[stein_325i]

Here's what reality looks like for a 2005 X3 3.0i that I bought for my son, and this is one of the "more reliable models." I can't imagine how much worse it would have been if it had a BMW V8 or V12 under the hood or had iDrive and newer parts like an electric water pump.

Its a one owner example, who was a little old lady and only went to the dealer for service and we bought it with 138k miles, currently at 153k. Within her ownership, she probably paid for repairs and service that totals up to the price of a new Civic. This is just one sheet of many more documents I have from the previous owner, and this document is just 2011 and on, even more work was done before then too.

Moral of the story, they will never be as reliable as the Japanese such as Toyota/Lexus, however, maintain the car well and stay on top of maintenance and hopefully you won't have any issues. And especially, do not use the dealer outside of warranty, unless it is a serious issue, save a lot of money and use an independent mechanic. In the end, as always, YMMV.