2019 vs 2020 BMW X5

- 2019
G05 2019–2026 Sold as xDrive40i, xDrive50i
- 4 warnings
- 13 recalls
- 2020
G05 2019–2026 Sold as sDrive40i, xDrive40i, xDrive50i, M50i
- 4 warnings
- 11 recalls

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.

Nothing that 2020 lacks.

Nothing that 2019 lacks.

Air suspension compressor and spring failures All years One source so far

What to check: See that it sits level and at the right height, and listen for a noisy compressor.

Euro Premium Parts calls the air suspension compressor a common failure on every G05, usually between 60,000 and 100,000 miles, and says the rear air springs leak.

A seller's guide (unofficial)
Oil leaks on the six All years One source so far

What to check: Look for oil at the valve cover and oil filter housing.

Euro Premium Parts says the B58's valve cover and oil filter housing gaskets seep from about 50,000 to 80,000 miles, and that a leak onto the exhaust can smoke.

A seller's guide (unofficial)
Early iDrive software faults 2019–2020 One source so far

What to check: Make sure the software is up to date, and test the screen and controls.

Euro Premium Parts says 2019 and 2020 cars had iDrive 7 freezes and reboots, mostly cured by software updates.

A seller's guide (unofficial)
Integrated brake system recalls All years

What to check: Make sure the integrated brake system recalls were done.

NHTSA lists recalls for the integrated brake system, which can lose its power assist and ABS, on 2019 to 2021 cars and again on 2024 and 2025 cars.

NHTSA

18V732000 2019
Capacitors in the body domain controller can short circuit and overheat. Dealers replace the control unit. NHTSA
18V918000 2019
The sun visors may carry a wrong airbag warning label or none. Dealers inspect them and replace them as needed. NHTSA
19V096000 2019
The bolts holding the driver's seat or seat belt may not have been tightened properly. Dealers check them and tighten them. NHTSA
19V513000 2019
The high-pressure fuel pump may not have been fitted properly, which can crack its flange and leak fuel. Dealers replace the pump. NHTSA
19V541000 2019
The left wheel bolts may not have been tightened enough and can loosen. Dealers replace and tighten them. NHTSA
21V520000 2019
The instrument panel may not have been made correctly, which could stop the passenger airbag deploying properly. A dealer replaces the panel. NHTSA

19V631000 2020
The steering rack's pinion teeth can break under load, losing steering control. Dealers replace the steering rack. NHTSA
20V465000 2020
An extra bolt on the starter motor could fall into the gearbox housing and stall the engine. Dealers remove it and replace damaged parts. NHTSA
20V528000 2020–2021
The headlights can show a blue light, so the cars do not meet the federal lighting standard. Dealers inspect them and replace them if needed. NHTSA
20V678000 2020–2021
The weld between the front axle support and the right front control arm bracket may separate. Dealers replace the front axle support. NHTSA

19V684000 2019–2020
The reversing camera's settings can be changed so its picture is no longer visible, and the car keeps that setting. Dealers update the camera software. NHTSA
20V434000 2019–2020
The bearing plate of the steering column shaft may not have been fastened properly and can loosen. Dealers inspect it and fasten or replace it. NHTSA
21V062000 2019–2021
The rotor and shaft in the integrated brake system may not have been welded properly and can separate under hard braking, losing ABS and brake assist. Dealers replace the brake system. NHTSA
21V096000 2019–2021
Part of the reversing camera's picture may be blocked, or the screen may stay dark, when reverse is selected. Dealers update the camera software. NHTSA
22V267000 2019–2022
The roof control unit may let the sunroof close without the key in the car, against the federal power window standard. Dealers reprogram it. NHTSA
24V576000 2019–2020
If the starter motor fails, repeated tries to start the car can overheat it. Dealers update the software. NHTSA
25V644000 2019–2020
After repeated tries, the starter motor can overheat from an electrical overload. Dealers replace the starter, including on cars fixed under 24V576000. NHTSA

After 2019, up to and including 2020.

2020The V8 M50i and the rear-drive sDrive40i join the range, and the xDrive50i has its last year. Edmunds, a published reference

Nothing that 2020 lacks.

Engines: 4.4L turbo V8, 523 hp (2020–2023) Edmunds, a published reference
Drivetrains: sDrive rear-wheel drive (2020–2026) Edmunds, a published reference

Engines: 3.0L turbo inline-six (2019–2020) Edmunds, a published reference, 4.4L turbo V8 (2019–2020) Edmunds, a published reference
Transmissions: Eight-speed automatic Edmunds, a published reference
Drivetrains: xDrive all-wheel drive Edmunds
Trims: Sports Activity Vehicle A published reference
Packages: xLine Design Edmunds, M Sport Package Edmunds, Convenience Package Edmunds, Premium Package Edmunds, Executive Package Edmunds, Dynamic Handling Package Edmunds, Off-Road Package Edmunds, Driving Assistance Professional Package Edmunds, Parking Assistance Package Edmunds, Luxury Seating Package Edmunds, M Sport Professional Package Edmunds, Two-axle air suspension Edmunds, Third-row seat with rear air suspension (2019–2023) Edmunds

Reputation: what owners and the press report

Nothing that 2020 lacks.

Nothing that 2019 lacks.

Sought after: An xDrive40i All years

Edmunds says to go with the xDrive40i, and Euro Premium Parts calls it the best balance of performance, reliability and running costs, with 2021 and later cars the sweet spot. Edmunds, a seller's guide (unofficial)
Watch for: An early 2019 car or an xDrive50i 2019–2020 Less sought after One source so far

Euro Premium Parts says early 2019 cars carry more software bugs and first-year problems, and that the 2019 to 2020 xDrive50i's V8 has a history of oil use. A seller's guide (unofficial)