BMW X5 Years to Avoid (and the Best Years to Buy Used)

Last reviewed: November 2026

Like any "years to avoid" list, this one is a starting point, not a verdict. The engine under the hood and the way the car was maintained will tell you more than the model year. Here is how we break down every generation of used X5 you are likely to find for sale today.

BMW X5 generations you'll see on the used market

The engine matters more than the year

If you only remember one thing from this article, make it this: on a used X5, the engine choice usually matters more than the model year.

• The 3.0L turbo inline-6 (badged 35i in the F15 and 40i in the G05) has the best reputation in the lineup. The newer B58 engine used in the G05 xDrive40i is widely regarded by independent BMW specialists as one of the most dependable engines BMW has built in years.
• The 4.4L twin-turbo V8 (xDrive50i) is fast and smooth, but the early version in 2011 to 2013 E70s earned a poor reputation for oil consumption, valve stem seals, timing chains and heat-related wear. BMW issued extended service measures for many of these engines. Later V8s improved, but they still cost more to run than the six-cylinder.
• The diesels (35d) deliver excellent highway mileage and torque, but emissions components such as the DEF system, DPF and EGR are expensive to repair. Check by VIN that any emissions-related recalls or service campaigns were completed.
• The plug-in hybrids (40e, 45e, 50e) are smooth and efficient for short commutes. Ask about high-voltage battery health and charging history.

E70 X5 (2007 to 2013): buy carefully

The E70 is now old enough that most examples are inexpensive, which makes them tempting. The six-cylinder xDrive30i and xDrive35i are the safest picks. The 2011 to 2013 xDrive50i is the year-and-engine combination we would steer most people away from unless the seller can show records of major engine work.

Common E70 check items:

• Oil leaks from the valve cover gasket and oil filter housing gasket.
• Electric water pump and thermostat on turbocharged six-cylinder models.
• V8 oil consumption, valve stem seals and timing chain noise on the 50i.
• Air suspension in the rear on models equipped with it.
• Electrical and iDrive glitches, which are common on any BMW of this age.

F15 X5 (2014 to 2018): the value pick

The F15 is the X5 we recommend most often to buyers who want a premium SUV at a reasonable price. 2014 was the first year of the generation, so it carries more early recalls and complaints. Sources that track complaint data generally show the later F15 years doing better than the early ones.

Best F15 choice: a 2016 to 2018 xDrive35i with full service history. It has the dependable 3.0L turbo six, it is quick enough for anyone, and parts are widely available.

Common F15 check items:

• Oil filter housing gasket and valve cover gasket leaks on the 35i.
• Electric water pump failure, often with little warning. Ask if it has been replaced.
• Diesel emissions parts on the 35d.
• Rear air springs (if equipped) and front control arm bushings.

G05 X5 (2019 and newer): the modern choice

The G05 is a big jump forward in technology, cabin quality and refinement. The 2019 model was the first year, and several data sources rate it the weakest year of the generation because of recalls and early software issues. From 2020 onward, the G05 is a strong used buy, especially the xDrive40i.

The 2024 refresh added a curved display, a mild-hybrid six-cylinder and an updated plug-in hybrid. If you want the newest look and tech, it is worth the premium. If you want the best value in a modern X5, a 2020 to 2023 xDrive40i is where we would start.

Common used X5 repairs and typical costs

These ranges are general estimates reported by independent BMW specialists and owner communities. Real costs vary by model, region, parts choice and shop. They are not quotes from Autos of Chicago.

Want a deeper look at long-term costs? Compare our used BMW vs Toyota 5-year cost comparison and our guide to buying an out-of-warranty BMW or Mercedes in Illinois.

Used BMW X5 pre-purchase checklist

1. Confirm the exact engine. The badge on the back is not always original, so check the VIN decode.
2. Read the vehicle history report closely. Our guide on reading a CARFAX report like a dealer shows you what to look for.
3. Ask for oil change intervals. Owners who changed oil more often than BMW's long factory interval tend to have healthier engines.
4. Check open recalls and completed service campaigns by VIN.
5. Look under the car for oil leaks around the oil filter housing, valve cover and oil pan.
6. Cold start it and listen for rattles in the first few seconds, especially on V8 models.
7. Test every iDrive function, camera, sensor and driver assist feature.
8. Check that the rear suspension sits level after the car has been parked overnight.
9. Inspect the underbody for salt corrosion if the car has lived in the Midwest.
10. Get a pre-purchase inspection from a BMW-experienced shop.

How many miles is too many on a used X5?

A well-maintained six-cylinder X5 can comfortably pass 150,000 miles. A neglected one can be expensive at 70,000. What matters is the records. We wrote a full guide on how many miles is too many on a used BMW that explains what to expect at each mileage stage.

Is the X5 a good SUV for Chicago winters?

Yes, as long as you buy an xDrive model. Most X5s are xDrive all-wheel drive, but BMW also sold rear-wheel-drive sDrive versions in some years, so check the badge and the VIN decode. An xDrive X5 on winter tires handles snow confidently. Many X5s come with run-flat tires, which ride firmer and are pricier to replace, so check what is on the car. For more on how BMWs handle cold weather, read are BMWs reliable in winter. If you are still deciding between SUVs, our Genesis GV80 vs BMW X5 vs Audi Q7 comparison may help.

Options and packages worth looking for

Two X5s from the same year can feel very different depending on how they were ordered. When you compare listings, these are the packages that most affect day-to-day enjoyment and resale:

• Cold Weather or Winter Package: Heated steering wheel and heated rear seats. In a Chicago winter, buyers notice when these are missing.
• Driver Assistance packages: Adaptive cruise control and lane keeping make highway commutes far easier. On the G05, look for the Driving Assistance Professional Package.
• M Sport Package: Sportier styling, seats and steering. Often paired with larger wheels and run-flat tires, which ride firmer on rough roads.
• Premium audio: Harman Kardon or Bowers and Wilkins systems are a big upgrade over the standard stereo.
• Third-row seating: Available on some X5s, but the third row is small. If you need it often, look at the BMW X7 instead.
• Air suspension: Smoother ride, but air springs are wear items. Factor that into your maintenance budget.

X5 vs X3 vs X7: is the X5 the right size?

The X5 sits in the middle of BMW's SUV lineup. If you mostly drive with one or two passengers and want lower running costs, a used X3 may suit you better. See our used BMW X3 xDrive30i vs M40i buyer's guide. If you regularly carry six or seven people, the X7 has a usable third row. For most families of four or five, the X5 hits the sweet spot of space, comfort and performance.