F15 BMW X5 2014–2018 F15

Overview

Engines

3.0L turbo inline-six, 3.0L turbo diesel inline-six, 4.4L turbo V8, 2.0L turbo four plug-in hybrid

On record

6 warnings, 15 recalls

Sold as sDrive35i, xDrive35i, xDrive35d, xDrive50i, xDrive40e (2016–2018)

The story

The F15 was shown on 30 May 2013 and kept the E70's chassis and wheelbase. BMW says high-strength steel, thermoplastic side panels, an aluminum hood and a magnesium dash frame made it lighter than the car it replaced. A published reference

It reached US showrooms in 2013 as the sDrive35i, xDrive35i and xDrive50i, the sDrive35i being the first rear-drive X5. The xDrive35d followed, and for 2016 the xDrive40e, the first plug-in hybrid from the core BMW brand. Edmunds, a published reference

For 2017 every F15 got a newer iDrive with a touchscreen, and a Wi-Fi hotspot and wireless charging pad arrived. Edmunds, CarGurus, a published reference

Colors

• Carbon Black Metallic2016
• Black Sapphire Metallic2016
• Space Gray Metallic2016
• Alpine White2016
• Sparkling Brown Metallic2016

Interiors

• Ivory WhiteNappa premium leather, 2016
• MochaDakota leather, 2016
• Ivory White and BlackDakota leather, 2016
• BlackDakota leather, 2016
• BlackLeatherette, 2016

Sources: Edmunds

Specs

Badges

• sDrive35i: 3.0L turbo inline-six, sDrive rear-wheel drive Edmunds, a published reference
• xDrive35i: 3.0L turbo inline-six, xDrive all-wheel drive Edmunds, a published reference
• xDrive35d: 3.0L turbo diesel inline-six, xDrive all-wheel drive Edmunds, a published reference
• xDrive50i: 4.4L turbo V8, xDrive all-wheel drive Edmunds, a published reference
• xDrive40e (2016–2018): 2.0L turbo four plug-in hybrid, xDrive all-wheel drive Edmunds, a published reference

Engines

• 3.0L turbo inline-six N55 engine page Edmunds, a published reference

  300 hp and 300 lb-ft

• 3.0L turbo diesel inline-six N57 Edmunds, a published reference

  255 hp and 413 lb-ft

• 4.4L turbo V8 N63 Edmunds, a published reference

  445 hp and 480 lb-ft

• 2.0L turbo four plug-in hybrid N20 engine page Edmunds, a published reference

  308 hp and 332 lb-ft together with the motor · 2016–2018

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

Figures

• Built: At BMW's plant in Greer, South Carolina A published reference
• First: The xDrive40e was the first plug-in hybrid from the core BMW brand A published reference
• Electric range: 14 miles on the EPA's test for the xDrive40e CarGurus, Edmunds, a published reference
• Award: One of Edmunds' Best Used Luxury SUVs for 2016 Edmunds

Years and what changed

1. 2014

   The third X5 arrives as the sDrive35i, xDrive35i, xDrive35d and xDrive50i. Edmunds, a published reference

2. 2015

   No change recorded

3. 2016

   The xDrive40e plug-in hybrid joins the range, and a Lighting Package is offered. Edmunds

4. 2017

   A Wi-Fi hotspot, a wireless charging pad and a touchscreen iDrive arrive, and the active steering option is dropped. Edmunds, a published reference

5. 2018

   No change recorded

Watch out

Faults owners and the press report, and how to spot each one.

• Valve cover and charge pipe failures on the N55 All years

  One source so far

  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

  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

  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

  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

  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

  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

Newest first. Ask the seller for proof the work was done, or check the VIN with NHTSA.

• 2016–2018 Recall 24V608000

  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

• 2014 Recall 24V527000

  The driver's airbag inflator may explode when it deploys, because of a manufacturing defect. Dealers replace the driver's airbag. NHTSA

• 2014 Recall 23V797000

  The driver's airbag inflator may explode when it deploys, because of a manufacturing defect. Dealers replace the driver's airbag. NHTSA

• 2014–2017 Recall 21V907000

  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

• 2014–2018 Recall 21V586000

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

Owning

What owners and buyers say

• 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)

Maintenance

• Engine oil and filter All years

  Replace every 7,500 miles, per a parts seller. Euro Premium Parts says every 7,500 miles at most, whatever the service indicator says A seller's guide (unofficial)

  Ask the seller: Ask for oil change records.

• Spark plugs All years

  Replace every 40,000 miles, per a parts seller. Euro Premium Parts says every 40,000 to 50,000 miles on the N55 and V8, sooner than BMW's 60,000 A seller's guide (unofficial)

• Transfer case and differential fluid All years

  Replace every 60,000 miles, per a parts seller. Euro Premium Parts says BMW lists them as lifetime fill A seller's guide (unofficial)

• Brake fluid All years

  Replace every 2 years, per a parts seller A seller's guide (unofficial)

Warranty when new