Seeking Advice - Replaced front diff. Now rear diff is failing. Fix or sell?

[efloyd]

2015 X5 50i. Now has 86k mi.

Replaced front diff in Sep '18 - was "roaring" - $3k dealer repair.

Now, the rear diff is "roaring" - dealer is quoting $5k repair.

KBB private party value is:
- Excellent: 24k-28k
- Very Good: 20k-23k

All options, including performance option wheels and grill, except active cruise control.

I owe 24k (paying 660/mo over a 60 mo loan with 39 mos left on the loan; I've owned it for 20 mos)

Options:

1. Suck it up and pay the 5k to get it fixed.

Pros: a) I love the car, b) both diffs will be brand new with 2 year warranties on the parts
Cons: a) that's 5k I could put towards something else, b) I can't find any else I like around what I paid for this car, so I will end up paying more for my next car with more expensive payments because I will go CPO c) I will lose the 13k in repairs and tires that I've spent in the last 12 mos

2. Sell it to Carvana for 21k, and use the 5k I would spend on the rear diff to pay off the remaining 4k balance on the loan

Pros: a) I eliminate future risk in spending more on this car
Cons: a) I lose a car that I love, b) I now have to devote time and energy to find another car that I love, c) I suspect I will pay more for the next car because I will go CPO

What would you do?

Any other ideas?

[turboawd]

I'd like to know how you managed to destroy both diffs? Do you drive like a maniac or something??

[HydroStream6]

Get a diff from a junk yard and do the work yourself, or have an indy do it. No way that should cost anywhere close to $5k.

[gvarr03]

If you love the car, just find used rear diff for your car ($800-$1000) and install it yourself. Some shops may even give you warranty on the part, just have to ask around.

[OnlyGerman]

Should've got a warranty. IDK why people buy these cars knowing they can be a POS then, avoid warranties, then complain about major repair bills. I would just pay it and move on. Selling this and moving into something else will be more than a 5k transition, not to mention the loss of value on a trade.

[HPIA4v2]

You like the car
you need some sort of transportation
you can't find or don't like anything at this price range
you owe money

I'd say fix it.

[-c-]

It's always more money to buy something different. If you sell and buy something else you'll be a lot deeper than 5k

If you love the car fix it, find other quotes for work. Dealer prices are ridiculous and only feed their overhead and not their skill.

Their are independents out their their will fly circles around many dealer mechanics. And with their name on the line you'll find they may take better care of your car while in their care.

As many have said find a low milage one off a junked car from California from sites like car-part.com or buy new at a discount like getbmwparts.com and have an Indy do it.

Getbmwparts.com is a dealer and all parts purchased has a 2 year unlimited milage warranty. Any parts you buy from a dealer comes with that warranty just won't pay labor.

You'll come out ahead to just fix it. Always.

[The Libertine]

Go with option 1. You’ve already invested $$$ in repairs, and by your own admission, you love the X5 and there’s nothing else that interests you.

[pwrdbym]

Dealerships don't actually fix components anymore, their only answer is to replace and they're VERY quick to make this recommendation. I'm curious what is actually wrong with your differential, because BMW diffs actually don't fail often and two on one vehicle is nonsense. Have you tried a simple fluid change with quality synthetic fluid including the requisite friction modifier? If the diff is bad you can also inquire about having it rebuilt, or as mentioned just replace with a used unit. Changing a diff isn't hard, it's all just removing bolts. Either way, don't pay the dealer $5k to replace with a new one, there's alternatives.

BTW, an extended warranty is for an owner who has no DIY mechanical skills and runs off to a dealer to have everything done without questions. If that situation doesn't apply to you then you can save money avoiding the extended warranty.

[turboawd]

Buy a used diff off ebay. I see many for around 500.

[~ViO~]

Originally Posted by efloyd

2015 X5 50i. Now has 86k mi.

Replaced front diff in Sep '18 - was "roaring" - $3k dealer repair.

Now, the rear diff is "roaring" - dealer is quoting $5k repair.

KBB private party value is:
- Excellent: 24k-28k
- Very Good: 20k-23k

All options, including performance option wheels and grill, except active cruise control.

I owe 24k (paying 660/mo over a 60 mo loan with 39 mos left on the loan; I've owned it for 20 mos)

Options:

1. Suck it up and pay the 5k to get it fixed.

Pros: a) I love the car, b) both diffs will be brand new with 2 year warranties on the parts
Cons: a) that's 5k I could put towards something else, b) I can't find any else I like around what I paid for this car, so I will end up paying more for my next car with more expensive payments because I will go CPO c) I will lose the 13k in repairs and tires that I've spent in the last 12 mos

2. Sell it to Carvana for 21k, and use the 5k I would spend on the rear diff to pay off the remaining 4k balance on the loan

Pros: a) I eliminate future risk in spending more on this car
Cons: a) I lose a car that I love, b) I now have to devote time and energy to find another car that I love, c) I suspect I will pay more for the next car because I will go CPO

What would you do?

Any other ideas?

Personally, i say let it go... Who knows whats next.. Valve seals?? Let it go while you can still get some trade in life out of it... The value will obviously keep going down as the mileage goes up.. Buy yourself an early Christmas present.. There are plenty of used ones at great prices... Just search around and see what fits your budget.. That's my opinion.. Good luck.

[RED_Y_]

You still owe a lot on it so if you let it go you will get in the position of no car and no money. I would say get a second opinion from indy shop, 5K for rear diff sounds way to expensive.

[~ViO~]

Originally Posted by RED_Y_

You still owe a lot on it so if you let it go you will get in the position of no car and no money. I would say get a second opinion from indy shop, 5K for rear diff sounds way to expensive.

And if he runs into more issues like valve seals or the timing chain or another unseen major malfunction..... Guess what.. He will then have "NO" car at all and his auto loan will still have to be paid off... Bail now while you can.. That's the right choice.

[Fastestcolor]

Sell it and buy a car cash. It should be a Toyota. When you have the money to buy a bmw cash then do that.

[Swiftness~]

5k isn't extreme at all when I had my rear diff replaced on my 50i w/DHP the part itself + oil was 3950$ online and labor was 640$ as a 4 hour job from my local indy if you have standard suspension the rear diff should be substantially cheaper at around 2600-2900$ online + labor.