Other problems ensued. At 11,967 miles, an engine ground strap was replaced during the first of two free maintenance visits. About 2000 miles later, a much bigger issue arose when we noticed some subtle clunks coming from the front end. (The second-generation X5 is the first roadgoing BMW since the mid-engine M1 that doesn't have the tried-and-true strut-type front suspension, instead being equipped with a control-arm setup.) The X5 was off the road for three weeks while the dealer replaced the front active antiroll system. Some 7000 miles later, the noise reappeared, but the dealer technicians claimed they couldn't hear it. Finally, the clunks became so obvious that no one could miss them. This time, the service department tightened the front control-arm mounting points. All seemed fine for a few months, but the front suspension started to make noise again just as the X5 finished its one-year stint.
Other repairs included: (1) reprogramming the standard iDrive system to correct a slow interface and repeated freeze-ups; (2) replacing a faulty fuel-vapor warning device; and (3) attempting to address a mysterious and frustrating climate-control problem that caused hot air to sporadically stop blowing onto your feet throughout the winter. The dealer was unable to find any problem with the climate control, and once the weather turned warm, the air-conditioning didn't work properly, either, as it absolutely refused to blow cold air out of the center vents. And, just to finish things off, the driver's door latch quit working on the day before the X5's one-year anniversary.
BMW listened to the market when it introduced this latest X5, which is, in concept, a stretched version of its predecessor. It's nice that cargo space has grown to a much more usable volume and that BMW offers optional third-row seats for those buyers in need of a couple extra perches. Unfortunately, both quality and reliability seem to have taken a step back. And, although the X5 is still very good to drive, it's gotten even more expensive. We enjoyed the X5's performance and functionality, but our experience with it was severely compromised by an unacceptable series of mechanical and electronic malfunctions and a perception of material cost-cutting. BMW has a well-deserved reputation as a maker of desirable, upscale, high-performance automobiles. But with its numerous quality and reliability issues, our X5 fell short of that reputation. ...next page >>