2016 BMW X5 diesel: common problems and MOT failures
What MOT testers find on the diesel BMW X5 first registered in 2016 (diesel cars only): we looked at the 16,459 MOTs these cars had during 2023–2025. Plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.
Common 2016 BMW X5 diesel MOT failures and advisories
The share of 2016 BMW X5 diesel MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.
- Tyres26% of testsRough price £70–£150
At the viewing: Check the tread on all four tyres, including the inside edges, and look for cracks or bulges.
- Brakes12% of testsRough price £150–£350
At the viewing: Look for a lip on the disc edges and feel for judder or pulling when braking firmly from about 40mph.
- Suspension8% of testsRough price £120–£400
At the viewing: Listen for knocks over speed bumps, and look behind each front wheel for a snapped coil spring.
- Wipers, windscreen and mirrors5% of testsRough price £15–£250
At the viewing: Check for chips in the driver's view, and test the wipers and washers.
- Seats and seatbelts3% of testsRough price £80–£250
At the viewing: Pull each seatbelt sharply. It should lock, and retract cleanly.
- Lights and electrics3% of testsRough price £10–£80
At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.
Known faults on the 2016 BMW X5 diesel
Reported by owners, mechanics and buying guides for this model and age. Check which engine the car has, as some apply to one engine only.
- Diesel
EGR cooler recall (diesel, fire risk)
A large number of diesels were recalled because the EGR cooler could leak and cause a fire.
At the viewing: Ask a BMW dealer to check the VIN for outstanding recalls.
Source: Auto Express: used BMW X5 (Mk3, 2013-2018) problems and recalls
- All engines
Other recalls
Recalls also covered child locks on the soft-close doors, seatbelt mountings, power steering, an engine cut-out fault, idler pulley bolts and the front seat.
At the viewing: Ask a BMW dealer to confirm every recall has been done.
Source: Auto Express: used BMW X5 (Mk3, 2013-2018) problems and recalls
- All engines
Electrical faults
Owners report electrical faults.
At the viewing: Test every electrical item, including the screen, windows, seats and parking sensors.
Source: Auto Express: used BMW X5 (Mk3, 2013-2018) problems and recalls
Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2016 BMW X5 diesel
Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.
- Has the EGR cooler recall been done?
- Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?
Looking at a BMW X5?
Check the actual car: its own MOT history, mileage and what to ask the seller. Free, no sign-up.
Other years
Every year of the BMW X5 compared
| Year | MOT tests | Most flagged |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | – | Too new for MOT data |
| 2025 | – | Too new for MOT data |
| 2024 | – | Too new for MOT data |
| 2023 | 224 | Tyres 12% |
| 2022 | 8,124 | Tyres 25% |
| 2021 | 13,390 | Tyres 25% |
| 2020 | 14,853 | Tyres 23% |
| 2019 | 25,450 | Tyres 23% |
| 2018 | 20,734 | Tyres 26% |
| 2017 | 18,041 | Tyres 26% |
| 2015 | 20,364 | Tyres 27% |
| 2014 | 15,752 | Tyres 26% |
| 2013 | 9,980 | Tyres 29% |
| 2012 | 11,686 | Tyres 31% |
| 2011 | 11,449 | Tyres 30% |
| 2010 | 10,621 | Tyres 30% |
| 2009 | 11,406 | Suspension 33% |
| 2008 | 9,407 | Suspension 36% |
| 2007 | 9,795 | Suspension 38% |
| 2006 | 9,115 | Brakes 45% |
| 2005 | 14,710 | Brakes 43% |
| 2004 | 8,300 | Brakes 42% |
| 2003 | 5,708 | Brakes 45% |
| 2002 | 3,205 | Suspension 42% |
| 2001 | 1,594 | Brakes 42% |
| 2000 | – | Too few tests |
Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test done in Great Britain during 2023–2025, counting the MOTs of BMW X5 cars first registered in 2016. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score