2016
New 2021
Used 2020 2019 2018 2017 2016 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011 2010 2009 2008 2007 2006 2005 2004 2003 2002 2001 2000

BMW X5 Change Vehicle

Unlock Ratings
With the X5's redesign, BMW has dialed back the sharp handling and taut ride of previous models, trading some of their sporty feel for a cushier ride that makes it seem, well, less BMW-like. The cabin is now more luxurious, solid, and quiet. Fit and finish are impeccable, and it's loaded with an array of up-to-date electronic features.
Alerts
There are 2 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.
2016
New 2021
Used 2020 2019 2018 2017 2016 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011 2010 2009 2008 2007 2006 2005 2004 2003 2002 2001 2000

BMW X5

Reliability
See All
Owner Satisfaction
See All
Crash and Rollover Tests
IIHS Front Moderate Overlap Good
IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver NA
IIHS Side Crash Good
NHTSA Frontal-Crash, Driver
NHTSA Frontal-Crash, Passenger
See All

Road Test Results

Performance
Acceleration Acceleration Acceleration tests are conducted on a smooth, flat pavement straightaway at the track. Time, speed, and distance measurements are taken with a precise GPS-based device that’s hooked to a data-logging computer.
0 to 60 mph 0 to 60 mph (sec.) The time in seconds that a vehicle takes to reach 60 mph from a standstill with the engine idling.
Transmission Transmission Transmission performance is determined by shifting smoothness, response, shifter action, and clutch actuation for manual transmissions.
Braking Braking The braking rating is a composite of wet and dry stopping distances and pedal feel. Braking distance is from 60 mph, with no wheels locked.
Emergency Handling Emergency Handling Several factors go into the rating, including the avoidance maneuver speed and confidence, as well as how the vehicle behaves when pushed to its limit.
Comfort / Convenience
Ride Ride Our expert judgment of how well the suspension isolates and absorbs road imperfections and how steady it keeps the body on various road surfaces.
Noise Noise Our expert judgment of the vehicle's interior noise level in everyday driving.
Front Seat Comfort Front Seat Comfort Our judgment of how comfortable the front seat is for drivers of various heights.
Rear Seat Comfort Rear Seat Comfort Our judgment of how comfortable the rear seat is for two passengers to sit across.
Interior Fit and Finish Interior Fit and Finish An expert evaluation of the interior quality and craftsmanship.
Trunk/Cargo Area Trunk/Cargo Area Our rating is based on the amount of luggage or cargo space that a vehicle has in the trunk or cargo area.
Fuel Economy & Emissions
Fuel Economy Fuel Economy We perform our own fuel-economy tests, independent of the government's often-quoted EPA figures and the manufacturers' claims. Using a precise fuel-flow measuring device spliced into the fuel line, we run two separate circuits to represent city and highway consumption.
CR's Overall Mileage CR's Overall Mileage CR's overall mileage is a composite of measured fuel usage on a prescribed city course and highway cruising; and CR's 150-mile test trip of mixed driving, if tested. In recent road tests, we've discontinued the 150-mile trip test.
CR's City Mileage CR's City Mileage Measured fuel usage on a prescribed city course.
CR's Highway Mileage CR's Highway Mileage Measured fuel usage on a prescribed highway cruising.
Annual Fuel Cost Annual Fuel Cost The cost and amount of fuel used in 12,000 miles and is calculated from CR's overall mileage.
Greenhouse Gas Greenhouse Gas The Greenhouse Gas Rating represents the amount of carbon dioxide the vehicle emits compared to other vehicles of the same model year. This score from the EPA ranges from 1 (worst) to 10 (best).
Smog Rating Smog Rating The Smog Rating represents the amount of health-damaging and smog-forming airborne pollutants the vehicle emits compared to other vehicles of the same model year. This score from the EPA ranges from 1 (worst) to 10 (best).

Owner Reports

Worse Better
Reliability History Reliability History The reliability charts are based on responses on hundreds of thousands of vehicles from our latest Annual Auto Survey. Consumer Reports subscribers reported on any serious problems they had with their vehicles during the past 12 months that they considered serious because of cost, failure, safety, or downtime, in any of the trouble spots included in the table below. The results are presented relative to the average model that year. Extra weight is given to the more serious areas such as major engine or transmission problems. Based on this data and further analysis, we predict reliability for the latest year. N/A indicates that we did not receive a large enough sample size to provide data for a specific year. An X indicates that the vehicle was not manufactured for a specific year.
2000
NA
2001
NA
2002
NA
2003
NA
2004
NA
2005
NA
2006
NA
2007
NA
2008
NA
2009
NA
2010
NA
2011
NA
2012
2013
2014
2015
2016
2017
2018
2019
2020
Reliability Trouble Spots
Engine Major Engine Major Engine rebuild or replacement, cylinder head, head gasket, turbo or supercharger, timing chain or timing belt.
NA
Engine Minor Engine Minor Accessory belts and pulleys, engine computer, engine mounts, engine knock or ping, oil leaks.
NA
Engine Cooling Engine Cooling Radiator, cooling fan, antifreeze leaks, water pump, thermostat, overheating.
NA
Transmission Major Transmission Major Transmission rebuild or replacement, torque converter, clutch replacement.
NA
Transmission Minor Transmission Minor Gear selector or linkage, leaks, transmission computer, transmission sensor or solenoid, clutch adjustment, rough shifting, slipping transmission.
NA
Drive System Drive System Driveshaft or axle, CV joint, differential, transfer case, 4WD/AWD components, driveline vibration, traction control, electronic stability control (ESC), electrical failure.
NA
View all Reliability
Owner Satisfaction Owner Satisfaction To learn about satisfaction, CR has collected survey data from our annual survey on more than half a million vehicles. Our subscribers provide great insights into their satisfaction by answering one simple question: If they had it to do all over again, would they definitely buy or lease the same model? In addition, respondents also rate their cars in six categories: driving experience, comfort, value, styling, audio, and climate systems. N/A indicates that we did not receive a large enough sample size to provide data for a specific year. An X indicates that the vehicle was not manufactured for a specific year.
2000
NA
2001
NA
2002
NA
2003
NA
2004
NA
2005
NA
2006
NA
2007
NA
2008
NA
2009
NA
2010
NA
2011
2012
2013
2014
2015
2016
2017
2018
2019
2020
Driving Experience Driving Experience Includes acceleration and handling
Comfort Comfort Includes seats, climate control, noise, and ride
Value Value Did you get what you wanted relative to the price you paid?
Styling Styling How it looks inside and out
View all Owner Satisfaction
Safety Equipment
ABS and ESC standard. Front side and head protection air bags standard. FCW, AEB, and BSW standard from 2019.
Road Test

With the X5's redesign, BMW has dialed back the sharp handling and taut ride of previous models, trading some of their sporty feel for a cushier ride that makes it seem, well, less BMW-like. The cabin is now more luxurious, solid, and quiet. Fit and finish are impeccable, and it's loaded with an array of up-to-date electronic features. The result is a very comfortable, refined, and high-tech SUV, although one that's less engaging to drive than previous X5s.

The generous list of standard equipment doesn't include a backup camera, which is inexcusable at this price. Our X5 had the optional Driver Assistance Plus package, which includes several active safety systems that can even brake the vehicle when needed to avoid an accident.

Seating
2 front, 3 rear, 2 third
Drive Wheels
AWD , Rear
Warranty
Coverage varies among versions of this vehicle

In most cases, automotive warranties are based on the vehicle identification number (VIN), and the warranty will be valid regardless of ownership. The dealership can tell you exactly how much warranty is left.

Read more about extended warranties
Body Styles
4-door SUV
Transmissions Available
  • 8-speed Automatic
Engines Available
  • 2-liter 4 hybrid (308 hp)
  • 3-liter 6 turbodiesel (255 hp)
  • 3-liter 6 turbo (300 hp)
  • 4.4-liter V8 turbo (567 hp)
  • 4.4-liter V8 turbo (445 hp)

Owner Reported Trouble Spots

The Reliability score is based on our latest subscriber survey of 2016 BMW X5 owners. The owner comments describe problems respondents experienced with this vehicle.

Body Integrity

Squeaks, rattles, wind noises, loose or cracked seals and/or weather-stripping, air and water leaks.

What Owners Say

Squeaks or rattles

"Just an annoying squeak in dash somewhere;"

Anonymous, WA (2016 BMW X5 xDrive35i 3.0-L 6 Cyl turbo)

"The rear hatch/tailgate rattles and the dealer was going to charge me an hourly rate to find it, even though the vehicle is under warranty. Not the premium experience I’d expect from BMW."

Anonymous, ON (2016 BMW X5 xDrive50i 4.4-L V8 turbo)

"The bottom half of the clamshell tailgate rattles. The dealer fixes it with an adjustment but it happens again in a few months."

Anonymous, TX (2016 BMW X5 xDrive35d 3.0-L 6 Cyl diesel)

"The armrest in the rear seat rattles when it's down and the rears seats rattle when they are down. There is a small compartment to the left of the steering wheel that has always rattled."

Anonymous, CO (2016 BMW X5 xDrive35i 3.0-L 6 Cyl turbo)

"Rattle in hatch door"

Anonymous, AZ (2016 BMW X5 xDrive35i 3.0-L 6 Cyl turbo)

"Tailgate rattled"

Anonymous, NJ (2016 BMW X5 xDrive35i 3.0-L 6 Cyl turbo)

"Rattle in rear storage area. Determined to be tonneau cover assembly - replaced under warranty"

Anonymous, VA (2016 BMW X5 xDrive35i 3.0-L 6 Cyl turbo)

"Service kept car for a week. When returned said it was a faulty bushing that was replaced. Car continued to have the noise/rattle coming from the trunk area. Brought car again and was told that noise was from tailgate and adjusted. No noise for 3-4 weeks. Noise returned again"

Anonymous, NY (2016 BMW X5 xDrive35i 3.0-L 6 Cyl turbo)

"Coins in cup holder got under center console. They don't just lie there. They continually roll around. It cost $400 or more to remove them. The service people told me they see this all of the time. It seems insane not to fix this"

Joseph O., MS (2016 BMW X5 xDrive40e 2.0-L 4 Cyl hybrid)

"Rear hatch rattles and creaks. Repaired once and glass was removed and replaced. Creaks still occurring"

Anonymous, CA (2016 BMW X5 sDrive35i 3.0-L 6 Cyl turbo)
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In-car Electronics

CD or DVD players, radio, speakers, GPS, communication system (e.g., OnStar), display screen freezes or goes blank, phone pairing (e.g. Bluetooth), voice control commands, steering wheel controls, portable music device interface (e.g., iPod/MP3 player), backup or other camera/sensors.

What Owners Say

Backup or other camera/sensors

"Sensors do not always beep when close to an object"

Anonymous, WA (2016 BMW X5 xDrive35i 3.0-L 6 Cyl turbo)
Display screen freezes up

"the screen just goes blank and signals error"

Anthony G., MA (2016 BMW X5 3.0-L 6 Cyl turbo)

"The right side of the split screen froze up. Had to take to dealer tom have "fixed" it was under warranty so there was no cost, only the time and inconvenience to take to dealer"

Anonymous, WA (2016 BMW X5 xDrive35i 3.0-L 6 Cyl turbo)

"The entire head unit would freeze up and then restart. BMW USA sent in a new head unit and replaced it under warranty"

Steven W., LA (2016 BMW X5 sDrive35i 3.0-L 6 Cyl turbo)
Display screen goes blank

"Display went dark. Dealer fixed"

Anonymous, CA (2016 BMW X5 xDrive35d 3.0-L 6 Cyl diesel)
Phone pairing (e.g., Bluetooth)

"My iPhone repeatedly will drop from its connection with the car head unit. So I will be talking and then the call is still connected but it is not available by bluetooth. Then after a minute or two it connects back to the head unit."

Anonymous, CA (2016 BMW X5 xDrive35d 3.0-L 6 Cyl diesel)
Steering wheel controls

"Electronic adjustment and telescoping features stopped working. It resumed for a while, then stopped again. Replaced by dealer under warranty."

Anonymous, CA (2016 BMW X5 xDrive35i 3.0-L 6 Cyl turbo)

"Steering lift and telescoping system failed - replaced under warranty"

Anonymous, VA (2016 BMW X5 xDrive35i 3.0-L 6 Cyl turbo)
Load more

Suspension

Shocks or struts, ball joints, tie rods, wheel bearings, alignment, steering linkage (includes rack and pinion), power steering (pumps and hoses, leaks), wheel balance, springs or torsion bars, bushings, electronic or air suspension.

What Owners Say

Electronic or air suspension

"A fuse blew out that allows the operation of the rear air suspension. Without it the car drove very rough and the rear end was low and almost touching the rear wheels. It was fixed without cost but the vehicle only has about 21000 miles and it occurred without any warning."

Russell W., CA (2016 BMW X5 xDrive35i 3.0-L 6 Cyl turbo)

"Rear air suspension failed. Needed replacement. Covered by warranty."

Anonymous, (2016 BMW X5 xDrive50i 4.4-L V8 turbo)

"Leaking airbag"

Anonymous, (2016 BMW X5 xDrive35d 3.0-L 6 Cyl diesel)
Shocks or struts

"Driver rear air-strut error. Dealer warranty repaired by replacing air-strut and car air compressor."

Anonymous, HI (2016 BMW X5 xDrive40e 2.0-L 4 Cyl hybrid)

"Both rear shocks failed and leaked. Both needed to be replaced."

Anonymous, FL (2016 BMW X5 xDrive35d 3.0-L 6 Cyl diesel)
Springs or torsion bars

"vehicle is outfitted with an optional hydraulically powered active suspension on both front and rear axles. The front axle seal leaked and had to be replaced. Cost $3200. Entire cost covered by an extended warranty."

Anonymous, CO (2016 BMW X5 xDrive35i 3.0-L 6 Cyl turbo)
Tie rods

"At 26,000 kms. during the annual safety inspection, the dealership said that 1 tie rod was worn. They replaced it and did a 4-wheel alignment. It was covered fully by the new ca r warranty. I had not noticed any problem."

Derek S., NB (2016 BMW X5 xDrive35i 3.0-L 6 Cyl turbo)
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Fuel System

Check engine light, sensors (includes O2 or oxygen sensor), emission control devices (includes EGR), engine computer, engine computer, fuel cap, fuel gauge/sender, fuel injection system, fuel pump, fuel leaks, stalling or hesitation.

What Owners Say

Emission control devices (includes EGR)

"Check Engine light came on and stayed on at about 23000 miles. Dealer diagnosed faulty NOX sensors and replaced under warranty."

Anonymous, PA (2016 BMW X5 xDrive35d 3.0-L 6 Cyl diesel)
Fuel cap

"Fuel door wouldn't open due to faulty pressure sensor. System was replace under warranty after 4 days at the dealer repair facility"

William J., NC (2016 BMW X5 xDrive40e 2.0-L 4 Cyl hybrid)
Sensors (includes O2 or oxygen sensor)

"Fuel tank pressure sensor failed and was replaced under warranty"

Anonymous, MD (2016 BMW X5 xDrive40e 2.0-L 4 Cyl hybrid)

"check engine light, dealer repaired at no cost under certified preowned warranty"

Anonymous, AR (2016 BMW X5 xDrive40e 2.0-L 4 Cyl hybrid)
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Brakes

Antilock system (ABS), parking brake, master cylinder, calipers, rotors, pulsation or vibration, squeaking, brake failure or wear.

What Owners Say

Normal routine brake wear

"Replaced brake pads at 54k"

Anonymous, NC (2016 BMW X5 xDrive35d 3.0-L 6 Cyl diesel)

"Was told at my dealer that brakes needed to be replaced. I was surprised since I only had 25,000 miles and I am a cautious driver."

Anonymous, MA (2016 BMW X5 xDrive35i 3.0-L 6 Cyl turbo)

"The brake ware was normal and covered by the service warranty that we had with the dealership"

Anonymous, SC (2016 BMW X5 xDrive35i 3.0-L 6 Cyl turbo)
Premature brake wear

"brakes became very noisy, without any previous hint of hint (wear indicators) got it repaired immediately (rotors and pads)."

Anonymous, IL (2016 BMW X5 xDrive35i 3.0-L 6 Cyl turbo)
Load more

Electric System

Alternator, starter, hybrid battery and related systems, regular battery, battery cables, engine harness, coil, ignition switch, electronic ignition, distributor or rotor failure, spark plugs and wires failure.

What Owners Say

Headlights

"The headlight has a defected seal. Water collected in the unit. BMW replaced under warranty."

Don R., TX (2016 BMW X5 xDrive35i 3.0-L 6 Cyl turbo)

"Adaptive headlight failure required replacement under warranty."

Anonymous, (2016 BMW X5 xDrive50i 4.4-L V8 turbo)

"Automatic high beam malfunction. Dealer has not been able to fix. Still an issue"

Anonymous, NH (2016 BMW X5 xDrive35i 3.0-L 6 Cyl turbo)

Paint/Trim

Paint (fading, chalking, cracking, or peeling), loose interior and exterior trim or moldings, rust.

What Owners Say

Paint (fading, chalking, cracking, or peeling)

"Paint is very soft relative to other vehicles I’ve owned. People entering and exiting the vehicle are rubbing paint off the doors."

Anonymous, ON (2016 BMW X5 xDrive50i 4.4-L V8 turbo)

"Paint chipping on front bumper"

Anonymous, MO (2016 BMW X5 xDrive35i 3.0-L 6 Cyl turbo)

"Trim on windows turned purple and pink...they told me I went to the wrong car wash. Car was less than 2 months old"

Anonymous, CA (2016 BMW X5 xDrive50i 4.4-L V8 turbo)

Engine Major

Engine rebuild or replacement, cylinder head, head gasket, turbo or supercharger, timing chain or timing belt.

What Owners Say

Cylinder head

"The variable valve-timing system failed."

Anonymous, AP (2016 BMW X5 xDrive35i 3.0-L 6 Cyl turbo)
Engine rebuild or replacement

"Car was running sluggishly on acceleration. I took it to BMW. They determined the engine was failing and replaced it under warranty. The work took about a week."

Anonymous, NC (2016 BMW X5 xDrive40e 2.0-L 4 Cyl hybrid)
Head gasket

"Seal leaks oil"

Anonymous, PA (2016 BMW X5 xDrive40e 2.0-L 4 Cyl hybrid)

Engine Minor

Accessory belts and pulleys, engine computer, engine mounts, engine knock or ping, oil leaks.

What Owners Say

Oil leaks

"small oil leak caused large par of engine to Abe removed to get at gasket"

Anonymous, FL (2016 BMW X5 M 4.4-L V8 turbo)

"seal went on motor that basically required almost complete removal of motor"

Anonymous, (2016 BMW X5 M 4.4-L V8 turbo)

Power Equipment

Cruise control, clock, warning lights, body control module, keyless entry, wiper motor or washer, tire pressure monitor, interior or exterior lights, horn, gauges, 12V power plug, remote engine start, alarm or security system

What Owners Say

Hybrid/electric battery replacement

"About 6 months ago, the engine was sluggish. BMW determined it was failing and replaced. About a week later, when driving on electric power I noticed that it was discharging very rapidly and the air conditioner did not work on electric power. BMW replaced all the hybrid batteries including the starter battery. All the above work was done under warranty. No problems since that replacement. Good mileage on electric power and air conditioner worked fine."

Anonymous, NC (2016 BMW X5 xDrive40e 2.0-L 4 Cyl hybrid)

"dealer took 30 days to replace a short in the hybrid battery"

Anonymous, NY (2016 BMW X5 xDrive40e 2.0-L 4 Cyl hybrid)

Body Hardware

Power or manual windows, locks and latches, tailgate, hatch or trunk, doors or sliding doors, mirrors, seat controls, safety belts, sunroof, convertible top.

What Owners Say

Seat controls - movement

"Died....they told me I spilled something on box which is under the seat which caused it to corrode...there was no evidence of a spill of anything"

Anonymous, CA (2016 BMW X5 xDrive50i 4.4-L V8 turbo)

Climate System

Blower (fan) motor, A/C compressor, condenser, evaporator, heater system, automatic climate control, refrigerant leakage, electrical failure.

What Owners Say

Refrigerant leaks

"Temperature is not cold, going in for service this week"

Mal M., MA (2016 BMW X5 3.0-L 6 Cyl turbo)

Transmission Minor

Gear selector or linkage, leaks, transmission computer, transmission sensor or solenoid, clutch adjustment, rough shifting, slipping transmission.

What Owners Say

Transmission leaks

"Had to replace transfer case. Under warranty"

Anonymous, NC (2016 BMW X5 xDrive35d 3.0-L 6 Cyl diesel)

Engine Cooling

Radiator, cooling fan, antifreeze leaks, water pump, thermostat, overheating.

Exhaust

Muffler, pipes, catalytic converter, exhaust manifold, leaks.

Drive System

Driveshaft or axle, CV joint, differential, transfer case, 4WD/AWD components, driveline vibration, traction control, electronic stability control (ESC), electrical failure.

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