BMW Lease Negotiation

[OCgasman]

Yeah I've heard numerous stories about the problems the X5 have.. What were the majority of the problems yours had when it went in the shop (if you don't mind me asking)?

OMFG, too many to remember, and unfortunately they were all different so couldn't lemon it.  Anyway, off the top of my head:  radiator, battery x 2, electrical, TPMS, hydraulics x 2, door lock...I know there's more, just can't remember the little things.  I would never own a BMW out of warranty or without it being CPO'ed.  Effin expensive to fix.  That being said...I love the way BMWs drive.  Damn you BMW!  Every time I swear off BMW, I get behind the wheel and get a big smile on my face cuz they're a true drivers car.  Audi is also very good.  Big thumbs down to MB (well, maybe not to the C63 or E63, those are sweet rides...but the M3 still smokes em on the track)

 

[homer_simpson]

Yeah I've heard numerous stories about the problems the X5 have.. What were the majority of the problems yours had when it went in the shop (if you don't mind me asking)?

OMFG, too many to remember, and unfortunately they were all different so couldn't lemon it.  Anyway, off the top of my head:  radiator, battery x 2, electrical, TPMS, hydraulics x 2, door lock...I know there's more, just can't remember the little things.  I would never own a BMW out of warranty or without it being CPO'ed.  Effin expensive to fix.  That being said...I love the way BMWs drive.  Damn you BMW!  Every time I swear off BMW, I get behind the wheel and get a big smile on my face cuz they're a true drivers car.  Audi is also very good.  Big thumbs down to MB (well, maybe not to the C63 or E63, those are sweet rides...but the M3 still smokes em on the track)

Thanks for your informative response.

We were considering the X5 35D until now.. ugh... My M3 had a handful of problems as well, didn't know this stemmed out to the X as well. 

I guess Lexus is the only reliable "luxury" vehicles out there.

 

[davenlei]

We have a 2007 X5.  We love it and especially the way it drives for a SUV (or SAV according to BMW)...when it's not in the shop, but sadly it's been in the shop ALOT since purchase.  Thank the lord, I purchased the extended warranty cuz that extended warranty already paid for itself at 55k miles.  We'll trade it in soon for another SUV.  But, the only other SUV we like that's out right now is the Porsche Cayenne.  Ugg, kinda pricey and I don't feel like paying $200 for oil changes.  Plus, we actually use our SUV to go camping and snowboarding.  We should just get a 4runner or Xterra and be done with it.  Just an FYI for anyone looking to lease/purchase a X5, the new redesigned X5 (codename F15) should be out early/mid next year according to all the BMW sites.

We were debating between the X5 and the GX470 and after seeing all the issues and breakdowns people posting about on the X5 forums and seeing the relatively few issues with the GX, we went with the GX and love it.  Although the GX470 (and GX460) is a luxury SUV, it is actually designed to be a good off road vehicle and has some pretty cool technology (KDSS) which automatically disconnects the sway bar from the body to give you extra suspension travel when you are in rough terrain (Option on the 470 and standard on the 460).  The rear height adjustable air suspension helps when towing or hitching up to the GX as well. 

Are you part of the 1% of Americans that actually use their luxury SUV off road?

Well, we got it less than a year ago so no off road fun yet but I want to soon so I can see how it performs.  I am not talking about crazy rock climbing, just trails, etc.

 

[davenlei]

Yeah I've heard numerous stories about the problems the X5 have.. What were the majority of the problems yours had when it went in the shop (if you don't mind me asking)?

OMFG, too many to remember, and unfortunately they were all different so couldn't lemon it.  Anyway, off the top of my head:  radiator, battery x 2, electrical, TPMS, hydraulics x 2, door lock...I know there's more, just can't remember the little things.  I would never own a BMW out of warranty or without it being CPO'ed.  Effin expensive to fix.  That being said...I love the way BMWs drive.  Damn you BMW!  Every time I swear off BMW, I get behind the wheel and get a big smile on my face cuz they're a true drivers car.  Audi is also very good.  Big thumbs down to MB (well, maybe not to the C63 or E63, those are sweet rides...but the M3 still smokes em on the track)

Yea, I had a BMW once (lease) and although I loved driving it, I always had issues with it.  They were not break down type of issues but were odd gremlins in the electrical systems.

 

[irvinehomeowner]

Since OCgasman is talking about an '07 X5... do you think the newer X5s are better?

BMW also has that no maintenance plan too right? Is it for only 2 years?

 

[iacrenter]

We have a 2007 X5.  We love it and especially the way it drives for a SUV (or SAV according to BMW)...when it's not in the shop, but sadly it's been in the shop ALOT since purchase.  Thank the lord, I purchased the extended warranty cuz that extended warranty already paid for itself at 55k miles.  We'll trade it in soon for another SUV.  But, the only other SUV we like that's out right now is the Porsche Cayenne.  Ugg, kinda pricey and I don't feel like paying $200 for oil changes.  Plus, we actually use our SUV to go camping and snowboarding.  We should just get a 4runner or Xterra and be done with it.  Just an FYI for anyone looking to lease/purchase a X5, the new redesigned X5 (codename F15) should be out early/mid next year according to all the BMW sites.

We were debating between the X5 and the GX470 and after seeing all the issues and breakdowns people posting about on the X5 forums and seeing the relatively few issues with the GX, we went with the GX and love it.  Although the GX470 (and GX460) is a luxury SUV, it is actually designed to be a good off road vehicle and has some pretty cool technology (KDSS) which automatically disconnects the sway bar from the body to give you extra suspension travel when you are in rough terrain (Option on the 470 and standard on the 460).  The rear height adjustable air suspension helps when towing or hitching up to the GX as well. 

Are you part of the 1% of Americans that actually use their luxury SUV off road?

Well, we got it less than a year ago so no off road fun yet but I want to soon so I can see how it performs.  I am not talking about crazy rock climbing, just trails, etc.

LOL--My wife nearly hit me when I attempted to drive our lexus on an unpaved road; not even a trail.

 

[usctrojancpa]

Interesting.  I've had a few BMWs and haven't had problems with any of them (*knock on wood*).

Ditto that, I'm on my 3rd BMW and no issues whatsoever with any of them.  But I do plan on selling the one that I have before the warranty is up because the price does take a big hit once you try to sell it after the warranty is up.

 

[usctrojancpa]

Since OCgasman is talking about an '07 X5... do you think the newer X5s are better?

BMW also has that no maintenance plan too right? Is it for only 2 years?

4 years or 50k miles the maintenance coverd by BMW.

 

[irvinehomeowner]

That warranty covers quite a bit of expense for 4 years... I have one on my IHOmobile and not having to pay for the various 5k check-ups is great.

 

[usctrojancpa]

That warranty covers quite a bit of expense for 4 years... I have one on my IHOmobile and not having to pay for the various 5k check-ups is great.

Yeah, it does.  I know the 30k service on my car is around $1,500-$2,000....EEEEKKKK

 

[homer_simpson]

That warranty covers quite a bit of expense for 4 years... I have one on my IHOmobile and not having to pay for the various 5k check-ups is great.

Yeah, it does.  I know the 30k service on my car is around $1,500-$2,000....EEEEKKKK

I know!! Inspection I and II are  :'(.. Thank god for the warranty. 

You could also buy the extended maintanence service up to 100k miles too.

 

[OCgasman]

Maybe we've been unlucky with our X5, but it sure has spent a lot of time at the shop.  We know our Service Advisor VERY well.  I also have an E90 M3 that's been fairly problem free, but always made some infrequent funny noises on turns, almost like the tires are rubbing in the wheel well, and it's completely stock.  I'll get it checked on my next scheduled maintenance.

You can shop around for an extended warranty.  I bought mine from a dealership in Georgia for thousands less than what SoCal dealers were quoting.  This was awhile ago, so I don't know if BMWUSA allows this anymore.

I dunno if the reliability has changed on the current X5.  BMW is still using the current F70 platform that was introduced with the 2007 model.  Maybe my X5 being the first model year of the F70 platform had kinks to iron out.  I believe there was a mid cycle refresh around 2010, but those were just cosmetic changes.  If I was in the market for a new X5 and could wait a year or so, I would definitely wait for the new F15 X5 to be introduced.  In fact, that's what I'm doing.  As much as my X5 has given me problems, it's the only luxury SUV that checks off everything I want: size, power, looks, drivability and I love the included maintenance.  Things I don't like...well reliability hasn't been stellar and I'm not a fan of the run flat tires, expensive and handle poorly.  I would change them to regular tires except my wife drives that car with my daughter and I don't want her stuck someplace without a spare, having to wait for AAA to tow her car to the nearest dealer.

The Cayenne is too expensive and maintenance is ultra pricey.  Do love the way it looks tho.  Audi Q7 is a big far hog, hated the test drive.  The Japanese SUVs are either too soft or too harsh as a DD.  I hope BMW changes their engine options.  The 300hp engine that they cross use with the 335 has major issues with the fuel pump.

 

[irvinehomeowner]

Aren't the Cayenne and Audi just souped up VWs?

 

[OCgasman]

Aren't the Cayenne and Audi just souped up VWs?

Well...ummm...kinda.  I guess a good analogy would be LA Toscana vs WB San Marino.

 

[usctrojancpa]

Things I don't like...well reliability hasn't been stellar and I'm not a fan of the run flat tires, expensive and handle poorly.  I would change them to regular tires except my wife drives that car with my daughter and I don't want her stuck someplace without a spare, having to wait for AAA to tow her car to the nearest dealer.

I would have to agree - tires are my biggest issue with BMW.  In 2ish years, we had to replace two run flats on our BMW.  We got suckered into the tire protection plan when we leased the car so the two tires more than paid for the plan (which made me feel better).  The tread was pretty low on the two tires they replaced and it shouldn't have been covered under the protection plan, but they were nice enough to replace them for "free" both times.

For our other BMW, we had these M sport high performance tires that wear out after 10k miles so we took off the tires and replaced them with all seasons.

I've had my Hankook high performance tires for over 10k miles and still have another 3-5k miles to go on them.  They are the best balance of performance and price when it comes to tires that you'll find.

 

[OCgasman]

Things I don't like...well reliability hasn't been stellar and I'm not a fan of the run flat tires, expensive and handle poorly.  I would change them to regular tires except my wife drives that car with my daughter and I don't want her stuck someplace without a spare, having to wait for AAA to tow her car to the nearest dealer.

I would have to agree - tires are my biggest issue with BMW.  In 2ish years, we had to replace two run flats on our BMW.  We got suckered into the tire protection plan when we leased the car so the two tires more than paid for the plan (which made me feel better).  The tread was pretty low on the two tires they replaced and it shouldn't have been covered under the protection plan, but they were nice enough to replace them for "free" both times.

For our other BMW, we had these M sport high performance tires that wear out after 10k miles so we took off the tires and replaced them with all seasons.

I've had my Hankook high performance tires for over 10k miles and still have another 3-5k miles to go on them.  They are the best balance of performance and price when it comes to tires that you'll find.

Michelin Pilot Super Sport FTW when you're ready for new tires.  You'll thank me later, especially when you drive em in the rain.  Also I go to a great independently owned tire place in Irvine, cheaper than Costco, more professional, and don't have to wait all day to get them installed with a numbered hat on top of your car.  Let me know if you guys are interested.

 

[usctrojancpa]

Aren't the Cayenne and Audi just souped up VWs?

I'd take the souped up 997 GT3 VW any day of the week over any BMW or Mercedes. 

 

[usctrojancpa]

Things I don't like...well reliability hasn't been stellar and I'm not a fan of the run flat tires, expensive and handle poorly.  I would change them to regular tires except my wife drives that car with my daughter and I don't want her stuck someplace without a spare, having to wait for AAA to tow her car to the nearest dealer.

I would have to agree - tires are my biggest issue with BMW.  In 2ish years, we had to replace two run flats on our BMW.  We got suckered into the tire protection plan when we leased the car so the two tires more than paid for the plan (which made me feel better).  The tread was pretty low on the two tires they replaced and it shouldn't have been covered under the protection plan, but they were nice enough to replace them for "free" both times.

For our other BMW, we had these M sport high performance tires that wear out after 10k miles so we took off the tires and replaced them with all seasons.

I've had my Hankook high performance tires for over 10k miles and still have another 3-5k miles to go on them.  They are the best balance of performance and price when it comes to tires that you'll find.

Michelin Pilot Super Sport FTW when you're ready for new tires.  You'll thank me later, especially when you drive em in the rain.  Also I go to a great independently owned tire place in Irvine, cheaper than Costco, more professional, and don't have to wait all day to get them installed with a numbered hat on top of your car.  Let me know if you guys are interested.

I've had MPSSs on my 911TT and other M3 and I can't tell the difference unless I'm on the track.  With the amount of rain that we get here, I'll take my chances with the Hankooks and save a lot of money.

 

[traceimage]

I had a dream the other night that my husband came home with a new black BMW M5. Weird.

 

[davenlei]

Things I don't like...well reliability hasn't been stellar and I'm not a fan of the run flat tires, expensive and handle poorly.  I would change them to regular tires except my wife drives that car with my daughter and I don't want her stuck someplace without a spare, having to wait for AAA to tow her car to the nearest dealer.

I would have to agree - tires are my biggest issue with BMW.  In 2ish years, we had to replace two run flats on our BMW.  We got suckered into the tire protection plan when we leased the car so the two tires more than paid for the plan (which made me feel better).  The tread was pretty low on the two tires they replaced and it shouldn't have been covered under the protection plan, but they were nice enough to replace them for "free" both times.

For our other BMW, we had these M sport high performance tires that wear out after 10k miles so we took off the tires and replaced them with all seasons.

I've had my Hankook high performance tires for over 10k miles and still have another 3-5k miles to go on them.  They are the best balance of performance and price when it comes to tires that you'll find.

Michelin Pilot Super Sport FTW when you're ready for new tires.  You'll thank me later, especially when you drive em in the rain.  Also I go to a great independently owned tire place in Irvine, cheaper than Costco, more professional, and don't have to wait all day to get them installed with a numbered hat on top of your car.  Let me know if you guys are interested.

I am interested!