Q&A

 Master

The money isn't always an object and we all have different taste.
I don't agree with your "buy a domestic, it's cheaper to maintain" statement. It won't necessarily cost 50% more, sometimes it's actually cheaper.
Here are few example: a 2000 Chevy Tracker window regulator cost $ 400.21, the same part for a BMW X5 $196.
2000 Chevy S10 Blazer OE fuel pump $ 654.21, 2000 Volvo S80 OE fuel pump $277.47

Zee

Thanks Zee. Extremely helpful. Two followup questions...

- If the BMW specialty shop confirms that the vehicle has been well taken care of, what would you tell me I should budget for annual maintenance (assuming some of the listed items happen?). Just ballpark... $3k/year, $5k, $10k, etc.

- Do you have a suggestion for a BMW specialty shop in Salt Lake City, UT (zipcode 84106)

 Master

The above repairs are considered as "long term items", they should be good for the next 70-100K miles.
What I suggest to do: replace the engine oil in every 5000 miles, use a good quality oil, like Mobil1 5W40 or 0W40 with a Mann or the OE BMW filter (made by Mann, but cost you more).
Beside this, you can follow the rest of the regular maintenance.
If you can find an X5 6cyl. in good condition and with some luck, the average annual maintenance should be way less than $3000. Of course it depends on the annual mileage too.
Even if you have to do all the common repairs I listed, it should be somewhere between 3 and 4000 and you are back to the regular services, which would be an oil change in every 5K miles, a small service in every 15K and a bigger service in every 30K, brake system flush in every 2 years and cooling system flush in every 4 years, spark plugs and connectors in every 100K. Of course you still have the regular wear items, like tires, brakes, etc..., but you have these on any other vehicle.
One of the key thing is: do the maintenance regularly, use the correct fluids i.e.: the blue OE coolant - not the green one, and quality parts.
The other important thing is to find a good, honest Euro or BMW specialty shop in your area. Talk to their clients in the waiting room, check their BBB and/or Angie's list records.
I'll check if someone has a shop in your area among the good tech that I know from other forums and seminars or training. Give me few days, please.
Meanwhile you can use RepairPal's shop locator to see what's available in your neighborhood.
One more thing, before I forget it. I'm talking about the inline 6 cylinder engines. The X5 with a 4.4L and 4.6L V-8 has a lot more problems with engines and transmissions. They can be a real money pit. In the last 2 months I had 3 with major transmission issues beside the regular engine problems. I don't advice you to get a V-8.
Good luck to find one and enjoy it!

Zee

 Rookie

Thank you Zee. Your advice was extremely helpful. I'm beginning to understand that the BMW can be a dependable car that has reasonable annual maintenance costs, if the routine maintenance is kept up.

If you find any suggestions for a good independent shop for BMW work in Salt Lake City, please do let me know.

Best - Doug

 Master

Doug,
Sorry, but it took for a while. If you still need a BMW specialty shop, contact to these guys.
They are specializing in European vehicles and in business over 16 years. They can certainly check a used car for you and give useful advices.

Alex's Autohaus
7470 S. State
Midvale Utah
84047
801-566-6115
Web site
alexsautohaus.com

Zee

Excellent. Thank you Zee.

Doug