2017 vs 2018 BMW X5

vs

Both years are the same generation, so most of what they offer is shared.

Watch out for

Reputation: what owners and the press report. Tap one to see what to check.

2017

Nothing that 2018 lacks.

2018

Nothing that 2017 lacks.

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)

Recalls

2017

  • 17V189000 2017

    The passenger's frontal airbag inflator may not vent properly when it deploys. Dealers replace the airbag module. NHTSA

  • 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

  • 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

2018

  • 17V727000 2018

    Bolts holding the front suspension may not have been tightened properly. Dealers inspect and tighten them. NHTSA

  • 18V439000 2018

    The pivot bolt of the front lower left control arm may not have been hardened properly, so the arm could break. Dealers inspect it and replace it if needed. NHTSA

  • 18V652000 2018

    Capacitors in the portable charger can fail, a shock or fire risk. Dealers inspect the charging cable and replace it if needed. NHTSA

Both years

  • 21V586000 2014–2018

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

  • 24V608000 2016–2018

    A badly sealed electrical connector on the water pump can let water in and short circuit. Dealers inspect and replace the pump and connector as needed and fit a shield. NHTSA

What changed between

After 2017, up to and including 2018.

No changes recorded between these years.

What it came with

2017

Nothing that 2018 lacks.

2018

Nothing that 2017 lacks.

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, 2.0L turbo four plug-in hybrid (2016–2018) 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

What owners and buyers say

Reputation: what owners and the press report

2017

Nothing that 2018 lacks.

2018

Nothing that 2017 lacks.

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)