BMW E7X X5 known issues

[donovan]

Long story short, got side swiped in the M3. Currently riding the bike Mon-Fri, but it possibly might be taking a toll on the body lol.

I'll get back in the car game later, but I want something to go into the winter with, reliable and diesel. Please tell me the known issues that this SUV experiences and if its reliable.


Below is an example I found and they want $17.9 for it.

2011 BMW X5 - 109,000 miles
Engine sounds strong
Tires are good
Few cosmetic scratches in interior
Exterior paint is solid just a few scratches, none too deep.
NAV, Rear parking sensor, front headlight washers

Looking for honest opinions here, I don't want to buy another fucking car that I need to throw thousands at.

Donovan

[bmwx5er]

Originally Posted by donovan

Long story short, got side swiped in the M3. Currently riding the bike Mon-Fri, but it possibly might be taking a toll on the body lol.

I'll get back in the car game later, but I want something to go into the winter with, reliable and diesel. Please tell me the known issues that this SUV experiences and if its reliable.


Below is an example I found and they want $17.9 for it.

2011 BMW X5 - 109,000 miles
Engine sounds strong
Tires are good
Few cosmetic scratches in interior
Exterior paint is solid just a few scratches, none too deep.
NAV, Rear parking sensor, front headlight washers

Looking for honest opinions here, I don't want to buy another fucking car that I need to throw thousands at.

Donovan

"Reliable" is a relative term -- these cars are certainly not as reliable, say a Honda or Toyota. At 109K miles, you are taking a gamble. My opinion is that these cars are risky to own without a warranty (factory or extended).

We can certainly make some reliability claims comparing various E70 models - What model are you considering (6-cyl gasser, diesel, v8)? The reliability will greatly depend on it. The 6-cylinder gasser (35i) is the most reliable of the three, followed by the diesel, and then the v8 gasser.

This thread has some info that you might find useful.
http://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/sho...d.php?t=925585

General problems with MY 2011 models:
1. Front drive shaft recall. Don't ignore this.
2. Failing transfer cases
3. Vanos recall (for 35is only)
4. N63 campaign (for v8s only).
5. valve stem seal leak (for v8s only).
6. leaking AC evaporator (all E70 models)
7. Service history (oil changes, spark plug replacement @ 60K miles, Transmission service at 50 - 75K miles, other fluid replacements, ...).

HTH.

[donovan]

This particular vehicle was taken to BMW for everything and it is a diesel, the one owner and his wife were an older couple

[m5james]

Google everything needed in the N63 campaign and assume it's needed on the S63, minus the MAF since the S63 doesn't have one. Once those are done, you're likely to be good to go.

Diesel...that I can't tell you. I'd check over on www.xoutpost.com though as that was more popular when the E70 first came out.

[donovan]

Hmmmm so..
To be clear I'm only interested in the diesel. And so far it seems to have the lesser of issues ha

[mirob]

Originally Posted by donovan

Looking for honest opinions here, I don't want to buy another fucking car that I need to throw thousands at.

RUN.

[donovan]

Lol really

[mirob]

Man, that's just my opinion....and keep in mind that I don't have a diesel. Of course, more often than not, people join the forum to find solutions to problems so it's not a fair representation.

The N63 guys have had an easier time with SIBs and extended warranties than us S63 guys even though the initial cost for the S63 was more, maybe that's why I'm so disillusioned with the vehicle and BMW in general.

I love this thing but I have dumped a ton of money into it just to keep it running. Let's just say I'd have a hard time saying that I'd do it all over again if I had the chance...to be honest.

[donovan]

Thanks.

I mean, I like the way it looks. However, not a fan of how bmw vehicles need maintains out the ass

[badge1]

I think your first paragraph is really important. Most people come here because they are having issues and may already be in a negative frame of mind regarding their X5.

I come here because I like getting ideas of what guys are doing to their ///M's and to because there is a lot of information here.

BMW doesn't charge $100K+ for the ///M because people hate it and don't come back. Same with the non ///M's.

[mirob]

Originally Posted by badge1

I think your first paragraph is really important. Most people come here because they are having issues and may already be in a negative frame of mind regarding their X5.

I come here because I like getting ideas of what guys are doing to their ///M's and to because there is a lot of information here.

BMW doesn't charge $100K+ for the ///M because people hate it and don't come back. Same with the non ///M's.

Yeah, that's for sure. There are a lot of owners who are happy, like yourself. This is my fourth BMW, third ///M and it seems I've had issues with all of them. Maybe I just have bad luck...

...and still a huge fan of the brand and wouldn't jump ship...

[badge1]

Originally Posted by mirob

Yeah, that's for sure. There are a lot of owners who are happy, like yourself. This is my fourth BMW, third ///M and it seems I've had issues with all of them. Maybe I just have bad luck...

...and still a huge fan of the brand and wouldn't jump ship...

And isn't that the funny thing? You keep coming back!

This is my fourth BMW, second ///M. The garage currently has the X5 ///M and a beautiful E36 Alpina.

I have yet to have the horror stories, thankfully, but I also put on 5,000-10,000 km's (not miles) per year, so I can afford to take on a higher mileage "non-lemon" and average it down over time. I also don't drive hard, I just like having a bit of fun every now and then.

Sure, compared to a Honda or a Ford it will cost a little more to fix, but guess what, an engine problem on a BMW or an engine problem on a Nissan, you're still going to rack up the bills.

I can't see myself ever getting away from BMW.

[donovan]

I've had three m3 and euro spec e36.325. Not new to bmw..

I do strictly remember spending money on maintenance quite fucking well lol

[fsd350]

Do it IMO. We have a 2010 X5d with 130k miles and a tuned 2010 335d with 62k. They are both rock solid, powerful and get great MPG.

[donovan]

Typically speaking, anything with higher mileage is more prone to breaking.

It was owned by an older couple though so.. unsure what to think.

Donovan.

[bacon33]

We had a 2007 X5 we bought CPO. Turned out to be a lemon.

We currently have a 2012 X5d which my wife really loves. Appreciate 85-90K miles.

Issues:
Timing belt tensionser and pulley (campaign open for older model but seen a lot on forums).

Gadgets leak (I think it's a BMW thing)

Glow plug #1 is out (they want to replace glow plug and controller. Why controller not sure)

That has been the major stuff that has gone wrong up to now. We changed the tires because they were like $3K each year and no way we can keep that up in Cali.

Hope this helps

[donovan]

How does it drive during snow storms guys

And towing boats

[Cattivo]

Originally Posted by donovan

How does it drive during snow storms guys

And towing boats

I own the N63 and S63 which have both been very reliable with little to no money going towards repairs (only mods). Both are amazing in the snow as long as you have a dedicated winter setup. I don't tow but have read in many posts that they can tow a boat without any issues

Here is a pic of my M driving in over 1ft of snow

[donovan]

Very nice dude, what year is yours?

[Cattivo]

Both are 2011

[donovan]

Thanks for the input.