Large SUV · 2000–2021 cars

BMW X5 reliability

The BMW X5 fails 19.9% of first MOT tests, 36% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, based on 346,009 DVSA MOT tests from 2022 to 2024.

Better than averageReliability score 82/100#12 of 30 large suvs

Checking a BMW X5 before you buy?

first-time MOT fail rate (all cars: 28.4%): 19.9%; first-time MOT fail rate (all cars: 28.4%)
fails than cars of the same age and mileage: 36% fewer; fails than cars of the same age and mileage
MOT tests analysed, 2022 to 2024: 346,009; MOT tests analysed, 2022 to 2024
typical miles a year, from MOT readings: 10,000; typical miles a year, from MOT readings

What this means for buyers

The BMW X5 has a first-time MOT fail rate of 19.9%, against 28.4% for all cars. It has 36% fewer MOT fails than cars of the same age and mileage, and ranks 12 of 30 large suv models. Its best year was 2014, with 60% fewer MOT fails than cars of the same age and mileage. The weakest year was 2001, with 7% fewer. These figures come from 346,009 MOT tests from 2022 to 2024.

A good model still needs a careful check, so look at the individual car. Tyres cause the most common failures, with ply or cords exposed at 2.11% of tests and cuts reaching ply or cords at 1.52%. Check suspension ball joints (1.63%) and CV joint boots (1.31%) for wear, splits or insecure fitting. Ask for the MOT history and get a pre-purchase inspection.

MOT fail rate by age

How the BMW X5 ages

Each point is the share of BMW X5s of that age that failed their MOT first time, against all cars of the same age.

BMW X5All cars

BMW X5 first-time MOT fail rate by age
Age at MOT (years)	BMW X5	All cars
3	10.9%	12.3%
4	10.9%	14.1%
5	11.4%	16.4%
6	12.5%	19.1%
7	12%	22.1%
8	12.7%	25.5%
9	13.9%	28.8%
10	18.2%	31.8%
11	20.3%	34.6%
12	22.2%	37.3%
13	23.8%	39.5%
14	25.9%	41.1%
15	28.6%	42.3%
16	33.3%	42.9%
17	37.3%	43.4%
18	37.9%	43.5%
19	37.2%	43.4%
20	38.6%	42.8%
21	39%	41.4%
22	37.9%	40.6%
23	36.7%	38.9%

By year

The best and worst BMW X5 years

2014 cars come out best and 2001 cars worst, once age and mileage are taken into account.

BMW X5 MOT results by year of first registration
First registered	Tests	Fail rate	Against same-age cars	Typical mileage
2021 X5	4,541	8.3%	38% fewer fails	33,271
2020 X5	13,815	8.5%	39% fewer fails	36,022
2019 X5	32,139	10.6%	29% fewer fails	40,323
2018 X5	29,592	12.9%	25% fewer fails	48,000
2017 X5	24,859	11.8%	41% fewer fails	57,711
2016 X5	25,560	11.6%	50% fewer fails	66,544
2015 X5	28,595	12.5%	53% fewer fails	76,309
2014 X5	22,707	12.2%	60% fewer fails	86,866
2013 X5	13,655	19.1%	43% fewer fails	94,542
2012 X5	15,634	20.6%	43% fewer fails	102,249
2011 X5	15,854	21.2%	45% fewer fails	108,750
2010 X5	14,612	21.9%	47% fewer fails	115,617
2009 X5	16,076	25%	42% fewer fails	123,334
2008 X5	13,325	27.5%	38% fewer fails	128,289
2007 X5	14,080	29.5%	35% fewer fails	134,453
2006 X5	12,836	37.6%	18% fewer fails	142,338
2005 X5	20,510	38.3%	17% fewer fails	143,371
2004 X5	11,841	38.3%	17% fewer fails	142,858
2003 X5	8,401	40%	14% fewer fails	142,354
2002 X5	4,859	39.2%	14% fewer fails	143,426
2001 X5	2,413	40.9%	7% fewer fails	139,757

Common problems

What fails most on a BMW X5

Failures by area, against cars of the same age and mileage.

Fail rate by area

Lights and electrics6.6%49% below avg
Tyres6.4%8% below avg
Suspension5.6%46% below avg
Brakes4.8%41% below avg
Windscreen, wipers and mirrors3.1%38% below avg
Body, chassis and structure2.7%39% below avg
Exhaust, emissions and leaks1.3%66% below avg
Seat belts and airbags1%26% below avg
Wheels0.8%72% above avg

Average for cars of the same age and mileage

Top MOT failures

1
Tyre ply or cords exposed 2.11% of tests
Exposed ply or cords can let the tyre fail suddenly, so the tyre must be replaced before the car is driven.
2
Suspension ball joint excessively worn 1.63% of tests
A worn ball joint can fail and cause loss of steering control, so it must be replaced promptly.
3
Tyre cut reaching ply or cords 1.52% of tests
A cut reaching the ply or cords weakens the tyre and can cause a burst, so it must be replaced.
4
CV joint boot split or insecure 1.31% of tests
A split CV boot lets dirt in and grease out, so the joint wears and may need full replacement.
5
Tyre tread below 1.6mm 1.31% of tests
Tread below 1.6mm is illegal and reduces grip in wet conditions, so the tyre must be replaced.
6
Position lamp not working 1.12% of tests
A failed position lamp makes the car harder to see in poor light and is illegal, so it must be repaired.
7
Windscreen washer fluid insufficient 1.02% of tests
Washers are not supplying enough liquid, so the windscreen cannot be cleared properly, which is a safety issue.
8
Stop lamp not working 1% of tests
A failed stop lamp means drivers behind cannot see when you brake, a safety risk that must be fixed.

Most common advisories

Not a fail yet, but worth pricing in: these show up on a BMW X5's MOT certificate most often.

Tyre worn close to legal limit13.27%
Engine oil leak, not excessive4.67%
Brake pads wearing thin4.43%
Suspension arm pin/bush showing wear3.95%
Brake disc pitted or scored3.21%
Brake pipes corroded and greasy3.14%

Before you buy

What to check on a used BMW X5

1
Tyre ply or cords exposed
Exposed ply or cords can let the tyre fail suddenly, so the tyre must be replaced before the car is driven.
2
Suspension ball joint excessively worn
A worn ball joint can fail and cause loss of steering control, so it must be replaced promptly.
3
Tyre cut reaching ply or cords
A cut reaching the ply or cords weakens the tyre and can cause a burst, so it must be replaced.
4
CV joint boot split or insecure
A split CV boot lets dirt in and grease out, so the joint wears and may need full replacement.
5
Every MOT since new
Look for the faults above coming back year after year: it shows how the car has been looked after.
6
The mileage record
A typical BMW X5 covers about 10,000 miles a year. A big gap or a drop between MOTs is a warning sign.
7
Finance, stolen and write-off
The records the MOT can't show. A Full Check (£9.99) covers all three before you hand over any money.

Fuel types tested

Diesel87%
Petrol8.2%
Hybrid4.8%
LPG0.1%
Other0%

Most common colours

Black, Grey, White, Silver, Blue

Average engine size: 3.0 litres.

Compare

How the BMW X5 compares with its rivals

BMW X5 against similar models
Model	Fail rate	Against same-age cars
Audi Q7	16.8%	41% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age
Land Rover Range Rover	19.4%	39% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age
Land Rover Range Rover Sport	17.7%	38% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age
BMW X5	19.9%	36% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age
Land Rover Discovery	25.3%	26% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age
Land Rover Defender	28.8%	15% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age
Volvo XC90	27.3%	12% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age

Every large suv ranked in the large suv reliability index, or all BMW models.

Questions

BMW X5 questions, answered

Is the BMW X5 reliable?

On MOT results, the BMW X5 is better than average: it fails 19.9% of first MOT tests, 36% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage. It ranks 12 of 30 large suv models in our index.

What fails most on a BMW X5 MOT?

The most common MOT failures on the BMW X5 are tyre ply or cords exposed (2.11% of tests), suspension ball joint excessively worn (1.63% of tests), tyre cut reaching ply or cords (1.52% of tests). By area, lights and electrics fails 6.6% of its tests.

Which BMW X5 year is the most reliable?

Among years with 1,000+ tests, 2014 cars do best (60% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age) and 2001 cars do worst (7% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age).

How many miles does a BMW X5 do a year?

A typical BMW X5 covers about 10,000 miles a year, from the mileage recorded at its MOTs. Check the car you're looking at against that with a free mileage check.

How do I check a BMW X5 before I buy it?

Enter its registration for a free check of its MOT history, mileage, ULEZ status and tax. Before you pay, a Full Check (£9.99) shows outstanding finance, stolen and write-off records.

Source: DVSA anonymised MOT test results, 2022 to 2024, class 4 vehicles aged 3 to 25, normal tests only. How we compare like with like: our methodology.

Found a BMW X5? Check it free.

MOT history, mileage record, ULEZ, tax and recalls on any UK car, in seconds. No sign-up, no card.