The contact owns a 2008 BMW X5. The contact was driving 40 mph when the steering wheel seized. The vehicle was taken directly to an authorized dealer where the power steering pump was replaced. The failure recurred approximately one month later. The vehicle was taken back to the authorized dealer where all of the power steering mechanisms were reinstalled but again, the failure recurred six months later. The vehicle was again taken back to the authorized dealer and they were in the process of diagnosing the failure. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 35,846.

- Miami, FL, USA

I purchased a 2008 X5 new in Oct 07. In Sept 08 I started to have major problems with the brake system. Squealing-low pedal,3 major brake system repairs,1 minor repair and it needs to be towed in again because the problem remains. The service manager of the selling dealer advised bmwusa to replace the vehicle due to the dangerous and numerous problems with this car. Bmwusa marketing refused-what mechanical expertise do they possess-none and they continue to put my safety in danger and ignore the problem. Just an example in Oct 2008 the brake pads were 10mm-in April 09 they were 2mm and BMW told me I was safe to drive 1700 miles from fl to NY. A Florida dealer had to replace every rotor-pad and sensor, and less than 2 weeks later the rear brakes and sensors needed replacement again but so much for bmwusa knowing anything or caring. These people are useless and dangerous--do not buy an X5 from this company, because even after their own svc manager states to replace the vehicle they say there is nothing wrong and don't give a [xxx] about your safety. Stay away from BMW. Damage resulting = this car cost almost 60K, the kids finished college so it was time to buy a car I always wanted--im out all this money, cant drive the car with this problem and BMW cares less--since when should a marketing guy make decisions about mechanical problems, and then over the advice of a trained service manager. Information redacted pursuant to the Freedom Of Information Act (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

- Forest Hills, NY, USA