The BMW X5 has been in manufacturing for the reason that early 2000s. It’s the primary SUV the model dropped at market, and wasn’t instantly a important success. That tune has modified via the truck’s quarter-century run, because the model received higher acquainted with constructing SUVs and buyer expectations. In truth, the BMW X5 is constantly one of many model’s high performers. In 2024, the X5 and its sportier twin the X6 bought 275,318 items mixed. That’s greater than 10 p.c of the model’s whole world gross sales. Because the X5 ages and depreciates, it turns into an much more thrilling prospect for customers making an attempt to ostensibly get essentially the most for his or her cash. Let’s simply say some generations are a safer guess than others.
First Era BMW X5 (E53)
The primary technology of the BMW X5, the E53, was in manufacturing between 2000 and 2006. All E53 X5s are all-wheel drive. The US market solely noticed naturally aspirated fuel engines in inline-six and V8 configuration, and the M54 inline-six is the one you need for long-term sturdiness. The M54 is a staple of the BMW lineup. Whilst you can anticipate some “outdated BMW” issues (frequently changing the coolant system, DISA valve, oil filter housing gasket leaks), the M54-powered X5 is actually essentially the most dependable of the primary technology X5.
When you completely will need to have a V8 in your first-gen X5, the early M62 V8 (2000-2003 mannequin 12 months) is the safer guess. After 2003, BMW caught the N62 below the hood of the 4.4i and 4.8is fashions. The worst of the bunch is the N62, typically affected by valve steam seal failure, leaking valve cowl, timing cowl, and alternator bracket gaskets, coolant leaks, and SAIS (secondary air injection system) failure. The simpler M62 additionally has issues, like VANOS points and failing timing chain guides, however they’re usually simpler to plan for by way of preventative upkeep. We wouldn’t suggest rolling the cube on a V8 E53 until it’s an M62.
There are a variety of different persistent points that maintain the E53 again from being thought of one of many extra dependable methods to pilot an X5. Since they’re all all-wheel drive, there’s inherently a bit bit extra complexity than a two-wheel drive model. All V8 fashions (and lots of inline-six powered fashions) have some type of early air suspension/self-leveling suspension (SLS), which could be a troubleshooting nightmare. Decide up an M54-powered E53 with a stick shift for added novelty and essentially the most dependable expertise doable (usually).
Second Era BMW X5 (E70)
The second technology of the BMW X5, the E70, was produced from 2007 till 2013. Like its predecessor, E70s can be found solely in all-wheel drive, however the US market lastly will get to get pleasure from a diesel engine. The diesel we received is dubbed the M57, and it’s a reasonably stout mill — so long as you’re keen to shell out 1000’s of {dollars} to maintain the emissions management techniques operating easily. There are methods across the system, after all, however you’ll want to search out these discussions elsewhere.
When you’re sticking with fuel energy, there’s excellent news. The E70 received a ton of nice engines all through its life cycle, together with the superb N52 inline-six, the final naturally aspirated six from BMW. These 3.0-liter mills are successors to the M54-powered X5s, and so they largely keep on the custom of resilience. One other wonderful inline-six out there to E70 customers is the N55. Basically, you’ll be able to commerce peace of thoughts for a substantial energy bump. The N55 within the E70 makes simply over 300 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. However it’s not with out flaws: cost pipe failure is a close to assure, and over a protracted sufficient timeline you’ll probably must confront points surrounding the high-pressure gas pump (HPFP), oil filter housing gasket, and cooling system (notably the water pump).
Three completely different V8 engines present up below the hood of the second-gen X5: earlier 4.8i/xDrive48i fashions received an N62, whereas later E70 vans received an up to date N63 energy plant. Then there’s the first-ever X5 M, which utilized an S63. We’ll once more suggest you keep away from N62-powered fashions. The N63 and S63 introduce turbocharging, which is a portion of why we will’t presumably suggest the N63-powered X5 as a dependable decide.
Failing turbos, excessive oil consumption, and (but once more) failing valve steam seals make the N63 simply as a lot of a headache because the N62. The S63, then again, at the very least eliminates the turbocharger points, and is mostly considered as extra dependable. In terms of the second gen X5, we’re extremists: follow a fundamental N52-powered automotive or full ship on the S63-powered X5 M; there are higher choices elsewhere within the X5 lineage for middle-grounders.
Third Era BMW X5 (F15 and F85)
The third technology of the BMW X5 was produced from 2013 till simply 2018. Regardless of the quick run, there are a dizzying variety of choices to select from. Together with fuel inline-six and V8 choices (each turbocharged), BMW continued to supply a diesel and even launched a plug-in hybrid 40e variant. The F85 chassis code identifies the second-ever X5 M which was based mostly closely on the usual F15 chassis. The diesel is upgraded to the N57 unit and is much like the M57 within the sense that reliability is contingent upon sustaining or discarding the emissions management system. We don’t suggest it until you may have both of these choices at your disposal.
The hybrid X5 xDrive40e is engaging, because the PHEV depreciation curve is steep, and you possibly can save a bit bit on fuel. Nonetheless, there are some pitfalls. Whereas the N20 engine is pretty dependable on this utility, components for {the electrical} elements are nonetheless costly and labor-intensive. It isn’t a very straightforward mannequin to analysis, both. On the very least, a great guarantee is suggested. The N55 is basically a carryover engine from the earlier technology. Nonetheless, the N63 V8 noticed a considerably up to date N63 (“N63TU”) that drove up efficiency figures and considerably modified how the engine performs. A litany of latest components make it really worthy of consideration right here; though failing turbos and valve stem seals persist. The X5 M (dubbed F85 right here) makes use of an additional up to date S63, too, the S63B44T2. Although, virtually, little modifications — it’s nonetheless a great decide general.
Total, the third technology BMW X5 has rather a lot going for it by way of reliability. If you additional think about an out there rear-wheel drive configuration (N55-powered vehicles solely), additional decreasing the variety of issues you’ll be able to break, it seems to be like a compelling selection. And, in truth, we predict it’s: buying a third-gen X5 is about as secure of a guess as you will get, notably if you happen to don’t have the cash for a brand new one. Notably, it’s additionally the primary technology not utterly affected by the dreaded Takata airbag recall (affected mannequin years minimize off at 2014).
Fourth Era BMW X5 (G05 and F95)
The most present X5 technology can be essentially the most dependable. The star of the present is the B58 inline-six, out there I the X5 xDrive40/sDrive40 fashions. Not solely is the B58 proving to be extra dependable general than its N55 predecessors, the inline-six has additionally confirmed up in actually thousands and thousands of BMW automobiles, making components plentiful and analysis straightforward. A rear-driven B58 G05 X5 will take you very far, and we now have no reservations about recommending it as essentially the most dependable X5 you should buy. The N63 returns with much more substantial modifications that make it, too, essentially the most dependable iteration but; after all, as some might already know, late V8 fashions (X5 M60i) ditch the N63 totally in favor of an S68 lifted straight out of the M fashions. Sadly the S68 is a bit bit too new to have concrete information factors; we think about it is going to be fairly stout, however the built-in delicate hybrid elements would possibly make repairs costly.
Because the PHEV fashions on this technology depend on a B58 as a substitute of the outdated four-cylinder, they proceed to be a lovely prospect. Whereas early reviews are inclined to skew dependable, we’d tread fastidiously: battery elements are costly to interchange and discovering somebody aside from the supplier keen to work on it may be tough relying on the place you reside. The F95 X5 M makes use of both the S63 (2020-2023) or S68 (2024+) engine, each of which we’ve coated elsewhere at this level.
Which BMW X5 Era is the Most Dependable?
Typically, the latest X5 you’ll be able to afford is essentially the most dependable. We predict the second-generation X5 is on common the least secure guess, though it’s very shut between the primary and second technology. The good factor about X5 reliability, general, is that points are principally confined to what’s below the hood. Inside high quality and even iDrive elements appear to have a low failure fee throughout the board, though older fashions will probably nonetheless profit from a window regulator checkup earlier than shopping for. In the end, any BMW X5 could be a reliable car with correct upkeep and a radical inspection earlier than buy, particularly when choosing one with a robust service historical past. Maintain out for a great one and also you gained’t be disenchanted.
