What this guide covers
This guide covers the F15 X5 with the engines named on our repair pages: 35i (N55), xDrive50i (N63) and xDrive35d (N57). The chassis page is BMW F15 repair costs. The costs are owner reports, not failure rates.
Engine items
On the 35d, 2014 to 2017 X5 EGR coolers fall under BMW recall 18V-755, so check by VIN before paying (X5 35d EGR Cooler (Diesel)); the DPF and NOx sensors are the other diesel items (NOx Sensors (X5 35d / Diesel)). On the 50i, the large jobs are the turbo coolant lines, valve stem seals and timing chains (N63 Turbo Coolant Lines, N63 Valve Stem Seals, N63 V8 Timing Chains & Guides). On a 35i the oil filter housing gasket leak applies (Oil Filter Housing Gasket (OFHG)); access is tighter than on a 3 Series.
Air suspension
Models with rear self-leveling air suspension (the third row or 50i) can sag overnight and throw a suspension warning. Replace both bags together and pull the compressor fuse before starting (X5 Rear Air Suspension Bags).
xDrive fluids and drivetrain
The front differential fluid often turns black earlier than the rear on X5s. It is cheapest when done with the transfer case and rear differential in one visit (Front Differential Fluid (xDrive), Transfer Case Fluid (xDrive), Rear Differential Fluid Change). Shudder on tight turns or a drivetrain malfunction can be the actuator (Transfer Case Actuator (xDrive VTG)). The ZF 8HP fluid service needs a scan tool (ZF 8HP Transmission Fluid Service).
Wear and routine items
Owners also priced tie rods (always get an alignment after) (Tie Rods (Inner / Outer), Wheel Alignment), parking sensors (PDC Parking Sensor), the A/C condenser (A/C Condenser Replacement), brake fluid (Brake Fluid Flush / Service) and coolant (Coolant Flush / Coolant Service). For the diesel see BMW X5 35d Diesel Problems and Repair Costs; for the earlier generation see BMW X5 E70 Buying Guide: What It Costs to Fix and for the newer one BMW X5 G05 Buying Guide: What It Costs to Fix.