[Mach550]

I've been interested in getting an X5 50e with the electric drive ever since my dealer gave me a 550e loaner but I've wondered what does the electric side complicate for owners who do their own maintenance?

Does it add another layer of maintenance like battery coolant on top of engine coolant?

Any other things to think about?

[JerseyM3]

Originally Posted by Mach550

I've been interested in getting an X5 50e with the electric drive ever since my dealer gave me a 550e loaner but I've wondered what does the electric side complicate for owners who do their own maintenance?

Does it add another layer of maintenance like battery coolant on top of engine coolant?

Any other things to think about?

Well I think it's just that you need to understand the mechanical and electrical side of things from a high voltage and low voltage manner in EVs. Sounds simple but id leave it to the experienced if you're not. I don't think these cars or EVs in general need a lot of maintenance. They do eat up tires (weight) and the brakes get stale from what I hear because people use regen to slow down especially around town driving.

[M-technik-3]

Added insurance costs as well as cars randomly burst into flames while recharging overnight. Many insurance companies do not want you parking in a garage while charging.

[Janjohn]

Originally Posted by M-technik-3

Added insurance costs as well as cars randomly burst into flames while recharging overnight. Many insurance companies do not want you parking in a garage while charging.

What??? The “climate crowd” is demanding and lusting over PHEVs that randomly burst into flames while charging?

When we were living in Albuquerque and had solar panels, it completely made enough electricity to power a big house and a nice heated pool. At that point, I thought PHEV was the answer. Here in Tennessee, solar gain is very mediocre so I have to rely on Tennessee electric entirely. Data Centers for AI are being built here and in neighboring states so electric rates will rise rapidly. A PHEV is no longer practical, so at best it’s regular hybrid for me.

If that’s true, what a flipping heartbreak! Broken dreams.

[M-technik-3]

I would check with home owners insurance before I purchased Hybrid or EV to see if it's covered if parked in my garage.

[jaffles]

Not a PHEV, but caught up with a mate with an EV last night, 50,000km and all his done is add windscreen washer water. Parks it under his unit every night. He rarely uses the brakes, but with who's on the roads these days he has to use the brakes occasionally.

Wife has a 2016 Prius C with 176,000km on it. Two rear shocks I did, and a hybrid battery at 150,000km for $2500AU with 10 year warranty and unlimited km from toyota.

Beware of the BS that rolls around from the anti crowd. Little of it is factual with a whole heap of fear added.

[Mach550]

appreciate the comments but I was asking in regards to plug in hybrids that bmw has these days with the b58 and electric in one. I have the ice part under control but wondering what the electric side complicates and thinking it really comes down to electric motor/battery coolant and replacing things like brakes and tires more often with the extra weight.

I doubt I'll get into a full electric any time soon

[allinon72]

I don't think there are any DIY maintenance implications of significance. I owned an X5 45e from new to 50k and had absolutely no issues outside of a harness inside the steering wheel that failed. With any electric or hybrid, there is inherent risk of the battery going bad outside of warranty. However, I loved the 45e and the total package was way better than I was expecting. Only got rid of it because my wife wanted something smaller.

[Janjohn]

Originally Posted by allinon72

I don't think there are any DIY maintenance implications of significance. I owned an X5 45e from new to 50k and had absolutely no issues outside of a harness inside the steering wheel that failed. With any electric or hybrid, there is inherent risk of the battery going bad outside of warranty. However, I loved the 45e and the total package was way better than I was expecting. Only got rid of it because my wife wanted something smaller.

Thank you. My dream of PHEV has been taped back together for now. Here in east Tennessee any sort of BEV has to have 400 mile range, so I’m good with a mild hybrid.

[Phillies8008]

The anti-EV/PHEV troll crowd is so sad, lol. If you don't like the cars, fine – I couldn't possibly care less. But feeling the need to spew complete nonsense says more about the troll than they think it does.

Our family has two EVs, both in the garage, both charging there. No insurance company has ever said a word. Ever. Please leave this bullshit on Facebook where it belongs, along with the other cranks and conspiracy theorists.

[tdott]

45e/50e have an 8 years or 100,000 miles warranty on the battery.
DIY oil changes/brakes/filters/fluids/etc are all the same as a normal X5 variant very small differences.

PHEV makes a lot of sense for my type of driving (WFH, tows race car several times a year).

I went with the Cayenne PHEV over the X5e, they are very similar and both use the same ZF 8hp transmission with the electric motor in the bell housing. The way ZF designed the system is pretty brilliant imo, it doesn't add a lot of complexity.

So far it's been great and is perfect for my usage. Everyone grips at the 20 mile range, but for someone who WFH, it covers most of my normal usage. I've gone almost 2 months without filling up, covered about 500 miles during that time.

The versatility of the X5e and Cayenne PHEV with 7200/7700 lbs towing capability is pretty unmatched imo. The wide range of utility is amazing.

[Janjohn]

Originally Posted by tdott

45e/50e have an 8 years or 100,000 miles warranty on the battery.
DIY oil changes/brakes/filters/fluids/etc are all the same as a normal X5 variant very small differences.

PHEV makes a lot of sense for my type of driving (WFH, tows race car several times a year).

I went with the Cayenne PHEV over the X5e, they are very similar and both use the same ZF 8hp transmission with the electric motor in the bell housing. The way ZF designed the system is pretty brilliant imo, it doesn't add a lot of complexity.

So far it's been great and is perfect for my usage. Everyone grips at the 20 mile range, but for someone who WFH, it covers most of my normal usage. I've gone almost 2 months without filling up, covered about 500 miles during that time.

The versatility of the X5e and Cayenne PHEV with 7200/7700 lbs towing capability is pretty unmatched imo. The wide range of utility is amazing.

So relieved. Thanks.

[allinon72]

Originally Posted by Phillies8008

The anti-EV/PHEV troll crowd is so sad, lol. If you don't like the cars, fine – I couldn't possibly care less. But feeling the need to spew complete nonsense says more about the troll than they think it does.

Our family has two EVs, both in the garage, both charging there. No insurance company has ever said a word. Ever. Please leave this bullshit on Facebook where it belongs, along with the other cranks and conspiracy theorists.

You’re not going to hear a peep from your insurance company…until you have a loss and it’s time for them to make you whole. Insurance companies are exceedingly anti-do-the-right-thing. It’s not a reason to avoid an EV/PHEV, but it is a reason to clarify with them before making the purchase.