2020 BMW X5 diesel: common problems and MOT failures
What MOT testers find on the diesel BMW X5 first registered in 2020 (diesel cars only): we looked at the 8,747 MOTs these cars had during 2023–2025. Plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.
What goes wrong more than usual on a 2020 BMW X5 diesel?
Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2020 BMW X5 diesel than on all cars registered in 2020.
- Suspension arm bushes and joints2.3× usualBMW X52.5% All 2020 cars1.1%
Failed outright at MOT: 0.6%, against 0.2% of all 2020 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.
Rough price £120–£180 (one arm) ClickMechanicAt the viewing: Listen for clunks over bumps and feel for the steering wandering. Worn arm bushes show as cracked rubber near the wheels.
Brake discs: 2.2% here, against 7.4% of all 2020 cars.
Common 2020 BMW X5 diesel MOT failures and advisories
The share of 2020 BMW X5 diesel MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.
- Tyres22% 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.
- Brakes6% 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.
- Wipers, windscreen and mirrors3% of testsRough price £15–£250
At the viewing: Check for chips in the driver's view, and test the wipers and washers.
- Suspension3% 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.
- Seats and seatbelts2% of testsRough price £80–£250
At the viewing: Pull each seatbelt sharply. It should lock, and retract cleanly.
- Lights and electrics2% 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 2020 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.
- Some cars
Small recalls: airbags, subframe, brakes, 48V cables
Small recalls covered head airbags, a badly welded front subframe, 48-volt starter-generator cables and the brake hydraulic unit. Owners otherwise report few issues.
At the viewing: Ask a BMW dealer to check the VIN for outstanding recalls.
Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2020 BMW X5 diesel
Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.
- Any recent work on the suspension arm bushes and joints? (Flagged at MOT 2.3× as often on the 2020 BMW X5 diesel as on other cars the same age.)
- 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% |
| 2019 | 25,450 | Tyres 23% |
| 2018 | 20,734 | Tyres 26% |
| 2017 | 18,041 | Tyres 26% |
| 2016 | 18,935 | 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 2020. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score