2009 BMW X5

So you want an SUV but don’t want to look like every Tom, Dick and Jimbo driving a Yukon? I’m with ya brother (or sister). The BMW X5 certainly offers a different driving dynamic and style than you see out there. And let’s face it, how many of those SUV’s with the soccer ball sticker on the window will tackle anything more arduous than a dirty mall parking lot. The BMW shines on the streets where it’ll be used. But let’s face it folks, BMW’s aren’t cheap when new and that means they aren’t cheap when used. I’ll be honest; I haven’t had to do much to these so I really had to network to get a feel of the problems you’ll face.

On some 2007 models you may experience several, very bizarre and seemingly unrelated electrical problems. If an exorcism doesn’t fix it, then check the main power connection from the battery to the power distribution center (fuse box) under the hood. If the connection is loose, tighten it and you are in business! Continuing on the exorcism tangent here, the glove box on some 2007 models may not close, may not open, may open on their own and do pretty much what ever else it wants. Replace the latch and for less than $75 you are good to go. I’ve also heard of condensation freezing in the PCV (positive crankcase ventilation) hose causing pressure to build up inside the engine and cracking the cam cover. This can get expensive quick since oil will be spewing fast enough to make the Exxon Valdez envious. This of course will spell doom to your engine; think close to 9 or 10 grand?? This only happens in “extremely cold weather” according to BMW but if you get close to 10 degrees F I’d talk to my local BMW dealer about a fix. 07 and 08 models with the sport suspension can exhibit a nasty clunk from the front end. Have the sway bar looked at. If you have water in the rear cargo area, check the bolts that hold the hinges to the body. These can become loose. Moreover, the latch and/or striker can become loose causing a rattling from the cargo area and/or the tailgate ajar warning light to come on.

If you suspect the neighborhood windshield washer addict has been stealing your washer fluid because the bottle goes empty at an alarming rate, talk to your friendly BMW dealer. There was a bad design on the bottles of most 2007 models that causes a siphoning action.

Those are the unexpected expenses that can come up, how about the expenses you can expect to have over the years. You’re A/C compressor will be about $1500 to replace, the alternator, about $725 and brakes about $1200 all around. The auto transmission is going to be north of $4,000, the constant velocity joints (axle shafts, all 4of them) about $3700 and the shocks about $3500. As always, these are estimated dealer prices and will vary by state, dealer, lunar alignment and whim.

There are a few recalls for the BMW X5 that I came up with, but as always, if you are shopping for a car, have the dealer run the VIN # (it’s free) to search for any recalls that effect THAT vehicle. 2007 V8 models can exhibit stalling in very cold temps and very low humidity. The dealer will install ground straps on the fuel rails. Some base-suspension cars were equipped with the rear stabilizer bar from the sport package. This causes some, uh, funky handling and can scare the mess outta you (literally if you catch my drift). The dealer will install the correct sway bar and possibly provide new underwear?