XSeries-forum

Morning everyone, I have just brought my first x5 (e53) it's also my first BMW, I have always ran Merc till now. However I couldn't resist the noise and pull from the 4.4 petrol engine of the x5. I have the auto box version and I must say seeing peoples comments about auto box failures is a little scary, although Hearing that has just confirmed my decision to take out a warranty with one of the many companies that offer them. If anyone can suggest a good company for this that would be great. I am an electrical engineer so although I hear these gearbox failures are becoming more often I also have the thoughts, the older our cars gets the more we will hear of them as with anything ageing it will break. Other than the box issues to keep an eye out for are there any other useful things, either tips/tricks or pieces of kit I should be looking to buy.

Cheers

Welcome to X ownership and hope you find lots of useful info here - have a read, there's enough to keep you busy for a while! What year is your X?  The autobox issues, while documented in many places, are just a snapshot though - you never see people sating hi, I have an X5 and its autobox is fine after 8 years etc, people do tend to post about issues with the cars rather than problem-free ownership.
There are lots of threads on the gearbox and its "lifetime" fluids - many people advocate a change of oil and there are many debates about it.

Re the warranty - assuming you bought privately or from an independent dealer,  take a look at Warranty Direct, depending on mileage and age of car, you might find a Driveline type warranty to cover specific components like the gear box.  Be warned though, WD and other similar companies do tend to look for every possible reason NOT to pay, so check the small print very carefully. Some members here have had good experiences with them - others a real struggle. Aftermarket warranties are a minefield. You might be better off putting a regular amount into a car fund and funding repairs that way!    My X is still covered by BMWs extended warranty and I have been very pleased about that given the expensive bills its totted up recently and in the past, but I would be tempted to go down the savings route if the BMW option was not there.

Welcome. 

As Condor says, have a good read of the buyers guide as that will give ideas of what to look at and keep an eye on.

Not everyone gets gearbox issues but as you say an ageing car is more likely to throw something out of its pram!

I had a WD warranty on my E53 and it covered everything except the diagnostics (£75) and the first £50 of my gearbox claim.  The bill was over £3k to them.  Diagnostics are not covered and having looked to get a WD warranty on our nearly 9 year old 330d, there were an awful lot of excluded items so read any small print.  I might just get a driveline warranty as those tend to be the most expensive parts!

You must have the car serviced by a VAT registered garage to keep them happy.

Richard

Thanks for that info chaps, mine is an 04 plate, I am thrilled with it so far. It's going to BMW Peterborough Thursday for a full inspection,I brought it with full history but I have a friend at BMW who is giving it a once over just because he can and owes me a favour, Driveline warranty does sound like the way I should go. First thing tomorrow I shall be on the case. Cheers

Welcome on board the X Drivers band-wagon 

Hmm I got quoted £60 a month from driveline, seemed a bit expensive to me, what figures did you get quoted?


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Welcome and congrats on your purchase.

I think depending upon mileage etc get the gearbox oil service done (although some say it shouldn't need it). Once done should help the life of the gearbox. Tbh I had mine done by ZF themselves due to getting an oil leak and at 120k miles. But happy it's been done and it certainly changed gear smoother afterwards etc.

WD wouldn't pay out for the gearbox on ours, said it was an existing problem, start mileage was 110k, I think there service is not worth the paper if you are starting out above 100k.

So chaps, the x5 was in the only garage I trust to work on my cars today, for no reason other than although it's new to me..... it's 9 years old. It wasn't as bad as it could be with such a machine. In total the following was found, although only 1 of these items is confusing me.
1. Both cylinder gaskets have small leaks on, oil starting to flow outward down engine and collect on belly pan,

That's the easy 1, it's staying in the garage untill next week in which 2 new gaskets will go on, est £350-£400

2. ( the confusing part) "check tail light" warning signs keeps popping up, the last owner has changed to rear lights to led, they look good but as an electrical engineer even I know the warning sign will be triggered by resistance across the lamps, now because led have been fitted they clearly forgot a resister? Does anyone know where is the best place to cut the resister into the system, more ideas welcome there if anyone has had this problem.

Other than that it had a few minor bits, wipers worn/light washers not working and a loose bracket on the right back box, I was quite happy with to be honest and I am looking forward to next week having it back all fixed up ready for a deep clean.

Welcome! 
Don't worry about the gearbox to much they are good gearboxes! Just take a couple of bits of advise & you will be fine!
As Raj said, get the gearbox serviced they say they don't need it but they do! Anything that takes oil & has moving parts needs a service! I do this when ever I buy a X5 (ive had a few!) & then get it serviced every couple of years.
Also don't coast down hills keep it in drive! 

I think while I am getting all these bits  tidied up I am going to get the gearbox serviced, are zf the best people for this task?

ZF would be the only people I would trust to do it if I did it again!

Our X5 was much worse after a gerabox oil change from a local "specialist", which was what then led to the subsequent rebuild. Unfortunately our other car (A4 quattro) also has the same box so I have considered the future requirement and concluded that ZF is the way to go despite the minimal extra cost.

That settles it then, does anyone have a contact for zf?

I've taken my current X5 & my last X5 to the automatic gearbox centre in Hove (Brighton) and have been very happy with their work! 

Not saying driving all the way to Brighton!  ) Just saying it doesn't have to be ZF just a good automatic gearbox specialist!