BMW X5 is among the most powerful, spacious, and high-performance mid-size luxury SUVs on the market. It is also safe, fuel-efficiency, and highly advanced. However, is the BMW X5 a reliable SUV?
Unfortunately, BMW X5 is not a reliable car. However, it ranks higher than some of its competitors like Land Rover Range Rover Sport and Jaguar F-Pace. On the contrary, cars such as Audi Q7, Mercedes GLE-Class, and Porsche Cayenne rank higher in terms of overall reliability.
BMW X5 is unreliable because it has had several recalls and had multiple issues over the years. In 2019, the BMW X5 had nine recalls by the NHTSA. In 2014, the X5 had engine and transmission problems. Other BMW X5 models have had issues with the suspension and fuel pump relay switches.
Most reliable BMW X5 years
BMW X5 may be among the least reliable mid-size luxury SUVs, but not all models are unreliable. Some model years have performed well and registered fewer issues. Some of these model years include 2000, 2005, and 2016. These vehicles have fewer issues, excellent build quality, and powerful engines.
The most reliable model year is the 2005 BMW X5 model. This car has one of the most secure brakes and its ride is smooth. What’s more, the 2005 BMW X5 has outstanding traction in snow and rain. And like all the other BMW X5 models, it’s spacious, performs well, and is very secure.
Least reliable BMW X5 years
BMW X5 is the least reliable BMW model on the market. However, not all BMW X5 model years are very unreliable. Some are more unreliable than others, such as the 2013, 2014, 2015, and 2017 model years. Most of these BMWs have issues such as engine stalling, suspensions problems, transmission issues, engine misfire, and fuel pump relay switch issues.
It is important to note that the 2016 and 2018 model years are also not as reliable as the 2000 and 2005 BMW X5 model years. Nonetheless, they are more reliable than 2013, 2014, 2015, and 2017 BMW X5 model years.
Common problems with BMW X5
BMW X5 may be one of the best mid-size luxury SUVs on the market, but this car registers many problems. Nonetheless, some of the common BMW X5 issues include transmission problems, suspension issues, oil leak, engine overheating, engine misfiring, coolant leak from radiator, and much more.
Even though BMW X5 users report several issues, most of these can be repaired by a professional BMW mechanic or from the BMW service center. Yes, the cost of repairing a BMW is quite high as the parts are costly and the process is cumbersome.
How to make BMW X5 last longer
If you love your BMW X5 and want to prolong its lifespan despite its reliability issues, you can still do so. Here are some of the things that you have to do:
- Check your BMW X5’s manual and follow it to the latter. It has all the instructions that you need to keep your car in tip-top condition.
- Change your car’s oil as recommended in the user manual
- Protect your BMW X5 from the elements.
- Ensure that all fluids are changed or filled as recommended. Some of the fluids that you need to observe are power steering fluid, coolant, brake fluid, wiper fluid, and transmission fluid.
- Monitor and maintain the right tire pressure.
- Change your car’s wheels as recommended in the user manual.
- Pay close attention to how you drive. Avoid driving your car aggressively.
- Keep your car clean and in tip-top condition.
FAQ
Does BMW X5 have a lot of problems?
Yes, BMW X5 has a lot of issues. Some of the common problems that BMW X5 owners should expect to experience are engine overheating, engine misfiring, transmission problems, loss of brake power, and wear and tear on door handles. As the car gets older, more serious issues will be experienced as well.
Is BMW X5 expensive to maintain?
Of course, Yes. BMW X5 is one of the mid-size luxury SUVs that are costly to maintain. This is because it breaks down more times than its competitors. Aside from that, BMW spare parts are very costly, which drives the maintenance cost even higher.
It is estimated that a BMW X5 will cost around $18,300 for repairs and maintenance in its first 10 years of service. This is more than the average maintenance cost of an SUV over the same period with more than $2,900. Besides, on average, a BMW X5 has a yearly maintenance cost of about $1,160.
Is BMW X5 reliable after 100,000 miles?
It depends. If they are maintained properly and adhere to scheduled service maintenance, a BMW X5 can last over 150,000 miles. However, if they are not maintained well and driven recklessly, the car may start developing serious issues after 100,000 miles. So, proper maintenance is vital for an aging BMW X5.
After how long should I change the oil in my BMW X5?
To allow your BMW X5 to run smoothly, you will have to change its oil every 3,000 to 5,000 miles. Besides, you should also use quality oil so that your car can run smoothly and avoid replacing the oil earlier than anticipated. Oil changes help reduce and get rid of any excess dirt that can build up and cause inefficiency.
After how long should I change my BMW X5 tires?
It is important to change your BMW X5 tires after covering about 50,000 miles. However, other factors also play a part in how often you change your tires. They include: the type of tires, weather, tire life, and style and ride quality. If the tires are top-quality, you may have to replace them after 80,000 miles.
Conclusion
When it comes to reliability, BMW X5 is among the least reliable mid-size luxury SUVs on the market. However, if properly maintained, BMW X5 is still an excellent car with exceptional features and performance. Ensure to change oil, tires, and conduct the necessary scheduled services.
Additionally, you can prolong the lifespan of your BMW X5 by driving carefully, regardless of the weather, and taking your car to a BMW service center or specialized mechanic whenever the check engine light comes on.
