How reliable are 2012+ X5's ?
 

Anyone here owned one or know someone who has?

I'm OK with some minor issues here and there.
I'm more concerned about the engine, suspension parts and transmission. How solid and reliable are they?

From friends I get mixed answers. Some say that they are fine, others are saying don't come near them without the extended warranty.

I never owned a BMW, so I'm not sure what to expect from it.

I have a friend who had a 2007 X5 and replaced it with a new refresh 2014 X5. Once out of warranty the 2007 became very expensive to repair, even with less than 50k miles. She also has an 08 335i convertible that she's replacing with a new 435 convertible because the 3 has become VERY expensive to repair, despite having only 45k miles.

If you going to keep it out of warranty, be prepared for costs.

What did they have to repair? That's the most important bit of information. :confused:

You can still drive a car with some electronics malfunction.

On the X5 it needed some electrical component for the engine control computer, and a radiator. The 335 left her stranded, I forget exactly what was wrong that time but it was expensive. It also had an exhaust perforation, as well as another engine control computer failure.

I've heard that their latest models have less issues, both electrical and mechanical. But I don't know anyone who is actually still driving one at the moment. And asking this question on BMW forums, well, I'm sure I'll get bunch of biased answers.

According to CR from their owner surveys reliability on the 2012+ is Average to Above Average.

latest models....... are not old enough.

Most newer cars are pretty reliable. 10 years out, and look who's still standing.


BMW should have more collabos with toyota. Toyota can supply the reliability, and bmw can supply the performance.

By 2012 the X5 35i got the N55, the 50i got the N63tu, and they both got the new ZF 8-speed transmission and hard drive nav; these all greatly improved reliability. That being said I know plenty of people who have been saved by the warranties from a reliability perspective. Most of the forums have people complaining about squeaks, rattles, and miscellaneous repair items (like a cracked coolant expansion tank) but nothing crazy. These vehicles are still relatively new though so I'd be cautious.

Overall, I don't see the E70 X5 as being a solid long-term gamble.

Nearly all older German vehicles are expensive to own after the warranty. However, not enough time as gone by for the 2012's to establish a long track record. But the pattern has been consistent with BMW and the rest of the Germans for the past 20 years. As time goes on, things start taking a dump.

Our neighbor, real estate agent, had an RX that he loved. He went through a phase, and got rid of it to buy a Porsche. Quickly, after one winter, he realized he couldn't work with that. He got a brand new at the time 2014 X5. Since then, I have seen him numerous times with his wife's Sienna, and seen his wife driving the X5. He still drives the Porsche but mostly as a fun week end car.

The story he told me was that the X5 spent more time than he wanted at the dealer for one reason or another, and the Sienna gave him more room to put his Open House signs, specially on week ends, or when manning the sales office of a builder he works with. He plans to go back to a Lexus/Acura full size SUV once the X5 lease runs out.

I am on my third Acura MDX, will probably get something different in a year or so and the X5 and Cayenne are at the top of the list. While I generally keep a vehicle 5-7 yrs, for the concerns discussed in this thread, if I get an X5 or Cayenne I will do a three year lease to be safe.

If you get the X5, look for the 35d (diesel) model. Co-worker has one and it has been a tank, although it's still in warranty. I would guess the diesel might be more reliable long-term?

The diesel isn't going to change electrical problems, which seem to be the biggest issue.

Are you getting it as a CPO? That would be ideal.

Not sure about X5 but i just hit 30k miles on my 2013 535i with zero issues.

I would advise you to lease the BMW and see how u like the brand without making long term commitment. New X5 is excellent.

Absolutely not. That diesel motor actually has its fair share of issues, especially in higher miles.