Hello,

We ran into some problems with the X5 from the start. Computer malfunction problems, noisy heat fan. More recently we had one of the rear tires separate along the inside while traveling down the highway at 120 km (with my wife and 2 year old daughter in the vehicle). I tested the tire pressure and found both the rears to be running substantially low and tire pressure monitoring system didn't notify us of the problem. This was all within 30,000 km and now we have 50,000 km and our dealer still has done nothing but partially fix the computer.

The big hit is the problem with the tires and tire pressure sensor the dealer doesn't know what is wrong and why we weren’t alerted to the low pressure. I'm also disappointed with how fast a 80,000 km warranty Dunlop run flat can wear out in 30,000 km on a BMW, the camber is unnecessary on an SUV, and no one wants to pay an extra $2400 (BMWs cost) every 30,000 km.

Now not all is bad, I love the vehicle; the way it looks, the power, and the features. I really feel when you pay the extra money you should have no problems; I understand it was the first model year which is a mistake in my mind, but still the dealer should be solving problems not creating them.

Does anyone have some ideas on getting some satisfaction?

Thank you!

I think the dealer should prorate the cost of the tires with you if it is determined that the premature failure was due to low pressure and the tire pressure warning system is failing. If all was well, the treadwear warranty should apply, but all is not well and that is BMW's fault.

Ours has some noise in the climate control system also. We thought it might be the coolant pump. The dealer worked on it for a day and supposedly replaced the pump but some noise is still there.

It is a big, expensive vehicle. You have to accept that parts will cost more and that normal wear and tear like tires will be expensive due to the size and runflat design and that the car may be really costly to own sometime after it is out of warranty.

It is pretty nice for a truck, though. Quick, handles well for its size, and reasonably comfortable. Needs different tires for good winter use.

Yes better to lease (thank god the wife did), then you can give it right back to them when it is up. We purchased winter wheels and tires, which have to be run flats as well which they only manufacture on aluminum. The narrow winters sacrifice the look, but work exceptionally well in the snow!

For others out there I would recommend getting either BMW or a different company to adjust the camber, especially for the rear wheels, to bring them level with the road to correct the premature wear.

Also I heard the run flat warning system will only notify the driver when the tire pressure drops to 5 psi, and with low profile tires along with the run flats make it imposable to notice visually if the tire is running low. Good idea to gauge them once and a while!

Also be careful not to get the keys locked in the x5 especially with your 2 year old daughter sitting in their baking from the summer’s heat. If your subscription is up for road side assistance they won’t be able to unlock your vehicle for you, you may not even have the feature on your x5 4.8i even though the sales rep said you did. You'll have to smash the front drivers or passenger side window, then climb in and hit the door unlock button, then pull the handle on the door within 5 seconds. The dealer couldn't help with this pertinent information either!

Wow, sorry for your luck.

I hope things get better before they get worse.