Buy It!! (archive)

We've had the X5 since early June. As mentioned before, there were a few wierd glitches--sometimes the mirror/seat memory screws up & I actually have to push the button on the seat. This happened 3 times in one week about 2 months ago--not before or since.
I had the AM radio "fix" done, but it didn't fix it, haven't been back yet to the dealer to discuss this.
Also had the stalling ECM reprogram--got to eat the dealer's pastry with free espresso, and read the entire X5 recall binder while I waited, not a bad deal.
I strongly suggest the PDC since parking visibility is tough, & would gladly share other personal preferences.
The "new model" vs. "evolutionary" issue: my first new BMW pruchase was an E34 when the 4 valve M50 engine was released for 1991. We called that car "Old Trusty." Now, the 1996 E36 (328is) sits next to the X5, and I wouldn't buy anything else to drive.
So much of the car is derivative--entire drive train, for instance (front wheel part excepted), along with other familiar BMW things, that I would buy BMW again...oh, wait, I did! The electronics is a mix of brand new & current, but even the glitches are not that serious.

No door/hatch/suspension problems, and the engine stall was fixed in ~30 minutes.

Gas mileage is going up, too--started about 17 mpg in mixed driving, now at ~18.5 mixed, and I have a bad habit of burying my right foot.

I expect this BMW to be as good as the last ones for fun driving, reliabiity, and...I'm going to go after my autocross class in GGC-CCA next year.

(Now I'm lusting for a BMW Mini-Cooper--just need the NASDAQ to go up 90%)

Happy New Millenium.

Dear X5 Owners:

I currently have a 540i/6 and was interested in the X5 - either engine config. I've test driven the 3.0 version from Cutter Motors, and was impressed. Unfortunately, after reading this forum, I'm getting mixed reviews regarding reliability and different types of problems occurring. I've read about problems such as - wind noise, trunk probs, door probs, engine, suspension, etc.

Since the X5 is first gen, this really scares me. I get a sense that it's 50/50 if you'll end up with a problematic X5.

Please give me an idea why you WOULD or WOULD NOT recommend me purchasing an X5.

Thanks.

- MacSanta

Follow Ups:

[ Follow Ups ] [ X5 Message Board ] [ Msg. Board FAQ ]

Questions, comments, or problems, please visit the Roadfly help desk.