Faults:

Rear suspension mounts.

Motor mounts.

Rear axle hubs.

Brake lines.

Rear wiper motor.

Front wiper motor mounts.

Two window regulators.

Crankcase ventilation system.

Shock tower mount.

Shift boot.

CD player.

Control arms and bushings.

Rear subframe mounts.

Non-impact based windshield cracks.

And many more...

General Comments:

Provided good long term service (almost 15 years and about 95000 miles), but even personal (my hobby is car restoration) and professional maintenance in excess of BMW required service, still resulted in a continual series of major and minor repair issues. Overall costs of ownership roughly equivalent to purchasing a new car every 4-5 years.

Faults:

I bought my BMW X5 3.0 brand new. I've had nothing but problems.

The most recent issue happened without any warning. The drivetrain and both front and rear transfer cases gave out. The cost to repair is $5200 USD.

I called BMW, and they admit they designed the drivetrain too short, which will cause unnecessary wear on the transfer case(s), which in turn was the cause of the transfer cases giving out too. The replacement drivetrain is a "modified" drivetrain that is longer. In my opinion, this constitutes a defective or faulty drivetrain! This means the drivetrain and/or transfer cases will give out, it's just a matter of time. BMW will not own up to the fact and stand behind their product.

I understand that I have 137k miles on my BMW, but I'm appalled that BMW knows about this and doesn't issue a recall, or at least notify its customers.

I will NEVER own another BMW!

Faults:

Problems with engine vent valve; oil all over the engine - repair cost $1600 plus.

Drivers side door handle quit being functional.

Radio MID unit quit.

Tailgate pops open at infrequent times.

Air conditioning compressor blew.

General Comments:

I drive this on long trips, usually about 3,000 miles at a time. Also sometimes tow a boat, the X has been great at this.

Faults:

In the five years and 50,000 miles I have had this car, the repair costs have been less than $300.

The valve cover gasket needed to be replaced: $30.

Intake elbow cracked: $15.

Door handle broke (common) : $90.

Window regulator attachment clips: $1.98.

The car has been dead reliable, even towing a 3500 lb trailer for 20,000 miles, and even pulling out tree stumps.

General Comments:

If you bought one new and paid $70 grand for it, you might be disappointed when the door handles get scratchy. But if you buy it used for $25 grand, it is a heck of a bargain.

I would recommend the 3.0 as it has more than enough power and is easier and cheaper to maintain. Regularly gets 21 mpg with the 5-speed, too.

If you have to have an automatic, keep on eye on the fluid levels.

If you want to own one out of warranty, be handy with tools or know a good independent mechanic. Taking these to the dealer is just not a cost-effective option.

If you enjoy older BMWs (I have four) and like to tinker, you'll find this car no better or worse than the rest of the line. Many of the "problems" reported (window regulator clips) are also prevalent in other models of the same year (e.g., E46).

BMWs have a high threshold of pain. If reliability and no maintenance (and no understanding of how cars work) is your bag, buy a Toyota or a Honda. BMWs are expensive, but that doesn't mean they are more reliable.

It handles great and hauls ass. That's why you buy a BMW. Want boring handling but higher reliability? Buy a Toyota - as simple as that.