I purchased a 2008 BMW X-5 with 50,000 miles on the odometer. I was shown proof from the used car dealership that the vehicle had only one prior owner, a female in her mid 50's. although the vehicle was immaculate and looked brand new, it needed a new right rear air suspension bag 3 months after the purchase and started leaking oil. Since purchasing the vehicle in 2012 I have continued to take the vehicle back to the same dealership at which time they clean the oil underneath, remove gaskets and bolts and reassemble everything to include using generous amounts of silicone. I recently took the vehicle back to the dealership and the owner did his usual "patch job" but he said this isn't working anymore and that the oil leak is actually coming from a failed gasket that is not accessible without removing the motor to the tune of $6,000 or more. The owner of the dealership further mentioned that the left rear air suspension bag has failed and needs to be replaced, as the car sits off camber while parked. The most important thing is that my vehicle had one owner, a middle aged female, my wife drives the car to the supermarket and kids school, not the race track so the failed gasket is clearly not the result of abusive driving, rather a manufacturers defect. According to the owner of the dealership, the 4.8 liter V-8 in my 2008 X-5 has been recalled for the same problem in the BMW 5,6 and 7 series. I am wondering if and when their might be a recall on the X-5's, as I do not have the money to replace the vehicle, yet I cannot afford to pay $6,000 + to fix the problem. I have talked with a lot of people both in and out of the car industry and the consensus is growing stronger and stronger that BMW uses faulty gaskets on purpose to make their money on the service end. BMW, the ultimate "servicing machine." My 2003 Ford Explorer, 218,000 miles has never had an issue?

- Paradise, CA, USA

The loss of air pressure is creating a possible control issue if it fails at higher speeds. It deflates at night when not in use but if it occurs while driving then is the question of safety.

- Torrance, CA, USA