Used BMW X5 2013-2018 reliability review

When new, this generation of theBMW X5 was one of the best luxury SUVs you could buy – it stacks up well as a used buy, too.

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What should I look for in a used BMW X5?

The X5 is an extremely versatile car and can cover big distances with ease, making it ideal for families who do lots of travelling. As such, it’s important to go over the interior carefully to look for wear and damage.

Being such a wide car, it’s also susceptible to scuffs and scratches on the body panels and wheels, so check these properly. Include the roof in your inspection, just in case it has been used to carry bicycles or a roof box.

As a flagship BMW, the X5 has plenty of gadgets, so spend time making sure they all work properly, from the powered tailgate to the DAB radio and the sat-nav.

The engines and gearbox are largely carried over from the previous X5, where they proved impressively robust, and any electrical gremlins that might appear can often be resolved with a software update carried out by a BMW dealer.

Inspect the condition of the tyres and consider asking for a new set to be fitted or the asking price discounted accordingly if they're worn.

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Is a used BMW X5 reliable?

This generation of BMW X5 finished eighth out of in 10 cars in the luxury SUV category in our latest Reliability Survey. As a brand, BMW ranked 16th out of 32 manufacturers.

To read the full list, head to the What Car? Reliability survey pages.

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