Faults:

Transmission has went out two times, and it's under a 100,000 miles. Dealership will not honor the pre-owned warranty...

General Comments:

My BMW X5 4.4 did not hold up to the expected performance, and I am very ashamed that a BMW dealer is making me pay after a transmission has failed two times...

Faults:

I have a 2001 BMW X-5 3.0, Christine Edition.

Airbag warning light has been on for the last 30k. They can't find reason why or turn it off.

Dash lights up like a Christmas tree (sometimes).

Had to replace/reset faulty sensors.

4 windows stopped working, had to replace all window motors, one by one.

Turn signals work, then don't work... then work.

Tail lights and hazards lights, the same deal.

Dash clock and radio readout slowing dying line by line to the point of being unreadable.

Now engine light is on and is stalling out at stops. Mechanic thinks it is a computer problem?

Also, as a side note, does anyone else think that the seats are incredibly uncomfortable during long drives?

General Comments:

The X-5 is a nice looking car but it has been a maintenance nightmare since I purchased it in 2004. I am really sad that I sold my 2001 Honda Civic DX for this unreliable car.

Faults:

Hand brake needed replacing.

General Comments:

My X5 5sp manual has close to 90k miles on it and we have had ONLY a handbrake replacement on it, I change my own oil, brakes filters etc, I've read a lot of negative comments, my advice would probably be to buy a stick if you have tranny issues. We looked long and hard to find one and it has be well worth it. I drove an Acura MDX that had transmission failures TWICE!! So I'm pretty happy.

Faults:

Have to agree with the others JUNK 100k miles driveshaft and transfer case went day after it comes out the shop at BMW for front axles, as well as a water pump and many more months in the shop totaling over 15,000 dollars, bout what its worth now, JUNK NEVER AGAIN!!!

General Comments:

JUNK don't ever ever buy one less you like fixing cars and finding parts till 4am! GL.

Faults:

Coolant tank leaked at 50,000 miles, had to replace it for $1000, not under warranty anymore.

Check rear or brake light sign keeps lighting up in dashboard. Had to replace rear lights 3 times already and they still go out after it rains.

I see nightmares every time a warning light goes on in the dashboard. $$$$$$$$$$

Car sucks up gas like crazy. Definitely not a fuel efficient vehicle.

General Comments:

Despite its problems, this is the most fun car I have driven, but I have only driven Mazdas, Mitsubishis and Chevrolets. This is a driving machine. It glides on the road and it does 80 miles per hour like other cars do 40. It is a joy to drive. The only reason I´m ready to trade it in is that once the warranty is gone, it is $$$$$ to maintain. The computer is sensitive and everything is very costly to repair. Unless you have big pockets for repairs and fuel, the fun will wear off soon. I would still buy a BMW when I have more money to handle it. They are classy cars. In terms of SUVs, this is my favorite, I dont know what else you would buy after the almighty X5.

Faults:

The main computer stopped working at 8,000 miles. It rendered the car inoperable. It was replaced under warranty in a day.

The windshield broke and since it was a rain sensing one, required a week to replace and cost $600! Not worth it - I can torn on my own wipers!

Some of the interior bits broke and were cheaply made. Minor things, cup holders, etc. True of lots of BMW's.

General Comments:

This was our first SUV and it will be the last, unless it's an old workhorse. The car handled well in the snow and ice, had good ground clearance, and generally handled well for a truck. It accelerates well for a small 6 cylinder hauling a 4,500 pound vehicle.

On the downside, it has a choppy ride, lacks cargo room, and gets terrible gas mileage. We averaged 14 in city driving, the best I got was 22 on a trip at constant speed.