!

for some it's the need to research and get a better understanding of certain issues.. we look for guidance and advise..

prior to deciding on the X5 i actually considered a number of alternatives (MB, Acura, RR, and even the new Mazda CX9)

I always loved the beemer..never had problems with them...but now that they were getting more sophisticated (mostly controlled via software mgmt) i was a bit hesitant.. (i'm a programmer so I know the type of issues to expect.)

i decided to shop around for other SUV models offering similar features, visiting each respective forums... I then noticed they were also experiencing similar issues with their technology... i didnt' go too deep into their threads but the few i did read were pretty much the same..(issues w/NAV, bluetooth, backup camera, etc)

at that moment i realized i was better off with a manufacturer that offered free maintenance..

one thing to keep in mind is that these issues are addressed as they are reported.....

Microsoft and other software manufacturers have been doing this for years!!

in the end get what makes you happy... you'll be the one driving it and maintaining it...

but realize that all new vehicles that thrive to offer the latest in technology will only get there through some sort of trial and error!

good luck to you!!

Well put DROD!

:iagree:

Unwilling to negotiate??? You should have gone to Bergs' dealer - he got almost $5000 of of MSRP :rofl:

I have recently posted about a problem with my '08 that was delivered with a problem. That said, I spent 2 months testing numerous vehicles, including the GS, and researched the various cars on my list. First, in terms of a driver's car and performance orientation, virtually any BMW beats most others hands down (even my loaner 328i is a blast to drive). Dispite my initial setback I have no second thoughts as I absolutely made the right choice - the X5 is one of the best vehicles in the marketplace now. And BMW has really come through for me during this issue.

you're killing me!!!:bustingup

*edited for accuracy :nanana:

This is my suggestion on how to choose a car/SUV.
Almost always, some forum members will say my {BMW|Lexus} doesn't have any single problem etc. This doesnt mean much because from any manufacturer, some cars will be almost perfect, while some are lemons. The issue is the probability. What kind of chance will my car go bad?
In this regard, germans including bmws are definitely worse than toyota/lexus. Don't fool yourself. This is an almost fact. Your perfect car is just one sample, while there are many others with less fortunate situations.
Having said that, for the people who are ok with how lexus drives and how it looks, they should buy lexus. Lexus will give you less pontential problems. I think the original poster belong to this category. Good choice!
Unfortunately, there are some people including me who can't stand how lexus, or any japanese cars drive. they may want to buy a bmw. Even if bmws are less reliable, they are not that bad. I own 1 bmw and 2mbs. They need 1 or 2 unexpected mechanic visit per year, normally, which is ok with me. So, if you love how a bmw drives, you should get one. In mose cases, the reliability issue won't bite you. You know, every manufacturers including toyota make lemons. Bmw is not an exception.
Last category, for the people who love lexus reliability, but want bmw brand image, I don't have any suggestion. You're on your own. :)

Want another opinion..especially on a BMW board..?

K.. I owned Lexus vehicles from 1993 until July of this year. They included a 1992 ES, a 1995 SC400, and a 2001 RX-300. None (I repeat LOUDLY), NONE of those cars ever, ever ever went back to the dealer or any other repair center from the day they left the dealership until the day I sold them. I did my own fluid and filter changes (which was quite easy), and brake jobs. So I really mean they NEVER went back for a repair or service...ever...ever..

My 2000 BMW 323i needed a transmission at 42,000, 4 window regulators, and an alternator in 3 years.
But my bride has always lusted for a BMW convertible, and when THE ONE came in to OpenRoad, I bought it on 12/23/06.
My wife's 04 vert has been 99% reliable since Jan (it had a window motor go bad), and my 06 X5 (obviously both were CPOs), has had NO problems at all.

So, if it feels good to bash or brag, go for it.. Personally the ride of the Lexus RX was more comfortable than my X5, but the performance and overall "features" more than make up for it. And my wife..try PRYING her E46 convertible away from her..Even for an E90... not gonna happen..

But Lexus makes a wonderful vehicle, in my experience - extremely reliable, and a good value. But now we own 2 BMWs.. Who knows where the road will lead in 5 years....

Enjoy what you enjoy !

ED

BMW vs. Lexus?

Think about this:

If Lexus and BMW both have the same reliability, who'd even consider buying Lexus, (or Acura or Infinity)???

I'd say, 90% of Lexus buyers actually want BMW or MB, but they all chickened out for reliability issues.

Or because of the awful Lexus styling...

You can go on and on comparing Lexoyota versus a BMW, but the bottomline is, if you decide on a Lexus over a BMW, more so an X5, and you think BMWs are unreliable, you have no business in this forum (x5world aka the Ultimate Information Machine ). IMHO

Reliability aside, bimmers are undoubtedly a better driver's car. On the other hand, the Japs have it all over the Germans in terms of electronics and the overall interface.

The rearview camera in my IS350 is actually crystal clear, even at night. The bimmer resolution reminds me of EGA/Pacman and at night you can't see crap.

I've actually drifted and left black rubber marks coming around a corner in my X5, try that in any Lexus SUV..

Ugly girls are lot more reliable than pretty ones....

Sometimes they are smarter too...

:popcorn:

To funny........"mcgrady's long gone to Lexus heaven and ya'll still beatin this dead horse......:rofl: Please............:doh: :fired:

how would you know this? :popcorn:

simple as this
japanese cars: more reliable, less expensive repairs
germann cars: less reliable, more expensive repairs
the final answer is: japanese cars
...and i own 2 bmws, wtf.

You didn't pick a BMW :baby: :bawling:

.....is this thread done yet?