Edmunds dealer partner, Bayway Leasing, is now offering transparent lease deals via these forums. Click here to see the latest vehicles!

BMW X5

1…1314161819…29

Comments

  • steverstever Guest Posts: 52,454
    You might get some ideas from messages in the In-vehicle DVD movie systems discussion.


    Steve, Host

  • div2div2 Member Posts: 2,580
    BMW offers a dealer-installed DVD system for the X5. I don't know if it's a viable DIY proposition.
  • jammylingjammyling Member Posts: 7
    Hello fellow X5ers,
    I'm stuck between a rockchip & hardplace. I just picked up my X5 from OPEN ROAD BMW service center in Edison, NJ due to leaking rack n pinion, blanking NAV system (4th time & still no resolve, xenon headlight, condensation & blown out fog lights.
    So im at the dealership and get in to drive away, only to notice a 5-inch crack in my winshield.
    I speak to the service supervisor and he says it was caused by a rock chip, not by them.
    I was appalled! I told them i dropped the vehicle off with no windshield chips whatsoever. The inspection paper when i dropped the vehicle off also didn't indicate a crack in the windshield.
    He spoke to the tech and produced a handwritten statement on some paper stating that there was a crack in the windshield. This is just absurd!

    To make matters worse, the condescending supervisor said I'm lucky they even performed warranty work on the NAV system considering i had aftermarket wheels on my X5 this summer. I shut that down real quick when i mentioned i had already had the car serviced 3 times prior to having the new wheels for the NAV problem, which still isnt fixed.

    Isnt there anything out there legally that protects owners from having to put up with this? Ive been told NJ lemon laws apply to any new car that has problems that cant be remedied by dealer after 3 tries. I'm sure this counts. Im so frustrated with BMW and Open Road BMW that i'm even willing to walk away from my lease if possible.

    I've been verbally harrassed by my service advisor for giving him a less than favorable score on the bmw follow up call.

    I've called the 800 bmw cust service # and rambled off all my complaints...in hopes that something will be done...

    Can anyone give me any advice?
  • polomanpoloman Member Posts: 5
    Jammyling,

    Since you seem to be having service problems with Open Road, and your X5 is still under factory warranty, why not try to have the problems serviced at another BMW dealer? I have had several new BMW's and have been very pleased with JMK BMW in Springfield, NJ. I have friends who also have had service problems from Open Road, and I have never felt comfortable at that dealership when I was trying to purchase a vehicle. I would be curious to see how BMW customer service responds to your requests.

    Poloman
  • jammylingjammyling Member Posts: 7
    I have an appointment to see the service mgr @ Open Road Monday morning, but BMW cust service rep told me she'd call the manager prior to me coming to speak on behalf of my complaints.

    I feel like i'm in grade school again, like telling the principle that a bully is picking on me, then having to go back to class and confront that bully...not a good situation...one i feel i shouldn't be placed in...
    definitely not what i consider the ultimate bmw experience....

    thanks poloman for the suggestion, i may have no other option but to go at least 30 minutes out of my way for JMK...something the cust service rep advised me to do...which i can't believe...
  • jammylingjammyling Member Posts: 7
    i know these issues have been posted before...how did owners who had these problems get them resolved? Again, Open Road dealership states those are bmw issues and cannot be fixed by dealership. dealership states air smell blamed on environmental air quality and headlight condensation due to housing unit. Again, thanks for the explanation but what is bmw going to do about it?! i find it hard to believe that EVERY BMW in the metro NYC area is driving around in a foul smelling $50K+ car and not making a stink about it!!
    Is this true? Can anyone help?!
  • tidestertidester Member Posts: 10,059
    Cracks don't always appear immediately after a windshield is struck. I had one appear before my eyes more than an hour after my windshield was hit by a pebble. Earlier I had heard the pebble strike and I did notice a tiny pit and some rock residue at the impact point. I just happened to be looking directly at the damage while parked when the crack formed.

    So it is possible the dealer is innocent. If there was no possibility of your windshield having been hit within, say, a few hours before you took your vehicle in then press the point!

    Good luck.

    tidester, host
  • bgiiibgiii Member Posts: 1
    Thinking of buying the 4.4 X5 and wondering if current owners would purchase this car again? Consumer Reports gave it a very poor rating on reliability - wondering what others experience has been?
  • tan214tan214 Member Posts: 1
    I have a 2001 X5 3.0 with over 26,000 miles and am very happy with it. As I've read with others, I've had several minor problems, but have been able to get all fixed to my satisfaction except for one thing: an intermittent high pitched whistling noise that comes from under the vehicle, near the back. Sometimes it's a "pulsing whistle" and other times it just stays on. Happens when engine is running whether in Drive or Park. We've checked the engine and it is definitely NOT coming from there. The frustrating part is that this noise doesn't happen once I'm at a dealership! I've had them check for it 3 times and they cannot replicate.

    Any thoughts or similar experiences? Thanks for any help!
  • mrbluetoothmrbluetooth Member Posts: 10
    I've had the same problems, and they are fairly common on X5s. I get the condensation after washing the X, but it evaporates. You could also try turning on the lights to help dry it more quickly. If, however, it does not go away after a few hours or if there is water in the housing, they should replace the housing. Try another dealer.

    That the smelly ventilation has anything to do with environmental quality is pure B.S. If it smells like mold or a smelly sock, I believe it's related to condensation in the A/C system. Try turning off the A/C a minute or two before your destination and just run the fan to help dry up the lines. I've also heard of some spray that you spray directly into the vents.

    As far as the lemon law goes, the three strikes rule normally applies to problems where safety is compromised, i.e., more serious problems. Nevertheless, consult a lawyer if you feel you have a good case. In the meantime, try out the other dealer.

    Good luck.
  • greenlaterngreenlatern Member Posts: 77
    This happened to me twice, both times after going through a touchless car wash. Cleared up after I parked it with the lights facing towards the sun. As bluetooth says, if there's WATER and not just a little condesation get the housing replaced.

    Lots of vehicles have the A/C problem, and I'm no lawyer but your lemon law claim doesn't look very good to me. I'm gonna go with the crowd and say "check out the other d(St)ealer".
  • greenlaterngreenlatern Member Posts: 77
    A: If it were MY X5 (that is, practically flawless) then ABSOLUTELY. If it were an X5 that intermittently died in traffic, no way. Too bad there's no way to tell ahead of time.

    But, if you happen to get a bad one the good news is they're easy to steal if you park it in the wrong part of town :-)
  • smarticussmarticus Member Posts: 37
    I have had an X5 3.0d on test all weekend and was sure I would want to buy it. In the UK this is a seriously expensive beast at £42,000 (nearly $60,000). There are some problems with the car that I knew about (small luggage capacity and rather poor mobile phone system)but the one that has taken me by surprise is the very "choppy" ride quality. The car behaves really strangely on many road surfaces as it seems to set up a rapid (but slight) bouncing above the front axle. The bounce is very shallow (no more than a couple of inches) but it is enough to be felt in the driver as a chin jerking, lower back "pogoing" sensation. As I have a lower back problem this is really irritating and causing me to seriously doubt whether this is the right car for me. I can only find the effect mentioned in one road test but the vast majority of road tests praise the car for great road manners. Is this an issue you current owners are aware of or is it possible that this is a set up problem on the particular vehicle I am driving ?
  • spfrancisspfrancis Member Posts: 5
    Hello, I was wondering if anyone else has had this problem? I live in the DC area, and I noticed that in the last few days, I am getting some minor rust around both tailpipe's. I have the 3.0. Not sure if this is cause for alarm. I noticed it after the first storm we had last week.

    Thanks for any help.

    Sony
  • pickeribpickerib Member Posts: 13
    I test drove both the X5 and Volvo XC90 and have to say I prefer the X5 3.0. It handled much better. I just wish the X had more cargo space. I have two kids, but when we go away for a weekend, we pack our Passat wagon to the point of overflow. Does anyone who owns an X feel too cramped?

    BMW's web site mentions something called Select financing. It gives a lower rate w/ balloon pmt at the end. Anyone out there go for this? Is it similar to the residual on a lease?

    Lastly, what the real mileage owners have been experiencing? I drive 60%hwy/40%city and am curious. During the test drive the trip computer displayed 11.9 MPG and I just couldn't believe it could be THAT bad!
    P.S. I test drove @ open road in Edison NJ. Saw the earlier posts about service there. Won't be buying from them. How's Flemington or JMK in Springfield
    Thanks for the advice!
  • mrbluetoothmrbluetooth Member Posts: 10
    Cargo space is obviously lacking in the X5 compared to similar vehicles. Whether it is enough depends on your own needs. I have two kids and it has served our needs well. A stroller and bags of groceries is easy. For road trips it does get packed in the back but we can still manage. The simplest solution would be to try and pack less.

    With the seats folded down, I've put items such as boxes of laminate flooring, a coffee table, mouldings, or a twin mattress without much problem. You could probably fit a 27" TV as well. For some items you may want to open the hatch. For the average DIYer the X5 should be adequate. Carrying 4x8 plywood, however, would be a problem. All in all, make an assessment as to how often and how much you would need to carry things and perhaps compare it to figures on the maximum useful length, width and height for the X5 (sorry I don't have the numbers). If you're overly concerned about it, you probably want to consider other vehicles.

    As far as mileage, my Feb. 01 X5 3.0 (13k miles) falls in line with the official figures (15 city/20 hwy) calculated using the miles driven between full tanks. It's *much* more accurate than the numbers from the trip computer. From what I've seen on mileage polls at roadfly.org, you can expect similar results.
  • bearmjbearmj Member Posts: 2
    Has anyone tried to have their X5 Xenon lights re-aligned? After 6 months of not being able to adapt to the sharp cut-off I had them adjusted upward just a bit. They are now fantastic and I do not get "flashed" by on-coming traffic. Just to be sure I had someone drive my car while I approached from the opposite direction - they were fine. I think the factory alignment might be a bit low and is over compensating for the extra height of the vehicle. I really hated the way the lights cut off about 100' - 150'down the road and frankly thought them to be unsafe over 40mph.
  • dogdays22dogdays22 Member Posts: 1
    Bearmj - we have been experiencing the same ill-adjustment of the lights and were also thinking about re-adjusting them. Did you have the dealer re-align or some other mechanic type?
  • deekryptordeekryptor Member Posts: 3
    Hi all,

    X5 with so many complaints.... Having second thoughts.

    Has any one bought the X5 or any BMW vehicle with BMW's Performance Loan?

    I would like to know if you would recommend to others?

    Anyone had any good buying/Leasing experience in any of the Long Island (NY) Dealers?

    I have been told if you lease your payments should not exceed 1.25% of the MSRP Taxes included....
    X5 4.4 Fully loaded... Premium Pkg, Xenon, Nav, Cold Pkg, Rear Climate, Adjust Ride Height.... without Sport Pkg = Dealer Price 54195.00 (MSRP= 56495)
    Lease Payment should be $677.43 (706.18)

    I will try to apply this when leasing. For now I'm exploring Finance option.

    Thanks!
  • akearneyakearney Member Posts: 1
    After having two other BMW's in the past 5 years my wife and I decide to try an X5 with "comfort seats". I've had four vertebrae fused 18 months ago and couldn't drive/ride more than 30 minutes in either my '01 Honda Accord or '95 Chevy Tahoe. We just did a 1200 mile round trip from Northern Calif. to LA and the car was superb!! 4.4 engine got 17 mpg at 85 mph and I could stand up when I got out of the car!! Yes, it's a little tight when it comes to storage but it's just the two of us so no big deal.

    About snow, the X5 came with "Sport Suspension" and 19 inch wheels. A little stiff when empty but smooth as silk when loaded and as secure at 90 mph as it is at 60. Got home in a snowy (less than one inch) storm and skid all over the place. Even hydro planed a couple of times in the heavy rain. I'll be buying a spare set of 18 inch wheels and M/S tire soon.
  • bearmjbearmj Member Posts: 2
    I complained when I first noticed it and asked for them to be adjusted at 2000 miles - at 10,000 miles I insisted that they adjust them upward. I complained that the dark spot was inside normal stopping distances and that I felt the lights to be unsafe. The dealer finally adjusted the left beam upward. The effect when shined on a wall is that the left light pattern sits just above the right light at about 10 feet distance. On the road the difference is like night and day. And as I mentioned there is no problem with glare for oncoming traffic. I am sure there is a fine line between just right and too high so I don't suggest doing this without having the proper instructions/equipment.
  • bluebeastbluebeast Member Posts: 258
    I just spent a few days reading every post (the majority talking about leasing and everyones "deal"). I am confused as to why people buy a X5 knowing that you will be in the dealer within a few months trying to get a problem fixed. What sane person does this? Really, I know the X5 is fun to drive ( I drove a 4.4 & a Lexus LX470 today), but, I do not know if "fun" is worth the aggrevation. Now your thinking I'm bashing the BMW name because I have never owned a BMW (wrong !, in fact I've had a 97 528 & 95 M3). Loved to drive both, except the problems with the 528 led me to trade in for a 98 GS300 and the M3 made way for a 96 LS400, no problems with the M3, family situation changed. Looking now to replace the 96 LS400 for a SUV/SAV. Mercedes - yuk, Range Rover - box & yuk, any domestic (GM, Ferd, Cheby, Dudge) - XXX yuk, Nissan/Infinity - to close minded about this brand (my problem), Volvo - maybe, haven't looked, not sure about getting a 1st yr model, Volkswagen - maybe, hate the name "Toureg", but I can take that chrome piece off, no problem. Lexus - LX470 nice equipment, like being able to have auto headlights and a sun visor that extends to the places the sun ALWAYS seems to shine, underpowered though in comparison to the 4.4, of course it weighs a lot more. Well, enough babbling, lets hear the reasons why hard working Americans are buying a known problem SUV.
  • jvmaxjvmax Member Posts: 5
    Well I'm back again after balking at $43,500 on a 2002 demo 3.0 X5 with auto, premium pkg, xenon, and rear climate with 900 miles. No it wasn't a CPO either.

    So I am now intrigued with a CPO 2001 X5 3.0 with 33k miles for $35,900. It also has auto, Premium Pkg, Rear Climate. I guess it is a Year End Blowout at one of the BMW dealers in Northern Florida. I think this is a great price as most of the CPO's I see in the Orlando area are at $40K.

    What does everybody else think? And is there any special CPO financing on 2001 X5's through BMW?
  • rickroverrickrover Member Posts: 601
    I consider 33k kind of high mileage for an 01 X5. That's probably why it's so cheap - you looking at Fields? I got my 01 3.0 X5 new from them, I just hit 9k miles after 14 months which I consider low mileage. I'd say average would be in the mid 20's.

    I haven't had a single problem with my X5 by the way. I've got premium, rear climate & xenons, fantastic all around vehicle - I need to drive it more.
  • jvmaxjvmax Member Posts: 5
    Yes, I realize 33k miles is above average, but I did see an X5 with 64k miles going for $33,000 with no warranty. Fields does have some preowned, but they tend to be in the $39K to $42k range with anywhere between 19k and 30k miles. If i am going to spend $40k, I might as well buy New.
  • mrbluetoothmrbluetooth Member Posts: 10
    Bluebeast:

    If you look at the other message boards, you'll see that vehicles of every make and model have one problem or another. That's one reason people post questions. Of course, there are folks out there who are perfectly happy with theirs and aren't posting at all.

    True, the X5 has had its share of growing pains, and some have been quite serious. And fortunately, the more serious ones have been taken care of with recall campaigns. But with the X5 entering its fifth year, a lot of the problems have been worked out. For sure, there are still some issues and areas for improvement. And it's still quite possible to buy a lemon. But I don't think it would be correct to automatically assume that "you will be in the dealer within a few months trying to get a problem fixed" by just reading a few posts.

    People get the X for various reasons. For me, the reasons were: performance, power, styling, safety, roominess, faithfulness to brand ('92 525i), interior, nifty options (rear sunshades, parking distance control) and a maintenance program. And of course, there's that feeling you get when driving a bimmer - which I'm sure you know well. Cargo space is a bit small but adequate for my needs. Oh, and I have a 2001 with a few minor problems.

    You've listed other models and reasons why you didn't like them. You realize that no single vehicle fits everyone's needs. You can put together a pros/cons list for every model you've mentioned. So what attracts you to the X5? I think once you've figured out exactly what your top priorities are, you can start narrowing down your choices. Whether you choose not to give it further consideration because of "known problems" is up to you.
  • reddy422reddy422 Member Posts: 1
    The following article (attached link) in detroit news suggests that a small business can get an accelerated depreciation tax break of $24,000 if you buy any SUV that weighs 6000 lb or more and BMW X5 qualifies for it. But when I checked in edmunds, X5 weighs only around 4500 lbs and I was wondering how come it is qualified. Does any one used this tax break before or have any thoughts on this article??


    http://www.detnews.com/2002/autosinsider/0212/23/c01-38875.htm


    Thanks

  • wmquanwmquan Member Posts: 1,817
    The X5 qualifies. The GVWR weight is not just the weight of the vehicle, but the vehicle plus its rated payload capacity.

    If you test-drive an X5, you can confirm this for yourself by looking at the plate on the inside of the driver's door jamb. The X5 qualifies.
  • kaitsukaitsu Member Posts: 41
    The new Volvo XC90 qualifies for the tax break as well, but you have to get it with 7 seats.
  • deekryptordeekryptor Member Posts: 3
    In the NY Times it did mention that X5 does qualify.
    BTW, Good point wmquan!
  • deekryptordeekryptor Member Posts: 3
    Do you guys have a Dealer name that you would definetly recommend in Long Island, NY?

    Lately, most of the dealers are so arrogant, they think they are giving away cars. Buying a 50K car should come with some pampering;-).

    Thanks in advance.
  • knockoffknockoff Member Posts: 72
    I have found the BMW dealer here feels like they are doing you a big favor by selling you a car....They have no X5 3.0's for less than $50,000. I just don't want to spend that much! Anyone buy from an "out of area" dealer & drive home? Or any other suggestion?

    Bluebeast: Maybe consider 2 more...Lexus GX470 or the new Infiniti FX!
  • bfb5370bfb5370 Member Posts: 1
    01 X5- 20000 miles. oil changed @ 13000 miles. had to add a quart of oil about a month ago at 19000 miles and checked again last night - seemed about 1/2-2/3 qt low again. don't see any signs of leakage. may have originally been dealer underfilling but now i'm wondering. any history of unusual oil consumption w/ these vehicles?
  • akumaakuma Member Posts: 70
    This year a new sport suv is coming out with 315 HP, 329 lb-ft of torque, 0-60 in 6.3 seconds, 15.0 second quarter mile, .87 lateral g's, numerous standard luxury features, more room and better gas mileage than the X5. And all for under $45,000. Who makes this? Little known Infiniti(Nissan). The 2004 FX45 (along with the FX35) will completely redefine what an suv is if it hasn't been done already.
  • div2div2 Member Posts: 2,580
    Let me get this straight- you're complaining about 6000 miles/qt. oil consumption? When it starts using a quart every 1500 miles I'd start to worry. EVERY BMW I've owned since 1983 has used oil at a rate varying from 1 qt. every 500 miles(1988 M6 on lapping days) to 1 qt. every 4500 miles(1995 318ti).
  • sbcookesbcooke Member Posts: 2,297
    A friend of mine's x5 4.4 is starting to have electrical problems. The door locks are sporadically not working properly. Any ideas where to start looking? Blown fuse, short, bad battery?
  • div2div2 Member Posts: 2,580
    The first place I'd look is on Alldata for any applicable TSBs. If nothing's there, I'd check the door wiring harness where it plugs into the socket on the door jamp. Sometimes they can be loose or there is some corrosion on the pins and sockets. Use some good electical contact cleaner(Wurth or equivalent)and see if that doesn't clear it up.
  • klwsklws Member Posts: 7
    Has anyone had a DVD player installed in an X5?

    My wife and I love the X5 and might be willing to deal with the smaller size but we need to have a back-seat DVD player for the kids.

    When test driving the other day, I noticed the roofline isn't even (flat) toward the back so I'm not sure if the all-in-one units could be installed.

    Interested in other's experiences.

    Thanks, Kevin
  • div2div2 Member Posts: 2,580
    BMW sells one; it's listed in the X5 Accessory Catalog: http://www.circlebmw.com/parts/access-x5/video.htm figure around $1800 with a CCA discount, + the cost of a decent portable DVD player.
  • robert5117robert5117 Member Posts: 2
    Any big model changes/redesign coming for the X5 in '04? The dealer tells me that '05 model will likely be changed. Anyone with inslight please post.
  • kjviranikjvirani Member Posts: 1
    I've heard that there will be a change to the front grill and headlights. I have posted the picture on another forum of what it might look like

    http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbulletin/t75297.html

    (Scroll down 4 posts for the image)
  • steverstever Guest Posts: 52,454
    Watch your mailbox I guess - 15 minute fix:

    BMW recalls 164,000 X5s (Greenville News)

    Steve, Host
  • jma199jma199 Member Posts: 6
    At 7 months old (3000 miles) my 4.4 2001 X5 had strange electrical problems, when the key was turned to on, the hazards would turn on and int. lights would turn on. This was intermittent for a few weeks then the car died, had to be towed the the dealer. After a week the dealer said it was a dead battery and the battery was so dead it needed to be replaced. They said that I don't drive enough miles to charge the battery and replaced the battery at no charge. Now again at 17 months and 7200 miles the X5 had to be towed to the dealer. After 5 days the dealer said the battery needed to be replaced again and this time I will have to pay. $256 for the battery and $200 for the loaner car. After telling the dealer the car is driven every day they said that I need to drive on the highways more and charge the battery with a trickle charger in the garage. This is preposterous! Any one with similar problems??
  • tidestertidester Member Posts: 10,059
    If you're not driving it enough to recharge the battery, you probably aren't driving it enough to drain it either.

    tidester, host
  • sbcookesbcooke Member Posts: 2,297
    First off, that is highway robbery for the battery...$70 at sears for a diehard.

    Second, highway driving? Trickle charge? That is horsehockey. Just idling the car should charge the battery enough and a new car battery should last at least 3-4 years for a crappy one. How many new cars need a trickle charger?

    Sounds like there is an electrical problem they cannot find.
  • pupsterpupster Member Posts: 2
    I had the same problem and my dealer found a significant drain on the battery even when all systems were shutdown. A competent dealer can find the problem. In some cases it is the radio. There are some TSB's for this problem. Since fixed, I can leave my 2000 4.4 in the garage for weeks and it always starts without problem. If your dealer doesn't clean up his act go to another or take this to a higher authority at BMWNA.
  • wtb76wtb76 Member Posts: 2
    I was just told by BMW that the AWD system does not work in reverse on my X5. Is that really true??
  • joatmonjoatmon Member Posts: 315
    I went with my wife to pickup her X5 at the Performance Center on Friday. It was a very worthwhile experience. They did a good job of introducing you to the capabilities of the X5. We also took the factory and Zentrum tours, and rode in an M5 on the skidpad.
  • cekscceksc Member Posts: 20
    My lease is up in July on my x5. There was a recall on an issue that caused my battery to drain three times last Winter. Your dealer should not be charging you to fix this battery drain issue. That was my first problem with the car but not my last.

    I have a short in the audio controls on the steering wheel that the dealer has been unable to repair. The Heating and Cooling on this vehicle is not consistent. I have never had a car in which I had such a difficult time regulating the temperature. The sensors that detect how close you are to an object both moving forward and backing up are terrible. They are over-sensitive and do not work properly. The sensors work perfectly on my jaguar. There are also various ergonomic issues that I find annoying.

    Suffice it to say that this is the most disappointing car I have ever had. I have a Lexus on order. I enjoy driving my wife's two year old pathfinder more than this bmw. I am surprised I do not hear of others having similar problems.
  • jma199jma199 Member Posts: 6
    Just an update to #843. After finding a TSB, thanks to some of your help, stating that the CD/radio on a certain group of serial #s can kill the battery in cold weather,I checked my serial # on the CD player and it matched the TSB. Two days after the $465 battery was installed, at times when the key is turned to start, the hazard and dome lights come by themselves on and the doors lock. I informed the dealer (BMW Gallery of Norwell) of the TSB and the bizzare electrical occurances and they said that the TSB probably did not match (even the serial # did)and the electrical problems were just coincidence and would not effect the battery. I relayed all of this nonsense to BMW of NA. A week later BMW Gallery called and said they would refund $265 of the $465 battery and send me a free trickle charger to charge the battery in the garage. But they are still denying that the my X5 has a battery drain problem and that the "lack of maintainence" (only driving 5000 miles a year) is the only problem. Any suggestion???
Sign In or Register to comment.

Helpful Tools

Most popular vehicles