I am looking into BMW X5 and regardless of B-mers having overall good reputation I am
surprised to find so many problems and nasty ones to it. However since online reviews
come from all over the world and all over the states with different climates I wanted
to ask honorable forum members who happen to have first hand experience with
X5 about your specific experience in our specific area.
I am especially troubled by the reports of the engine overheating and air conditioning issues
because summer in our area is brutal and is a real test for both engine cooling ability and
air conditioning system. I don't want to be stuck with a baby on the side of the road in 100F weather
avoiding sitting in a overheated car that wont' be drivable waiting for a service car to come
as it is neither safe or funny scenario.
Also if the reports say that the AC does not work well with higher speeds but only at lower
then this sounds like a jock on a 60K plus car right?
source link listed below but you can easily google "problems with BMW X5" and your
eye balls will pop out.
So much for my dream of owning an ultimate driving machine.
I love the phrase, I just don't want it to ultimately drive me crazy.
Common Problems with the BMW 5 Series
•Cooling System. The water-pump and thermostat are known to have problems in the BMW 5 Series. ...
•Air Conditioning. There is a widely reported issue with the air conditioning in the 5 series. ...
•Sun Roof. Does the BMW 5 series you're looking at buying have a sunroof? ...
•Fuel Pumps. ...
•Tensioners. ...
•Timing Chain.
here is what it says in the link:
Cooling System
The water-pump and thermostat are known to have problems in the BMW 5 Series. Keep one eye open for the Service Engine Soon light as this is a giveaway and watch the temperature gauge too to see if the engine is too hot. The cooling system is responsible for 25% of all mechanical problems in this model of vehicle and if problems are allowed to persist this can cause issues with the whole engine.
Air Conditioning
There is a widely reported issue with the air conditioning in the 5 series. This can be felt as the fan changing speed without any prompt from the controls and the system only blowing out cold air on the lower settings. Be sure to check the air con fully at all levels before parting with your cash for a second hand model.
Sun Roof
Does the BMW 5 series you’re looking at buying have a sunroof? Listen out for a whistling sound as you drive the car, which could indicate a problem with the rubber seal, which has not been fitted correctly on certain vehicles due to a production fault. This will impact the fuel economy of the car, creating extra drag and will irritate you with drafts as you drive the vehicle.
Fuel Pumps
The E60 5 series including the 535i suffer from widely reported problems with its fuel pump system, resulting in poor engine performance, low power and rough idling. This requires a full change of all the pumps as the part was redesigned due to the failings – and it is a costly job to replace all six. Watch for problems accelerating, repeated misfires and an increased chance of stalling.
Tensioners
Worn tensioners and idler pulleys will make a squealing sound that is very distinctive, rising up from the engine bay. If you hear such a noise, then we recommend you perform a quick visual check of the belts in the engine, looking for cracks or damage. A damaged belt can affect the cooling system and will cause problems with the cooling system, alternator or power steering.
Timing Chain
Unfortunately, even though the timing chain in the M47/N47 engine was originally described as maintenance free, this part is known to suffer from sudden snaps, which will render your engine useless. Be sure to check that your BMW 5 series has a full service that details the reviews and inspections that have been carried on this part.
source:
https://www.breakerlink.com/blog/cars/common-problems-bmw-5-series