2018 x5 decision (please help)

[2018 x5guy]

Hello I need some help making a decision for my wifes new car. I've always put her in GM suv leases for the last 10yrs and its time to get her a new one and love the look of the x5. I have come across a 2018 x5 35i with 70k for 35k at a bmw dealer that seems to have a good service record with no accidents. I'm sick of reading the internet stories and just wanted to here it out of the horses mouth to see what you guys who have them think about ownership and if the 2018 model is prone to the same issues earlier models have shown. Any input would be greatly appreciated as I've come across them and not there much longer.

[jiggz]

Originally Posted by 2018 x5guy

Hello I need some help making a decision for my wifes new car. I've always put her in GM suv leases for the last 10yrs and its time to get her a new one and love the look of the x5. I have come across a 2018 x5 35i with 70k for 35k at a bmw dealer that seems to have a good service record with no accidents. I'm sick of reading the internet stories and just wanted to here it out of the horses mouth to see what you guys who have them think about ownership and if the 2018 model is prone to the same issues earlier models have shown. Any input would be greatly appreciated as I've come across them and not there much longer.

Welcome to the forum!

The F15 generation of X5's has proven very reliable, especially the N55 inline 6 that comes in the 35i you're looking at. Even my 2017 50i w/ the V8 has had zero maintenance issues in my 3 years of ownership. Certain X5 models over the years have been prone to heavy maintenance issues, and worse, the subject of lawsuits. But those are older models/different engine, and unrelated to the F15 35i model. Really any year F15 (2014 - 2018) would be a good purchase, all things equal. The fact this one is at a BMW dealership would make me feel even better, vs. some shady small dealer who knows nothing about BMWs and just sell random cars & likely got it from auction.

Since you've been leasing you've probably had no maintenance to pay for, so maybe just prepare yourself to pay for a few things if you keep it for awhile, but overall it shouldn't give you much trouble.

Hopefully a few 35i members can chime in who have similar mileage as this one, and can share what items they've done or will need to do soon.

[2018 x5guy]

I appreciate your reply and thats what Im looking for is more owners to chime in. The only thing mentioned besides normal service was a from ripped cv boot that was replaced before it was placed for sale

[virtualbong]

I have a 2015 XDrive35i and it has been rock solid. I only needed to do normal maintenance.

[momoboy]

2017 X5 35i. 61K miles. Rock solid. Just had my mechanic (BMW expert) go over with a fine tooth comb. Other than Spark Plugs, Transmission and Transfer case fluid change nothing else was needed. It's never given me a problem (hope I didn't jinx myself lol). As other have said the 35i is a solid motor

[2018 x5guy]

thanks fellas I'm starting to feel a little better after hearing your comments, especially after all the horror stories I was reading about

[momoboy]

You typically ONLY hear horror stories. People who have trouble free X5s don't post. I have 2 friends at 2 BMW dealerships (in service) as well as an independent that is a BMW Masters mechanic. All say this generation of X5 is reliable with the N55. It's not that the 5.0 is "unreliable" but is more prone to issues (more complexity). The platform itself is rock solid. Also, the 2018 is the last year of the platform so any kinks were worked out. Buy with confidence from a dealer with good service records.

[RED_Y_]

As other said N55 is very solid and many cars here passed 100K mark without any major issues. Especially if you have maintenance records, I would say you have nothing to worry about. For MY2018 all small issues from early production years were taken care of, you have 4G connectivity and NBT Evo so overall I feel like this is a good buy.

[G05V8]

Engine wise it's pretty reliable but its still a BMW and its not a matter of if but a matter of when in regards to leaks. Up until 60k miles I've had a few things replaced under warranty here and there with 3 big ticket replacements being the steering column motor, rear diff and oil filter housing gasket leak those repairs alone pretty much doubled the amount I paid for extended warranty so it was well worth it.

I am currently at 112k (F15 35i X-Drive) and since my warranty has expired starting from around 65k till now Ive spent about 4000$ in repairs which includes valve cover gasket leak (replaced entire valve cover as previous one was warped), front diff axle shaft seal leak, both engine mounts and oil pan gasket leak. The engine mounts labor was pretty much free since everything was already off just paid for parts as it was done when replacing oil pan gasket. Other than the oil pan gasket most of this could probably be done if your mechanically inclined but if that isn't the case it can get costly.

[Edwardsc1]

Originally Posted by momoboy

You typically ONLY hear horror stories. People who have trouble free X5s don't post. I have 2 friends at 2 BMW dealerships (in service) as well as an independent that is a BMW Masters mechanic. All say this generation of X5 is reliable with the N55. It's not that the 5.0 is "unreliable" but is more prone to issues (more complexity). The platform itself is rock solid. Also, the 2018 is the last year of the platform so any kinks were worked out. Buy with confidence from a dealer with good service records.

This right here is great information. Most of the horror stories you hear of BMW's being unreliable are from people who can't afford to maintain them or buy ones that have not been maintained. The biggest thing is preventative maintenance. Change transmission fluid, transfer case fluid, etc around 60-70k. These cars love 5k oil changes as well. Welcome to the platform!

Also, buy a warranty just for peace of mind and you'll be set.

[SYM4]

Originally Posted by G05V8

Engine wise it's pretty reliable but its still a BMW and its not a matter of if but a matter of when in regards to leaks. Up until 60k miles I've had a few things replaced under warranty here and there with 3 big ticket replacements being the steering column motor, rear diff and oil filter housing gasket leak those repairs alone pretty much doubled the amount I paid for extended warranty so it was well worth it.

I am currently at 112k (F15 35i X-Drive) and since my warranty has expired starting from around 65k till now Ive spent about 4000$ in repairs which includes valve cover gasket leak (replaced entire valve cover as previous one was warped), front diff axle shaft seal leak, both engine mounts and oil pan gasket leak. The engine mounts labor was pretty much free since everything was already off just paid for parts as it was done when replacing oil pan gasket. Other than the oil pan gasket most of this could probably be done if your mechanically inclined but if that isn't the case it can get costly.

My passenger side axe shaft seal is also slightly leaking do you mind telling us how much you paid?

[G05V8]

Originally Posted by SYM4

My passenger side axe shaft seal is also slightly leaking do you mind telling us how much you paid?

Yea my leak was coming from the passenger side as well it was actively leaking on top of the reinforcement plate and not on the floor so wouldn't have known if I didn't take it off when I planned on changing the diff fluid. As for costs I paid 1025$ for labor, parts and alignment but that included doing the driver side too figured that side was eventually due as well.

[momoboy]

To add perspective there will be ones that are bulletproof and others that have problems. While certain problems are expected (e.g. oil filter gasket leak) others are not as common. My wife's Hyundai Santa Fe (supposed to be bulletproof right?) has required a new turbo, front diff, radio, instrument cluster, steering shaft and door lock actuator all in 80K miles. While much was covered under warranty she is selling for a "more reliable" BMW

[samawee]

I own 2016 X5 35i (N55) since new, now reading 63K miles. It's never given me a problem other than what already covered under the warranty & I do all the services at the dealer even after the warranty & so far so great ownership experience - I'm a keeper.

[2008bimmerM3]

I got a trouble free 2018 x5 35i still CPO until April 2023, transferable too. It's got 36K miles.

I know this isn't the classified section but if your interested I would be willing to entertain offers.

My msrp was close to $66K, it's almost fully loaded, black sapphire with ivory white dakota leather interior, blind spot, surround camera, parking sensors all around, heads up display, multi contour seats, harmon kardon surround, apple car play, navigation.

I can send you the build sheet.

I'm in Los Angeles.

[Ab28]

It’s not nearly as bad as you’d think. For the amount of X5s out there the horror stories on the web are pretty small. Every single car has their issues. The F15 is a stout vehicle in all regards, and as reliable as anything else if maintained.

I have a 2018 xDrive35i with 56k miles on it that I’m possibly looking to move on from. Wouldn’t be looking for much more than the one you found. If you’re interested shoot me a PM. I’m in NJ.
CPO until July ‘23.

[F15_SGM]

If it's 70K odo. I would suggest telling the dealer to replace these parts as those as some things that will cost you soon as the mileage goes up. valve cover and gasket, oil pan gasket, Oil filter housing gasket, transmission pan filter/oil, transfer case fluid. This out-of-pocket would cost a decent chunk of change soon if not done. ($2-3K) Also, two bags would be due soon if it has the rear air suspension. cheap job, though. As always, they love good oil. My f15 n55 is in very good mechanical shape and drives like new. Zero leaks after changing all above and rear main seal, but even after that, it consumes 1 quart of oil every 2800K. There are zero issues with it. I've had many shops check it out everyone says it's normal since BMW says in tsb that 1 quart/1000Mi is normal. I drive very aggressively, but I've researched it, and people say it's due to the break-in procedure when the car was new. Then there are some n55s that, even with the aggressive driving car, still don't consume any oil.

[momoboy]

While I agree with the above poster that those items will, at some point, require service (rear main seal though surprised me) I'd be very surprised if the dealer will do any of the above work prior to sale. They typically don't do proactive repairs.

Does the dealer provide any warranty? If they do then you can do what I did when I bought mine CPO. Take it to an independent for a good inspection. If they find anything you can bring back to the dealer for repair.

Also, I drive mine like I stole it and it doesn't use any oil between changes (5000 miles)

[tlow98]

Originally Posted by G05V8

Engine wise it's pretty reliable but its still a BMW and its not a matter of if but a matter of when in regards to leaks. Up until 60k miles I've had a few things replaced under warranty here and there with 3 big ticket replacements being the steering column motor, rear diff and oil filter housing gasket leak those repairs alone pretty much doubled the amount I paid for extended warranty so it was well worth it.

I am currently at 112k (F15 35i X-Drive) and since my warranty has expired starting from around 65k till now Ive spent about 4000$ in repairs which includes valve cover gasket leak (replaced entire valve cover as previous one was warped), front diff axle shaft seal leak, both engine mounts and oil pan gasket leak. The engine mounts labor was pretty much free since everything was already off just paid for parts as it was done when replacing oil pan gasket. Other than the oil pan gasket most of this could probably be done if your mechanically inclined but if that isn't the case it can get costly.

Mine has 88k and I’ve had to do the exact same repairs save for the oil pan gasket.

[tlow98]

Originally Posted by SYM4

My passenger side axe shaft seal is also slightly leaking do you mind telling us how much you paid?

I pad about $750 for this service. In San Francisco area