Do I need to be worried about '09 E70 4.8i reliability?
 

I'm looking at a 2009 X5 4.8i. In reading this forum, I'll occasionally see comments about the many problems associated with 2007 and 2008 X5's. Are these problems that have been resolved by 2009 or does the same apply to the 2009 as well? I've owned several 3 and 5 series BMW's, and though they haven't been perfect, they were cars I could count on for 200k miles. I just want to ensure I'd be walking into a mess with the E70.

Thanks in advance for the input.

The new BMWs are rather complex and, as such, simply will not be as reliable. I would be surprised if the newer BMWs would go 200K without some significant repair costs. I would be surprised if the newer automatic transmissions would last 200K, since it is not that uncommon for them to go bad in 100K or less.

But if you want a vehicle like a BMW, I doubt you'll find many nowadays that will go 200K without major repair costs, e.g., complex luxury cars with advanced transmissions and electronics up the yahoo, just aren't that reliable in the long-term as there is so much to go wrong that requires dealer service and parts.

:iagree:

The problems you read about on the forums are generally early-hour reliability issues. That is different than 200,000 mile durability. The 2009 should be more reliable than the first E70 models, but I wouldn't buy one planning to drive it 200,000 miles.

:iagree: ...with Penquin and JCL.
And, though the X has been out and about as a model since late 2000,
the reports of people turning 200K+ miles can be noted on one's thumbs.

My guess is E53s will start reporting that mileage later this year or next,
but the complexity does increase from E53 to E70, and with each successive MY.

Meanwhile, if you like/want an E70, get it & enjoy it knowing you have
4 years worth of net, and another 2 years after that, if you reload the
warranty.
GL,mD

Who has 100k on an 07+?

I would not worry about reliability...drive it for 4yrs/50k. If there were going to be problems hopefully they happen during that time. Mine is an 09 so my fingers are crossed the 07/08 bugs didn't make it to 09.

If you want the lowest cost to drive 200,000 miles, get a Japanese SAV. It will cost you less over time, but you'll pay in reduced driving pleasure as well. You have to decide for yourself. BMW does allot of high tech stuff, but part of the R&D is done while the vehicle is being driven by the owner (in my personal experience).

My 09 4.8i was a mess. But to credit BMW and my dealer, they have stepped up to the plate and are replacing the vehicle (in production now). It is a great SAV/SUV. If you like the vehicle, get it. Reliablitiy is average (or in my case, below), but I think most members here are content with the quality of the vehicle. Nothing is going to be perfect. Also remember, my experience in reading forums is that they are heavily tilted towards the minority with complaints, not the majority who are satisfied.

I am in a 3.0i while waiting and all I will say is stick with the V8!

My first 16 months with a 2008 4.8i have been a complete joy. Only one minor problem (with a sun visor) in that time! I've only done 11K miles though.

Will it do 200K miles without major expenses? I don't know. Probably not --- this is a complex vehicle.

Grover, what car did you end up with?

Craig

if you don't mind me asking...what all went wrong?