My wife and I are looking at replacing the MDX and she's in the market for a luxury SUV. We drove Audi, BMW, and Mercedes. It seems we are leaning toward the BMW and I was wondering what experience folks have with the current gen. X5, particularly 2016+? While I'm leary to finance a German vehicle (we lease my 340i), it seems to get pretty good marks for reliability and I'm thinking that this being the last model year of the X5, the 2018 we're looking at would represent the peak of reliability for that model. Also, for anyone who has an X5, any experience trailering? I'd be towing my S2000 on a flat/open trailer to the track about 5x per year.
Current Gen. BMW X5 Experience?
- Thread starter gofast182
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I got one as insurance rental in last year from other party insurance when my 2007 MDX got slight hit.
What a wonderful 3 days rental. Out of my budget but what a nice SUV. Different tier then MDX for sure just guessing in more expensive to own in upper mileage vs a fancy and comparatively less complex/simple Honda we both own. I think 5x trailering if trailer is light weight(key)/brakes and decent hitch setup it would work.
What a wonderful 3 days rental. Out of my budget but what a nice SUV. Different tier then MDX for sure just guessing in more expensive to own in upper mileage vs a fancy and comparatively less complex/simple Honda we both own. I think 5x trailering if trailer is light weight(key)/brakes and decent hitch setup it would work.
Id try to make sure it has a very comprehensive warranty, depending on the motor they can get pretty pricey with the added features, so if you can find a CPO that would be best in case soemthing big needs repair like the i drive controller or similar Aftermarket warranties wont often cover the electronics or typical wear issues unless its a 5-6k warranty, which is why the dealers plan may be better. Theres tons of electronics that can have issues, and they love to eat tires and brakes considering their weight. Its a nice car, but dont expect it to be as easy on the wallet as the MDX. Brakes can be 7-900 in the front at a discount depending on engine and options, sport package runflat tires are over 300 a tire sometimes with the 315/30/22 sports. If its the turbo plugs are recommended every 45k. They do alot of things right, great acceleration, handling, fuel economy for the size, but theres a butt load of technology that makes it possible, and that tech does not always hold up well long term.
The car we're looking at is a 2018 from the demo/courtesy car fleet with 4k miles (X5 35i, regular model, not the M-Sport). They're offering it at a very attractive price given how close the 2019's are. As far as maintenance, that is my hesitation. I can change the brakes and rotors on the MDX myself in a couple hours for less than $200, I'm not even sure I could change the brakes on the X5 myself. Run flats are stupid and expensive IMHO so they'd probably be replaced with regular tires eventually.
Brakes should be the same as any other car.
If it has an e-brake instead of the traditional drum in rotor parking brake, then you might need to electronically put it in service position.
If it has an e-brake instead of the traditional drum in rotor parking brake, then you might need to electronically put it in service position.
Originally Posted By: camrydriver111
Brakes should be the same as any other car.
If it has an e-brake instead of the traditional drum in rotor parking brake, then you might need to electronically put it in service position.
Brakes - "like any other car" - until you get to the part where BMW dealers don't/won't turn rotors so every time you need pads you'll have to buy rotors.
As has been said- make sure you have a warranty.
UD
Brakes should be the same as any other car.
If it has an e-brake instead of the traditional drum in rotor parking brake, then you might need to electronically put it in service position.
Brakes - "like any other car" - until you get to the part where BMW dealers don't/won't turn rotors so every time you need pads you'll have to buy rotors.
As has been said- make sure you have a warranty.
UD
Originally Posted By: UncleDave
Originally Posted By: camrydriver111
Brakes should be the same as any other car.
If it has an e-brake instead of the traditional drum in rotor parking brake, then you might need to electronically put it in service position.
Brakes - "like any other car" - until you get to the part where BMW dealers don't/won't turn rotors so every time you need pads you'll have to buy rotors.
There is a reason for that. The rotors are designed to wear with the pads, and typically the OEM rotors will not make it through two sets of pads, so that's why it's recommended to replace both (pads and rotors) at the same time.
Originally Posted By: camrydriver111
Brakes should be the same as any other car.
If it has an e-brake instead of the traditional drum in rotor parking brake, then you might need to electronically put it in service position.
Brakes - "like any other car" - until you get to the part where BMW dealers don't/won't turn rotors so every time you need pads you'll have to buy rotors.
There is a reason for that. The rotors are designed to wear with the pads, and typically the OEM rotors will not make it through two sets of pads, so that's why it's recommended to replace both (pads and rotors) at the same time.
Originally Posted By: Quattro Pete
Originally Posted By: UncleDave
Originally Posted By: camrydriver111
Brakes should be the same as any other car.
If it has an e-brake instead of the traditional drum in rotor parking brake, then you might need to electronically put it in service position.
Brakes - "like any other car" - until you get to the part where BMW dealers don't/won't turn rotors so every time you need pads you'll have to buy rotors.
There is a reason for that. The rotors are designed to wear with the pads, and typically the OEM rotors will not make it through two sets of pads, so that's why it's recommended to replace both (pads and rotors) at the same time.
My independent mechanic insists on new rotors for my vehicles with every pad change, minivans, Subaru, etc...
Originally Posted By: UncleDave
Originally Posted By: camrydriver111
Brakes should be the same as any other car.
If it has an e-brake instead of the traditional drum in rotor parking brake, then you might need to electronically put it in service position.
Brakes - "like any other car" - until you get to the part where BMW dealers don't/won't turn rotors so every time you need pads you'll have to buy rotors.
There is a reason for that. The rotors are designed to wear with the pads, and typically the OEM rotors will not make it through two sets of pads, so that's why it's recommended to replace both (pads and rotors) at the same time.
My independent mechanic insists on new rotors for my vehicles with every pad change, minivans, Subaru, etc...
Originally Posted By: UncleDave
Brakes - "like any other car" - until you get to the part where BMW dealers don't/won't turn rotors so every time you need pads you'll have to buy rotors.
As has been said- make sure you have a warranty.
UD
That has never been the case with my dealer; sometimes the rotors are still within spec.
Brakes - "like any other car" - until you get to the part where BMW dealers don't/won't turn rotors so every time you need pads you'll have to buy rotors.
As has been said- make sure you have a warranty.
UD
That has never been the case with my dealer; sometimes the rotors are still within spec.
The F15 X5 is a pretty decent SUV; it's a great highway cruiser and the N55 motor delivers acceptable fuel economy. A six second 0-60 run is definitely on the slow side, but is reasonable for this vehicle's expected usage. I'd go with an M Sport as I hate the base seats, but that's just me. As for DIY brake jobs, just buy the Carly App and dongle and you'll be able to easily retract the rear calipers(you'll also have a boatload of coding variables to play with).
edyvw
$50 site donor 2026
Originally Posted by gofast182
My wife and I are looking at replacing the MDX and she's in the market for a luxury SUV. We drove Audi, BMW, and Mercedes. It seems we are leaning toward the BMW and I was wondering what experience folks have with the current gen. X5, particularly 2016+? While I'm leary to finance a German vehicle (we lease my 340i), it seems to get pretty good marks for reliability and I'm thinking that this being the last model year of the X5, the 2018 we're looking at would represent the peak of reliability for that model. Also, for anyone who has an X5, any experience trailering? I'd be towing my S2000 on a flat/open trailer to the track about 5x per year.
IMO, of all X5 generations this one was a let down, and that is not because of reliability.
IMO, it drives worst of all of them. Feel in F15 compare to E53 and E70 is non existent as in those two models you knew exactly what your wheels are doing (though people complained about weight of steering wheel). F15 electric steering is abysmal, and many other manufacturers did much better job. When I was on a market for X5 I was shooting for F15 3.5i but once I tried it, I decided to get 2013 E70 35d. IMO, E70 drives light years better.
Brakes on F15 are tuned differently for North American market as BMW decided to go with customers who hate dust and value opinion of neighbors more then performance. So you will get cermaic pads. Good news if you want performance is that pads from E70 fit F15, so you can get dusty, dirty pads from that model that react just by looking at them
On positive side, 8 speed ZF in F15 is a gem. It will outrun much stronger SUV's since a. BMW shed some weight from F15 compare to E70, and b. No one is even close in programming transmission the way BMW does it.
Also big thing IMO< is that with F models BMW finally returned to oil temperature gauge.
Reliability? BMW improved reliability in F15 dramatically. First of all, diesel models have 2nd generation SCR system. Still based on personal experience with E70 and stories I heard from F15 35d owners, avoid that model due to SCR. It is a shame as diesel is great.
V8 TT n63 is dramatically improved and now carries designation N63TU. They improved turbo cooling, changed valve stems supplier etc. My SA here at BMW told me that it is pretty reliable.
Best option is N55 3.0 twin scroll turbo. Get ready for new water pump between 50-80k depending whether car will see most city driving (short life span) or HWY. Pump is pricey and if you do not want to change it at dealer find reputable shop as it is tricky to handle it. It must be properly stored as bearing is made out of graphite, stored in upright position and once opened drenched in water. Before installing it needs to be wet, and one needs to make few rotations while water is inside. That pump is the reason why BMW went with old fashion pump on B58 engine.
Also, gasket on oil filter housing is sometimes leaking. Other then that, engine does not have any other issues.
At 60 do transmission service, meaning change filter pan and release fluid (do not flush) and just add what got out (that is how ZF recommends to be done).
Brakes are not expensive. Do not be fool to change at dealer. I paid for E70 35d (has bigger rotors then F15 35i but same pad design) pair of Brembo front rotors $120 at FCPEuro when they had sale, while Textar pads for front go for $80-100 (same performance as OE as Textar is supplier) and now I have ATE pads and they go for same price as Textar. It seems ATE (also supplier) is bit more aggressive and better performer. Personally I like them more.
Changing brakes on BMW is usually much easier then on Toyota Corolla, so if you are slightly DIY inclined, it will be piece of cake. Rear calipers are electric, but on youtube you can find DIY videos how to put piston in service mode. Not big issue, especially if you have Carly adapter.
I would advise you as it is mentioned to get M trim as it will offer more BMW like drive, however, that trim also comes with POS electric steering. Get carly adapter as you can unlock a lot of European features that are locked for the U.S. market.
Now towing wise, 35d would be best option. But it is your choice whether to roll the dice. 413lb-ft of torque would tow anything, and although X5 is not body on frame, it is much more capable then similar vehicles (though not as capable as Durango, but that is Mercedes GL platform). Diesels in BMW are truly great, best of all Euro manufacturers. But SCR system is going to hoover over your head. It is much better then in my E70. But I saw people complaining still about NOx sensors (though they go south around 90-120k).
My wife and I are looking at replacing the MDX and she's in the market for a luxury SUV. We drove Audi, BMW, and Mercedes. It seems we are leaning toward the BMW and I was wondering what experience folks have with the current gen. X5, particularly 2016+? While I'm leary to finance a German vehicle (we lease my 340i), it seems to get pretty good marks for reliability and I'm thinking that this being the last model year of the X5, the 2018 we're looking at would represent the peak of reliability for that model. Also, for anyone who has an X5, any experience trailering? I'd be towing my S2000 on a flat/open trailer to the track about 5x per year.
IMO, of all X5 generations this one was a let down, and that is not because of reliability.
IMO, it drives worst of all of them. Feel in F15 compare to E53 and E70 is non existent as in those two models you knew exactly what your wheels are doing (though people complained about weight of steering wheel). F15 electric steering is abysmal, and many other manufacturers did much better job. When I was on a market for X5 I was shooting for F15 3.5i but once I tried it, I decided to get 2013 E70 35d. IMO, E70 drives light years better.
Brakes on F15 are tuned differently for North American market as BMW decided to go with customers who hate dust and value opinion of neighbors more then performance. So you will get cermaic pads. Good news if you want performance is that pads from E70 fit F15, so you can get dusty, dirty pads from that model that react just by looking at them
On positive side, 8 speed ZF in F15 is a gem. It will outrun much stronger SUV's since a. BMW shed some weight from F15 compare to E70, and b. No one is even close in programming transmission the way BMW does it.
Also big thing IMO< is that with F models BMW finally returned to oil temperature gauge.
Reliability? BMW improved reliability in F15 dramatically. First of all, diesel models have 2nd generation SCR system. Still based on personal experience with E70 and stories I heard from F15 35d owners, avoid that model due to SCR. It is a shame as diesel is great.
V8 TT n63 is dramatically improved and now carries designation N63TU. They improved turbo cooling, changed valve stems supplier etc. My SA here at BMW told me that it is pretty reliable.
Best option is N55 3.0 twin scroll turbo. Get ready for new water pump between 50-80k depending whether car will see most city driving (short life span) or HWY. Pump is pricey and if you do not want to change it at dealer find reputable shop as it is tricky to handle it. It must be properly stored as bearing is made out of graphite, stored in upright position and once opened drenched in water. Before installing it needs to be wet, and one needs to make few rotations while water is inside. That pump is the reason why BMW went with old fashion pump on B58 engine.
Also, gasket on oil filter housing is sometimes leaking. Other then that, engine does not have any other issues.
At 60 do transmission service, meaning change filter pan and release fluid (do not flush) and just add what got out (that is how ZF recommends to be done).
Brakes are not expensive. Do not be fool to change at dealer. I paid for E70 35d (has bigger rotors then F15 35i but same pad design) pair of Brembo front rotors $120 at FCPEuro when they had sale, while Textar pads for front go for $80-100 (same performance as OE as Textar is supplier) and now I have ATE pads and they go for same price as Textar. It seems ATE (also supplier) is bit more aggressive and better performer. Personally I like them more.
Changing brakes on BMW is usually much easier then on Toyota Corolla, so if you are slightly DIY inclined, it will be piece of cake. Rear calipers are electric, but on youtube you can find DIY videos how to put piston in service mode. Not big issue, especially if you have Carly adapter.
I would advise you as it is mentioned to get M trim as it will offer more BMW like drive, however, that trim also comes with POS electric steering. Get carly adapter as you can unlock a lot of European features that are locked for the U.S. market.
Now towing wise, 35d would be best option. But it is your choice whether to roll the dice. 413lb-ft of torque would tow anything, and although X5 is not body on frame, it is much more capable then similar vehicles (though not as capable as Durango, but that is Mercedes GL platform). Diesels in BMW are truly great, best of all Euro manufacturers. But SCR system is going to hoover over your head. It is much better then in my E70. But I saw people complaining still about NOx sensors (though they go south around 90-120k).
Last edited:
Originally Posted by UncleDave
Originally Posted by camrydriver111
Brakes should be the same as any other car.
If it has an e-brake instead of the traditional drum in rotor parking brake, then you might need to electronically put it in service position.
Brakes - "like any other car" - until you get to the part where BMW dealers don't/won't turn rotors so every time you need pads you'll have to buy rotors.
As has been said- make sure you have a warranty.
UD
Actually. BMW has changed its tune. The dealers do have the equipment needed to turn the rotors while they're still mounted on the vehicle no less.
Originally Posted by camrydriver111
Brakes should be the same as any other car.
If it has an e-brake instead of the traditional drum in rotor parking brake, then you might need to electronically put it in service position.
Brakes - "like any other car" - until you get to the part where BMW dealers don't/won't turn rotors so every time you need pads you'll have to buy rotors.
As has been said- make sure you have a warranty.
UD
Actually. BMW has changed its tune. The dealers do have the equipment needed to turn the rotors while they're still mounted on the vehicle no less.
Last edited:
Originally Posted by MCompact
The F15 X5 is a pretty decent SUV; it's a great highway cruiser and the N55 motor delivers acceptable fuel economy. A six second 0-60 run is definitely on the slow side, but is reasonable for this vehicle's expected usage. I'd go with an M Sport as I hate the base seats, but that's just me. As for DIY brake jobs, just buy the Carly App and dongle and you'll be able to easily retract the rear calipers(you'll also have a boatload of coding variables to play with).
Do you like the Carly App price structure? I was thinking of going Foxwell.
The F15 X5 is a pretty decent SUV; it's a great highway cruiser and the N55 motor delivers acceptable fuel economy. A six second 0-60 run is definitely on the slow side, but is reasonable for this vehicle's expected usage. I'd go with an M Sport as I hate the base seats, but that's just me. As for DIY brake jobs, just buy the Carly App and dongle and you'll be able to easily retract the rear calipers(you'll also have a boatload of coding variables to play with).
Do you like the Carly App price structure? I was thinking of going Foxwell.
Originally Posted by BMWTurboDzl
Do you like the Carly App price structure? I was thinking of going Foxwell.
I lucked out and bought the Carly App just before they changed the price structure so I have lifetime free updates. I also have the Foxwell scanner because Carly only supports OBD II cars. The Carly has many more features with respect to coding, etc., and it's a bit easier to navigate through some menus compared to the Foxwell.
Do you like the Carly App price structure? I was thinking of going Foxwell.
I lucked out and bought the Carly App just before they changed the price structure so I have lifetime free updates. I also have the Foxwell scanner because Carly only supports OBD II cars. The Carly has many more features with respect to coding, etc., and it's a bit easier to navigate through some menus compared to the Foxwell.
Originally Posted by danez_yoda
I've had good luck with TYC. I would spend the extra $5
I'd like a new set for my avalanche, i'll see it tyc makes any for it.
I've had good luck with TYC. I would spend the extra $5
I'd like a new set for my avalanche, i'll see it tyc makes any for it.
edyvw
$50 site donor 2026
Originally Posted by MCompact
Originally Posted by BMWTurboDzl
Do you like the Carly App price structure? I was thinking of going Foxwell.
I lucked out and bought the Carly App just before they changed the price structure so I have lifetime free updates. I also have the Foxwell scanner because Carly only supports OBD II cars. The Carly has many more features with respect to coding, etc., and it's a bit easier to navigate through some menus compared to the Foxwell.
Carly is really good idea, but execution is messy. I always get frustrated with their software issues, parameter issues etc. It seems they are slowly bringing that in order, but it was a mess.
Good thing is if car has comfort access it can unlock numerous options.
Originally Posted by BMWTurboDzl
Do you like the Carly App price structure? I was thinking of going Foxwell.
I lucked out and bought the Carly App just before they changed the price structure so I have lifetime free updates. I also have the Foxwell scanner because Carly only supports OBD II cars. The Carly has many more features with respect to coding, etc., and it's a bit easier to navigate through some menus compared to the Foxwell.
Carly is really good idea, but execution is messy. I always get frustrated with their software issues, parameter issues etc. It seems they are slowly bringing that in order, but it was a mess.
Good thing is if car has comfort access it can unlock numerous options.
Originally Posted by edyvw
Originally Posted by MCompact
Originally Posted by BMWTurboDzl
Do you like the Carly App price structure? I was thinking of going Foxwell.
I lucked out and bought the Carly App just before they changed the price structure so I have lifetime free updates. I also have the Foxwell scanner because Carly only supports OBD II cars. The Carly has many more features with respect to coding, etc., and it's a bit easier to navigate through some menus compared to the Foxwell.
Carly is really good idea, but execution is messy. I always get frustrated with their software issues, parameter issues etc. It seems they are slowly bringing that in order, but it was a mess.
Good thing is if car has comfort access it can unlock numerous options.
That's what I've read. Basically that the hardware and BT connection were not 100 percent reliable unlike a corded connection.
Originally Posted by MCompact
Originally Posted by BMWTurboDzl
Do you like the Carly App price structure? I was thinking of going Foxwell.
I lucked out and bought the Carly App just before they changed the price structure so I have lifetime free updates. I also have the Foxwell scanner because Carly only supports OBD II cars. The Carly has many more features with respect to coding, etc., and it's a bit easier to navigate through some menus compared to the Foxwell.
Carly is really good idea, but execution is messy. I always get frustrated with their software issues, parameter issues etc. It seems they are slowly bringing that in order, but it was a mess.
Good thing is if car has comfort access it can unlock numerous options.
That's what I've read. Basically that the hardware and BT connection were not 100 percent reliable unlike a corded connection.
edyvw
$50 site donor 2026
Originally Posted by BMWTurboDzl
Originally Posted by edyvw
Originally Posted by MCompact
Originally Posted by BMWTurboDzl
Do you like the Carly App price structure? I was thinking of going Foxwell.
I lucked out and bought the Carly App just before they changed the price structure so I have lifetime free updates. I also have the Foxwell scanner because Carly only supports OBD II cars. The Carly has many more features with respect to coding, etc., and it's a bit easier to navigate through some menus compared to the Foxwell.
Carly is really good idea, but execution is messy. I always get frustrated with their software issues, parameter issues etc. It seems they are slowly bringing that in order, but it was a mess.
Good thing is if car has comfort access it can unlock numerous options.
That's what I've read. Basically that the hardware and BT connection were not 100 percent reliable unlike a corded connection.
Carly is wi-fi. Connection is good. No issues there. Problem is sometimes parameters give wild readings after updates. So for a year I had coolant temperature reading of 20000, however motor temperature was giving correct reading. They solved that few months ago.
To me it seems someone had this idea, good idea, but was not believing that it will get such interest. So it was amateurish execution. I think they are starting to get things in order recently.
Originally Posted by edyvw
Originally Posted by MCompact
Originally Posted by BMWTurboDzl
Do you like the Carly App price structure? I was thinking of going Foxwell.
I lucked out and bought the Carly App just before they changed the price structure so I have lifetime free updates. I also have the Foxwell scanner because Carly only supports OBD II cars. The Carly has many more features with respect to coding, etc., and it's a bit easier to navigate through some menus compared to the Foxwell.
Carly is really good idea, but execution is messy. I always get frustrated with their software issues, parameter issues etc. It seems they are slowly bringing that in order, but it was a mess.
Good thing is if car has comfort access it can unlock numerous options.
That's what I've read. Basically that the hardware and BT connection were not 100 percent reliable unlike a corded connection.
Carly is wi-fi. Connection is good. No issues there. Problem is sometimes parameters give wild readings after updates. So for a year I had coolant temperature reading of 20000, however motor temperature was giving correct reading. They solved that few months ago.
To me it seems someone had this idea, good idea, but was not believing that it will get such interest. So it was amateurish execution. I think they are starting to get things in order recently.
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