2019
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
After we put the redesigned BMW X5 through our test program, there was no debate: it’s among the best SUVs we’ve tested. It is a luxurious, slick, and well-rounded vehicle. With each new generation, the X5 has become more refined and comfortable, but less of a crisp-handling SUV. We think this redesign optimally balances comfort, agility, power delivery, and interior quality.
Alerts
There are 7 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.
2019
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 Good
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.
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.
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.

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
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; rear side available.
Road Test

After we put the redesigned BMW X5 through our test program, there was no debate: it’s among the best SUVs we’ve tested. It is a luxurious, slick, and well-rounded vehicle. With each new generation, the X5 has become more refined and comfortable, but less of a crisp-handling SUV. We think this redesign optimally balances comfort, agility, power delivery, and interior quality.

This fourth-generation X5 comes standard with five seats, although a small third-row seat is available as an option.

Seating
2 front, 3 rear
Drive Wheels
AWD
Warranty

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
  • 3-liter 6 turbo (335 hp)
  • 4.4-liter V8 turbo (456 hp)

Owner Reported Trouble Spots

The Reliability score is based on our latest subscriber survey of 2019 BMW X5 owners. The owner comments describe problems respondents experienced with this vehicle.

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

Apple CarPlay

"Does not stay connected through wifi with iPhone X -- newest phone."

Anonymous, MN (2019 BMW X5 xDrive40i 3.0-L 6 Cyl turbo)
Display screen goes blank

"The display went blank twice on different occasions. Also one feature selection would not respond. Both issues have not happened since last regular service."

Anonymous, IL (2019 BMW X5 xDrive40i 3.0-L 6 Cyl turbo)

"The problem is that the electronics don't always boot up properly. Sometimes it's the phone, sometimes the safety systems, sometimes the headsup display. Typically it requires the car to be shut down and allowed to sit (locked) for 5 minutes and then typically it reboots properly."

Anonymous, QC (2019 BMW X5 xDrive50i 4.4-L V8 turbo)
In-dash navigation system (GPS)

"screen flipped upside down, car indicator would go off road."

Anonymous, (2019 BMW X5 xDrive40i 3.0-L 6 Cyl turbo)

"It would not operate properly, often going blank or displaying "nonsense things". It took the dealer THREE times to fix this same problem over a six month period of time. The dealer was nice enough, and I did not pay anything since it was all covered by warranty, but for a $72,000 vehicle, this should not happen. The dealer really did not know how to fix the issues and finally had to get BMW involved. It seemed to be fixed after I reminded the dealer about the Indiana Lemon Law and my demand for a replacement vehicle if it was not fixed."

Anonymous, (2019 BMW X5 xDrive40i 3.0-L 6 Cyl turbo)

"the GPS took me to a 22 mile dirt rod with several high dips where you could not see what was at the top of the road, and there were craggy rocks at the top of one to the sharp left, taking out my two left tires at the same time, leaving me stranded, without a cell phone at the time, and the BMW people did not send someone the first time I called to find me. I had to call several hours later again for help. This was horrible. Their navigation sends you in circles and to the wrong address in several places. It is not reliable. I would never buy a BMW again as my life would depend on it. They took no accountability for it and had horrible customer service."

Anonymous, AZ (2019 BMW X5 xDrive40i 3.0-L 6 Cyl turbo)

"Would not recognize where the car was and gave false directions and the map was wrong."

Anonymous, CA (2019 BMW X5 xDrive50i Unsure)
Phone pairing (e.g., Bluetooth)

"Randomly drops phones while in vehicle. Picks up ongoing phone calls outside of vehicle (ongoing calls in home) - which may be of confidential nature. Requires you to turn off bluetooth if making calls in home."

Anonymous, MD (2019 BMW X5 xDrive40i 3.0-L 6 Cyl turbo)

"this was resolved with a software update"

Anonymous, GA (2019 BMW X5 xDrive40i 3.0-L 6 Cyl turbo)
Radio

"radio stays "on" even after turning the ignition off."

Anonymous, CA (2019 BMW X5 xDrive40i 3.0-L 6 Cyl turbo)
Routine software updates

"I have had software updates twice. Each time the update wiped out my existing set up and since the second time, the BMW Connect app has stopped working."

Anonymous, DC (2019 BMW X5 xDrive40i 3.0-L 6 Cyl turbo)

"software never automatically updated. When my car was in BMW shop, they told me some has to be plugged in manually to update. It still has not fixed their horrible navigation system."

Anonymous, AZ (2019 BMW X5 xDrive40i 3.0-L 6 Cyl turbo)

"The problem started with no recognition of key. After the software update many thing started to fail. They replaced many "modules" and updated software multiple time. Then they took it back and gave me the 2020"

Anonymous, AZ (2019 BMW X5 xDrive40i Unsure)
Software update fixes

"Again, the dealer could not fix these problems and had to get BMW to finally resolve the issues. The dealer would not have believed me except I had produced videos of the issues. THEN they started to work on it."

Anonymous, (2019 BMW X5 xDrive40i 3.0-L 6 Cyl turbo)

"The car was so new that the New software system did not recognize the previous year's part numbers installed. Had to be reprogramed by remote from NJ took 3.5 weeks."

Anonymous, VA (2019 BMW X5 xDrive40i 3.0-L 6 Cyl turbo)

"There were software issues with the new X5 that required an update for bug fixes. It took a few months but once BMW pushed the update, the problems were fixed."

Anonymous, MI (2019 BMW X5 xDrive40i 3.0-L 6 Cyl turbo)

"resolved with the software update"

Anonymous, GA (2019 BMW X5 xDrive40i 3.0-L 6 Cyl turbo)

"Multiple problems were solved by software updates. BMW shipped the car before the software with very poor software quality."

Anonymous, CA (2019 BMW X5 xDrive40i 3.0-L 6 Cyl turbo)
Speakers

"One of the Bowers and Wilkins speakers was defective upon delivery. It took BMW over 6 months to get the replacement parts"

Anonymous, FL (2019 BMW X5 xDrive40i 3.0-L 6 Cyl turbo)
Voice control commands

"Frequently does not understand voice commands. Very frustrating on a high end vehicle. Ford Sync 3 is much better at this task."

Anonymous, UT (2019 BMW X5 xDrive40i 3.0-L 6 Cyl turbo)
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Paint/Trim

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

What Owners Say

Loose exterior trim or moldings

"The BMW logo on the rear hatch just fell off. Fortunately, I noticed it lying in the parking lot and picked it up. I simply glued it back on myself instead of going through all the trouble to get the dealership to fix it."

Aaron G., NC (2019 BMW X5 xDrive50i 4.4-L V8 turbo)

"Trim piece around windshield lost adhesion and started to delaminate. Dealer repaired."

Anonymous, NC (2019 BMW X5 xDrive40i 3.0-L 6 Cyl turbo)
Loose interior trim or moldings

"Passenger sun visor fixture was lose and sun visor fell from ceiling. Bracket was not properly installed. Dealer repair."

Anonymous, NC (2019 BMW X5 xDrive40i 3.0-L 6 Cyl turbo)
Paint (fading, chalking, cracking, or peeling)

"The paint was chipping away around the electrical plug-in. This is the only problem."

Anonymous, KS (2019 BMW X5 xDrive40i 3.0-L 6 Cyl turbo)
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Exhaust

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

What Owners Say

Other/unsure

"Lane assist is dangerous. Horrible design. If avoiding a cyclist on a two lane road it will steer into the cyclist. It must be turned off to be safe."

Anonymous, CA (2019 BMW X5 xDrive40i 3.0-L 6 Cyl turbo)

"Sensor didn't work in a new car. BMW replaced the sensor."

Anonymous, MD (2019 BMW X5 xDrive40i 3.0-L 6 Cyl turbo)

"Even at lowest sensitivity setting, over-compensates and at high speeds can cause an accident fighting the aggressive pull of the steering wheel."

Anonymous, MD (2019 BMW X5 xDrive40i 3.0-L 6 Cyl turbo)

"This system would get an error, turn off and reset itself."

Anonymous, NC (2019 BMW X5 xDrive40i 3.0-L 6 Cyl turbo)
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Climate System

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

What Owners Say

A/C compressor

"The air conditioner would not blow cool air. It ended up being the sensor that needed replaced. Once that was done, it worked like a champ!"

Anonymous, (2019 BMW X5 xDrive40i 3.0-L 6 Cyl turbo)

"not blowing cold air, recharged the system, covered by warentee"

Anonymous, (2019 BMW X5 xDrive40i 3.0-L 6 Cyl turbo)
Heater system

"to much hot air was directed to the console and caused an overheating problem. When the heat became great enough it caused the display screen to go black. The nav didn't work. No information was available about the vehicle's performance."

Anonymous, IL (2019 BMW X5 xDrive40i 3.0-L 6 Cyl turbo)

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

Doors or sliding doors

"Does not unlock or lock reliably based on touching the sensor in the door handle. Some door handles better than others. Dealer says it may be the fob is not working correctly and they've seen a lot of that... randomly get warning in car that the fob is not working properly as well. But not sure if it's the fob or the actual doors/locks not working."

Anonymous, MN (2019 BMW X5 xDrive40i 3.0-L 6 Cyl turbo)
Glass defects

"4 broken windshields since I bought the car just over a year ago. All caused my very small pebbles. I've driven these same roads for decades in other cars with similar hits and have never had a broken windshield. HORRIBLE quality of current BMW windshields."

Anonymous, CO (2019 BMW X5 xDrive40i 3.0-L 6 Cyl turbo)
Tailgate, hatch or trunk

"Cargo cover did not work properly and trim came apart"

Anonymous, BC (2019 BMW X5 xDrive40i 3.0-L 6 Cyl turbo)

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

Gauges

"Stupid software auto-dims the LCD dash during the day under underpasses and cloudy days. You cannot adjust daytime brightness"

Anonymous, CA (2019 BMW X5 xDrive40i 3.0-L 6 Cyl turbo)
Keyless entry

"Keyless entry randomly stops working. Not fixed because it's not easily repeatable."

Anonymous, CA (2019 BMW X5 xDrive40i 3.0-L 6 Cyl turbo)

"Intermittent failure to recognize key fob. Activating a fob function restores function."

Anonymous, (2019 BMW X5 xDrive40i 3.0-L 6 Cyl 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

Electronic ignition

"Stopped recognizing electronic key. Took one month to receive part from Germany"

Anonymous, NY (2019 BMW X5 xDrive40i 4.4-L V8 turbo)
Starter

"The final problem was the system no recognizing any key (I had 2) or the electronic key. It had to be towed to the dealer. They kept it and gave me a new one"

Anonymous, AZ (2019 BMW X5 xDrive40i Unsure)

Body Integrity

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

What Owners Say

Air or water leaks

"Drip over front passenger right knee area when there is very heavy rain. Sunroof drain seems clear."

Anonymous, (2019 BMW X5 xDrive40i 3.0-L 6 Cyl turbo)
Squeaks or rattles

"exhaust Pipes under the car were to close to the body and would hit when going over bumps or rough roads"

Anonymous, FL (2019 BMW X5 xDrive40i 3.0-L 6 Cyl turbo)

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

Tire wear is uneven

"The 'run flat' tires produce "Tramlining" that causes the vehicle to veer left or right unexpectedly; very jarring. Safety issue."

Anonymous, CA (2019 BMW X5 xDrive40i 3.0-L 6 Cyl turbo)

Engine Minor

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

What Owners Say

Engine computer

"Check engine light came on the second day I owned the vehicle. It turned out to be a known problem with the air intake manifold."

Aaron G., NC (2019 BMW X5 xDrive50i 4.4-L V8 turbo)

Drive System

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

What Owners Say

Electrical failure

"Car spent a total of 3 months in the past year at the dealership with them trying to diagnose/fix recurrent messages of electrical failure and battery can't recharge. Multiple software re-installs and electrical components replaced."

Anonymous, CO (2019 BMW X5 xDrive40i 3.0-L 6 Cyl turbo)

Brakes

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

Transmission Minor

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

Engine Major

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

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.

Engine Cooling

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

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