independent BMW specialist shop, and dealership employee here, most of my labor is spent on these platforms. 1. The grills fit all models the same, regardless of M, M Sport, or base. no difference in the shape of the grills even with different bumpers. (e.g. you can put double slats on a base model sdrive35i if you so choose) 2. They vary massively in interior and no, they don't all come loaded. We see plenty that are as bare-bones as they come. 4 different leather material options, vinyl, dakota leather, nappa leather, and merino leather, not to mention "BMW Individual" options. You also have several seat shape options, extended leather options, third row option, interior trims, three sound systems, tons of driver assistance options, technology package, executive trims, various gauge clusters, etc. Meaning an un-optioned vinyl interior base sdrive35i with feel far from the luxury of a merino optioned M sport xdrive50i with the executive package and extended leather. One feels like a Toyota Rav4 inside, hard plasticky surfaces everywhere, the other like a Bently, completely wrapped in the most supple Merino leather and alcantara, with night vision cameras, Bang and Olufsen sound, ventilated seats, digital dash-board, adaptive cruise, etc. Keep this in mind if you think there is no big difference in options, there is. There is a reason there can be a 20 grand difference in original MSRPs between the same model 3. 2017 and 2018 get newer versions of idrive that support apple carplay, and touch screen. 2016 and earlier are incompatible, and cannot be easily upgraded. 4. The 35i is the easiest to own. You will do your oil filter housing gasket, and valve cover gasket eventually. Might need to replace a brittle connection or the PCV/valve cover if you aren't lucky, or you are 100,000+ miles. Coils, plugs, filters here and there. That's really the most of it, we don't have many issues with the 35i, save for customers who neglect oil services. 5. The N20 in the 40e has superseded parts, and does not suffer from the timing or oil pump issues mentioned in the video. That hasn't been an issue since 2015, and does not apply to the updated N20 in the 40e, again misinformation. Service bulletins, and part numbers to back this up. Anecdotally, we have't had to tear into a single N20 in a 40e. not once. We've found them to be great cars, and our customers who own them all rave. 40e is a great value, period. The quoted MPG is irrelevant, the point of the vehicle is to have comparable MPG and accel to the 35i under gasoline power, yet when charged nightly and driven locally, you'll find you are on electric power most of the time, unless you drive far daily. It's meant to supplement the gas engine, it's not an EV or a true hybrid as you'd expect. 60+ MPG in my own personal experience, and our customers. MPG drops if you don't charge it. If you aren't going to charge the car, or you drive more than 20 miles on your commute, get a 35i. 6. the N63TU in the 50i is the hardest to own, yet those owners seem to enjoy the car the most. MPG is very poor, cost of maintenance is higher in general, more cylinders, more fluid capacities, tighter engine bay, etc. Most commonly: broken, brittle PCV hoses and turbo inlet pipes, two-piece oil pan leaks. Also, It really is just a damn hot engine. Fans run hard constantly, even after shutfown. Give the engine bay time to cool, the engine bay feels like a kiln in comparison to the other engines. It's a great engine otherwise, much better than the last N63. Watch out for the transfer-case, here and there we see ATC45L transfer-case failures due to wet clutches being burned up from the torque of the engine. we rebuild them in-house, others will insist on replacement. The X5M is a similar story, slightly different top-end of the engine, and exhaust/intake routing + many revised parts. I'd have no problem owning a 50i or an M below 100,000 miles. 7. If you get a car with rear air suspension, you may need to replace the rear air springs later in the car's life. Cheap job, worth the ride quality. rear air suspension is standard on the 40e, and all 3rd row seat models. Optional in two other packages, most commonly on 50is. 8. These cars are just a bit noisy in general. The tires are loud, there will be some creaks and rattles. It is what it is, they feel slightly truck-like at times. 9. There is no real difference between model years, aside from idrive version, and a few small items and options here and there. a 2014 will drive just as well as a 2018 and be no more or less reliable. Just older vs newer (with exception of the 50i, which seems to have some quiet improvements made to the aforementioned brittle engine plastics for build years after 2015, somewhat negligible) probably forgetting something, but the F15 is a great model. Easy BMW to own if that's what you are looking for
Thank you for this! I can’t decide between 50i and 35i. I already own f25 with n55 that has 120k worry free miles. I wanted to jump to the 50i since it’s the m sport variant, both of them has less than 40k miles. And i do the maintenance on my cars.I have 4 more days to decide :)
hello, I'm having a rattling noise when accelerating and when the engine is around 1-2RPM. it is noticeable when going uphill and only can hear it when windows are down. what do you think might be the problem. I have a video about it. hope you can help me locate the problem.
How about the diesel? I'm looking to buy one with between 40k and 80k miles, but I plan to do a ton of driving, like 20k miles a year. Should I be worried about the fuel pump issues or anything else?
Didn't do the M-Sport package due to the color we wanted not being available with the package and too many M badges and not being an X5M. Went with the Sport package instead with the Pure Excellence appearance package.
Owned F15 for 3 years and I had problems with weak AC, which is the worst in my experience. As I have no problem with G05 2021, I think issue was in the weak air flow of 4-zone option. If you are living in Texas, I don't recommend it (at least with 4-zone option). Otherwise, all good.
Great video, thanks! I wonder how prominent failures are for the rear air suspension on the third row F15 cars? Could it be a deal breaker as these cars age?
Shouldn't be a deal breaker but worth a thought. My first X5 was a 2001 and one rear air bag failed around 100K miles. Cost about 700 USD to replace both, ran the car to 180K miles before selling without further airbag problems. Bought a 2016 model year and had air bag fail at 75K miles this year. Replaced both again for similar price. Again with an after-market product which has a life time warranty - better than the stock item from everything I hear. In both cases failure was not castastrophic - just noticed the car had sagged overnight in the garage. After starting the engine the pressure came back up right away and it was drivable but had it fixed without delay because otherwise the air pump might wear out and result in a much higher repair cost. Not a problem particular to BMW air suspension BTW. Basically a wear-out part if you have air suspension.
I own 2016 x5 35d how reliable my car is for the long run? I have 123,000km ,ther is anything that i will need to be worry about ? Regarding maintenance?
Great video. This is my favorite generation X5 and I love my 2015 F15 35i MSport. It’s been super reliable and a fun family car with an aggressive look.
@@chuechang9527 i have a 2017 X5 35i bought with 40k miles . I replaced the air suspension that failed at 65k miles (it should be replaced at every 60k miles). Also the waterpump and thermostat. No other major repairs. Don't ignore your 5-6k miles oil changes, replace your accessory belt at 90k miles and your spark plugs every 50k miles and ignition coils every 100k miles. Replace and flush cooling system every 3 years, flush brake fluids every 2 years. Replace transfer case and difference fluids every 50 miles and replace transmission fluid, pan and filter every 50k miles
I read how uncomfortable this can be in driving and with passengers. In comparison to 5 Saloon, I read it can’t be compared and the 5 saloon is much more comfortable and more enjoyable to the driver. So is the X5 for an ego massage? Once in, you just compromise and suffer quietly? Looking for honest opinion from decent human being😅
@@deanroy9420where did you read this and how could it be worse than a 5 series? I drove the f10 and it was terrible, small passenger space and horrendous handling. My e60 was far superior.
I love this content. I feel the f15 xdrive35i is soo underrated. Finally just picked myself up one and might start posting content because of a lack thereof.
Great video! F15 is my favorite generation! I have the 2015 F15 M Sport and fun to drive. No major repairs, just minor repairs of some plastic items inside. No major problems! Awesome vehicle! However, Some say that the 2016 F15 is the best year, any thoughts? Update: I now have 101,000 miles on my X5 and going strong.
I've had a few plastic trim pieces fail on my 2017 X5. We'll call it an F15 issue across the board. I had small plastic trim accents fall off on the drivers door window switch and the center vent slide.
Am I right with what I’m reading that you buy this car for the look and great feeling of owning an X5 but compromise heavily with how uncomfortable and non involved it is for Driver and Passengers? Hope to get non-emotional, factual answers. Cheers
I have a 2016 F15 XDrive35i with 157XXX miles and I have had no major issues so far! Basic maintenance and if I’m 100% honest I drive it very hard. Always on sport mode and with a heavy foot. I’m so freaking impressed with it!!
Certainly sounds like a buyers review to me. Information is on point and relevant if you're looking to buy a vehicle in this size range. I am, so absolutely relevant buyer information
This video is strange. It starts by pointing out that there was a $40,000 difference in price between various models, then goes on to say that they're all basically the same. That doesn't make sense. It's also not true. There are huge differences between options on cheaper and more expensive models, including interior, exterior, and mechanical items. Would have been nice to see some time spent on these items. Without a discussion on the options, this video is useless as a "buyer's guide." That said, this video seems to be made from a dealer's perspective. Dealers don't really care what options an F15/F85 has on it - they'll price all used models basically the same, where price is primarily based upon miles and condition, not on options. A true buyer's guide would not only discuss what makes various models different, but give the buyer the tip of running the VIN to figure out exactly what the vehicle has on it, which is how most people would substantiate the value proposition of any particular car.
Great video and im looking to purchase one. The only issue its hard to find obe in my current range with under 100k miles. I figure i am looking for atleast under 70k but then the interior options tend to be bland. Any suggestions on 70k and above purchase 🤔?
Great Video. Had a 2015 3.5 with M-sport package. Great looking, and mostly fun to drive. Horrible highway manners. Very twitchy with vague electric power steering, which is why I got rid of it. As stated - ride greatly improved by replacing run flats with regular tires. Pre-covid, these things depreciated like a rock.
My 18’ 35d f15 lease term almost at the end, should I keep it for long term? So far it has been driven 60k kms. I love diesel for the fuel economy but I don’t know if this diesel is reliable for long term. Any suggestions?
I bought a 2015 X5 35D last September, love it. But fuel mileage isn't anywhere near 37mpg. My first trip was from the DC area to Cape Cod, got about 31 mpg with average speed 70+ mph. Around town it's in the 29mpg range. Excellent mileage for such a large vehicle, and the engine is plenty powerful. I paid right at $20K for it with 131K miles, what a deal IMO. Thanks for this video, as a new owner I've been digging into the model to learn more about them. But as a buyer's guide where is the discussion about what to look for in a used model? You did well telling us about the hybrid problems, are there really no other issues to be concerned about? Should I get rid of the extended warranty I paid for? I do all of my own work unless it's a new engine or new transmission, but wanted some insurance just in case. If I'll never use it well...
@@natehaskins1067 how's he doing it wrong? Not trying to say anyone is right or wrong, I'm actually just curious as I am looking into this vehicle and it'd be used oftenly for road trips.
Folks reading and watching this: what issues and longevity can be expected from a BMW 4.4L TT motor with proper maintenance? The idea of putting 2 heat syncs right between the engine and the hood feels absurd to me (as an auto worker and engine builder.)
I'm considering buying a 2016 F85. The current owner has taken good care of the car's appearance, and when I test-drove it, everything felt smooth, with the power delivery working as expected. However, the vehicle has close to 100,000 miles on it. Should I be concerned about the mileage, or is it still a good buy? The asking price is in the low $30,000 range.
I cut my Bridgestone's for Continental Radials and it drastically improved the ride. I also bought the Mobility Kit in case of a flat! Two issues I want to address is the plastic Charge Pipe and Return Pipe for the turbo to the intercooler. The head Service lead at Rick Hendrick stated that you must be sure to buy exact OEM specifications from Kies(sp) Sports or any other supplier. He also said that replacing the Oil Gasket in the what every that is, don't have my notes currently, is very costly and can cause numerous problems if that gasket fails, drains on your belts and hoses, and then you in for a stalled vehicle and several thousands $$$to fix!!!. A simple low cost gasket, in a difficult area by having to take several main parts to access and then replacing it all. BMW should design an engine with the probability that a gasket, I heard under $20, will fail, as many do as the vehicle gets older, with the ability for quick access, time sensitive repair-as time cost as much or more than most parts! So to replace a $20 rubber gasket it will cost over $1000 to complete. That is planned obsolescence at its best!!! And finally, the depreciation of my vehicle , which is a "17, is laughable. Bought a Certified X5 for $39,166/21,174 miles, that sold three years earlier for $72,599+++ and today with current market value of $25,000!! It's six years old, Mint and that kind of market loss will lead me to another vehicle next time. The Ultimate Driving Machine is not teh Ultimate Value Machine!!!!
Nice video, good buyer’s guide. I have an Msport xdrive35i. I love the N55, it’s definitely a solid choice and has tons of aftermarket potential. As far as SUVs go, the F15 is really an enjoyable car to drive. I must say that the N55 has a couple of well-known issues that are easily addressed but won’t leave you stranded on the side of the road. My X5 groups are constantly filled with N63 nightmare stories and I think it’s something you could address in a future video.
We are big advocates of the N55 here at HQ, and agree the F15 hasnt quite hit its stride yet, but think very soon it will become full appreciated and get the support it deserves!
I want one of these sooooo bad! Coming from a Kia Stinger with a full warranty and absolutely no problems I’m scared to get a X5 50i used. Just don’t need a headache of maintenance, I’m very confused!
Very informative video. I have a 2016 X5 35i; love it. Got a fair deal on it as well. Just always wondered where it stood among all the configurations.
My F15 has knocking when accelerate I have changed the diesel filter and the EGR system, but knocking still happen. Some people told me is the problem of 4 wheel transfer box or axle problem .
I have the 2010 x5 xdrive30i, have over 179k miles on it love it, easy to work on as well, looking for a newer model X5 so most definitely glad y’all did this video about the newer years
Got my X5 F15 a year ago , made almost 35000 km, before had a X3 f25 and its a huge difference. Everybody that was in the car said its awsome and i find it almost perfect :)
I just bought a 2018 BMW X5 50i xdrive. what is the difference between the X5 50i N63TU at 444hp and the X5M S63R at 567hp. I'm looking at increasing the HP on my N63TU to closer HP numbers of the S63R. What can I do or what should I do. Thank you
31 MPG is no joke for that big an SUV, glad the n57 has treated you well thus far Dale! When the time comes that it doesnt you know we've got your back!
Have you had any DPF or SCR related issues? Those were common on the predecessor. Just curious as to your own experience as I haven't heard much on the N57 engine.
Good stuff FCP. Came across this vid because I'm in the market to get an F85 X5M. 2015 to be exact. I saw one on a local lot when I was buying my wife's car and got the bimmer bug again, as much as I try I can't resist a well thought out well put together bimmer. I use to use to buy part from you guys when I had an E39 m sport wagon.
I don't know Gareth but I freaking love this guy! I just stumbled upon FCP Euro videos even though I've been a customer of theirs for some time now. But when I saw the title for this vehicle review, I had to check it out. Personally speaking, I love this video and as a 15 BMW X5 xDrive50i owner, everything covered in this video is spot on!
We have the 8HP transmission service covered here: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-kXKhZievmSI.html. The only difference would be a design change for the pan/filter but other than that the service is the same. The QMV torque vectoring differential would be a good one to talk about as it applies to more than just the F85 X5M. We also recently put together a service kit specifically for that differential.
great video garth !! i have an 2018 x5 with the n55 engine and the m package wheels. i have been smelling since around 20k miles like a coolant overheat smell and also like burnt oil smell. dealers says nothing is wrong, i have 32k miles , also which non run flat tires would you say have the best riding i put recently the michelin pilots and are as hard as the run flats,,what do you think? thanks
A bro love love how u broke this down soooo simple and even tho u did this brother I still had a long trickle of pee run down my pants because am soooooo scared to death about buying a BMW with all the sensitive parts that are so expensive and the maintenance cost would dent ya bank accounts but love the video bro I wanna get an X5M or the X50i I love V8's had a 2016 Escalade that I cammed and changed exhaust and was running 510hp but really 460-480hp and someone T-bone me off the road and that is gone so looking for another SUV with power and th X5 really sold me so appreciate ya video keep it up
Never ever did I have engine problems after having the car for 1.5 years. Only the air suspension kinda said bye bye on right side rear, but it was a cheap fix
I purchased a 2018 X5 d with 3rd row seat. I also purchased an BMW extended warrant up to 100k. X5 has 93k. Keep or buy an extended warranty. The vehicle has been trouble free thus far.
Wow, I can feel the hate for the 40e in this video. Sounds like he's never actually driven/owned one. Avg 5.2 L/100km and a solid no issue car at 77xxxkm. Lot of hate but no complaints when I get 1200km out of 3/4 a tank of gas.
hi guys!! Love your channel and learned so much. I recently purchased a 2018 X5 and it has Air Suspension on the rear however the car drives very rough and I can feel literally every bump moving left to right like I am in a bouncy castle. When asked BMW they said this is normal.....coming from an X3 and a series 5 I never felt this kind of bouncy that makes you want to vomit. Is this normal? I understand some bouncyness might be normal but this you cannot even drink your coffee on a leveled highway without making a mess. Any advice? To mention BMW says basically that X5 sucks and this is how it is because if I want to ride the "magic carpet" I should of stayed with series 5 or bought an x7....which I find ridiculous.
I’m so happy with my sdrive 35i RWD 2016 M Package look awesomely aggressive like the M 8 cylinder That’s N55 engine 6 cylinder is awesomely great reliable like toyota 😂
Looking for help I own a 2018 drive 35i and now with 40k on it when the engine warms to 200 I get what sounds like a valve knock from under the car upon low speed acceleration especially between 2nd and 3rd gear. It sounds like valve tick you get when you run non-premium gas in a car that requires premium only louder. My local dealer could not fi d or fix the issue. Looking to see if anyone else has had this problem or knows how to fix. Comments welcome. Thanks
what’s the ATF maintenance intervals? Is it a lifetime fluid? Great video,very informative! Keep delivering F15 content, I have an F15 x35d that has 105k miles and driving great with minimal issues minus the sagging air suspension, but an easy diy fix
I can only share my experience ( F15 4.0e Hybrid). I did the transfer case fluid service at 60K ( very dirty) and front/rear diff also at 60K (fluid wasn't too bad). I did the simple ATF3+ drain and fill with a new BMW cover ( that included filter). Fluid was still greenish, but I also happen to be a former professional racer so I the way I drive may be very different than the average person's driving pattern. I personally drove this car moderately, typically get my foot of the gas and let it change gears by itself at low rpm. I would say that the transfer case is more likely to go bad than the transmission if you don't do the fluid service. Moving forward, will be doing the transmission at 50K intervals. One word of advise, don't do it too late ( high millage) and don't let anyone telling you ZF oil is the same or better. Just used BMW ATF3+ if you will do simple drain and refill. You don't want the oil mixing up. You can cheapen out somewhere else, but not on the transmission.
We have a bunch of content on the 8HP transmission. We follow ZF's service recommendation of 80K Km or 8 years (whichever comes first) BMW as a car manufacturer claims a lifetime fill however it's important to know that the term "lifetime" = 100K miles. Drain and fill service DIY here: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-kXKhZievmSI.html 8HP diagnostic and overview here: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-GIAxM4RMmfc.html
To service your ZF 8HP you can go for many different fluids; Pentosin ATF8, Redline D6 ATF, Liqui Moly Top Tec 1800 ATF and ZF Lifeguard8. They are all very good, different price points and all meet OE specs.
Hi Thank you so much for your videos they are really helpful, I just got a stupid question, I own F15 2017 with the M Package that has lane departure and pre collision but doesn't have Adaptive Cruise control, is possible to install that if I buy the radar ? thank you again
Great video and great information. Thank you for putting it out there. I bought a low millage 2017 X5 50i and love it. I have one question. Are the duel headlights just for show? My outside headlights seam to be the only ones that come on in any configuration of driving lights, high beam and fog (separate light)
Great video I’m looking at getting an X5 and you have a lot of great information in what to look for. I was thinking of the hybrid but am leaning towards a diesel now.
What's your honest experience with 35i? I am aspiring new owner who lives in Tanzania. I want to use it mostly for long distance travelling. Our landscape is more of a lot of mountains and narrow roads. Please advice.
@@peterpetram If we are talking about E70, then this is very good SUV in terms of dynamics and comfort, as well as any other aspect of drive. Long distance driving is excellent and comfortable, but "cornering" in mountain roads is a bit shaky, as this is big SUV and not sedan. But, if you will find version with adaptive suspension - this thing will "eat" miles and miles. Especially after MHD and xHP tunes. However it is quite old in terms of technologies for 2023 and with active suspension may be expensive for servicing. This is why I consider shift to F15 regardless of fact the that it has same engine and transmission.
Thank you for the informative review of the F15s. Any video for towing? Type of towing hitch? Etc. I would be interested. I am in the market to install towing hitch but there’s so many options out there.
"BMW is a stationary money pit" ( Scotty Kilmer, 2020).... "When see you a BMW, dont walk....RUN!" (Scotty Kilmer, 2020).... my 2016 v8 X5 just got a brand new engine replacement paid by the extended warranty......whew!!!!!
Scotty is a genius... Head on over to the Toyota/Lexus & Honda/Acura forums. When you're done watching paint dry and the grass grow, come on back -- just be prepared to pay to play, as everything in life seems to require. All joking aside: it would be nifty for BMW to come out with a line of special edition cars for each top entry model that featured aluminum/metal parts instead of the rampant use of plastic to contend with the heat these powerplants generate. Low-grade plastics and rubber are no match the typical heat cycles these engines produce (long term) and everyone knows this fact. At the end of the hour, if you're buying a used car that delivers exceptional performance for a third of the sticker, there is a trade-off and no one should expect a miracle from this barter. Glad to hear that you were able to dodge your engine replacement bullet. I had a friend with a 2014 7-series that went through the same ordeal and ended up splitting the cost of a new engine with BMW and himself.