BMW X5 F15
Weaknesses, engine ratings and buying advice
449 PS
4.4L V8 Biturbo Benzin
Sorted V8 in the Refined SUV
Fun to Drive!Generations
Engine Overview
The BMW X5 F15 is available with 6 engine variants — from 197 to 449 hp.
The BMW M50d (Diesel, 381 PS) has the N57D30S1 (3.0L Quad-Turbo) — rated: "Be Careful", 7 known weaknesses.
The BMW xDrive25d (Diesel, 211–218 PS) has the N57D30 (3.0L Diesel) — rated: "Be Careful", 6 known weaknesses.
The BMW xDrive30d (Diesel, 258–265 PS) has the N57D30 (3.0L Diesel) — rated: "Be Careful", 6 known weaknesses.
The BMW xDrive40d (Diesel, 306–313 PS) has the N57D30 (3.0L Diesel) — rated: "Be Careful", 6 known weaknesses.
The BMW xDrive35i (Benziner, 306 PS) has the N55B30 (3.0L Turbo) — rated: "Be Careful", 10 known weaknesses.
The BMW xDrive50i (Benziner, 449 PS) has the N63B44TU (4.4L V8 Biturbo) — rated: "Be Careful", 5 known weaknesses.
Vehicle Weaknesses
| Weakness | Cost | |
|---|---|---|
| Air Suspension Porous from 150,000 km Air springs become porous at 150,000–200,000 km. Aftermarket air springs (Continental/Arnott) cost around €115 each — a BMW dealership quoted around €900 for both springs. TÜV regularly flags suspension issues. Symptoms: Car sinks after parking, uneven ride height front/rear, levelling warning light from 150,000 km | Medium | |
| Suspension Springs Broken The high kerb weight of the X5 F15 leads to broken suspension springs at higher mileages, especially with the M Sport suspension. TÜV inspectors flag this regularly from the third inspection onwards. Symptoms: One-sided body drop, metallic grating sound when compressing suspension, unsettled ride on rough surfaces from 120,000 km | Medium |
Top Reported Issues
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Known Problems and Issues
A total of 37 weaknesses have been documented for the BMW X5 F15 (2013–2018) — 28 engine-related and 9 vehicle-related. Typical issues affect Suspension, Gearbox, Body, Brakes.
X5 (N57D30, 2013–2018) — Be Careful: Timing chain breaks / guide rails shatter, Connecting rod / main bearing damage at high mileage, EGR cooler leak — coolant loss. Power: 211–218 PS.
X5 (N57D30, 2013–2018) — Be Careful: Timing chain breaks / guide rails shatter, Connecting rod / main bearing damage at high mileage, EGR cooler leak — coolant loss. Power: 258–265 PS.
X5 (N57D30, 2013–2018) — Be Careful: Timing chain breaks / guide rails shatter, Connecting rod / main bearing damage at high mileage, EGR cooler leak — coolant loss. Power: 306–313 PS.
X5 (N57D30S1, 2013–2018) — Be Careful: Timing chain breaks / guide rails shatter, Triple turbocharger failure (chain reaction), EGR cooler fire risk (recall, build years 2012–2015). Power: 381 PS.
X5 (N55B30, 2013–2018) — Be Careful: Bearing wear from neglected maintenance, Electric water pump failure, High oil consumption. Power: 306 PS.
X5 (N63B44TU, 2013–2018) — Be Careful: Timing chain wear at high mileage, Valve stem seals — oil consumption despite revision, Turbo bearing damage from Hot-V heat build-up. Power: 449 PS.
What to watch out for with the BMW X5? See the detailed listing of all engine and vehicle weaknesses in the sections above.
Frequently Asked Questions
What problems and weaknesses does the BMW X5 F15 have? +
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Last updated: February 2026 · All information without guarantee