23rd Jan 2010, 19:33

I wanted to buy an X5. I always liked the way it stands out, but for all it's worth, I don't think I am that stupid to think all these comments have been made to spite the manufacturer of a car whose owners are happy with their cars. I do not have the cash to be throwing away and abusing by showing my face at the dealers every few seconds. I will go on doing my research, but for now thank you guys. I will try looking for another cheap and efficient ride. Why not.

24th Jan 2010, 11:59

I have a 2001 X5 now with 173K miles on the clock.

I have had several issues.

By far the worst was intermittent starting problem, which did not show as a fault. (I initially put it down to battery drain from a fault).

In the end it turned out to be one of the CAM sensors. Sometimes it was okay, sometimes it wasn't (probably temperature sensitive fault). Anyway replaced it (with a clearly redesigned BMW CAM sensor) and it was fine.

My latest issues are to do with the chain in the transfer box stretching, causing a bang banging noise when accelerating off too hard. Has anyone got experience of sourcing a new transfer box? I already changed the chain for an aftermarket one - but I suspect the teeth in the box are now worn, as I am experiencing the problem again a year later.

30th Jan 2010, 21:29

I too am very unhappy with my 2002 3.0 X5. I bought it from a dealer about 15 months ago, and have had nothing but problems. The first problem happened 2 days after I bought it, and for no apparent reason it just died in the middle of the road. Fortunately it was right beside the dealership I purchased it from and they jump started it. They then mentioned there was a "special" aftermarket kill switch on it, which I had them remove.

Two months later the alternator died. I also replaced the battery at that time.

Six months later new rotors, pads and sensor. These had less than 20000 km on them.

In Canada it gets cold and the doors freeze shut all the time. Usually one will open so my family has grown accustomed to crawling through the car to get in. The driver's door handle has broken after it froze one day ($240).

New ball joint and rocker arms required at 140000km. My mechanic said these had already been replaced before.

Last week after sitting in the garage for 3 days the battery was dead. I trickle charged the battery overnight and took it to the mechanic, who said he could find anything wrong.

Today I got a call from my wife as she is stranded about 200 miles from home with oil pouring out of the side of the engine. I think it might be the tappet cover seal. I'll pick her up tomorrow in my Toyota Corolla that has 487000 km on it! Guess what kind of vehicle I'm going to buy next?

Other problems are small but annoying, like the radio pixels are unreadable.

31st Jan 2010, 08:48

I have a 2002 X5 4.6 that I purchased from the BMW dealer in 2003 with 19000 miles. Thank goodness I had the foresight to purchase the extended warranty to 100000 miles. I now have 109000, and although I love the power and looks, I am losing confidence that it will not strand me. The dealer spent $18500 dollars from 50000 to 100000 thousand miles on repairs. Not a bad return for my $2500 cost. Here is my short list of things that happened from 50 to 100k that were covered by warranty.

1) Transmission went at 90k and was replaced, 8 grand.

2) Radiator blew and was replaced

3) Alternator, water pump, drive shaft issues, 3 out of 4 window regulators all replaced.

4) Self level suspension parts replaced.

5) AC works intermittently in summer, dealer can't find problem, the fan also whistles which is annoying, dealer can't find problem.

The list goes on and on, but now I am out of warranty.

The car chews through tires, brake pads and rotors.

My sunroof, when opened will spill water in the car when braking fast. Never does this when I have a tee shirt on, only when dressed up in a suit or sat night with my wife.

The car has stranded me 3 times, once when main belt broke, once when alternator died and once when radiator blew, had to be towed all 3 times. Fortunately I was close to home, but won't take it to Chicago from Michigan as I have lost confidence it will not leave me, wife and 2 kids on shoulder of road.

Car looks awesome, has great power and handling, love the 20 inch 5 spoke wheels and driving dynamics. I am in limbo now as I have had no issues in past 5k and am wondering what else can go, or should I dump it. I will purchase another BMW, but only keep up to 100k under warranty.

Also, BMW told me they will not sell a extended warranty if the car is not currently covered, so if you have less than 50k, buy it now because at 50001, you are out of luck. Hope this helps!

I do have a 1983 320 with 200k, runs great and have had 2 530s that were great, but just 2 year leases.

2nd Feb 2010, 20:43

I have a 2001 BMW X5 (3.0)... horn, airbag, seatbelt, radio... etc only works sometimes... I took it to the dealer to diagnose the problem and they were trying to sell me an air bag module, and weren't even sure if it's gonna fix the problem... I'm not stupid, I'm not gonna pay the dealer thousands of dollars for nothing...

I spent a lot of time tracing the problem and found that the wiring diagram next to the steering column had a damaged wire... I fix the wire and now my problem is solved... anybody else had the same problem?

22nd Mar 2010, 16:36

My 2001 X5 experienced sudden battery drain... recharged the battery and the alternator passed voltmeter check. Went looking online and found this forum! This is my problem - THANK YOU! Have verified that A/C fan is "huffing"... and have started process of removing the FSU... bolster on my X5 may be different than that pictured at http://www.540i6.com/finalstagereplacement.html, and I fear breaking any clips. Perhaps another forum will illustrate how this piece looks behind the carpet?

31st Mar 2010, 19:42

After reading reviews, I don't know whether I should buy one. I had deal done on 2002 diesel version. I think I will back off and keep my old Merc.

11th May 2010, 21:04

2002 X5 3.0 bought new.

I have had three window regulators break (just waiting for the fourth).

Both CV boots replaced.

Recently replaced front turn signals for $175 each (who designs the replacement of a $2 bulb requiring removal of the headlight assembly?)

Just did an Inspection II for $900, brakes for $1200, rear light assembly $300, window regulator and door lock actuator.

Now I have a check engine light that cost me $240 to diagnose that I have a bad instrument cluster (no symptoms), a bad thermostat and a fading battery. It will be $2,000 more when I pick it up tomorrow.

So... I will have spent $5,500 in the past two weeks. I have spent top dollar over the years to have perfect maintenance on it. Blue book value is about $12,000. I wanted to keep it another 120,000 miles, but now I just want to drive it over a cliff! I feel like I'm in an escalating war and have no way out! (This is in contrast to my wife's basic 1998 Toyota Camry that has cost us about $300 above regular maintenance. Should have bought a Lexus!)

I need some advice or psychiatric therapy! Comments?