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 crucial 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 reality, the BMW X5 is persistently one of many model’s prime performers. In 2024, the X5 and its sportier twin the X6 offered 275,318 models mixed. That’s greater than 10 p.c of the model’s complete international gross sales. Because the X5 ages and depreciates, it turns into an much more thrilling prospect for consumers making an attempt to ostensibly get essentially the most for his or her cash. Let’s simply say some generations are a safer wager than others.
First Technology BMW X5 (E53)
The primary era 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. When you can count on some “outdated BMW” issues (usually changing the coolant system, DISA valve, oil filter housing gasket leaks), the M54-powered X5 is definitely essentially the most dependable of the primary era X5.
In the event 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 wager. After 2003, BMW caught the N62 underneath 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 easier M62 additionally has issues, like VANOS points and failing timing chain guides, however they’re typically simpler to plan for through preventative upkeep. We wouldn’t advocate 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-about one of many extra dependable methods to pilot an X5. Since they’re all all-wheel drive, there’s inherently a bit of bit extra complexity than a two-wheel drive model. All V8 fashions (and plenty of inline-six powered fashions) have some type of early air suspension/self-leveling suspension (SLS), which generally is a troubleshooting nightmare. Choose up an M54-powered E53 with a stick shift for added novelty and essentially the most dependable expertise potential (typically).
Second Technology BMW X5 (E70)
The second era 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 prepared to shell out hundreds of {dollars} to maintain the emissions management programs working easily. There are methods across the system, after all, however you’ll want to seek out these discussions elsewhere.
In the event 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 wonderful 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 accessible to E70 consumers is the N55. Basically, you possibly can 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. But it surely’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 gasoline pump (HPFP), oil filter housing gasket, and cooling system (significantly the water pump).
Three completely different V8 engines present up underneath 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 advocate you steer clear of N62-powered fashions. The N63 and S63 introduce turbocharging, which is a portion of why we are able to’t presumably advocate 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, alternatively, at the least eliminates the turbocharger points, and is usually considered as extra dependable. Relating to the second gen X5, we’re extremists: keep on with 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 Technology BMW X5 (F15 and F85)
The third era of the BMW X5 was produced from 2013 till simply 2018. Regardless of the brief 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 primarily based 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 advocate it until you’ve got both of these choices at your disposal.
The hybrid X5 xDrive40e is engaging, because the PHEV depreciation curve is steep, and you could possibly save a bit of bit on fuel. Nevertheless, there are some pitfalls. Whereas the N20 engine is pretty dependable on this software, components for {the electrical} elements are nonetheless costly and labor-intensive. It isn’t a really simple mannequin to analysis, both. On the very least, a superb guarantee is suggested. The N55 is essentially a carryover engine from the earlier era. Nevertheless, 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 truly worthy of consideration right here; though failing turbos and valve stem seals persist. The X5 M (dubbed F85 right here) makes use of an extra up to date S63, too, the S63B44T2. Although, virtually, little adjustments — it’s nonetheless a superb decide general.
Total, the third era BMW X5 has lots going for it when it comes to reliability. Whenever you additional take into account an accessible rear-wheel drive configuration (N55-powered vehicles solely), additional lowering the variety of issues you possibly can break, it appears like a compelling selection. And, in truth, we predict it’s: buying a third-gen X5 is about as protected of a wager as you will get, significantly when you don’t have the cash for a brand new one. Notably, it’s additionally the primary era not fully affected by the dreaded Takata airbag recall (affected mannequin years minimize off at 2014).
Fourth Technology BMW X5 (G05 and F95)
The most present X5 era can also be essentially the most dependable. The star of the present is the B58 inline-six, accessible 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 simple. 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 adjustments 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 completely in favor of an S68 lifted straight out of the M fashions. Sadly the S68 is a bit of bit too new to have concrete knowledge factors; we think about it is going to be fairly stout, however the built-in gentle hybrid elements may make repairs costly.
Because the PHEV fashions on this era depend on a B58 as a substitute of the outdated four-cylinder, they proceed to be a horny prospect. Whereas early stories are inclined to skew dependable, we’d tread fastidiously: battery elements are costly to interchange and discovering somebody aside from the supplier prepared to work on it is likely to 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 Technology is the Most Dependable?
Usually, the latest X5 you possibly can afford is essentially the most dependable. We expect the second-generation X5 is on common the least protected wager, though it’s very shut between the primary and second era. The great factor about X5 reliability, general, is that points are largely confined to what’s underneath 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 generally is a reliable automobile with correct upkeep and a radical inspection earlier than buy, particularly when choosing one with a powerful service historical past. Maintain out for a superb one and also you gained’t be dissatisfied.
