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I’ve worked on dozens of X5s in my shop over the years. Some run like dreams. Others? They’re nightmare machines that keep coming back for expensive fixes.
Let me walk you through which years to skip and which ones are worth your hard-earned money.
BMW X5 Years To Avoid
Here are the model years that caused the most headaches in my bays:
2007 BMW X5
This was the first year of a new generation. And boy, did it show.
When I see a 2007 roll into my shop, I know what’s coming. The rear brake discs were made from the wrong material. BMW had to recall them because they couldn’t stop the vehicle properly.
The front driveshaft universal joint breaks way too often. This throws off your handling completely. Not something you want at highway speeds.
Coolant leaks are everywhere on this model. The low coolant warning pops up constantly. Worse yet, the engine can overheat if you don’t catch it. I’ve seen engines ruined because owners ignored these warnings.
My advice? Steer clear of 2007 models entirely.
2008 BMW X5
The problems didn’t magically disappear in 2008.
I still deal with brake line chafing on these models. The battery connectors fail regularly. And the transmission? It jerks and hesitates like it’s learning to drive.
Oil leaks create that classic burning smell. You’ll see puddles under the car after it sits overnight. The airbags have issues too. And the cooling system is just as unreliable as the 2007.
Consumer Reports gave this year a one out of five for reliability. That tells you everything you need to know.
Skip the 2008 if you value your sanity.
2009 BMW X5
Another year from the troubled early generation.
BMW makes cars that handle beautifully. The X5 drives like a sports car, even though it’s a big SUV. But reliability? That’s a different story.
The 2009 faces the same oil leak problems. Cooling system failures are common. I’ve replaced countless thermostats and water pumps on these.
The electronics start acting strange after a few years. Sensors fail. Warning lights come on for no reason.
From my experience under the hood, the 2009 isn’t worth the risk.
2010 BMW X5
This model still carries problems from the previous years.
Oil leaks remain a major issue. The oil drips onto the exhaust manifold. When that metal heats up, it burns the oil and creates a terrible smell.
The cooling system overheats frequently. I’ve seen radiators crack. Coolant hoses burst. Water pumps fail before 80,000 miles.
Electrical gremlins pop up randomly. The iDrive system freezes. Climate control stops working.
Better options exist. Keep looking.
2011 BMW X5
The second generation was winding down by 2011. But the problems weren’t gone.
The NHTSA received hundreds of complaints about this year. That’s a red flag in my book.
Engine component failures happen often. Valve cover gaskets leak. Turbos fail prematurely on the turbo models.
Oil consumption gets ridiculous. Some owners report adding a quart every 1,000 miles. That’s not normal, even for a BMW.
In my shop, we see these regularly. And the repair bills aren’t pretty.
2012 BMW X5
This was the final year before a major redesign.
Airbag recalls affected many 2012 models. That’s a serious safety concern. The airbags might not deploy in a crash.
Engine troubles continue. Timing chain issues start appearing. When those chains stretch, you’re looking at thousands in repairs.
The fuel system acts up. High-pressure fuel pumps fail without warning. Your X5 will just stop running.
I tell customers to avoid this year. Too many expensive problems.
2013 BMW X5
Still part of the problematic second generation.
By 2013, these vehicles are aging. And they don’t age gracefully.
The turbochargers fail on the 35i models. Replacing them costs over $3,000 just for parts. Add labor, and you’re near $5,000.
Electrical issues multiply. Door locks stop working. Windows get stuck. The key fob loses connection.
From years of diagnostic work, I know these need constant attention.
2014 BMW X5
The fourth generation started in 2014. Things got better. But not perfect.
The brake assist system malfunctions on some models. This increases your stopping distance. Not good in an emergency.
Coolant leaks still pop up occasionally. The electric water pump fails more than it should.
Some owners report airbag warning lights. Others deal with the active steering system failing.
These issues are less common than earlier years. But they’re still expensive when they happen.
I’d look at newer years if possible.
2015 BMW X5
The third generation hit its stride by 2015. Fewer complaints came in compared to older models.
But some problems remain. The diesel emissions system caused issues. Oil consumption is still higher than most SUVs.
The panoramic sunroof drains clog easily. Water leaks into the cabin. This damages electronics and creates mold.
Suspension components wear out quickly. Control arm bushings need replacing around 60,000 miles.
It’s better than the 2007-2013 years. But still not the best choice out there.
Best BMW X5 Years To Buy
Now for the good news. Some X5 years are actually solid vehicles.
2016 BMW X5
This is where things turn around.
The 2016 model fixed many of the earlier problems. The engine options are powerful and more reliable. Technology got a major upgrade too.
In my shop, I see far fewer 2016 models than the older years. That’s always a good sign.
The materials inside feel premium. The ride is smooth. And the handling still has that BMW feel.
I’ve worked on several with over 100,000 miles. They’re holding up well if maintained properly.
If you want a used X5, start your search here.
2017 BMW X5
Another strong year from the third generation.
BMW had worked out most of the bugs by 2017. The reliability ratings improved significantly.
The diesel option is fuel-efficient if you need that. The gas V8 has plenty of power for towing or highway passing.
The iDrive system works smoothly. Safety features function as they should.
When I service these, they mostly need routine maintenance. Oil changes. Brake pads. Tires. The basics.
That’s exactly what you want in a used luxury SUV.
2018 BMW X5
This was the final year before the next generation.
By 2018, the X5 was a mature, refined vehicle. BMW had perfected this generation.
All-wheel drive works flawlessly. Fuel economy is decent for the size. The cabin is quiet and comfortable.
I rarely see major repairs on 2018 models. Mostly just wear items and scheduled services.
RepairPal shows very few complaints. That matches what I see in my bays.
A great choice if you’re shopping used.
2020 BMW X5
The newest generation launched in 2019. By 2020, it was hitting its stride.
The tech features are modern. Apple CarPlay works wirelessly. The digital displays are crisp and easy to read.
Engine options remain strong. The plug-in hybrid version offers excellent fuel economy around town.
From my diagnostic scanner, these vehicles have fewer codes and issues. The engineering improved across the board.
Maintenance costs are reasonable if you stay on schedule. Follow the service manual. Use quality parts.
These are solid SUVs that should last with proper care.
2021 BMW X5
BMW gave the X5 a refresh for 2021.
Android Auto finally joined Apple CarPlay. The iDrive system got updated. More standard safety features came included.
The plug-in hybrid became more popular. It offers real electric-only range for daily driving.
I’ve serviced several 2021 models. They’re well-built machines. The quality feels higher than the troubled years.
Reliability ratings place these near the top of their class. That’s a huge improvement from a decade earlier.
If budget allows, a 2021 is an excellent pick.
My Final Thoughts
I’ve had my hands deep in BMW X5 engines for years. I’ve diagnosed hundreds of problems. Replaced countless parts.
Here’s what I tell everyone who asks:
Avoid these years: 2007-2015. Too many expensive issues. Your money is better spent elsewhere.
Consider these years: 2016-2021. Much more reliable. Better technology. Fewer headaches.
The X5 can be a great SUV. It drives beautifully. The interior is luxurious. And it has the BMW badge.
But you must choose the right year. Otherwise, you’ll be seeing me every month for another repair.
Do your homework. Get a pre-purchase inspection. Check the service records.
And stick with the newer, more reliable years.
Your wallet will thank you later.