A full used buyer’s guide on the BMW X5 covering the X5 Mk3 (2013-2018)
Verdict
Until the original BMW X5 arrived in 1999, SUVs were ponderous. But when BMW’s first 4×4 appeared it changed the rules: driving an SUV no longer meant corners were your enemy.
The even-better X5 Mk2 brought a third row of seats, so expectations were high when the Mk3 made its debut in 2013. Nobody was disappointed. Here was a full-sized SUV that was even better to drive than before, with all of the latest technology and some of the more efficient engines in the segment.
A Mk4 X5 is on sale now, but you’ll still need deep pockets to buy and run a Mk3. However, if you can stretch to it, you’ll love every minute of ownership.
Models covered
- • BMW X5 Mk3 (2013-2018) – Sought-after SUV is a great choice, providing you can handle the bills.
BMW X5 Mk3
History
The X5 Mk3 hit UK roads in November 2013, with buyers offered xDrive50i (444bhp 4.4 V8 petrol), xDrive30d (254bhp 3.0 turbodiesel) and M50d (376bhp 3.0 three-stage turbodiesel) options, the diesels having six cylinders.
There was a choice of SE and M Sport trims, while Pure Experience interior and exterior design packages were available, at £1,895 and £1,760 respectively.
Two months later, 215bhp sDrive25d and xDrive25d models with a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine joined the range, along with an xDrive40d (309bhp 3.0 twin-turbodiesel). The 567bhp twin-turbo 4.4 V8 X5 M reached showrooms in April 2015, six months before the 309bhp hybrid X5 xDrive40e, which combined a 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine with an electric motor.
BMW X5 Mk3 reviews
BMW X5 in-depth review
BMW X5 xDrive30d review
BMW X5 xDrive40e review
BMW X5 xDrive50i review
BMW X5 M50d review
BMW X5 M review
Which one should I buy?
After the 30d, the best sellers in the X5 range are the 40d, 25d and M50d; M Sport is by far the most popular trim. All models come with an eight-speed auto box; there’s no manual option.
None of the engines is a poor choice, because even the entry-level 25d is perky enough; the 30d and 40d make the most sense overall, though, especially if you’re towing.
Base SE spec brings 18-inch alloy wheels, Bluetooth, DAB radio, leather trim, metallic paint, all-round parking sensors, xenon headlights, auto lights and nav. M Sport adds 19-inch wheels, adaptive suspension (not sDrive25d), electrically adjustable sport front seats and sporty design details inside and out.
Alternatives to the BMW X5
The X5’s main rival is the road-biased Audi Q7, which offers most of the BMW’s qualities, including excellent engines, luxurious interiors, high purchase and running costs, plus a third row of seats that’s a bit cramped for adults. All of those traits are shared by the Mercedes GL, too, but if you need a proper seven-seater then only the Land Rover Discovery will do; it can also cope with off-roading and is a brilliant tow car. If only it were a bit more reliable.
More dynamically engaging are the Range Rover Sport and Porsche Cayenne, both of which are luxurious, fast and great to drive, although the Cayenne is restricted to five seats only.
What to look for
Seats
The X5 gets five seats as standard; a third row was available as an optional extra on all models.
Transmission
Entry-level 25d is only car available in rear-wheel-drive sDrive or four-wheel-drive xDrive forms.
Infotainment
2017 model year cars get an improved iDrive 5 set-up, which is much better than before.
Adblue
All diesels must be topped up with Adblue periodically; the filler for the 8.5-litre tank is located under the bonnet.
Interior
The X5’s interior is beautifully built and it’s also an ergonomic masterpiece that offers plenty of head and legroom for those in the first two rows. However, the third row of seats (where fitted) is cramped.
The standard seats are superb (M Sport items are even better) and the spacious boot can stow 650 litres, or 1,870 litres with row two folded.
Prices
You can buy a nearly new BMW X5 for between £26,560 and £84,995 on our sister site BuyaCar.
Running costs
Condition-based servicing means the car flags when a check-up is due. The longest gap between maintenance is two years or 18,000 miles, with prices £270-£656 for a 25d, £234-£634 for a 30d and £188-£641 for a hybrid.
These drop to £140-£497, £159-£519 and £167-£544 once the car is three. All engines are chain-driven, while BMW offers Service Inclusive, which covers the first three years or 36,000 miles of servicing for a one-off fee.
Recalls
The Mk3 X5 has been recalled four times. The first was in May 2014 for faulty child locks on soft-closing rear doors. Then, seven months later, the next campaign was for possible seatbelt mounting failure in a crash.
The third and fourth actions in December 2016 were for possible power steering failure and a poor electrical connection potentially leading to the engine cutting out.
Driver Power owner satisfaction
The X5 hasn’t appeared in our new or used Driver Power satisfaction surveys, but check out the owner reviews on our sister site Carbuyer.co.uk and it’s clear this is an appealing SUV. Drivers love the mix of performance and relative economy, comfort and space, plus build quality. The result is an average score of 4.4 out of five.
For an alternative review of the latest BMW X5 SUV visit our sister site carbuyer.co.uk
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