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BMW X5 Reliability Concerns

61 messages,  Last post on Feb 10, 2013 at 1:50 PM

You are in the BMW X3 & X5 Forum.

What is this discussion about? BMW X5, SUV

Messages Page 2 of 7

#2 of 61 Re: BMW: Reliability Concerns [chaseboy] by div2

Oct 27, 2006 (9:29 am)

Replying to: chaseboy (Oct 24, 2006 11:00 am)
How would you current and former owners rate the overall reliability and long-term quality of your BMW?
 
I've owned/wrenched on eight BMWs since 1983, and I currently own two-a 1995 318ti Club Sport and a 2004 X3 2.5.
At 105,000 miles the maintenance and repair costs for the ti have averaged $40 per month. Prior to the X3 we had a 130K mile 1997 528i that averaged $85/month to run.
If you are considering the second generation X5 I'd advise waiting a year or so to let Munich work any bugs out. If you want a current model I'd say go for it.
By coincidence, I'm currently looking at a 2001 X5 3.0 to use as my commuter hack...
 
Would you buy another BMW?
 
See above...

#3 of 61 Re: BMW: Reliability Concerns [div2] by quattroporte12

Oct 27, 2006 (3:21 pm)

Replying to: div2 (Oct 27, 2006 9:29 am)
between a new model x3 and a 2003 x5 4.4 which do you think would handle better?

#4 of 61 Re: BMW: Reliability Concerns [quattroporte12] by div2

Oct 27, 2006 (4:45 pm)

Replying to: quattroporte12 (Oct 27, 2006 3:21 pm)
I've only driven X5s equipped with the Sport Package, and the last one was a 4.6is back in 2001. In contrast, I just spent a week in a 2006 X3 3.0 with the Sport Package, and I can't say that it handled significantly better than those X5s. I expect that the new X3 3.0si would handle about the same- but it will be quite a bit faster; it may even have enough grunt to keep up with the X5 4.4. I really don't think you'd go wrong with either.

#5 of 61 Re: BMW: Reliability Concerns [div2] by quattroporte12

Oct 28, 2006 (9:21 pm)

Replying to: div2 (Oct 27, 2006 4:45 pm)
Thanks for the info. I think both vehicles are great, but i slightly prefer the interior and exteroir styling of the x5. Just worried about snow traction (like to ski) on the 03 model, whereas the new x3's and new x5's (04-06) have the updated x-drive. Do you think there is a big difference between these two x-drive systems?

#6 of 61 Re: BMW: Reliability Concerns [quattroporte12] by div2

Oct 29, 2006 (7:33 am)

Replying to: quattroporte12 (Oct 28, 2006 9:21 pm)
Do you think there is a big difference between these two x-drive systems?
 
I prefer x-drive due to its ability to shift almost 100% of the engine torque to the axle that has traction. However, the older AWD system fitted to the 01-03 X5 is no slouch. I drove an 01 X5 equipped with lightly studded Pirelli Scorpions in the 2000 Alcan Winter Rally and we had no trouble with traction,though human error was another story altogether... I'll go out on a limb and state that you could probably go anywhere you wanted in an 03 equipped with decent all-season tires. Another option would be to fit it with Nokian's WR tire, which is an all-season tire that also carries the severe winter service rating(the "snowflake on the mountain"). To sum up, the older X5s are great, but x-drive makes them even better.

#7 of 61 Re: BMW: Reliability Concerns [div2] by quattroporte12

Oct 30, 2006 (3:40 pm)

Replying to: div2 (Oct 29, 2006 7:33 am)
Great to know! Thanks! I think x5's great. Its the only SUV that combines handling, luxury, and snow driving so well, (except for MAYBE the cayenne, but its UGLY), and it just HAPPENS to be a BMW! I had a question about the Nokian's WR tire. I would think these would greatly impact the handling, so do you think it would be a better option to buy them with a second set of wheels and keep the sport tires (x5 is equipped with the sport package), or is there a tire out there that will give good snow traction without really messing up the handling? Thanks.

#8 of 61 Re: BMW: Reliability Concerns [quattroporte12] by div2

Oct 30, 2006 (8:40 pm)

Replying to: quattroporte12 (Oct 30, 2006 3:40 pm)
I would think these would greatly impact the handling, so do you think it would be a better option to buy them with a second set of wheels and keep the sport tires (x5 is equipped with the sport package), or is there a tire out there that will give good snow traction without really messing up the handling?
 
I'll ALWAYS select the option of four winter tires on a dedicated set of wheels. If you are going to go that route I'd suggest checking out some of the other winter tires available on Tire Rack- primarily because the WRs are a bit pricey to buy just for winter use.

#10 of 61 Tires by steve_ HOST

Nov 01, 2006 (11:46 am)

Tire discussions seem pretty popular, so please check out the new ones under the BMW X3 & X5 group heading (you too peter1234 ).

#11 of 61 TRANS.FAIL-SAFE PROG by bobalvis

Nov 27, 2006 (9:11 am)

Anyone have this warning signal appear? Mine showed up for the first time this weekend. (2002 3.0 with 60,000 miles). Car completely shut down and barely gave me enough time to get off a very busy freeway. Would not crank up immediately but did so after nearly an hour. Had it towed about 100 miles to my shop. Still waiting on explanation. Sure ruined a great Thanksgiving holiday!
If you have experienced this, what was the solution?
Thanks,
Bob

Messages Page 2 of 7

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