X5 reliability

DAYTA · 07-12-2018, 02:56 PM

I am currently leasing a F31 M-Sport wagon which I love, but my second kiddo arrived a few months back and coupled with two dogs, we need something much bigger.

I've been looking at F15s since they seem to be the perfect size (larger full-size SUVs are too big). I can't afford a new purchase or lease, so I'll have to go used. I'd love a x50i, but a x35i is far more likely.

How has the reliability been so far, specifically for the 2015 (and some 2016) model years? For anyone past 50k miles (and out of warranty) have you encountered any major issues/expensive repairs?

tkelley86 · 07-12-2018, 03:05 PM

82k on a 50i and it drives AMAZING. Awesome transmission and tons of power.

DuSh · 07-12-2018, 04:24 PM

It's been solid. 35i is a safe bet. Your main potential concerns after 100k miles will not be engine or transmission, but electric accessories (mainly comfort features like steering wheel telescoping motor) and possibly lower front control arms. As an alternative 35d is a good commuter car if you want to fuel up less.

trotsky · 07-13-2018, 08:48 AM

I have 40K on our 2016, its been perfect no issues, like a Japanese car. Just did a 1K trip and its a great highway cruiser, gets decent mileage on eco pro mode for such a large vehicle.

Also I would recommend either mppk, MHD, or a piggyback tune as the power is really underwhelming stock on the 35i.

bootleg gucci · 07-13-2018, 09:31 AM

My 2016 35i has had no issues mechanically. A few rare software glitches on the dash board, but they resolve themselves. We took delivery on a new custom build X5 in Oct 2015.

I think Model year 2016 and onwards BMW resolved all the teething issues from the original 2014 F15 release.

The 2017 and newer have touchscreen and newer idrive displays, and Apple car play, but we haven't need those features.

DAYTA · 07-13-2018, 03:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by trotsky

I have 40K on our 2016, its been perfect no issues, like a Japanese car. Just did a 1K trip and its a great highway cruiser, gets decent mileage on eco pro mode for such a large vehicle.

Also I would recommend either mppk, MHD, or a piggyback tune as the power is really underwhelming stock on the 35i.

Funny enough, I just had a brand new X5 as a loaner yesterday (7 mi on the odo). I snuck out of work for an hour to drive it around - I actually thought there was ample power, which is something I was worried about. I wouldn't call it fast, but it definitely wasn't slow. Felt faster than my wagon for sure.

I also have a RS4 (daily driver) and a NSX (toy), both modded, so those are my 3 points of reference.

tnikolov · 07-16-2018, 05:45 AM

Had my 50i delivered for the first time on Dec 17th 2014 (although it was a MY15). I've had enormous amount of problems with it. Towards the end, I had an engine fault as well.

I had the whole car changed by BMW. Replaced with a brand new, diesel, MY17.

You don't need the newer goodies. It's the same thing basically. Touchscreen that I do not touch, displays the same things. But the newer vehicle is far more reliable so far. I wouldn't get a MY14 or 15 if I were you.

sloanbj · 07-16-2018, 07:05 AM

X5 ranked in the bottom third of the segment by JD Power in 2015, which is about all you have data-wise. Anecdotal remarks by individual owners are not that useful. My '15 50i looks and drives like a brand new vehicle and I love it. But I would be nervous not to be under an extended service contract to cover major problems like transmission, motor, turbos, etc.

http://www.jdpower.com/cars/study/20...emium-SUV/1133

Falafel Combo · 07-16-2018, 09:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tkelley86

82k on a 50i and it drives AMAZING. Awesome transmission and tons of power.

Whew!!! Good to hear!!!

Falafel Combo · 07-16-2018, 09:31 AM

I think a lot of the discrepancies in reliability (especially of the 50i) may be explained by driving style/aggression.

tkelley86 · 07-16-2018, 10:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Falafel Combo

I think a lot of the discrepancies in reliability (especially of the 50i) may be explained by driving style/aggression.

Believe you me, I do a fair amount of beating on this thing but every time I slam on the gas pedal I get the same consistent blast of power and flawlessly timed shifts (in Sport mode). I seriously love this vehicle, it's an engineering masterpiece (IMO).

DAYTA · 07-16-2018, 01:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sloanbj

X5 ranked in the bottom third of the segment by JD Power in 2015, which is about all you have data-wise. Anecdotal remarks by individual owners are not that useful. My '15 50i looks and drives like a brand new vehicle and I love it. But I would be nervous not to be under an extended service contract to cover major problems like transmission, motor, turbos, etc.

http://www.jdpower.com/cars/study/20...emium-SUV/1133

Great, all of the other cars I wanted to consider (Q7, XC90, Touareg) are all on the lower 1/3 of the reliability rankings.

DuSh · 07-16-2018, 02:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sloanbj

X5 ranked in the bottom third of the segment by JD Power in 2015, which is about all you have data-wise. Anecdotal remarks by individual owners are not that useful. My '15 50i looks and drives like a brand new vehicle and I love it. But I would be nervous not to be under an extended service contract to cover major problems like transmission, motor, turbos, etc.

http://www.jdpower.com/cars/study/20...emium-SUV/1133

Not to argue or anything, but that study is based on 2012 model year vehicles lol. It's previous generation dude.

sloanbj · 07-16-2018, 02:34 PM

Europeans cars tend to be a lot less reliable than Japanese. I just bought a 9 year old Lexus with 105,000 miles. The Lexus web site has every single service record and the vehicle had nothing but oil changes, tires and a battery. Brakes are still ok.

Jason73 · 07-16-2018, 07:08 PM

No issues with my 2014 35i. A little over 53,000miles.

boyce89976 · 07-17-2018, 01:54 PM

No major issues with my 2014 X5 50i MSport w/56k on the odometer. A few minor issues here and there (lumbar bladder leaking, front control arms, iDrive knob dragging, etc...) all fixed under warranty.

A BMW executive was quoted in a Road & Track article (regarding excessive oil burn) that most owners don't drive their X5's with enough spirit to completely break-in the engines, and as a result, those drivers may experience some oil burn.

No clue it that's true or not. All I know, is when I put my foot in it, I can successfully challenge a Mustang GT from a rolling start.

M302_imola · 07-19-2018, 11:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DAYTA

Funny enough, I just had a brand new X5 as a loaner yesterday (7 mi on the odo). I snuck out of work for an hour to drive it around - I actually thought there was ample power, which is something I was worried about. I wouldn't call it fast, but it definitely wasn't slow. Felt faster than my wagon for sure.

I also have a RS4 (daily driver) and a NSX (toy), both modded, so those are my 3 points of reference.

Solid car collection there!

cfm56d7b · 07-21-2018, 05:13 PM

No problems at all: 2015 BMW X5 N55 6 cylinder engine with xDrive. 19K miles.

DAYTA · 07-23-2018, 03:14 PM

Another question - for any of you guys who have bought your X5 used, did you opt for an extended warranty through BMW and if so, how much did it cost?

Quote:

Originally Posted by M302_imola

Solid car collection there!

Thanks. All 3 are dream cars of mine, I am very lucky

.

Perennial Tears · 10-24-2018, 11:13 PM

I got mine CPO and extended the warranty. The original price was $3,500. They gave it to me for$1,500.

jelt110 · 10-25-2018, 10:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sloanbj

X5 ranked in the bottom third of the segment by JD Power in 2015, which is about all you have data-wise. Anecdotal remarks by individual owners are not that useful. My '15 50i looks and drives like a brand new vehicle and I love it. But I would be nervous not to be under an extended service contract to cover major problems like transmission, motor, turbos, etc.

http://www.jdpower.com/cars/study/20...emium-SUV/1133

Thanks for the link- but I have to say I'm not impressed by the way JD Power gather their data- statistically and scientifically it is not good practice to rely on owner responses. An independent source that actively investigates, rather than relying on inputs of people who feel they have some particular need to comment, is a better bet for reliability.

Consumer Reports puts the x5 in fairly high regard.

Just offering an alternative point of view.

alphaod · 10-25-2018, 11:04 PM

50k on mine. Working well. There were some things I had the dealer check out, replaced a crankshaft seal and oil gasket. Minor leaks. Parts only $80-$100.

I did a transmission fluid change, since I plan to keep this car until it’s not worth fixing anymore.

Mine consumes some oil for sure. I do try pretty hard and fast.

I service every 5000 miles or so.

07-12-2018, 02:56 PM	#1
DAYTA Private 16 Rep 67 Posts Drives: 2018 X5 xDrive35i Join Date: May 2013 Location: CT iTrader: (0)	X5 reliability - MY2015/16 I am currently leasing a F31 M-Sport wagon which I love, but my second kiddo arrived a few months back and coupled with two dogs, we need something much bigger. I've been looking at F15s since they seem to be the perfect size (larger full-size SUVs are too big). I can't afford a new purchase or lease, so I'll have to go used. I'd love a x50i, but a x35i is far more likely. How has the reliability been so far, specifically for the 2015 (and some 2016) model years? For anyone past 50k miles (and out of warranty) have you encountered any major issues/expensive repairs?
	Appreciate 0 Tweet Quote

07-12-2018, 03:05 PM	#2
tkelley86 First Lieutenant 252 Rep 386 Posts Drives: 2021 X7 M50i Join Date: Apr 2017 Location: RI iTrader: (0)	82k on a 50i and it drives AMAZING. Awesome transmission and tons of power.
	Appreciate 3 Stev_chu108.00 mopjude5.00 Falafel Combo3773.00 Quote

07-12-2018, 04:24 PM	#3
DuSh Colonel 2114 Rep 2,388 Posts Drives: F15 X5 50i Join Date: Jul 2017 Location: USA iTrader: (0)	It's been solid. 35i is a safe bet. Your main potential concerns after 100k miles will not be engine or transmission, but electric accessories (mainly comfort features like steering wheel telescoping motor) and possibly lower front control arms. As an alternative 35d is a good commuter car if you want to fuel up less.
	Appreciate 3 Russmov1328.00 deutsch1003940.50 mopjude5.00 Quote

07-13-2018, 08:48 AM	#4
trotsky New Member 8 Rep 24 Posts Drives: 2016 x5 Join Date: Jul 2016 Location: North Jersey iTrader: (0) Garage List 2013 e93 [0.00]	I have 40K on our 2016, its been perfect no issues, like a Japanese car. Just did a 1K trip and its a great highway cruiser, gets decent mileage on eco pro mode for such a large vehicle. Also I would recommend either mppk, MHD, or a piggyback tune as the power is really underwhelming stock on the 35i.
	Appreciate 1 Falafel Combo3773.00 Quote

07-13-2018, 09:31 AM	#5
bootleg gucci Enlisted Member 7 Rep 32 Posts Drives: 2016 BMW X5 xDrive35i Luxury Join Date: Sep 2015 Location: NoVa iTrader: (0)	My 2016 35i has had no issues mechanically. A few rare software glitches on the dash board, but they resolve themselves. We took delivery on a new custom build X5 in Oct 2015. I think Model year 2016 and onwards BMW resolved all the teething issues from the original 2014 F15 release. The 2017 and newer have touchscreen and newer idrive displays, and Apple car play, but we haven't need those features. __________________ 2016 BMW X5 xDrive35i
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		BMW X5 and X6 Forum (F15/F16) > BMW X5 (F15) and BMW X6 (F16) Forum > BMW X5 and X6 (F15/F16) Forum
X5 reliability - MY2015/16

07-16-2018, 05:45 AM	#7
tnikolov Private First Class 69 Rep 188 Posts Drives: BMW X5 40d,Porsche 911 Turbo S Join Date: Aug 2012 Location: Sofia, Bulgaria iTrader: (0)	Had my 50i delivered for the first time on Dec 17th 2014 (although it was a MY15). I've had enormous amount of problems with it. Towards the end, I had an engine fault as well. I had the whole car changed by BMW. Replaced with a brand new, diesel, MY17. You don't need the newer goodies. It's the same thing basically. Touchscreen that I do not touch, displays the same things. But the newer vehicle is far more reliable so far. I wouldn't get a MY14 or 15 if I were you. __________________ On order - 2017 F15 X5 40d M-sport Individual Current - 2016 Porsche 991 911 Turbo S w/ Aero Kit Retired - 2015 F15 X5 50i, Mocha Nappa, M Sport Wheel, Night Vision w/ human recognition, Harman Kardon Retired - 2011 F10 550i xDrive
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07-16-2018, 07:05 AM	#8
sloanbj Private 25 Rep 60 Posts Drives: 2015 Xdrive50i MSport Join Date: Jun 2018 Location: Houston, TX iTrader: (0)	X5 ranked in the bottom third of the segment by JD Power in 2015, which is about all you have data-wise. Anecdotal remarks by individual owners are not that useful. My '15 50i looks and drives like a brand new vehicle and I love it. But I would be nervous not to be under an extended service contract to cover major problems like transmission, motor, turbos, etc. http://www.jdpower.com/cars/study/20...emium-SUV/1133
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07-16-2018, 09:31 AM	#10
Falafel Combo Banned 3773 Rep 6,673 Posts Drives: X5 xDrive50i Join Date: May 2011 Location: New England iTrader: (3)	I think a lot of the discrepancies in reliability (especially of the 50i) may be explained by driving style/aggression.
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07-16-2018, 02:34 PM	#14
sloanbj Private 25 Rep 60 Posts Drives: 2015 Xdrive50i MSport Join Date: Jun 2018 Location: Houston, TX iTrader: (0)	Europeans cars tend to be a lot less reliable than Japanese. I just bought a 9 year old Lexus with 105,000 miles. The Lexus web site has every single service record and the vehicle had nothing but oil changes, tires and a battery. Brakes are still ok.
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07-16-2018, 07:08 PM	#15
Jason73 Private First Class 107 Rep 147 Posts Drives: 2022 X3 M40i Join Date: May 2017 Location: South Carolina iTrader: (0)	No issues with my 2014 35i. A little over 53,000miles.
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07-17-2018, 01:54 PM	#16
boyce89976 Private First Class 54 Rep 155 Posts Drives: 2014 X5 5.0 M Sport Join Date: Jun 2013 Location: TN iTrader: (0)	No major issues with my 2014 X5 50i MSport w/56k on the odometer. A few minor issues here and there (lumbar bladder leaking, front control arms, iDrive knob dragging, etc...) all fixed under warranty. A BMW executive was quoted in a Road & Track article (regarding excessive oil burn) that most owners don't drive their X5's with enough spirit to completely break-in the engines, and as a result, those drivers may experience some oil burn. No clue it that's true or not. All I know, is when I put my foot in it, I can successfully challenge a Mustang GT from a rolling start.
	Appreciate 2 DuSh2113.50 burnurass92.00 Quote

07-21-2018, 05:13 PM	#18
cfm56d7b Lieutenant General 5884 Rep 10,256 Posts Drives: 2017 440i Gran Coupe & 2015 X5 Join Date: Nov 2012 Location: Orange County, CA iTrader: (2)	No problems at all: 2015 BMW X5 N55 6 cylinder engine with xDrive. 19K miles.
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10-24-2018, 11:13 PM	#20
Perennial Tears Registered 0 Rep 1 Posts Drives: 2015 BMW X5 XDrive35i Join Date: Oct 2018 Location: Chicago, IL iTrader: (0)	I got mine CPO and extended the warranty. The original price was $3,500. They gave it to me for$1,500.
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10-25-2018, 11:04 PM	#22
alphaod Mmmmm… 1150 Rep 2,426 Posts Drives: F15 Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: New York iTrader: (0) Garage List 2015 BMW X5 xDrive50i [10.00]	50k on mine. Working well. There were some things I had the dealer check out, replaced a crankshaft seal and oil gasket. Minor leaks. Parts only $80-$100. I did a transmission fluid change, since I plan to keep this car until it’s not worth fixing anymore. Mine consumes some oil for sure. I do try pretty hard and fast. I service every 5000 miles or so.
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