BMW X5
Registered from 1998 to 2026.

About this model
The BMW X5 is a mid-size luxury crossover SUV produced by BMW. The X5 made its debut in 1999 as the E53 model. It was BMW's first SUV. At launch, it featured all-wheel drive and was available with either a manual or automatic gearbox. The second generation was launched in 2006, and was known internally as the E70. The E70 featured the torque-split capable xDrive all-wheel drive system mated to an automatic gearbox. In 2009, the X5 M performance variant was released as a 2010 model.
From the Wikipedia article BMW X5, licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0.
The manufacturer has told owners of one of these to stop driving until the repair is done.
- The chemical substances in the inflators of the TAKATA PSDI4 airbags may deteriorate over time, particularly in warm, humid climates. This could cause the airbag to rupture with too much force in the event of an accident, which could lead to serious or even fatal injuries in the worst-case scenario. The product does not comply with the Regulation on the approval and market surveillance of motor vehicles and their trailers, and of systems, components and separate technical units intended for such vehicles.
What fails its inspection
Great Britain's MOT record for the 2019 3.0 diesel. 892 of 8,420 tests failed, 11%.
Better than 31% of 2019 cars. The typical one fails 9%, across 908 models with enough tests behind them to say.
| Where | Share of failures | Failed tests |
|---|---|---|
| Tyres and wheels | 72% | 643 |
| Lights and electrics | 9% | 84 |
| Brakes | 9% | 78 |
| Visibility | 6% | 54 |
| Exhaust and emissions | 5% | 47 |
| Plates and identity | 4% | 36 |
The defects inspectors cite
- A tyre seriously damaged
- A tyre cords visible or damaged
- A direction indicator lamp missing, inoperative or in the case of a multiple light source more than 1/2 not functioning
- Tyre tread depth not in accordance with the requirements
- Engine MIL illuminated indicating a malfunction
- Windscreen washers not working or not providing sufficient fluid to clear the windscreen
Before you buy one
Built from what this car fails on, not from general knowledge of the model.
- Tyres and wheels — 72% of its failures
- A tyre seriously damaged
- A tyre cords visible or damaged
- Tyre tread depth not in accordance with the requirements
- Brakes — 9% of its failures
- A brake lining or pad worn below 1.5mm
- Exhaust and emissions — 5% of its failures
- Lights and electrics — 9% of its failures
- A direction indicator lamp missing, inoperative or in the case of a multiple light source more than 1/2 not functioning
- Visibility — 6% of its failures
- Windscreen washers not working or not providing sufficient fluid to clear the windscreen
When it starts failing
At 100–120k miles this one fails 8% of its inspections, against the 16% an ordinary car of the same age fails.
| Odometer | Failure rate | Rate | Its age | Tests |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0–20k miles | 6% | 5% | 782 | |
| 20–40k miles | 10% | 9% | 4,437 | |
| 40–60k miles | 11% | 12% | 2,430 | |
| 60–80k miles | 13% | 14% | 563 | |
| 80–100k miles | 16% | 14% | 142 | |
| 100–120k miles | 8% | 16% | 38 |
8,392 British inspections, grouped by the odometer reading recorded at the test.
Half of these have more than 20k miles on them. That is how far people drive this car, not how long it lasts.
Specification
| Year | Measured |
|---|---|
| 2021 | 4.4 petrol · 617 hp · 2406 kg · 2972 mm wheelbase · 12.9 L/100km (WLTP) |
| 2020 | 4.4 petrol · 617 hp · 2385 kg · 2972 mm wheelbase · 12.4 L/100km (WLTP) |
| 2018 | 3.0 diesel · 2185 kg · 2933 mm wheelbase · 8.5 L/100km (WLTP) |
| 2017 | 3.0 diesel · 382 hp · 2185 kg · 2714 mm wheelbase · 6.2 L/100km (NEDC) |
| 2016 | 2.0 diesel · 225 hp · 2070 kg · 2933 mm wheelbase · 5.3 L/100km (NEDC) |
| 2015 | 2.0 diesel · 217 hp · 2070 kg · 2933 mm wheelbase · 5.6 L/100km (NEDC) |
| 2014 | 2.0 diesel · 198 hp · 2070 kg · 2933 mm wheelbase · 5.7 L/100km (NEDC) |
| 2012 | 3.0 diesel · 302 hp · 2185 kg · 2926 mm wheelbase · 7.5 L/100km (NEDC) |
| 2011 | 3.0 diesel · 2185 kg · 2934 mm wheelbase · 7.5 L/100km (NEDC) |
| 2010 | 3.0 diesel · 2185 kg · 2933 mm wheelbase · 7.5 L/100km (NEDC) |
Recalls
Filed by the manufacturer with a regulator. A recall is repaired free of charge, whoever owns the car now.
- Do not drive
SR/00581/26
The chemical substances in the inflators of the TAKATA PSDI4 airbags may deteriorate over time, particularly in warm, humid climates. This could cause the airbag to rupture with too much force in the event of an accident, which could lead to serious or even fatal injuries in the worst-case scenario. The product does not comply with the Regulation on the approval and market surveillance of motor vehicles and their trailers, and of systems, components and separate technical units intended for such vehicles.
Request to stop driving
A12/00184/24
Due to a manufacturing error, the weld seam of the integrated transmission control unit (ITCU) may not have been correctly executed. As a result, transmission oil could leak into the ITCU, causing it to fail. This may lead to transmission seizure, increasing the risk of an accident. The product does not comply with the Regulation on the approval and market surveillance of motor vehicles and their trailers, and of systems, components and separate technical units intended for such vehicles.
Recall of the product from end users
A12/00643/22
Impurities in the production process of batteries could cause a short circuit within a battery when the accumulator is fully charged, which may cause fire and lead to an accident. The product does not comply with the Regulation on the approval and market surveillance of motor vehicles and their trailers, and of systems, components and separate technical units intended for such vehicles.
Recall of the product from end users
A12/00783/23
The airbag propellant may deteriorate over time, and If deployed, excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator body to burst and metal fragments could pass through the cushion material causing injury to occupants. The product does not comply with the Regulation on the approval and market surveillance of motor vehicles and their trailers, and of systems, components and separate technical units intended for such vehicles.
Recall of the product from end users
A12/00792/24
The dashboard in the affected vehicles may not have been manufactured to the manufacturer specifications. In the event of anaccident, the passenger side airbag may not deploy as intended which could increase the risk of injury to the frontpassenger. The product does not comply with the Regulation on the approval and market surveillance of motor vehicles and their trailers, and of systems, components and separate technical units intended for such vehicles.
Recall of the product from end users
A12/00868/23
The airbag may deteriorate over time, and if deployed, excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator body to burst and metal fragments could pass through the cushion material causing injury to occupants. The product does not comply with the Regulation on the approval and market surveillance of motor vehicles and their trailers, and of systems, components and separate technical units intended for such vehicles.
Recall of the product from end users
A12/00996/24
The integrated braking system could be compromised, which could lead to an unexpected failure of the hydraulic braking assistance, thereby requiring greater pressure on the brake pedal. This can result in a longer braking distance, as well as failure of the Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) and the Dynamic Stability Control (DSC), increasing the risk of an accident. The product does not comply with the Regulation on the approval and market surveillance of motor vehicles and their trailers, and of systems, components and separate technical units intended for such vehicles.
Recall of the product from end users
A12/01263/21
Due to a production defect affecting the instrument panel, the passenger airbag may not function properly. This will increase the risk of injury in the event of an accident.
Recall of the product from end users
17 more campaigns have been filed against this model. A dealer can check by VIN which apply to one car.