Calling all high mileage X5 M owners

[ghostofsenna]

Long term BMW owner here and looking to add a high mileage e70 X5 M to my garage. I've owned two M3s (e46 and currently e90) and have driven extensively (as well as advised) my mother with both her e60 535xi and e70 x5.

I want to add the X5 M to my garage for rainy day/winter duties, dog hauling, and to keep less miles on my e90 M3. I've got a good mechanic that does all the work on my BMWs which makes me interested in a high mileage X5 M.

Am I out of my mind? I over maintain my cars and as a result they've all treated me very nicely. There's some good deals out there for 80 - 100k mile 2010/2011s and it's making me want to jump. Let's discuss. If you have horror stories, please mention failure mileage and cost to repair-- make it real for me.

oh, here's a pic of my current ride.

[jcm3]

I also used to have an e46 and e90. Maintenance wise the x5m has been less than the e90 (had 60K on the e90 and 80k on the x5). You dont have to worry about the rod bearing issue that plagues the e46 and e90. What you do need to watch out for:
Injector (index 12) : under call
Driveshaft (under recall)
Air bags (under recall)
Vent pipe (recall)

other things:
Vacuum pump leaks
Oil pan leaks
Vent pipe and associated pcv tubes get brittle leak oil
Brakes rotors arent cheap (no aftermarket stock rotor replacements)

[ghostofsenna]

Originally Posted by jcm3

I also used to have an e46 and e90. Maintenance wise the x5m has been less than the e90 (had 60K on the e90 and 80k on the x5). You dont have to worry about the rod bearing issue that plagues the e46 and e90. What you do need to watch out for:
Injector (index 12) : under call
Driveshaft (under recall)
Air bags (under recall)
Vent pipe (recall)

other things:
Vacuum pump leaks
Oil pan leaks
Vent pipe and associated pcv tubes get brittle leak oil
Brakes rotors arent cheap (no aftermarket stock rotor replacements)

It doesn't seem too terrible as a high mileage candidate. Is there any recommended preventative maintenance routines? Seems like the vent pipe and PCV tubes could be replaced as routine maintenance...

[jcm3]

Make sure the recalls are done

[HollywoodsX5M]

126,000 here.. things to look out for right away is the power steering pump and full assembly. Usually goes bad around 50-100K, 2k for that Oil leaks def need to check for that. Cost me 3k

[ghostofsenna]

How about suspension? Seems like 100k is the right time for shocks and any rubber/moving bushings.

Brakes? Obviously dependent on the type of mileage (highway vs. city), but I assume more often with the weight of the X5 M. Say every 50k miles?

[jcm3]

Haven’t hit 100k. The rear airbags will probably leak by then. Also you will need a battery most likely. They last about 25/30k

[HollywoodsX5M]

Originally Posted by ghostofsenna

How about suspension? Seems like 100k is the right time for shocks and any rubber/moving bushings.

Brakes? Obviously dependent on the type of mileage (highway vs. city), but I assume more often with the weight of the X5 M. Say every 50k miles?

I did replace my rear bags at 100K, 700 for both and front suspension needed new rubber cost me 2k dealer install

[HollywoodsX5M]

Originally Posted by jcm3

HavenÂ’t hit 100k. The rear airbags will probably leak by then. Also you will need a battery most likely. They last about 25/30k

I'm on my 3rd battery with 126k odo

[ghostofsenna]

Originally Posted by jcm3

Make sure the recalls are done

Originally Posted by HollywoodsX5M

126,000 here.. things to look out for right away is the power steering pump and full assembly. Usually goes bad around 50-100K, 2k for that Oil leaks def need to check for that. Cost me 3k

Has your X5 M left you stranded before?
What mileage did you purchase it at?
Roughly how much in repairs and preventative maintenance have your performed over this interval?

Fortunately, I will have two cars so willing to accept higher risk. Am curious if this could be reliable enough for road trips, etc.

[jcm3]

Has your X5 M left you stranded before? Yes: Coolant expansion tank crack
What mileage did you purchase it at? 67K
Roughly how much in repairs and preventative maintenance have your performed over this interval? $3500 in year 1/2

Fortunately, I will have two cars so willing to accept higher risk. Am curious if this could be reliable enough for road trips, etc. Id be comfortable w a road trip if it had a full size spare. No spare w the car and i dont use run flats.

[SyL3nTFoRcE]

Im not that high mileage on mine but i feel like im getting up there pretty quick i bought mine at 67k in june 2017 and now im at 84k.

I have had to changed one airbag about a month or two ago and now the other side has a leak. I should've changed both at once but i decided not to. The airbags are super easy to but the part is 300/each for oem which is what i go with for that. So far i had all the recalls done and have not had any major issues yet (knock on wood). I do daily it and i took it down to florida one month after i bought it. I can let you know i was first doubting it but after i took it down it was the best experience since i had fun on some highways with it in florida. Its comfortable and i had two other people in my car including our luggage which my gf and her friend had tons of bags but surprisingly it allfit well. I bought warranty for it but now im kind of thinking i should've just saved that and used it for something else.

I would say go for it, i dont think you will regret since you already have other cars as well, so it wont be bad if one day its out of commision for repairs.

[Qsilver7]

Originally Posted by ghostofsenna

I want to add the X5 M to my garage for rainy day/winter duties, dog hauling, and to keep less miles on my e90 M3. I've got a good mechanic that does all the work on my BMWs which makes me interested in a high mileage X5 M.

If you're "wintering" in the Chicago IL region...and the X is being used for "winter duties"...I'd also consider the type of "tires" that are mounted. An AWD vehicle is only as good as the tires that are mounted. Those small 4 patches where the tire actually contacts the pavement...is very important to consider.

If you have summer tires mounted...don't expect a very good driving experience when the ambient temps dip and remain below 45° F...and when you start throwing precipitation into the equation (rain/snow/sleet/ice/etc)...the experience can become even worse.

If you live in an area where the roads get plowed/salted/sanded quickly & regularly...you may do okay with all-seasons...but again, the lower the ambient temps drop and the more winter precipitation that's thrown into the scenario...the less capable non dedicated winter tires become.

To get all you can get from the X5M's AWD technology...dedicated winter tires would be something to truly consider adding to it's arsenal...again, this is if the X5M is to be your winter "turn-to" vehicle. It's not just about traction to take off...but about the ability to turn (without sliding off) as well as braking.

For example...the pics below are from a TireRack video (can be found on YouTube) where summer/all-season/winter tires are tested on an ice skating rink:

{braking distance when stopping from 10 MPH}



{cornering compared while traveling at 10 MPH & negotiating a turn}







{accelerating from 0 MPH to reach 60 ft}

[philly42]

For those X5M with high miles, have you replaced the transmission and differential fluids?

A BMW tech mentioned that the shocks are robust and tend to last long. I plan to have mine rebuilt soon after 100k.
Look into replacing rubber suspensioncomponents around 70k.

[ghostofsenna]

Originally Posted by Qsilver7

If you're "wintering" in the Chicago IL region...and the X is being used for "winter duties"...I'd also consider the type of "tires" that are mounted. An AWD vehicle is only as good as the tires that are mounted. Those small 4 patches where the tire actually contacts the pavement...is very important to consider.

If you have summer tires mounted...don't expect a very good driving experience when the ambient temps dip and remain below 45° F...and when you start throwing precipitation into the equation (rain/snow/sleet/ice/etc)...the experience can become even worse.

If you live in an area where the roads get plowed/salted/sanded quickly & regularly...you may do okay with all-seasons...but again, the lower the ambient temps drop and the more winter precipitation that's thrown into the scenario...the less capable non dedicated winter tires become.

To get all you can get from the X5M's AWD technology...dedicated winter tires would be something to truly consider adding to it's arsenal...again, this is if the X5M is to be your winter "turn-to" vehicle. It's not just about traction to take off...but about the ability to turn (without sliding off) as well as braking.

Absolutely-- I always have season specific tires on my vehicles. I am currently DDing a 535xi on blizzaks. I prefer winter compound vs. all season.

[ghostofsenna]

Originally Posted by philly42

A BMW tech mentioned that the shocks are robust and tend to last long. I plan to have mine rebuilt soon after 100k.
Look into replacing rubber suspension components around 70k.

Why not buy new shocks?

All good info here, guys. Gives more confidence in this purchase. A candidate I am looking at has 90k miles.

[Qsilver7]

Originally Posted by ghostofsenna

Absolutely-- I always have season specific tires on my vehicles. I am currently DDing a 535xi on blizzaks. I prefer winter compound vs. all season.

[philly42]

Originally Posted by ghostofsenna

Why not buy new shocks?

All good info here guys. Gives more confidence in this purchase. A candidate I am looking at has 90k miles.

I’m considering rebuilding because of price and the customization for aftermarket lowering springs. The rebuild could include valving to match aftermarket springs. It’s common to hear people complain about the ride quality or struts failing after installing lowering springs. Matching the components should help eliminate these issues.

[ghostofsenna]

Originally Posted by philly42

I’m considering rebuilding because of price and the customization for aftermarket lowering springs. The rebuild could include valving to match aftermarket springs. It’s common to hear people complain about the ride quality or struts failing after installing lowering springs. Matching the components should help eliminate these issues.

Ok, got it. I think I came across another one of your threads discussing which lowering springs to choose and lifespan of the struts resulting from a lowering spring. Makes sense now. I am looking forward to before and after photos.

Based on my learning from this thread (thank you all), I will be installing lowering springs when/if I have a rear bag leak and suspension refresh. Seems like a great mod to do while in there doing maintenance and an alignment. I have H&R sport springs on my M3 and absolutely love the drop. It is how the car should have came from the factory.

[gixxerboy63]

Originally Posted by philly42

For those X5M with high miles, have you replaced the transmission and differential fluids?

Think of these fluids as the life-blood of your mechanicals...
Keeping these fluid clean and fresh is highly recommended for the longevity of any vehicle, especially high performance ones like our X5Ms

Recently changed my fluids at 85k miles (all were pretty dirty);
-Transmission fluid (filter, gasket ATF fluid, pan bolts)
-Transfer case fluid
-Front diff fluid
-Rear diff fluid - we have a 3 piece differential; (rear diff gear oil + final drive gear oil)
-Engine Oil - LiquiMoly 5w-30

I also accomplished some other things while it was in the shop... Installed wireless phone charger in console, reconnected vacuum actuator for exhaust flaps (I have been chasing this issue since I bought it )
The actuator unit was completely bypassed, causing flaps to stay open all the time - I know some of you want to have them open all the time, but not me; I like having the ability to control them when I want!


Total cost $1887.00

[philly42]

Originally Posted by gixxerboy63

Think of these fluids as the life-blood of your mechanicals...
Keeping these fluid clean and fresh is highly recommended for the longevity of any vehicle, especially high performance ones like our X5Ms

Recently changed my fluids at 85k miles (all were pretty dirty);
-Transmission fluid (filter, gasket ATF fluid, pan bolts)
-Transfer case fluid
-Front diff fluid
-Rear diff fluid - we have a 3 piece differential; (rear diff gear oil + final drive gear oil)
-Engine Oil - LiquiMoly 5w-30

I also accomplished some other things while it was in the shop... Installed wireless phone charger in console, reconnected vacuum actuator for exhaust flaps (I have been chasing this issue since I bought it )
The actuator unit was completely bypassed, causing flaps to stay open all the time - I know some of you want to have them open all the time, but not me; I like having the ability to control them when I want!


Total cost $1887.00

Thanks, I don't believe in lifetime fluid. I hope to tackle those fluid changes before the summer.
I like bypassing the exhaust flap. Though my car is stock...Yours is on a whole new level.

[Mstatus45]

Originally Posted by gixxerboy63

Think of these fluids as the life-blood of your mechanicals...
Keeping these fluid clean and fresh is highly recommended for the longevity of any vehicle, especially high performance ones like our X5Ms

Recently changed my fluids at 85k miles (all were pretty dirty);
-Transmission fluid (filter, gasket ATF fluid, pan bolts)
-Transfer case fluid
-Front diff fluid
-Rear diff fluid - we have a 3 piece differential; (rear diff gear oil + final drive gear oil)
-Engine Oil - LiquiMoly 5w-30

I also accomplished some other things while it was in the shop... Installed wireless phone charger in console, reconnected vacuum actuator for exhaust flaps (I have been chasing this issue since I bought it )
The actuator unit was completely bypassed, causing flaps to stay open all the time - I know some of you want to have them open all the time, but not me; I like having the ability to control them when I want!


Total cost $1887.00

I'm looking for wheels for my x5m and I love these which model advs are they?