Used BMW X5 2018-present reliability
Category: Luxury SUV
It may not be the most practical luxury SUV, but the BMW X5 is good to drive and wonderfully classy.
What should I look for in a used BMW X5 4x4?
Apple CarPlay is an option on the X5 (many of the X5's major competitors have CarPlay included as standard), so make sure yours has it fitted. Otherwise, you can have it retrofitted for a one-off fee.
Other than that, the X5 is still an enormous SUV with big alloy wheels to match, so inspect each rim carefully for kerb damage since repairs will be costly.
When viewing a used car, always follow our used car buying checklist.
What are the most common problems with a used BMW X5 4x4?
There have been the following recalls so far.
Reason for recall Driver and passenger side head airbags may have been twisted on installation. Contact the local BMW dealership or manufacturer. You will not need to pay for anything involving the recall.
How the manufacturer will repair
The head airbags on the driver and passenger side will be checked and if necessary reworked
Number of affected vehicles
52
Reason for recall The front axle support (subframe) welding process has not been completed according to specifications. Contact the local BMW dealership or manufacturer. You will not need to pay for anything involving the recall.
How the manufacturer will repair
Replace the front axle support.
Number of affected vehicles
10
Reason for recall The battery cables on the 48V starter generator may not have been sufficiently secured during the production process. Contact the local BMW dealership or manufacturer. You will not need to pay for anything involving the recall.
How the manufacturer will repair
Check the screw connection of the 48V positive / negative battery cables on the starter generator and rework if necessary.
Number of affected vehicles
388
Reason for recall The Integrated Brake system hydraulic unit may have been produced incorrectly. Contact the local BMW dealership or manufacturer. You will not need to pay for anything involving the recall.
How the manufacturer will repair
Replace the Integrated Brake system hydraulic unit.
Number of affected vehicles
139
Click here for more information. Contact your local BMW dealer if you believe your vehicle is involved in a recall.
Is a used BMW X5 4x4 reliable?
This generation of X5 didn't feature in our 2023 What Car? Reliability Survey, but in the latest survey its predecessor came eighth out of 11 cars in its class.
However, BMW as a car brand ranked 16th out of 32 manufacturers featured. It proved more reliable than Audi and Mercedes but less reliable than Kia and Lexus.
To read more from our Reliability Survey in detail, check out the full results here.
Used BMW X5: owners' reliability data
The overall sentiment regarding BMW X5 reliability is quite positive, with few reported issues.
In terms of dealer service, the feedback is overwhelmingly positive. Owners appreciate the professionalism and knowledge of the dealerships, with special mentions of the efficient handling of service appointments and the transparency regarding maintenance needs and costs. The proactive communication by service staff and the ease of booking service appointments have contributed to a satisfactory ownership experience.
In conclusion, the X5 has demonstrated strong reliability and commendable dealer service, reflecting well on the brand's commitment to quality and customer satisfaction.
