When buying a second-hand BMW X5 you need to pay close attention to technical details. Oil leaks, turbo issues, electronic faults and cooling system failures occur regularly. This applies especially to models with high mileage. Models from the 2007–2013 period have the most known defects. You can avoid expensive surprises with the right inspection and a complete service history. Find out exactly what you need to look out for.
Checking engine and cooling system is the top priority
The engine block and cooling system are sensitive points on the X5. Engine cut-outs while driving do occur. This often happens at low speeds. Defective engine components or overheating cause this problem. Coolant pumps and expansion tanks frequently leak coolant. This leads to low levels and potential engine damage.
During the viewing, check the coolant level and look for signs of leakage under the car. Watch for white or green fluid stains. Water pumps fail prematurely and require complete replacement. This means an expensive repair. Always ask for the service book and check whether the water pump and expansion tank have been replaced in time.
Models with more than 100,000 kilometres often need a complete overhaul of the cooling system. Owners report that this significantly improves reliability. For more information about common technical problems, see the BMW X5 car problems page.
‘ Water leakage destroys electronics ’
Oil leaks are common from 60,000 kilometres
Leaking rocker cover gaskets are a known problem on the X5. From around 60,000 kilometres, oil stains appear under the car. You then smell burning because oil is entering the exhaust system. Carefully inspect the base of the rocker cover for cracks or oil build-up.
These problems occur mainly on the E70 generation (model years 2007–2013). On newer G05 models (from 2019) with the B58 engine, replacement of rocker cover and sump is often needed around 100,000 kilometres. Ask the seller about recent repairs to these parts. A good dealer or seller has already dealt with this or can provide a quotation.
Water leakage destroys electronics
Blocked sunroof drains let water flow into the interior. This damages electronics and can lead to expensive repairs. Models from 2008 are particularly prone to this. During the viewing, open the glovebox and check for damp patches or pools of water.
Test the sunroof by opening and closing it fully. Listen for strange noises. The door carriers (the plastic supports that hold the door in position) regularly break. Coolant can also leak via the undertrays (the plastic protection plates under the engine). Also check the floor mats and carpet for damp. Starting problems due to moisture occur on models from 2008 and 2011.
Transmission and suspension need attention
Harsh gear changes point to problems with the transmission. Vibrations arise from worn transfer cases (the components that distribute power between front and rear wheels) or defective mechatronic sensors (electronic control units in the transmission). Take a test drive and watch out for jolts when changing gear, especially at low speeds or when accelerating from a standstill.
The air suspension often causes problems due to leaking air bags (the bags that support the air suspension). The car then sags on one side or stands crooked after standing still for a longer period. Rear wheels have excessive camber, which gets worse with large wheels. This leads to uneven tyre wear. Check the tyres for abnormal wear patterns on the inner or outer edges.
Electrical faults are frustrating
Occasional electrical problems are common. The infotainment system freezes, warning lights come on for no clear reason and blower fans make strange noises. These faults are difficult to diagnose because they do not occur constantly.
Ask the seller about fault codes that have occurred in the past. If in doubt, have an independent diagnosis carried out. Many electrical problems are covered under warranty with certified dealers. On diesel models, a rattling noise from the wastegate (the valve that controls turbo pressure) occurs at cold start. This leads to loss of power. This noise is loud but often harmless.
These model years need extra checks
Certain production years have more known defects than others. The E70 generation (model years 2007–2013) has the highest risk of wastegate problems, coolant leaks, oil leaks and ventilation issues. Models from 2008 and 2011 struggle with water leakage and engine cut-outs.
The 2012–2013 model years have transmission vibrations and sensor failures. Models with more than 150,000 kilometres often have worn timing chain guides (plastic guides that keep the timing chain tensioned) on the V8 engines. This causes rattling noises at cold start. Newer G05 models (from 2019) are more reliable, but they do have specific maintenance points around 100,000 kilometres.
‘ Many problems are not serious but are expensive to repair. ’
Practical tips for the purchase
Use a clear inspection checklist during the viewing. This prevents you overlooking important points:
- Check coolant and oil levels before you start driving
- Look for leak stains under the parked car
- Start the engine from cold and listen for rattles or ticking
- Take a test drive including acceleration, braking and shifting
- Test all electronics, including infotainment and climate control
- Open the sunroof and check the drains for blockages
- Check the service book for timely replacement of critical parts
Warranty and service history are decisive
A full service history is essential when buying a used X5. Always ask for invoices for repairs and services carried out. This gives insight into how the car has been treated and which problems have already been resolved.
Ideally, buy an X5 with remaining warranty or take out an additional warranty. Many problems are not serious but are expensive to repair. A good warranty covers electrical faults and mechanical defects. Avoid cold starts without warming up on older diesel models, as this worsens wear on plastic components.
A maintenance budget is essential
The BMW X5 requires a realistic maintenance budget. Plastic components such as impellers and guides wear faster than metal parts. Follow the BMW service schedule strictly to prevent problems. Owners report that good care takes the X5 beyond 100,000 miles.
Always take warning lights seriously. A cooling system overhaul around 100,000 kilometres prevents more serious damage. Vanos rattle (a rattling sound from the variable valve timing system) on V8 engines is harmless but loud. This does not have to be a reason to walk away from a purchase. Watch out for thick pillars that limit visibility. This makes parking more difficult.
On the Carnews website you will find extensive information about specific models, common defects and maintenance advice. Discover more tips and experiences to make your next purchase a success.
Frequently asked questions
For reliability and performance, the six-cylinder engines (such as the straight-six petrol and diesel) with the standard ZF automatic gearbox are usually recommended, because in practice they are more robust and less problematic than many V8 variants. With any X5, pay close attention to known weak points such as oil leaks (rocker cover, sump), coolant leaks (water pump, expansion tank), and at higher mileages worn timing chain guides, especially on V8 engines. Check that the automatic gearbox shifts smoothly and that there are no vibrations, because a worn transmission or transfer case can be very expensive. In addition, blocked sunroof drains and air suspension issues (leaking bags) are well-known pain points that you should have checked before purchase.
Common problems on the BMW X5 include oil leaks (rocker cover gasket, sump), coolant and water pump leaks, defective expansion tank, water ingress via sunroof drains, electronic faults and wear to the automatic gearbox, transfer case and air suspension. Expensive wear parts include, among others, water pump/cooling system components, air suspension bags and compressor, rocker cover, turbo/wastegate (diesels) and, on V8s, the timing chain guides. When buying, check for oil traces around the engine and under the car, coolant level and stains, water in the footwells, warning messages on the dashboard, and have a diagnostic tool read out the systems. Take a long test drive (cold and warm) to listen for rattles, vibrations when changing gear, a rear end that sags (air suspension), overheating and malfunctioning electronic functions, and ask for documented maintenance with replacement of cooling system parts and gaskets.
Test the air suspension and adaptive dampers by driving in all driving modes (Comfort/Sport), over speed bumps and poor road surfaces, and listen for creaks, uneven ride comfort, leaning or warning messages on the dashboard. While stationary, adjust the car’s ride height several times and check whether it sags on one side after a while (possible leaking bags or valve block). Operate the iDrive infotainment system thoroughly: navigation, radio/Bluetooth, phone, cameras and vehicle settings, and watch for freezing, slow responses, screen drop-outs or dead pixels. Ideally, use a BMW-specific diagnostic tool to read the fault codes for chassis/air suspension and head unit to uncover hidden problems.
Check whether the maintenance history is complete and verifiable: a filled-in (digital) BMW service book with stamps from a BMW dealer or recognised BMW specialist at the prescribed intervals. Ask for and check invoices with date, mileage and work carried out, with particular attention to known X5 weak points (cooling system, oil leaks, air suspension, automatic transmission oil). Essential are an unbroken NAP or Car-Pass mileage record, recent MOT reports without serious advisories and preferably a pre-purchase inspection with a written report. A BMW Premium Selection certificate or other recognised warranty/quality label from a reliable party provides extra reassurance because the car has been checked technically and legally.
During the test drive, focus closely on shift behaviour and drivetrain: the automatic gearbox should change gear smoothly, without jolts, vibrations or slipping, even under hard acceleration and braking. Test the suspension and air suspension (if fitted) over speed bumps and poor road surfaces for noises, stiffness or wallowing, and pay attention to straight-line stability and tracking. Check engine performance with the engine both cold and warm for smooth power delivery, no hesitation, smoke or tendency to overheat, and listen for rattles (for example from wastegate/timing chain). Try different speeds and braking manoeuvres to assess braking power, pedal feel and any vibrations in the steering wheel or body.