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Buyer's Guide · BMW X5 · Midsize luxury SUV

Used BMW X5 Buyer's Guide

3 min read

Also worth reading: BMW Reliability Guide, Best Used BMW Models and BMW X3 Buying Guide.

The X5 is BMW's flagship SUV. The 6-cylinder xDrive35i/40i examples are dramatically lower-risk ownership than the N63 twin-turbo V8 50i.

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Quick Verdict
Overall verdict
3.6/5 · Good
Reliability
3.5/5 · Good
Best years
2007–2010 E70 3.0si / xDrive30i (N52), 2014–2018 F15 xDrive35i (N55), 2019+ G05 xDrive40i (B58)
Years to research
2007–2013 E70 xDrive50i (N63), 2014–2018 F15 xDrive50i (N63TU)
Maintenance cost
3.0/5 · Average
Parts availability
4.0/5 · Very good
Ownership cost
2.9/5 · Below average

Bottom line: Yes, if you buy 6-cyl and demand records.

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Quick Answer

Engine choice defines used BMW X5 ownership. Six-cylinder xDrive35i (N55), xDrive40i (B58) and the older naturally aspirated N52 are reasonable used buys; the N63 twin-turbo V8 50i models are the expensive ones and need complete records.

  • Lower-risk2014–2018 F15 xDrive35i (N55), 2019+ G05 xDrive40i (B58), and 2007–2010 E70 3.0si / xDrive30i (N52).
  • Records mandatory2007–2013 E70 xDrive50i (N63) and 2014–2018 F15 xDrive50i (N63TU) — timing chain, valve-stem seals and injectors are known cost centres.
  • Check on any X5Cooling-system condition, air-suspension leaks if equipped, and transfer-case actuator operation.

A six-cylinder X5 costs roughly what a 5 Series costs to run; an N63 V8 does not.

BMW reliability overview →Best used BMW models →
Overall · All generations
★★★★★3.6/5
The engine choice defines X5 ownership. N55 or B58 6-cyl examples are excellent; N63 V8 examples require serious records and a maintenance budget.
Reliability· All generations
★★★★★3.5/5
Maintenance
★★★★★3.0/5
Parts availability
★★★★★4.0/5
Ownership cost
★★★★★2.9/5
Top Picks

Best Years to Buy

Generations with the strongest long-term reputation.

2007–2010 E70 3.0si / xDrive30i (N52)

Naturally aspirated inline-six — the simplest engine in the E70. Cheapest sane way into an older X5 if the cooling system and gaskets are documented.

2014–2018 F15 xDrive35i (N55)

Well-understood inline-six; refined chassis.

2019+ G05 xDrive40i (B58)

B58 in refined modern package.

Side by side

BMW X5 ratings at a glance

CategoryRatingWhat it means
Overall3.6/5Good
Reliability3.5/5Good
Maintenance3.0/5Average
Parts availability4.0/5Very good
Ownership cost2.9/5Below average
Generation guide

BMW X5 Generations

Jump straight to the generation you're shopping.

  1. Generation 1

    E53 · 2005–2006

    Final run of the original X5 after the 2004 facelift, with the 3.0L M54 inline-six and 4.4L/4.8L V8s.

    2005–2006 X5 guide
  2. Generation 2

    E70 · 2007–2013

    Bigger, more electronic second-generation X5 on the E70 platform: xDrive AWD, optional third row, iDrive, and a naturally aspirated N52 inline-six on the entry model alongside V8 and later turbo-six and diesel options.

    2007–2013 X5 guide
  3. Generation 3

    F15 · 2014–2018

    Third-generation X5: lighter structure, 8-speed automatic across the range, wider turbo engine lineup and a plug-in hybrid.

    2014–2018 X5 guide
  4. Generation 4

    G05 · 2019–2026

    Current X5: CLAR platform, B58 inline-six, mild-hybrid tech, larger displays and a plug-in hybrid xDrive45e.

    2019–2026 X5 guide
Do your homework

Years to Research Carefully

Not deal-breakers — but they reward a careful buyer.

2007–2013 E70 xDrive50i (N63)

Timing chain, valve-stem seals, injectors — historically expensive. Records mandatory.

2014–2018 F15 xDrive50i (N63TU)

Later N63 improved but still high-maintenance.

Known issues

Common Problems

Bring this list to your pre-purchase inspection.

  • ✓
    Cooling-system components on all X5s
  • ✓
    Air-suspension leaks on equipped examples
  • ✓
    N63 timing chain and valve stem seals
  • ✓
    Transfer-case actuator on xDrive
  • ✓
    Electronics quirks
Ownership

Maintenance Expectations

6-cyl X5 ownership is close to a 5 Series. N63 X5 ownership is dramatically more expensive.

Independent BMW specialist essential out of warranty.

Before you buy

Inspection Checklist

What to verify on any candidate car.

Engine
N63: complete records. N55/B58: cooling and oil checks.
Air suspension
If equipped, all corners level; no compressor noise.
AWD
Transfer case; no binding on turns.
Cooling
Water pump and thermostat age.
Rust
Northeast examples — subframe and jack points.
Living with it

Ownership Experience

  • • Comfortable, capable, and refined; genuinely enjoyable to drive.
  • • Real-world 21–24 mpg highway on 6-cyl.
  • • Buy the 6-cyl unless you specifically want V8 sound and are prepared for the ownership cost.
The Verdict

Should You Buy a Used BMW X5?

Yes, if you buy 6-cyl and demand records. N63 V8 examples require informed buying and a specialist.

People Also Ask

Is the BMW X5 a good used car?

Verdict rates it 3.6/5 overall, with reliability at 3.5/5 and running costs at 2.9/5. Shop 2007–2010 E70 3.0si / xDrive30i (N52) first and treat 2007–2013 E70 xDrive50i (N63) as a records-only purchase.

Frequently Asked Questions

How reliable is the BMW X5?
Verdict scores it 3.5/5 for reliability and 3.6/5 overall. Buy from 2007–2010 E70 3.0si / xDrive30i (N52) and the known trouble spots largely drop away.
Which X5 years should I avoid?
2007–2013 E70 xDrive50i (N63) deserve the most scrutiny — see the Years to Research section for the specific issues to check.
What are the best years for the BMW X5?
2007–2010 E70 3.0si / xDrive30i (N52). Those years combine the settled version of the powertrain with the fewest recurring complaints in our research.
How long does a BMW X5 last?
A well-maintained X5 from the recommended years should comfortably reach 200,000 miles, with the strongest powertrains clearing 300,000+.
Is the X5 expensive to maintain?
Maintenance scores 3.0/5 and parts availability 4.0/5. Routine servicing is predictable; the cost risk is the model-specific work listed above.
What should I inspect before buying a used X5?
Focus on: Engine, Air suspension, AWD, Cooling. Details for each are in the Inspection Checklist section.
What are the most common X5 problems?
Cooling-system components on all X5s; Air-suspension leaks on equipped examples; N63 timing chain and valve stem seals; Transfer-case actuator on xDrive
Is 150,000 miles too much for a X5?
Not on its own. A 150k-mile X5 with documented service history is often a better buy than an 80k-mile example with no records — the X5's core mechanicals routinely run well past 200k.
Should I buy a used BMW X5?
Yes, if you buy the right year and the right paperwork. Shop 2007–2010 E70 3.0si / xDrive30i (N52) first, treat 2007–2013 E70 xDrive50i (N63) as a records-only purchase, and make the sale conditional on an independent inspection.

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