7 BMW X5 Years You’ll Love and 3 You’ll Want to Avoid

If you're looking to buy a BMW X5 or just want to know more about one of BMW’s most popular SUVs you're in the right place! The X5 is known for combining luxury and performance with the rugged capability to handle various terrains This vehicle has built up quite the reputation since it launched in 1999 and now it's a top contender in the luxury midsize SUV market But like any car the BMW X5 has had its highs and lows some years were amazing while others well left something to be desired So let’s take a look at the best and worst years of the BMW X5

The Best Years of the BMW X5

Owning a BMW X5 is often a statement of style and power Whether you're cruising through city streets or taking it off-road this SUV can handle it all But not every year of the X5’s production is made equal some models have risen to legendary status and are sought after on the used market for their reliability tech and all-around luxury Let’s explore the years that really hit the mark for BMW

2006 BMW X5 (E53)

The 2006 BMW X5 is part of the first-generation X5 which BMW enthusiasts absolutely adore This year is known for its balance of performance and luxury—two things BMW does very well

• Engine Options: You could get the 4.4L V8 which roared like a lion when you stepped on the gas or the more economical 3.0L inline-six if fuel efficiency was more your speed
• Tech Features: While not as tech-packed as later models the 2006 X5 came with everything you’d expect from a luxury SUV at the time including a premium sound system navigation and leather seats
• Drawbacks: The downside? “Ah yes the infamous BMW electrical gremlins” as one owner Alex Collantes says “You’ll be driving and then BAM! Your window won't roll up because the switch has decided to quit working” While the electrical issues could be frustrating they’re nothing that can’t be fixed with some TLC

2013 BMW X5 (E70)

Fast-forward to the 2013 BMW X5 and you get the second-generation X5 in all its glory The E70 platform featured an updated exterior with sleeker lines and a much-improved interior

• Engine Options: The 2013 model offers multiple engines from the 3.0L turbocharged inline-six to the impressive 4.4L twin-turbo V8 that could churn out a whopping 555 horsepower in the X5 M model
• Reliability: This is one of the most reliable X5s ever built It has aged well and remains a favorite for those looking for a used luxury SUV that won't break the bank
• Drawbacks: While reliable the V8 engines in particular were notorious for being thirsty for oil as one owner put it “You’d think it was a muscle car with how often you have to top it off” The 2013 X5 also has a rather stiff ride if you’re not used to BMW’s sportier suspension

2016 BMW X5 (F15)

The 2016 X5 marked a turning point in BMW’s design with a more sculpted exterior and some major interior improvements This was part of the third generation which moved the X5 from a simple SUV to a tech-filled luxury machine

• Tech Upgrades: The 2016 X5 boasted features like an iDrive infotainment system that actually made sense to use (finally!) along with optional features like a heads-up display surround-view cameras and even night vision!
• Luxury Feel: The interior materials were upgraded as well making the X5 feel more like a luxury sedan than an SUV The ride was smoother and more comfortable than previous years too
• Drawbacks: The downside is that all this tech meant there were more things to break Alex Collantes shared that “I love my 2016 X5 but let’s just say if anything electronic goes wrong it’s an expensive visit to the mechanic”

2020 BMW X5 (G05)

The 2020 X5 is part of the current generation and it really shows how far this SUV has come in terms of performance and technology

• Performance: The base engine is a turbocharged 3.0L inline-six but if you're craving power there’s also the 4.4L V8 in the M50i model that will throw you back in your seat with its 523 horsepower
• Safety Features: The 2020 model also brings a ton of safety tech like adaptive cruise control lane departure warning and automatic emergency braking making it one of the safest X5s ever
• Drawbacks: The biggest issue? The price “It’s an amazing car but boy is it expensive” says Alex “You’ll be paying top dollar for this one”

2009 BMW X5 (E70)

Ah the 2009 X5—a hidden gem from the E70 generation It’s not as celebrated as some of the newer models but it's still one of the best especially for those on a budget

• Engine Options: You could choose between the 3.0L inline-six or the more powerful 4.8L V8 Both engines are solid with the V8 offering a fun burst of speed
• Interior Comfort: The 2009 X5 is known for its comfortable ride and spacious interior making it a good family car
• Drawbacks: Like other older BMWs the 2009 X5 has a bit of a reputation for electrical issues One owner quipped “I swear my car’s got more lights on the dash than a Christmas tree”

2017 BMW X5 (F15)

The 2017 X5 is another fantastic choice from the third generation This year saw some improvements in technology and a range of engine choices that cater to different types of drivers

• Hybrid Option: The 2017 X5 introduced a plug-in hybrid version called the xDrive40e which combined fuel efficiency with BMW’s signature performance
• Reliability: This model is considered one of the most reliable recent X5s with fewer complaints about engine or electrical problems compared to earlier years
• Drawbacks: If there’s one downside it's that the hybrid version doesn’t have the same oomph as the gasoline-powered models “It’s like ordering a salad at a steakhouse—it’s good but not what you're here for” Alex remarked

2021 BMW X5 (G05)

One of the newest in the lineup the 2021 BMW X5 delivers luxury and performance on every level

• Performance: You can choose from a range of engines but the M50i’s V8 stands out with 523 horsepower and a 0-60 time of just 4.1 seconds not bad for a family SUV!
• Luxury Features: The cabin is full of high-end materials and the tech is top-notch including a massive 12.3-inch touchscreen and BMW’s Live Cockpit Professional
• Drawbacks: The only real downside is that it can feel a bit over-engineered “It’s got so many features that you spend more time learning how to use the car than actually driving it” Alex joked

The Worst Years of the BMW X5

Of course not every year is a winner Some X5 models have been plagued with reliability issues poor design choices and downright frustrating problems These are the years that most BMW enthusiasts will tell you to avoid

2011 BMW X5 (E70)

The 2011 BMW X5 is part of the second generation and while it offered some great features this year had some significant reliability issues

• Engine Problems: One of the most common complaints is with the engine specifically the turbocharged models which were prone to costly repairs “I once joked that I should get a punch card for the mechanic buy 9 repairs get the 10th free” says Alex
• Electronic Issues: Owners also reported that the electronics were a bit buggy “It’s almost like this car has a mind of its own I’d be driving and suddenly the stereo would decide to switch channels on me”

2001 BMW X5 (E53)

While the 2001 BMW X5 was revolutionary for its time being one of the earliest luxury SUVs it had some serious flaws

• Transmission Problems: Many owners experienced transmission failure which could cost thousands to repair “It’s like a ticking time bomb you just never know when it’ll go out”
• Build Quality: The overall build quality wasn’t as solid as later years with some owners complaining about plastic parts that didn’t age well

2014 BMW X5 (F15)

Though the third generation was a step forward the 2014 X5 specifically had some issues

• Tech Glitches: The 2014 model came loaded with tech but it wasn’t all smooth sailing with many owners experiencing bugs in the iDrive system “It’s like my car had ghosts—stuff would just happen on its own”
• Ride Comfort: The suspension on the 2014 X5 was a bit stiffer than many expected making it less comfortable than some of the competition

Conclusion

The BMW X5 has had an incredible run since it was first introduced with many models proving to be reliable stylish and powerful However not every year is a home run so it pays to know which ones to consider and which to avoid From the first-gen 2006 model to the current 2021 version there are plenty of great options out there if you know what to look for

And if you ever find yourself driving one of the not-so-great years just remember—as Alex Collantes says “Every car has its quirks You either love it despite its flaws or learn to love its flaws too!”

Whether you're in the market for a used BMW X5 or just enjoy learning about luxury SUVs keep these tips in mind to ensure you drive away with a model that makes you smile