🇩🇪 Deutsch
BMW · Full-Size SUV · 2014–2018

BMW X5 M F85

Weaknesses, engine ratings and buying advice

★★★★★
3.0 / 5.0 · Based on 5 engine variants
Most Fun Engine

560–575 PS

4.4L V8 Biturbo Benzin

M SUV second generation — 575 hp, 2.3 tonnes

Fun to Drive!

Generations

Engine Overview

The BMW X5 M F85 is available with one engine variant at 197 hp.

4.4L V8 Biturbo · Benziner· 575 PS
2014 2018
Be Careful 6 weaknesses
Show all weaknesses →

The BMW 4.4L V8 Biturbo (Benziner, 575 PS) has the S63B44 (4.4L V8 Biturbo) — rated: "Be Careful", 6 known weaknesses.

Vehicle Weaknesses

WeaknessCost
✖S63TU Timing Chain Rattling and Guide Rails

The revised S63TU in the F85 X5 M retains the known timing chain issues of the S63. Plastic guide rails can break, clogging the oil pump, followed by chain failure. Cold-start rattling is an early warning sign.

Symptoms: Rattling on cold start, clattering noises when oil level is low, oil pressure loss
from 120,000 km
Ad BMW S63TU timing chaintiming chain BMW X5 M F85 11317567500BMW S63 Führungsschiene
 High
✖Con Rod Bearing Wear — S63TU

The S63TU is susceptible to premature con rod bearing wear, especially with extended oil change intervals. Engine damage is inevitable if caught too late.

Symptoms: Metallic knocking on cold start or under load, oil pressure loss
from 80,000 km
Ad S63TU connecting rod bearingconnecting rod bearing X5M F85 11247617338
 High
NHTSA Owner Complaints
Average
73 complaints · 2014–2018
Electrical
17 ⚠ 1
Fuel System
15
Engine
12 ⚠ 1
Powertrain
9
Brakes
7 ⚠ 1

Top Reported Issues

⚠ Electrical (17 complaints)
⚠ Fuel System (15 complaints)
⚠ Engine (12 complaints)
Source: NHTSA (nhtsa.gov) · 2026-03

Alternatives

Same Segment

Audi SQ7 4M

Großer SUV (2016–2024)

Same Segment

Audi Q7 4M

Großer SUV (2015–2026)

Same Segment

Nissan Navara D23

Großer SUV (2015–2019)

Same Segment

Volvo XC90 II

Großer SUV (2015–2024)

Same Segment

Land Rover Range Rover Sport L494

Großer SUV (2013–2022)

Same Segment

Land Rover Range Rover L405

Großer SUV (2012–2021)

Known Problems and Issues

A total of 40 weaknesses have been documented for the BMW X5 M F85 (2014–2018) — 34 engine-related and 6 vehicle-related. Typical issues affect Other, Brakes, Suspension, Gearbox.

X5 M (S63B44, 2014–2018) — Be Careful: Connecting rod bearing wear, Recall: oil pump drive shaft, Turbo coolant lines brittle. Power: 575 PS.

What to watch out for with the BMW X5 M? 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 M F85 have? +
The BMW X5 M F85 has 34 known engine weaknesses and 6 vehicle weaknesses.
What should I look for when buying a used BMW X5 M F85? +
faq.watch_a_none
Which engine is recommended? +
Be careful: N55B30 (3.0L Turbo), N57D30 (3.0L Diesel), N57D30S1 (3.0L Quad-Turbo), N63B44TU (4.4L V8 Biturbo), S63B44 (4.4L V8 Biturbo). No engine is rated 'Good Choice'. The most fun to drive is the S63B44 (4.4L V8 Biturbo).
Which BMW X5 M F85 engine is the most fun? +
The {code} ({displacement}) offers the most driving fun in the BMW X5 M F85 — rated: "Fun to Drive!". {description} 575 hp in the F85 — considerably more mature than the E70 predecessor. Drift Mode with unlocked stability control works surprisingly well. Less emotional than an M5, but on the motorway and dry country roads impressively sovereign. Brakes overwhelmed on track.
Is the BMW X5 M F85 worth buying used? +
The BMW X5 M F85 requires careful consideration — choosing the right engine variant is crucial.
What horsepower variants are available for the BMW X5 M F85? +
The BMW X5 M F85 is available with engine variants from 197 to 575 hp. Petrol: N55B30 (3.0L Turbo), N63B44TU (4.4L V8 Biturbo), S63B44 (4.4L V8 Biturbo). Diesel: N57D30 (3.0L Diesel), N57D30S1 (3.0L Quad-Turbo).

Last updated: February 2026 · All information without guarantee