2018 BMW X5 diesel: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2018 BMW X5 diesel?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2018 BMW X5 diesel than on all cars registered in 2018.

• Ball joint3.4× usual
  BMW X5

  3.4% All 2018 cars

  1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0.8%, against 0.4% of all 2018 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £60–£150 (one joint) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for knocking over bumps and check the rubber boots behind the wheels aren't split.

Common 2018 BMW X5 diesel MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2018 BMW X5 diesel MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Tyres
  26% 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.

• Brakes
  10% 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.

• Suspension
  6% 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 mirrors
  5% of testsRough price £15–£250

  At the viewing: Check for chips in the driver's view, and test the wipers and washers.

• Lights and electrics
  3% of testsRough price £10–£80

  At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.

• Seats and seatbelts
  3% of testsRough price £80–£250

  At the viewing: Pull each seatbelt sharply. It should lock, and retract cleanly.

Known faults on the 2018 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.

• EGR cooler recall (diesel, fire risk)

  Diesel

  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

• Other recalls

  All engines

  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

• Electrical faults

  All engines

  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 2018 BMW X5 diesel

Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.

1. Has the EGR cooler recall been done?
2. Any recent work on the ball joint? (Flagged at MOT 3.4× as often on the 2018 BMW X5 diesel as on other cars the same age.)
3. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?