Faults:

CV boots, cylinder head gaskets, radiator leak, windshield washer pumps, rear window leaks.

General Comments:

I had an extended warranty that covered the cylinder head gaskets; so that was fortunate.

BMW dealer service and parts are definitely very expensive. But I opted to not continue the service warranty, and made the other repairs myself. It's surprisingly easy to work on most things. There's a great forum for tips and how-to's. bimmerfest.

Also buy parts from other sources, but be sure they are quality parts. Usually you can get OEM or better parts for 1/2 price of the dealer.

This is a great car, it's very comfortable and responsive. I travel frequently and rent many different cars, but enjoy the BMW X5 ride more than almost any other car I have rented.

Faults:

I bought 2001 BMW X5 3.0 brand new. Beautiful car. It now has 158,000 miles.

Problems over past few years were both front and back brakes, and rotors were replaced; both front window regulators dead, driver's side door actuator? ($1600); battery replaced 3 years ago, new one replaced 2 days, now drained dead.

Check engine light on, mechanic replaced gas cap, did not work.

Front CV boots cracked, now front axles need to be replaced ($1200), brake light on, airbag on, front turn signals dead, need to remove whole headlight assembly to replace the 2 bulbs ($300 labor).

Faults:

1) My main drive belt broke at 33000 miles; resulted in the replacement of the water pump, belt pulley, drive fan and tensioner. Cost $1600 (about a 1500 discount with my BMW mechanic, who did the job on the side).

2) Rear driver's side window regulator broke in the middle of the winter for no reason at all; $150, 70K.

3) Front driver's side regulator; 79K, $150.

4) Ball joints wear by 60k, and wore out the really expensive tires.

5) Alternator went in the middle of a long trip and left me stranded; 83k, $1000. Thank God for my BMW mechanic friend who drove out to meet me and replaced it on the spot, saving $1500.

6) Door locks freeze in the winter; it's a German car, what gives?

General Comments:

The BMW X5 4.4, when it is running well, corners like a sports car at high speeds. Takes off the line like a rocket ship.

Roomy inside for 5 adults. Good cargo space to move many over sized things. But it can be temperamental and costly.

Things that are typically small can be wicked expensive for this vehicle, so be prepared to pay big for the most mundane things.

Faults:

Battery died twice.

Alternator died.

Had to replace all gaskets to fix the vacuum leak.

Water pump died.

Crankshaft broke.

Crankshaft and transfer case broke again.

Transmission is acting up at low rpm; the car is shaking.

GPS is freezing.

Airbag sensors are always on.

General Comments:

I just toured the BMW factory, and the whole trip was about quality; I do not see that in my car.

Love the way the car drives, but I am tired of dumping money on it every month.