I looked around and browsed through some of the "looking to buy an X" threads but one of my main questions hasn't been previously answered.

My wife is trying to decide between 4 small SUV's - Acura MDX, Mercedes M-Class, BMW X5, Land Rover Range Rover Sport.

All of which fall into the CPO price range we are looking at in our regional area.

My question here lies with the X5. Are there any heavy hitter maintenance items that are common with the X5? To clear up the question a bit, we currently own a 2001 VW Jetta and 2003 VW GTI, with the series of VW's we own, common and known issues are items like the timing belt tensioner going out at 60,000-70,000 miles, when in the service manual you are to check for wear and replace it at the 80,000 mile mark. Items like Coilpacks are known to go out as well. Door grabs on the interior bubble and peel after so many miles. Basically stuff that happens frequently enough on every car that it is common knowledge to replace/fix before it happens but it doesn't happen enough to be a recall.

What types of things are like that on an X5 if any? I'm not looking for a maintenance free vehicle, but her VW has been 1 huge PIA (ie. cracked thermostat housing, blown motor, and the list keeps growing) mine on the otherhand has been peachy keen. The thing is, it has made us sketchy of German automobiles and their reliabiliy even though we both love the styling of BMW's.

I just want to know what to expect if we do choose this route, so there are no suprises like there were with her VW.

not really. personally i would opt 4 a 3.0 . better relaiability and much easier to work on. i have a 00 jetta so i understand your frustration. the vehicles you mentioned are nice. simply put they are not a bmw. my 04 X5 3.0 6sp. manual just hit 93k on the odo. i replaced the thermostat at 70k it took me an hour. that has been the only issue. I tow hunt and haul with it. The only other issue is the rear wheel camber adjustment . Bmw tells you it exists in truth it does not. it is a tow adjustment. it takes some messing around to dial it in so that you are not cutting the inside of the rear tire and tire rotation is not optional. I lpve mine. i have sport suspension which may be a bit stiff for you wife but i like the additional stability. if i can help you out let me know. good luck

Thanks, 2004-2006 3.0 X5 is the one we have been looking at mainly for gas mileage but still able to have the power there. I would enjoy the 4.4 myself :D. As for the "sport" suspension, is that a factory option or something you did yourself afterwards. I notice looking around some are listed with "Sport Package". Usually this means upgraded suspension/tires/wheels.

The thermostat doesn't really scare me, easy enough fix, but the camber problem that you speak of, is it something that is perminent or is it something that the dealership or my local alignment specialist could fix and it wouldn't be an issue? If it is just the toe I would assume it could be fixed, camber with camber plates perhaps.

my mileage floats between 18-22 in combination driving. i get 17.5 towing a pop up camper laden down with supplies. the sport pkg is factory. 18 inch wheels vs. 17s. stiffer springs and no chrome trim save for the grill. the camber problem is easily addressed by a qualified shop. wether or not BMW techs do good job I don't know. i avoid dealers due to costs. it was a local dealer service mgr. that assured me there was a camber adjustment. I only mentioned it because I ruined a pair or tires before i realized it was an issue. it took my regular mechanic a couple hours to dial it in but it seems fine after 6k on a new set of avon tyres from tire rack. as for other things i like .the cold weather pkg is sweet. heated seats and mirrors but it may not be needed where you live. I also like that i can turn the heat on after shutting the car off and it will stay warm for about 15 minutes. i find the automatic locks a pain in the ass but they can be turned off with the correct code. the back up sensors are also a pain but pull the fuse and your set. the hill decent control is also nice as i spend alot of time on trails in the mts.of pa. and wv. hunting etc.The X drive has been great in the snow and mud and as with other BMWs i have owned and do own the handling is sure and more importantly predictable. put some miles on one a decide for yourself. if you lived locally you could drive mine. i hope i've helped. as i said good luck.