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BMW X5 Reliability Concerns

42 messages,  Last post on Oct 21, 2009 at 8:49 PM

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#13 of 42 525it vs X5 by katcopter Jul 23, 2007 (7:22 am)
I currently own a 2001 525it sport wagon with 59,000 miles. I love the car but have always wanted an X5. I currently have my eye on a loaded (sport and premium packages) 2005 X5 at my local dealer with about 61,000 miles-which seem to be awfully high for a 2 year old vehicle. Are there any problems/concerns with respect to this year at this mileage? I generally put about 10,000 miles per year on my wagon. Thanks for any help!
#14 of 42 Re: TRANS.FAIL-SAFE PROG [bobalvis] by smacar01 Jul 28, 2007 (8:01 am)
Replying to: bobalvis (Nov 27, 2006 8:11 am) I found this recall on the web: Recall date: 06-14-2001 Units potentially affected: 14,300 NHTSA campaign number: 01V196000 Defective part or component: POWER TRAIN:TRANSMISSION:AUTOMATIC:SWITCH:SOLENOID:SHIFT ELECTRIC    Description: Over an extended period of time, abrasion particles could deposit on the electrical contacts within the switch, causing a disruption of the electric current through the contacts. If the disruption occurs when the vehicle is stationary with the transmission in the Neutral or Park positions, the transmission will switch automatically into the emergency program, which is displayed in the instrument cluster via a warning lamp and a message, (TRANS. FAIL-SAFE PROG). In this case, the vehicle can be driven in lower gears only with limited engine output. If this problem occurs, the ability to maintain speed in traffic and/or accelerate could be greatly diminished, possibly leading to a crash. Dealers will replace the transmission gear position indicator switch. Owner notification began August 14, 2001. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact BMW at 1-800-831-1117.   Hope it helps Replies to this message: katcopter (Jul 28, 2007 8:15 am) jencarnacion (May 03, 2009 4:55 pm)
#15 of 42 Re: TRANS.FAIL-SAFE PROG [smacar01] by katcopter Jul 28, 2007 (8:15 am)
Replying to: smacar01 (Jul 28, 2007 8:01 am) Thanks Bob! Much appreciated. I had a '94 525i that would do that once in awhile. Rather unnerving. I always had to pull over, shut the car off for 5-10 minutes until the computer reset itself. The odd part was that it only happened when I traveled a certain hill in my area and only when it was very hot outside. Once I figured that out, I just avoided the hill in hot weather and never had the problem again. It would seem to stick in 1st or 2nd gear. I eventually had it fixed.
#16 of 42 Nav System Fried? by lbwhite Dec 10, 2007 (3:40 pm)
Hello,   I recently received the trans fail safe error and then our 2001 X5 died. The alternator and battery were replaced. The dealer said the error message had nothing to do with the alt/battery and power failure.   However, when I picked it up, the front monitor/display is blank. It occassionally blinks but nothing displays. The radio turns off after a few minutes. The dealer says that the nav system controls all the displays and that it needs replacing and then the monitor will need replacing. I don't have high regards to the service consultant as he originally told us when we picked it up the first time that the display would show back up the next day. We were stuck in traffic and didn't have time to argue but knew that it was bogus.   Any one have any advice? Does the nav system control the display? The in phone unit still works. I'm not wanting to spend $3900 to replace the nav and the display if I don't need to.   Thanks! Replies to this message: mtemp1 (Feb 11, 2008 11:13 pm) lion2000 (Mar 30, 2008 7:49 pm) bmlexus (Mar 31, 2008 11:55 am)
#17 of 42 Re: Nav System Fried? [lbwhite] by mtemp1 Feb 11, 2008 (11:13 pm)
Replying to: lbwhite (Dec 10, 2007 3:40 pm) I have the same exact problem...were you able to fix it. Please let me know (you can email me at mmuotoyahoo.com) Thanks. Replies to this message: lion2000 (Mar 30, 2008 7:49 pm) bmlexus (Mar 31, 2008 11:55 am)
#18 of 42 X5 reliability by lion2000 Mar 30, 2008 (7:49 pm)
Replying to: mtemp1 (Feb 11, 2008 11:13 pm) No complain about the X5 reliability and its prestige. However, if you can put up with the inconvenience that had caused me, it is worthy! I have a 2001 X5 4.4 and am still driving it (101K miles).   * The first year I took the car back to the dealer 6 times. 3 times for door latch cable, 1 for burn out head light, 1 for transmission position sensor, 1 for electronics problem (disarm the car can cause hazard light to blink and can easily turn it off). * Fan blower speed control reostat burn out at 55K miles, dealer took care of for free. * Turn signal light burn out within warrenty. * Mass flow sensor broke at 65K miles. $$$ to replace. * Drive power shaft was broken due to bad quality material at 75K miles. * 70K miles, engine block oil gasket was leaking. $$$ to replace. * Radiator water hose erupted at 96K miles. Replacement hose had better built.   It is costly to maintain. Oil service and radiator flush costs 325. 100K service is 1500. When you change break pad, all four rotors plus sensors need to be replaced at the same time, 1000.   I have been looking at the reviews of other European SUVs, all seem to have reliability issue. I don't want to turn to the Japanese (had an Acura legend for 8 years never had problem). I may not have a choice here. Any recommendation? Any experience with newer X5 models? Much appreciated!!   //Lion Replies to this message: bmlexus (Mar 31, 2008 11:55 am)
#19 of 42 Re: X5 reliability [lion2000] by bmlexus Mar 31, 2008 (11:55 am)
Replying to: lion2000 (Mar 30, 2008 7:49 pm) No complain about the X5 reliability and its prestige. However, if you can put up with the inconvenience that had caused me, it is worthy! I have a 2001 X5 4.4 and am still driving it (101K miles). Thats the main reason why i like bmw a lot but get very tense after reading the troubles
#21 of 42 Any 2007 or 2008 problems? by postermike Oct 13, 2008 (5:51 am)
I'd like to hear from any 2007 or 2008 owners out there about any issues you've had with your X5. I'm getting ready to finalize negotiations with Chrysler on my '08 Commander to buy me out through lemon law.   I've settled on the X5 and the Land Rover LR3. (Please, no replies about how different the vehicles are. My only concerns are luxury and how much I like the vehicle as I live in the city and don't off-road or tow.) I had an '06 X5 that I loved and never had an issue with but, since the LR3 now has an electric steering wheel adjustment, I'm torn between which one I like better. I get a good deal from BMW because of my relationship with them but one of my best friends runs the LR store just a mile from my office and I know I can get a good deal from him too and if I do have problems, it would be closer than the BMW store, which is about 5 miles away.   I know everything about both vehicles as far as equipment, drive, capabilities, etc, however I haven't heard much about problems with the '08. I'm a 24 month leaser so I'm not really so worried about problems with 2 or 3 year old vehicles, just wondering if anyone out there has had initial problems, like I've had with my Commander since day one.   Thanks,
#22 of 42 I love my X5 by undecidedqx Oct 13, 2008 (1:08 pm)
I just have to say I love my X5. I bought a brand new '08 in March and I did have one problem with the wiring harness which was immediately repaired. Other than that, it's been great. It's fast, gets great gas mileage for an SUV, is roomy, drives like a dream and has every bell and whistle. I did get it loaded. I love it to pieces and could not be more satisfied.   Good luck to you.

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