My BMW X5 - Problems, Running Costs & Updates

How much does it really cost to run an old premium SUV in 2022? I run through all the costs, issues and problems i've encountered during my 2-3 year ownership.
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Intro: 00:00
Buying: 00:50
Issues & Problems: 02:28
Future & Plans: 12:50
Outro: 16:07
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[@laweffect]

Great honest appraisal. Cheers!

[@GeesDrive]

I'm going to test you on the full 18mins of rambling 😂

[@Titot182]

Yes Yes!! I was looking for a UK review for an E70, given that I test drove a G01 X3 and loved it, but I can't help that I can find E70s locally for almost half the price with reasonable miles (ie 70k), LCI. Using it to replace my S204 C220 and looked at similar car choices to what you were considering (Need space for 2 car seats and 3 mountain bikes). +1 on sub

[@GeesDrive]

Thank you very much, glad it was of some help. I have 2 kids seats in the rear and tailgate makes a handy baby change! Good luck with the search.

[@Titot182]

@@GeesDrive Picking up a 40D SE LCi in space grey metallic tomorrow in fact. It's got the same 214 20" rims as you. Will be interested in the mileage on your Dunlop Sportmaxx since that's what cam's coming as you. Didn't have the heated seats up front or 7 seats, but does come with the individual audio system, which for me means less of a faff with having to install my Inphase powered sub into the car (can go into the missus' countryman instead to give her HK system a bit more definition in the mids). I'll need to get used to 30mpg instead of 35mpg on the C Class, given that fuel is £2/l, but it's not going to be my daily - only do 6k miles a year, but typically do big long trips each month.
A bit annoying that I can't use the BMW bikerack from the countryman on the X5 (screws directly into the subframe via the tow eyelets), but does come with a towbar and full service history - 7 services and 90k with the obligatory rear suspension bladder having been changed already.

[@GeesDrive]

@@Titot182 Sounds like a great choice, my favourite colour and an LCI too. IMO the 214's are the best for the E70, just as the designer intended. Wear so far on the Dunlops has been excellent, although not been tested in the winter too much. It's about 28 mpg for me but as you say, doesn't really matter with less miles. Enjoy you new car day tomorrow 👍🙂

[@Titot182]

@@GeesDrive It was so hard to find a single / low owner car that had a sensible service history. You have car enthusiasts and tinkerers like ourselves who buy the X5 because it suits their needs, and you have people who buy M Sports because they want the status and run the cars on neglect. There's something rather understated about an SE with the running boards, plastic cladding and open roof rails that says country connoisseur instead of communal contraband dispenser. Can you recommend any UK forums that would be useful for how tos etc?

[@GeesDrive]

@@Titot182 Totally agree, there are some awful M Sports around with bad modifications. The only downside with the SE is the sheer amount of plastic trim when it comes to cleaning, quite a therapeutic job though. The SE vs MSport could well be an indication of the owners' habits 😂. The xseries forum was quite handy although not that popular. Best advice I can give is find a good local BMW specialist. Good luck.