Am I getting a money pit????

[Stormbitch]

I have 740d

39mpg no issues.

Got back complaint, so X5 works for me. And they are fun.

Looking in this forum 17 / 18 plate seem to be ok.

And my friend has a 16 zero issues - fractionally more expensive
Services and 28mpg.

I figure I can get 35mpg uk -

I hear stories of two batteries - sunroof issues - dpf etc etc but not really anything like a LandRover.

But if its a money pit - Id rather know.

I had a boxster once - money pit
CLS - money pit
740d zero concerns out of warranty.

Uk based mpg btw.

[tlow98]

Depends on the model, mileage, service history, and your luck.

Hedge your bets with something low mileage, gas, and your lucky color.

Sunroof thing is just a plugged drain. Do you park under trees?



Most common BMW issues apply to these cars. So research drivetrains and see what you feel comfortable with.

It’s no Toyota, but it’s also no Land Rover.

[yupetc]

In general the F15 X5's reliability just isn't there. Look into this forum and you'll find many more issues, some are extremely hard to figure out. The G05 took on a different engine platform on the B-series motors, not sure about the diesel or V8 variants, but I service many BMW's through my garage exclusively and I can confide enough to say that on G-series vehicles I've only been doing regular maintenance items. It's the F-series and, worse, E-series vehicles which are the ones with the bigger ticketed items to fix.

[X5guyinRI]

Originally Posted by yupetc

I can confide enough to say that on G-series vehicles I've only been doing regular maintenance items. It's the F-series and, worse, E-series vehicles which are the ones with the bigger ticketed items to fix.

It might be obvious, but E series are the oldest, followed by F, then G as the newest. I would expect you to see more issues outside of maintenance on older ( E, and F X5) BMWs, as you pointed out.

My 2016 50i has almost 80k miles, and I’m expecting a few issues coming up (I had the rear air springs go as expected, repaired myself) but I wouldn’t hesitate for a moment to drive it cross country (with a smile on my face)!

[Tomcat_F15_STL]

Any BMW is like rolling the dice in Vegas. They are ALL mechanically totaled at some point.

[yupetc]

Originally Posted by X5guyinRI

It might be obvious, but E series are the oldest, followed by F, then G as the newest. I would expect you to see more issues outside of maintenance on older ( E, and F X5) BMWs, as you pointed out.

My 2016 50i has almost 80k miles, and I’m expecting a few issues coming up (I had the rear air springs go as expected, repaired myself) but I wouldn’t hesitate for a moment to drive it cross country (with a smile on my face)!

You're correct, I did list them in sequential expiry based on life in use for the different series. That does explain as the vehicle age, you'd expect more issues to appear for repair.

But the more I put my hands on the B48 and B58 motors, the more impressed I've become. N55 rolled out in 2010 or so, immediately after they intended to phase beyond the N54 motors, and within only 3 years, we've already located most of their commonly leaking and failure components. These B-series motors have been out since 2015, and we're about 8 years into this motor; I still do not observe too many confided failure points. If Toyota really does have their hand in co-developing these motors, I'd say they've done a darn great job at it. I've only seen improvements on top of daring technologically new features on this motor.

[suitedcboy]

I've had very reliable cars that I wished would go away every time I drove them. I have had BMWs that I had to repair, no big POS ones mind you, but I loved the way they drove and performed every time I drove them. Take your pick. Oh, don't think I like that BMW is an expensive car with parts that Hyundai engineers and purchasing managers would never accept. I do curse many things on the ones I've had for having failures that are shameful.

[FCX5]

Originally Posted by yupetc

In general the F15 X5's reliability just isn't there. Look into this forum and you'll find many more issues, some are extremely hard to figure out. The G05 took on a different engine platform on the B-series motors, not sure about the diesel or V8 variants, but I service many BMW's through my garage exclusively and I can confide enough to say that on G-series vehicles I've only been doing regular maintenance items. It's the F-series and, worse, E-series vehicles which are the ones with the bigger ticketed items to fix.

Most G series are still under warranty. Why won’t you go to a dealer to fix issues?
https://bmwtuning.co/n54-n55-b58-s55/

[heifetz17]

As someone who has driven dozens of BMW’s over the last two decades the only model I wouldn’t buy again is the e38. I don’t have many nice things to say about the M62.

I haven’t run into any other ‘unreliable’ models. It all comes down to maintenance.

Most of these message boards are filled with people posting about issues and looking for repair solutions. People generally don’t post just to report that their car is great.

Also people that buy used and potentially higher mileage and then complain about problems isn’t a reliability issue it’s a a lack of maintenance on the previous owner.

Every car will need repairs, but if you maintain it well and take proper care of it, it will serve you well for as long as you need it to.

That’s not mention known issues such as the N20 timing chain for example. Research your desired model for that kind of thing. Those types of issues notwithstanding BMW as a whole makes a very dependable vehicle, you just have to take care of it.

[P1]

It's one thing to own an F15 you've taken to 100K yourself. It's quite another thing to purchase one at 100K miles.

[yupetc]

Originally Posted by FCX5

Most G series are still under warranty. Why won’t you go to a dealer to fix issues?
https://bmwtuning.co/n54-n55-b58-s55/

My 2017 G30 is out of warranty 3 years ago. Which dealership do I bark up the tree with? And just when it's out of warranty I get a yellowed out angel eye ring on the outer passenger side headlamp. You'll never guess that dealership quoted me 3200 bucks to replace the whole lamp. I went on eBay and sourced out an LED module and did the job myself, cost me 34 bucks total. There have been other small issues here and there, but the B58 motor came through these years unscathed aside from regular oil changes and an occasional walnut blast on the intake valves, which i also perform on my own. I've never had such great luck with the F-series nor the E-series vehicles.

[unluky]

My 15 is knocking on the door of 150K and with the exception of a AC compressor clutch - it has been ROCK solid. Still drives great, still rides great, still easy to work on.

No complaints here after 5 years of ownership.

[momoboy]

I have to agree that the most important aspect of buying used is the history. The F series platform is generally reliable and I would not consider it a money pit. Most people only post when they have problems. Yes, the N55 has a few common issues (e.g. oil housing gasket) but these are not major problems and they are VERY well documented. I've had 8+ BMW's since 1999 and my F15 at 67,000 has been super reliable. I would not hesitate to recommend the platform. My wife's Hyundai honestly has had more problems. Just know the history of what you are buying and you should be fine.

[madmax2k1]

Bought mine brand new in 2017, most issues start at the 5 year mark (65,000 miles on mine). Here's the unexpected issues I had so far:

• Rear air springs replaced
• Water pump replaced
• Battery replaced
• Windshield washer reservoir slow leak

[RED_Y_]

Originally Posted by P1

It's one thing to own an F15 you've taken to 100K yourself. It's quite another thing to purchase one at 100K miles.

This! I feel like my 35D is very reliable but I am a second owner since 35K miles, for almost 6 years of ownership I did only one repair outside of the regular maintenance and recalls, had a leaky radiator hose. Not too bad for 9 year old car.