BMW X5 F15: is it worth taking a used dream?
The premium crossover BMW X5 is a dream for many. Of course, everyone has their own limit of desires, but it was the X5 that has always stood apart in the line of crossovers: it is fast, brutal and, of course, masculine.
And it’s not at all necessary to buy a new dream, is it? Yes, and there is no urgent need for this to be the M version either: the range of engines for the X5 is quite wide. Therefore, let it be the usual X5, but in the M-package. And if this is an X5 with a 2.0-liter engine, can it claim to be a dream?
This is what we will look into. Because on the test we have just such a crossover – the BMW X5 in the back of the F15 in the performance of xDrive25d, which has traveled 155 thousand kilometers since 2015.
The BMW X5 F15 crossover was produced from 2013 to 2018, and already in 2018 its successor, the G05, appeared. And here’s the problem: with the release of a new generation, many fans of the Bavarian brand were dissatisfied with the new product, arguing that the previous generation was more in line with the "real spirit" of the brand. So it was with the 5 Series sedans (oh, those comments about the E34 – E39 – E60!), With the X5 generations – the same story. And if you follow this logic, then it is the F15 body that should be the most successful representative among the X5 generations. At least for now
Too lazy to read? Watch the video test BMW X5 F15 :
Appearance and origin
The test crossover is equipped with the most affordable engine – a 2.0-liter turbodiesel, but in terms of equipment, everything is just the opposite. Firstly, we have an all-wheel drive version with a clutch, and secondly, there is an optional M Performance package, which includes interior styling and external elements, including 19-inch M wheels. But the owner of this car and this size seemed not enough, so the standard wheels were replaced with original Vossen with a diameter of 21 inches. The wheels are also of different widths: 285/35 tires are installed in the front, and 325/30 in the back.
Vossen rims are forged, light and certainly look very impressive. But the name of the Chinese brand Kinforest on the tires in which such wheels are shod looks less impressive – here you expect to see something else. The same applies to additional "aerodynamic" elements on the body, which have the same origin as rubber. However, there is no dispute about tastes.
In the case of the test X5, we are talking about a car with official Ukrainian origin, and not a restored one from the States. So you don’t have to worry about the paintwork – the native silver metallic is well preserved (by the way, the hood here is made of aluminum, the front fenders are made of plastic). The only problem area is the Shadow Line package edging of the side windows, which by this time had already peeled off. But this is a feature not only of the X5, but also of most other BMWs: the Shadow Line edging often does not survive even 60 thousand km.
The optics have been improved. Initially, xenon dipped beam is installed on such X5, the source is the outer section of the head unit. But the owner installed an additional xenon light here with non-original Chinese ignition blocks, while not stinting on Hella lenses (in both sections). As a result, both the inner and outer sections of the headlamp now generate dipped beam – the efficiency of illuminating the roadway has been significantly improved. The owner cannot but rejoice, but the drivers of oncoming vehicles, frankly, think a little differently.
There is an opinion that BMW cars after leaving the salon immediately become cheaper by half. Perhaps it is close to the truth, but this does not apply to all models, and certainly not to the X5. The test crossover is a good confirmation of this. Two years ago, this car with a mileage of 90,000 kilometers was purchased for $53,000, and it cost $85,000 new. Now, the test crossover has been valued at $38,000-42,000. It turns out that the car has halved in price in just five years. Of course, the liquidity of the X5 is not exemplary, but here everything is known in comparison: Mercedes-Benz is no better off.
All BMW X5s are assembled in the USA. Actually, this model was originally conceived for the American market, as, in general, the Mercedes-Benz GLE, and the Audi Q7, and even the Porsche Cayenne. And if we compare all these cars, then in terms of driver settings, it is the Porsche Cayenne, as for me, that is closest to the BMW X5. But this applies specifically to the basic versions of the models, without all sorts of nameplates "AMG", "RS" or "GTS". It is BMW that is one of the most enjoyable crossovers to drive among competitors.
Engine and dynamics
Under the hood of our car, a B47 series engine, version D20B, is installed. In the factory state, this engine produces 231 hp. c. and 500 Nm of torque. The claimed acceleration time to the first 100 km / h is 7.7 s, which is quite enough for everyday use. But in order for your ego not to be tickled at traffic lights (after all, the M-body kit obliges you to keep the bar), this engine is being refined, during which it is chipped, cutting out the particulate filter in parallel and turning off the EGR valve. As a result, after such a “new thing", the test X5 accelerated to the first 100 km / h in 6.98 seconds – a very good result.
Yes, and the crossover stops quite effectively. To brake “to zero” from a speed of 100 km / h, our X5 took only 40.7 m. At the same time, the previous replacement of discs and pads was carried out another 65 thousand km ago! Yes, it may seem to someone that the result shown is unsatisfactory for this SUV, but let me remind you that the stock version is equipped with only a 2.0-liter engine, and there was no question of any “sport” for the factory version. And the “M” nameplates here are just a marketing ploy that has nothing to do with technical specifications.
And before you deal with the power unit in more detail, you need to clarify something. recently the 25d version has been equipped with a different motor. This is the N57D30A, a six-cylinder, 3.0-liter, single-turbo BorgWarner engine that produces 218 hp. with. and 500 Nm. In Europe, 25d means that the crossover has a B47D20B under the hood – a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine equipped with two BorgWarner turbines. Its return is 231 hp. with. and the same 500 Nm of torque.
The engine in our car is installed longitudinally – the drive is rear by default. To connect the front wheels, a Magna Steyr ATC45L clutch is used, which initially transfers 60% of the torque to the rear axle and 40% to the front. But she is able to give all the moment back, especially in cases where the clutch overheats. Which is not uncommon for BMW cars.
The cylinder block in this engine is aluminum, and it is quite sensitive to overheating. Of course, this engine is not as heat loaded as the V8 4.4 unit, but in any case, if it overheats, the likelihood of cracks between the cylinders increases significantly.
The mileage of our copy is 155 thousand km. On a run of 95 thousand km, the crankshaft damper failed. Its replacement cost the owner 400 euros (hereinafter, the prices are indicated at the time of writing the test – InfoCar.ua), and such a cost should be included in the list of consumables, because these dampers go to X5 for 90-100 thousand km.
I also had to tinker with the EGR valve. At first, they tried to solve the problem with it by replacing the faulty node with a new one – 1300 euros. But then I had to cut out the soot one – another 700 euros, the EGR was turned off, and the engine had to be reflashed – at this stage the owner came to chipping.
There was also a problem with the oil pressure sensor. It was replaced for $150, but the problem, unfortunately, did not disappear (what can you do, it’s a BMW). To change the oil, the owner of this X5 goes to the service station every 8–9 thousand km. The cost of maintenance is approximately 4000 hryvnia, this amount includes both filters and the oil itself, which more than five liters need to be poured into this engine.
Specialist of STO "Hunters Garage":
The B47 engine is more powerful than its predecessor, while being more economical and environmentally friendly. And just those technologies that are designed to make its exhaust cleaner are the most problematic in this engine. And despite the fact that the EGR system was renamed AGR here, supposedly indicating certain improvements, the problems did not go anywhere.
On the good side, it can be noted that the motor does not suffer from scuffing. But he has another serious problem – he is prone to overheating, which is fraught with serious consequences. The main causes of overheating are clogged radiator cells and malfunctioning thermostats.
Stretching of the timing chain was also noted. It is recommended to replace the timing chain for a run of 100–120 thousand, because there have been cases when the oil pump chain was stretched and the engine received oil starvation, which led to a subsequent overhaul. But to replace the chains, the engine has to be dismantled. Since the 2010s, many European top manufacturers have begun to hide the timing chain behind the engine, which significantly increases the cost of servicing units (this also affected the F15). For example, here the cost of replacing the chain is approximately $420.
But turbines manufactured by BorgWarner (KP35 and K16) have a good resource – more than 200 thousand km with timely replacement of high-quality oil. Also, BMW did not have frequent breakdowns of oil pumps, like Mercedes, or problems with water pumps, like cars from the VAG group. This engine is well balanced, because it is equipped with two balancing shafts, which had a positive effect on the resource of rubber-hydraulic bearings.
As a result, we can say that if the car is serviced on time and correctly, then 250-300 thousand km for this motor is far from the limit. And if we summarize in general according to the X5 F15 model, then diesel units can be considered the best choice for it, which, unlike gasoline ones, do not suffer from scuffing.
The fluid mechanics produced by the ZF 8HP series are reliable. You just need to remember to change the oil in it every 40-60 thousand km, not paying attention to the manufacturer’s assurance of "oil in the box for the entire service life."
But changing the oil in a box is not a cheap process, since it takes 8.5 liters to completely replace it, and the cost of an original liter is 1350 UAH. That is, when replacing, you will have to pay at least $ 400, but if you use non-original oil (and from the ZF brand, for example), you can save almost twice.
And this applies to most spare parts for this X5: a high-quality aftermarket is half the price of the original. For comparison, the original air spring for the rear suspension will cost UAH 13,000, while an analogue from Bilstein costs UAH 5,000. The original semi-axle costs 34 thousand, an analogue from GKN is available for 17 thousand rubles.
But not all nodes are so easy to find non-original alternatives. This applies, for example, to engine injectors. The cost of one for the B47D20B engine is 20 thousand. But here, for comparison, it is worth pointing out that injectors in similar Mercedes-Benz engines are a little more expensive, but in VAG car engines they are still cheaper.
Interior
Perhaps everything is told about the interior of the BMW X5 of the F15 generation. I’ll just add on my own that I’ve never been a fan of BMW, but during the test, the interior of this X5 seemed to me comfortable, cozy and practical. There are no elements here that seem strange or illogical. Except perhaps the turn switch, which is devoid of a fixed mode, and even a slight turn of the steering wheel is enough to turn it off.
Everyone has their own preferences: someone is a fan of Mercedes-Benz interiors, someone likes Audi interiors. But one thing is for sure: there is a clear sense of generational continuity in this BMW. You understand right away that you are in the car of a Bavarian brand. Landing and ergonomics here is such that you can not confuse with anything.
Relatively low window sill line and large glass area give you visibility unsurpassed by the standards of the class. As a result, driving this crossover is easier and more understandable than you might expect.
With regard specifically to our car, some elements of its interior have been finalized. The salon passed noise and vibration isolation – “crickets” began to appear in it. The upholstery of the front seats is cracked on the sides, but its general condition is good. And this is important, since the simplest Dakota leather is used here. But the chairs themselves are top-end in terms of the number of settings, with a kink back. The profile of the chairs themselves is, of course, good.
The current owner installed an additional heated steering wheel here for $250, and a wireless Apple Carplay cost $400. And this X5 also had a fully digital instrument panel installed – also for $ 400.
Despite the mileage of 155 thousand km, in general, the interior is in good condition – it is noticeable that it is being monitored and looked after. Even the lacquered plastic around the climate control buttons is scratch-free, and the story is the same with wood (except perhaps for the place on the central tunnel, which is constantly in contact with the phone). The interiors of many new cars are inferior to this, a five-year-old one – you definitely can’t find fault with the quality of materials and finishes in this crossover.
The back row provides passengers with enough free space, among the “buns” of the configuration there are two climate zones and heated sofas. Only now the seat back is located quite vertically, and, unfortunately, there is no way to adjust its angle (the same story is in the new G05 body). Which, as for me, is another argument in favor of the fact that the X5 F15 is still focused on the driver. Despite the nominal "family" of this SUV.
Drive
Even on huge rims and low-profile tires, as is the case with our car, the suspension feels soft and comfortable. Lightweight forged wheels have minimized the influence of unsprung masses, which, accordingly, had a good effect on comfort. Yes, and you don’t need to worry about the clearance, because even after the “refinement” of the body kit, its figure is 18 cm – the same as from the factory.
However, because of the same discs with a wide offset, this crossover is very willing to “catch” a track at speed. Yes, and the settings of the steering wheel, in general, I can’t call it any special: it’s an ordinary German-level crossover steering wheel, with a slightly smeared “zero”. And let the BMW X5 stand on the arc perfectly, I still expected more.
But there are questions about the reliability of the chassis. True, it is worth saying that we are talking more about the front suspension, because the rear elements are nursed much longer. Yes, and the suspension resource here directly depends on the owner’s driving style: some even on a run of 100 thousand km can roll their own levers, while others managed to replace them twice during this time.
But if the car is equipped with air suspension, then problems can often begin by the mileage of 40 thousand km. The cost of replacing one air spring will cost $180.
Consumption
As is often the case with BMWs, average fuel consumption can vary considerably, ranging from 9 l/100 km to 14 l/100 km. True, in order to achieve 14, you need to try hard, because the engine is still economical. For the entire time of the test, my consumption was 10.9 l / 100 km (I must say that I was not noticed while driving slowly).
There is plenty of traction in the city: this 2.0-liter engine of the test car can be compared with 3.0-liter counterparts without any exaggeration. Although on the track the difference in volume is still felt.
Specialist of STO "Hunters Garage":
The cost of spare parts and maintenance of the BMW X5 F15 will not be cheap – we are talking about the premium automotive segment. But in comparison with competitors (Mercedes-Benz GLE / ML, Audi Q7, Porsche Cayenne), according to this criterion, the Bavarian is in the middle. Because Mercedes-Benz is more expensive in terms of maintenance, but Porsche and Audi are cheaper, and the reason for this is the opportunity to pick up spare parts from less “status” representatives of the VAG group brands.
It is difficult to single out the most / least reliable brand among those named, for the reason that each of them has “brand sores” that make them expensive to operate.
findings
If you are planning to buy a used BMW X5, then the most important criteria is the quality of the car’s previous owner and its transparent history. Yes, and you should not pay attention to broken specimens from the States – they have gasoline engines. It’s better to look at all possible diesel offers (2.0- or 3.0-liter – not so important).
If the purchased car has not been professionally and timely serviced, it is likely to bring waste to its new owner, which he will not be able to afford. You have to pay for the premium, for the "killed" premium – doubly.
For an X5 in good condition, you will have to pay at least 40 thousand dollars – the amount for which you can afford a new car, albeit a lower class. But the last argument often sounds something like this: “But this is a BMW.”