2015 vs 2016 BMW X5

Both years

• Valve cover and charge pipe failures on the N55 All years One source so far

  What to check: Look for oil on the engine and smell for burning oil, and ask about the charge pipe.

  Euro Premium Parts says the N55's plastic valve cover and its crankcase vent crack and leak, usually between 60,000 and 90,000 miles, and that the plastic charge pipe cracks under boost.

  A seller's guide (unofficial)

• Electric water pump and thermostat All years One source so far

  What to check: Ask whether the water pump and thermostat have been replaced.

  Euro Premium Parts says the electric water pump usually needs replacing between 70,000 and 100,000 miles, and that the thermostat often fails around the same time.

  A seller's guide (unofficial)

• Oil use on the V8 All years One source so far

  What to check: Ask how much oil it uses between changes.

  Euro Premium Parts says the xDrive50i's V8 still uses oil, wears valve stem seals between 60,000 and 100,000 miles and leaks from its turbo oil lines.

  A seller's guide (unofficial)

• Diesel EGR cooler and fuel pump recalls All years

  What to check: Make sure the EGR cooler and fuel pump recalls were done.

  NHTSA lists a recall for an EGR cooler that can leak and let soot smolder and melt the intake manifold, and another for a high-pressure fuel pump that may fail.

  NHTSA

• Air suspension compressor failure All years One source so far

  What to check: See that it sits level at every corner, and listen for the compressor running long after starting.

  Euro Premium Parts says the compressor can burn out, above all when a leaking air strut makes it run all the time.

  A seller's guide (unofficial)

• Tailgate latch and motor failures All years One source so far

  What to check: Open and close the power tailgate several times.

  Euro Premium Parts says tailgate latch and motor failures are unusually common on the F15.

  A seller's guide (unofficial)

Both years

• 18V755000 2014–2017

  The EGR cooler can leak inside, and soot mixed with coolant can smolder and melt the intake manifold. Dealers replace the cooler as needed, and the manifold if it has leaked. NHTSA

• 21V586000 2014–2018

  The high-pressure fuel pump may fail. Dealers replace it. NHTSA

• 21V907000 2014–2017

  The EGR cooler can leak inside, and soot mixed with coolant can smolder and melt the intake manifold. Dealers replace the cooler and inspect the manifold. Cars fixed under 18V755000 need this repair too. NHTSA

Both years

Engines

3.0L turbo inline-six Edmunds, a published reference, 3.0L turbo diesel inline-six Edmunds, a published reference, 4.4L turbo V8 Edmunds, a published reference

Transmissions

Eight-speed automatic Edmunds, a published reference

Drivetrains

xDrive all-wheel drive Edmunds, sDrive rear-wheel drive Edmunds, a published reference

Trims

Sports Activity Vehicle A published reference

Packages

Luxury Line Edmunds, xLine Edmunds, M Sport Edmunds, Premium Package Edmunds, Luxury Seating Package Edmunds, Cold Weather Package Edmunds, Driver Assistance Package Edmunds, Driver Assistance Plus Edmunds, Dynamic Handling Package Edmunds, Lighting Package Edmunds, Third-row seat with rear air suspension Edmunds, Bang & Olufsen sound system Edmunds, a published reference

Both years

• Sought after: An xDrive35i with the N55 All years

  Euro Premium Parts calls the N55 xDrive35i the most dependable and smartest F15 for most drivers, and CarGurus says the third and fourth generations give the best blend of value and reliability. CarGurus, a seller's guide (unofficial)

• Watch for: An xDrive50i without records All years Less sought after One source so far

  Euro Premium Parts says to avoid the xDrive50i's V8 unless ready for higher running costs and frequent oil checks. A seller's guide (unofficial)