Premium German SUV with the highly-regarded N57 diesel engine. Popular choice for families wanting performance, luxury, and reasonable running costs. However, the N57 has well-documented timing chain issues (expensive rear-engine location), air suspension commonly fails 60,000-80,000 km, transfer case problems emerge with mismatched tires, and DPF/EGR require regular motorway driving. Generally more reliable than previous X5 generations, but repair costs are high due to complexity. Not recommended for short-trip city driving.
Expected Annual Maintenance Costs
€1,300 - €2,600/year
15,000 km/year
Fixed costs
€900-1,500
Risk buffer
€400-1,100
What Can Break
bars = likelihood
Timing chain tensioner wear€2,000 - €4,000
Chain stretches, rattles on cold start, located at rear of engine · more· less
The N57 timing chain tensioner loses pressure overnight, causing distinctive rattle for 1-30 seconds on cold start. Typically occurs between 60,000-120,000 km depending on oil change intervals. The timing chain is located at the rear of the engine bay, making replacement extremely labor-intensive. BMW updated the tensioner design but pre-2015 engines are more susceptible. Neglecting this can lead to chain skip and catastrophic valve/piston contact. The N57 6-cylinder is less problematic than the N47 4-cylinder but not immune. Proper 10,000 km oil changes with quality synthetic oil significantly reduce risk.
Air suspension failure (rear)€1,500 - €3,500
Rubber air springs crack and leak, typically 60,000-80,000 km · more· less
Air suspension failure is extremely common on F15 X5s. The rubber air springs deteriorate from environmental factors and eventually crack. Symptoms include sagging rear end (especially after sitting overnight) and compressor running excessively. Owners typically report failures around 4-5 years or 80,000 km. When one air spring fails, the compressor works harder, accelerating wear on remaining components. Compressor replacement adds €1,200-2,000. Failed air springs also damage the compressor desiccant. Arnott aftermarket air springs are recommended over BMW OEM (similar price but last longer). Coil spring conversion kits available as permanent fix but affect ride quality.
Transfer case failure (xDrive)€3,500 - €7,000
Shuddering in turns, hesitation under acceleration, internal clutch wear · more· less
The xDrive transfer case develops issues between 80,000-120,000 km, particularly in vehicles with mismatched tire sizes or worn tires. Symptoms include shuddering during low-speed turns (parking lots, roundabouts), hesitation or bucking under acceleration, and grinding/whining noises from underneath. Root causes include internal clutch pack wear from stop-start driving and actuator motor failure. Using incorrectly sized wheels generates false speed information to the transfer case electronics. BMW dealers quote €3,500-4,500 for complete replacement; independent specialists charge less but still expensive. Prevention: maintain identical tire diameters on all four corners and replace transfer case fluid every 60,000 km (not officially required but extends life).
DPF clogging / regeneration issues€800 - €2,500
Short trips prevent regeneration, warning lights, limp mode · more· less
The diesel particulate filter (DPF) requires regular high-temperature regeneration to burn off accumulated soot. Short-trip driving (under 20 km) prevents proper regeneration, leading to clogging. Symptoms include power loss, warning lights, and eventual limp mode. Failed DPF regeneration can also indicate thermostat issues preventing engine from reaching proper temperature. Professional DPF cleaning costs €500-800; replacement runs €1,500-2,500. Prevention: weekly motorway run of 30+ minutes at 100+ km/h allows proper regeneration. Owners doing mostly short trips should avoid diesel entirely. DPF issues often compound with EGR valve carbon buildup and faulty thermostats.
EGR valve / cooler carbon buildup€600 - €1,800
Valve sticks from carbon, reduced power, limp mode, recall on some models · more· less
The EGR (Exhaust Gas Recirculation) system recirculates exhaust gases to reduce NOx emissions but is prone to carbon buildup in diesel engines. Carbon accumulation causes the EGR valve to stick, leading to reduced airflow, poor performance, and limp mode. The EGR cooler can also clog or leak coolant. BMW issued recall 18V-755 for 2014-2017 xDrive35d models due to EGR cooler internal leaks causing coolant to mix with diesel soot (fire risk). Cleaning services cost €300-600; valve replacement €600-1,200; cooler replacement adds €400-800. Short-distance driving accelerates carbon buildup. High-quality diesel fuel and regular motorway runs help prevention. Electronics can become contaminated by oil from crankcase ventilation mixing with EGR soot.
Turbo actuator failure€500 - €2,500
Electronic actuator fails, sudden power loss, limp mode, EPC warning · more· less
The turbocharger wastegate actuator controls boost pressure electronically. When it fails, symptoms include sudden severe power loss (feels like 50% power gone), drivetrain malfunction warnings, and limp mode. Problem often intermittent at first - turning engine off and restarting temporarily fixes it. Gentle driving and short trips cause actuator to stick from carbon buildup. BMW/dealers insist on full turbocharger replacement (€4,500-5,500) as actuators aren't sold separately. However, specialist companies offer actuator-only repair/rebuild services for €500-1,200 with warranty. Full turbo replacement only necessary if turbine itself is damaged (oil leaks, bearing wear, damaged blades). Some owners successfully DIY wastegate actuator replacement in 30 minutes.
Swirl flap failure (intake manifold)€300 - €2,200
Plastic flaps break loose, enter engine, catastrophic damage possible · more· less
BMW redesigned the N57 intake manifold with plastic swirl flaps on a rod. Over time, engine vibration causes these plastic flaps to work loose and potentially drop into the combustion chamber, causing catastrophic damage. Fault code 279100 indicates swirl flap issues. BMW dealerships quote €2,200 for complete intake manifold replacement (part €1,500 + labor). However, swirl flap delete kits are available - removal involves taking off the intake manifold, removing the flap shaft, and installing blanking plugs (€320-400 at specialists). After deletion, both inlet tracts remain constantly open with no perceived performance or fuel consumption difference. The N57 is less prone to swirl flap breakage than the older M57, but failures still occur. Carbon buildup from EGR and oil residue restricts flap movement over time.
Valve cover gasket oil leak€400 - €1,200
Plastic valve cover cracks from heat cycles, burning oil smell · more· less
The N57 uses plastic valve covers which become brittle from repeated heating/cooling cycles. Oil leaks from the valve cover gasket are extremely common. Symptoms include oil spots under the car, burning oil smell (oil drips onto hot exhaust), and visible oil residue on the engine. While gasket replacement costs €85-150 for parts, if the plastic cover itself is cracked or warped, the leak will return. Labor is approximately 4.5 hours at €150-180/hour (total €800-1,200 at dealers). Independent specialists charge less. When replacing valve cover gaskets, also inspect upper timing chain cover gaskets as these often leak simultaneously. Improperly installed gaskets (split corners) cause recurring leaks. Smoke after valve cover replacement is typically residual oil burning off exhaust components.
Water pump / thermostat housing failure€900 - €1,800
Electric water pump fails 60,000-80,000 km, overheating, poor cabin heat · more· less
The N57 uses an electric water pump integrated with the thermostat housing. Failures are common between 60,000-100,000 km. Symptoms include coolant warning light, engine overheating, poor cabin heating, and visible coolant leaks. The integrated electric design means the entire assembly costs €400-600 for parts. Labor is approximately 6 hours (€900-1,080) due to poor accessibility. Failed thermostat (stuck open or closed) prevents proper engine temperature regulation and can prevent DPF regeneration. Multiple coolant leaks are common on higher mileage vehicles - inspect entire cooling system when addressing water pump. Auxiliary water pumps (additional pumps in the system) also leak and should be checked during service. Turner Motorsport and Pelican Parts offer complete replacement kits with pump, thermostat, gaskets, and bolts.
Fuel injector failure€600 - €4,700
Injectors clog or fail, rough idle, misfires, poor fuel economy · more· less
Fuel injectors can fail due to poor-quality diesel or contamination. Symptoms include rough idling, misfires, excessive smoke, and reduced fuel economy. BMW's diagnostic process involves removing the quality control valve to check for metal swarf - if found, the entire fuel system gets replaced; if not, BMW replaces all 6 injectors (unless PUMA system specifies only defective ones). Each injector costs €600-780 at dealers and must be individually coded to its cylinder. All 6 injectors total €3,600-4,680 plus labor. Some diesel injectors are covered under extended warranty (150,000 km). Prevention: use high-quality diesel fuel, avoid questionable fuel stations, and perform injector cleaning services. Neglecting injector issues can cause further engine damage.
Battery drain / electrical issues€150 - €1,000
Battery drains if not driven for 5-7 days, iDrive freezes, module issues · more· less
BMWs are highly sensitive to battery voltage. A weak battery causes iDrive freezes, unresponsive controls, system crashes, and malfunctioning electronics (air conditioning, windows, infotainment). The F15 drains battery within 5-7 days if not driven. Battery replacement costs €150-300, but BMW requires battery registration using diagnostic tools - improper registration causes communication issues between modules. Poor battery health also affects air suspension compressor performance. iDrive issues include frozen screens, unresponsive controllers, and Bluetooth module failures (located in trunk). Soft reset: hold power button 10 seconds. Hard reset: disconnect negative terminal 10-15 minutes. Check fuses (common issue: 10A fuse in wrong slot). Software updates often resolve connectivity issues. After battery replacement, modules may need recoding.
Brake wear (pads and rotors)€600 - €1,500
Heavy SUV accelerates brake wear, 30,000-70,000 km lifespan · more· less
The X5's 2.2-ton weight puts significant stress on the brake system. Brake pads typically last 30,000-70,000 km depending on driving style. Symptoms of worn brakes include squeaking, grinding noises, and reduced braking performance. Front brake pad replacement costs €240-300 (DIY) or €570-670 (dealer). Rear brake pads are similar. Brake rotors typically last twice as long as pads (60,000-140,000 km) unless driven with worn pads. Complete brake service (all pads + rotors) costs €400 at independents using aftermarket parts or €1,500+ at dealers with OEM parts. The F15/F16 X5/X6 use single-piston slider calipers (non-M models). DIY brake replacement is straightforward. Always replace pads before metal-to-metal contact damages rotors.
Reliable for a premium diesel SUV, but high complexity brings expensive repairs
The F15 X5 is more reliable than previous generations, and the N57 engine is generally robust with proper maintenance. However, air suspension, transfer case, and diesel emissions systems (DPF/EGR) are common failure points. Not suitable for short-trip city driving. Budget for expensive repairs when issues occur - timing chain and transfer case jobs are particularly costly due to labor intensity. Well-maintained high-mileage examples (150,000+ km) exist, but regular 10,000 km oil changes and motorway driving are essential.
Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist
General checks
Complete service history Essential. Verify oil changes every 10,000 km maximum (not BMW's 18,000 km "long life" service). Regular oil changes are critical for timing chain longevity.
Cold start test MUST start engine completely cold. Listen for timing chain rattle in first 30 seconds. Any rattle lasting more than a few seconds indicates chain/tensioner wear.
Extended test drive Minimum 30 minutes including motorway speeds. Feel for transfer case shuddering during low-speed turns. Check DPF regeneration capability.
Tire condition and matching All four tires must be same diameter (brand, model, and wear level). Mismatched tires destroy transfer case. Check date codes - replace if over 6 years old.
Underside inspection on lift Check for oil leaks (valve cover, oil pan, transfer case), air suspension leaks, coolant leaks (water pump, hoses), and rust on undercarriage/suspension components.
Specific for this vehicle
Cold start timing chain rattle check Most critical check. Start completely cold (overnight sit). Listen for rattle from rear of engine for 1-30 seconds. Persistent rattle means expensive timing chain job imminent.
Air suspension operation Check rear ride height when cold. Listen for compressor running excessively. Inspect air springs for cracks, splits, or oil residue. Bounce each corner - should rise smoothly without sagging.
Transfer case shuddering test Drive slow-speed tight turns (parking lot, roundabouts). Feel for shuddering, hesitation, or grinding. Test acceleration from standstill - should be smooth without bucking.
DPF regeneration history Check service records for DPF issues, forced regenerations, or replacements. Ask seller about typical journey lengths - short trips are red flag for diesel.
EGR recall verification (xDrive35d) For 2014-2017 xDrive35d models, verify EGR cooler recall 18V-755 completed. Contact BMW with VIN.
Turbo boost response During test drive, accelerate hard from 2000 rpm in high gear. Should pull smoothly with strong boost. Hesitation or limp mode indicates actuator/turbo issues.
Coolant system inspection Check coolant level and condition (should be bright colored, not brown). Look for leaks around water pump, thermostat housing, hoses. Check expansion tank for cracks.
Oil consumption check Check oil level before and after test drive. BMW diesels shouldn't consume oil between services. Excessive consumption indicates worn turbo seals or engine issues.
iDrive and electrical systems Test all iDrive functions, Bluetooth connectivity, reverse camera, parking sensors. Check for warning lights. Test all power windows, seats, mirrors.
Service interval display Check when next service is due. If showing "long life" 18,000+ km intervals, engine may have been poorly maintained. Proper maintenance uses 10,000 km fixed intervals.
Swirl flap check (if possible) Ideally have specialist scan for swirl flap fault codes (279100). Carbon buildup or failed flaps can cause expensive damage if not addressed.
Front axle clicking noise during maneuversTSB available
Steering column creaking when adjustingTSB available
Contact BMW with VIN to verify all recalls and service actions completed. The EGR cooler recall (18V-755) for diesel models is particularly important - internal leaks can cause fire risk. Check NHTSA.gov or BMW USA's official recall page for complete list.
Warranty Status
Factory new vehicle warranty4 years / 50,000 miles (expired on all F15s)
Rust perforation warranty12 years unlimited miles
BMW extended warranty availableUp to 7 years / 100,000 miles total
Diesel injector extended coverage~150,000 km on some models - verify with dealer
All F15 X5s (2013-2018) are outside original factory warranty. BMW offers extended warranty with three levels: Platinum Protection (most comprehensive), Gold Protection, and Powertrain Plus. Extended warranty may be worthwhile given high repair costs for timing chain, transfer case, and air suspension. Verify diesel injector extended coverage with BMW dealer using VIN - some models have 150,000 km coverage.
This report is for informational purposes only and does not constitute professional advice. Estimates may be inaccurate. Always have a qualified specialist inspect the vehicle before purchase. We accept no liability for decisions made based on this information.