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BMW X5 reliability

A · Excellent

MOT pass rates and common problems from 732,964 MOT tests of cars first registered 2001–2023.

Jump to: YearsEnginesCommon failures
76.2%pass first time
+9.3 ptsvs typical car
Beats 89%of cars
732,964MOT tests

Verdict

The BMW X5 passes its MOT first time on 76.2% of tests, 9.3 points higher than a typical car of the same age and mileage (66.9%). That puts it ahead of 89% of cars on UK roads once age and mileage are taken into account.

By year of first registration, the 2014 X5 does best (beats 99% of cars) and the 2006 worst (beats 71%).

Of its engines, the 3.0 Diesel does best (beats 92%) and the 3.0 Hybrid worst (beats 42%).

Better than average on lights & electrics, suspension, brakes.

Watch these weak spots

Tyre damage & cracking1.4×as often as a typical car

MOT pass rate by age

First-time pass rate at each MOT by the car’s age in years.

40%50%60%70%80%90%3456789101112131415161718192086%86%85%82%77%68%64%62%61%
BMW X5Typical car, same age & mileage

Best and worst years

By year of first registration, ranked against all cars on UK roads after adjusting for age and mileage. Green = better than half of cars.

2001
Beats 69%
2002
Beats 72%
2003
Beats 71%
2004
Beats 74%
2005
Beats 71%
2006
Beats 71%
2007
Beats 92%
2008
Beats 95%
2009
Beats 95%
2010
Beats 97%
2011
Beats 97%
2012
Beats 96%
2013
Beats 96%
2014
Beats 99%
2015
Beats 98%
2016
Beats 97%
2017
Beats 93%
2018
Beats 79%
2019
Beats 81%
2020
Beats 76%
2021
Beats 48%
2022
Beats 40%
2023
Beats 63%

Engines

All years, most common first. Grades compare each car with cars of the same age and mileage (A = best 20% of cars on UK roads, E = worst 20%), so an older or higher-mileage car can grade above one with a higher pass rate.

EngineYearsTestsPass rateRankGrade
3.0 Diesel2004–2020571,03977.3%Beats 92%A
2.9 Diesel2001–201038,18460.6%Beats 78%B
3.0 Petrol2001–202031,66262.4%Beats 66%B
3.0 Hybrid2019–202221,26984.1%Beats 42%C
3.0 Diesel hybrid2020–202317,08187.1%Beats 62%B
2.0 Diesel2014–201716,12284.6%Beats 96%A
4.4 Petrol2001–202115,84069.5%Beats 74%B
2.0 Hybrid2015–201813,63084.9%Beats 89%A
4.8 Petrol2004–20075,53768.2%Beats 92%A
4.6 Petrol2003–20031,50162.3%Beats 81%A
2.5 Diesel2007–20071,09969.5%Beats 94%A

Where it fails

Each area compared with a typical car of the same age and mileage, in points of pass rate. Tap or hover an area to see what to check.

Exhaust: 1.4% of tests fail on emissions & leaks, against 4.0% for a typical car of the same age and mileage. Listen for a blowing exhaust at start-up and look underneath for oil or fluid leaks.Suspension: 6.9% of tests fail on suspension, against 11.2% for a typical car of the same age and mileage. Listen for knocks over speed bumps and push each corner down: it should settle at once.Lights: 7.9% of tests fail on lights & electrics, against 14.4% for a typical car of the same age and mileage. Walk round the car with every light on, including brake, fog and number plate lights.Tyres: 7.6% of tests fail on tyres, against 7.4% for a typical car of the same age and mileage. Check the tread on every tyre, including the inner edge, and look for cuts or bulges.Brakes: 6.1% of tests fail on brakes, against 8.8% for a typical car of the same age and mileage. Brake firmly on the test drive: the car should stop straight with no pulsing or grinding.Lights: 7.9% of tests fail on lights & electrics, against 14.4% for a typical car of the same age and mileage. Walk round the car with every light on, including brake, fog and number plate lights.Lights+6.5 ptsTyres: 7.6% of tests fail on tyres, against 7.4% for a typical car of the same age and mileage. Check the tread on every tyre, including the inner edge, and look for cuts or bulges.Tyres−0.2 ptsBrakes: 6.1% of tests fail on brakes, against 8.8% for a typical car of the same age and mileage. Brake firmly on the test drive: the car should stop straight with no pulsing or grinding.Brakes+2.7 ptsSuspension: 6.9% of tests fail on suspension, against 11.2% for a typical car of the same age and mileage. Listen for knocks over speed bumps and push each corner down: it should settle at once.Suspension+4.2 ptsExhaust: 1.4% of tests fail on emissions & leaks, against 4.0% for a typical car of the same age and mileage. Listen for a blowing exhaust at start-up and look underneath for oil or fluid leaks.Exhaust+2.6 ptsSuspension: 6.9% of tests fail on suspension, against 11.2% for a typical car of the same age and mileage. Listen for knocks over speed bumps and push each corner down: it should settle at once.Brakes: 6.1% of tests fail on brakes, against 8.8% for a typical car of the same age and mileage. Brake firmly on the test drive: the car should stop straight with no pulsing or grinding.Tyres: 7.6% of tests fail on tyres, against 7.4% for a typical car of the same age and mileage. Check the tread on every tyre, including the inner edge, and look for cuts or bulges.Lights: 7.9% of tests fail on lights & electrics, against 14.4% for a typical car of the same age and mileage. Walk round the car with every light on, including brake, fog and number plate lights.Exhaust: 1.4% of tests fail on emissions & leaks, against 4.0% for a typical car of the same age and mileage. Listen for a blowing exhaust at start-up and look underneath for oil or fluid leaks.Lights: 7.9% of tests fail on lights & electrics, against 14.4% for a typical car of the same age and mileage. Walk round the car with every light on, including brake, fog and number plate lights.Lights+6.5 ptsTyres: 7.6% of tests fail on tyres, against 7.4% for a typical car of the same age and mileage. Check the tread on every tyre, including the inner edge, and look for cuts or bulges.Tyres−0.2 ptsBrakes: 6.1% of tests fail on brakes, against 8.8% for a typical car of the same age and mileage. Brake firmly on the test drive: the car should stop straight with no pulsing or grinding.Brakes+2.7 ptsSuspension: 6.9% of tests fail on suspension, against 11.2% for a typical car of the same age and mileage. Listen for knocks over speed bumps and push each corner down: it should settle at once.Suspension+4.2 ptsExhaust: 1.4% of tests fail on emissions & leaks, against 4.0% for a typical car of the same age and mileage. Listen for a blowing exhaust at start-up and look underneath for oil or fluid leaks.Exhaust+2.6 pts
Better than typicalTypicalWorse than typical
Tyres: 7.6% of tests fail on tyres, against 7.4% for a typical car of the same age and mileage. Check the tread on every tyre, including the inner edge, and look for cuts or bulges.

Every MOT area

Share of tests failing on each area, against a typical car of the same age and mileage (black line).

Lights & electrics
7.9% vs 14.4%
Tyres
7.6% vs 7.4%
Suspension
6.9% vs 11.2%
Brakes
6.1% vs 8.8%
Visibility
3.7% vs 5.5%
Body & structure
3.3% vs 4.5%
Emissions & leaks
1.4% vs 4.0%
Seat belts & airbags
1.2% vs 1.5%
Wheels
0.8% vs 0.5%
Steering
0.7% vs 2.5%

Buying one or MOT due? Check these

  • Tyre damage & cracking 1.4× typical
    Look for cuts, bulges and cracking on both sidewalls of every tyre.
  • Suspension ball joints
    Listen for knocks over speed bumps and feel for wandering or vague steering.
  • Tyre tread depth
    Check every tyre, including the inner edge, has at least 3 mm of tread. Uneven wear can point to alignment or suspension problems.
  • Headlight aim
    Park facing a wall at night: both dipped beams should sit level and dip to the left.
  • Windscreen washers
    Test the washers and wipers: a cheap fix, but a very common MOT fail.
  • Handbrake performance
    Check the handbrake holds the car firmly on a slope.

Pass rate by mileage

First-time pass rate by mileage at the test.

50%60%70%80%90%100%0k10k20k30k40k50k60k70k80k90k100k110k120k130k140k150k95%87%86%83%78%72%67%65%
BMW X5Typical car

Most common MOT failures

ItemThis carTypicalvs typical
Tyre damage & cracking5.5%3.9%1.4×
Suspension ball joints2.5%1.9%1.3×
Drive shaft (CV) joints2.0%1.7%1.2×
Tyre tread depth1.9%3.2%0.6×
Headlight aim1.9%4.1%0.5×
Windscreen washers1.9%2.5%0.8×
Handbrake performance1.8%2.0%0.9×
Sidelights1.8%3.6%0.5×
Brake lights1.5%2.7%0.6×
Windscreen wipers1.4%2.5%0.6×

Specific defects found

Tester wording for the most frequent failure items, per 1,000 tests.

Defectper 1,000
A suspension pin, bush or joint excessively worn39.3
A tyre cords visible or damaged29.6
A tyre seriously damaged26.5
A transmission shaft constant velocity joint boot missing or no longer prevents the ingress of dirt etc21.0
Tyre tread depth not in accordance with the requirements19.5
The aim of a headlamp is not within limits laid down in the requirements19.0
Windscreen washers not working or not providing sufficient fluid to clear the windscreen19.0
Parking brake efficiency below minimum requirement18.7
Check another car

Pick a make and model to see its MOT pass rate, best and worst years and weak spots.

Every year and engine

Tap a year to see its engines. Grades compare each car with cars of the same age and mileage (A = best 20% of cars on UK roads, E = worst 20%), so an older or higher-mileage car can grade above one with a higher pass rate.

2023 BMW X51 engine87.6% passB
EngineTestsPass rateRankGrade
3.0 Diesel hybrid1,19887.6%Beats 63%B
2022 BMW X52 engines85.5% passD
EngineTestsPass rateRankGrade
3.0 Diesel hybrid6,77386.7%Beats 51%C
3.0 Hybrid5,68584.0%Beats 29%D
2021 BMW X53 engines85.1% passC
EngineTestsPass rateRankGrade
3.0 Hybrid9,65483.2%Beats 32%D
3.0 Diesel hybrid6,38887.2%Beats 66%B
4.4 Petrol1,09689.1%Beats 73%B
2020 BMW X54 engines87.4% passB
EngineTestsPass rateRankGrade
3.0 Diesel8,17787.9%Beats 80%A
3.0 Hybrid4,62785.9%Beats 69%B
3.0 Diesel hybrid2,72287.5%Beats 73%B
3.0 Petrol1,99789.0%Beats 76%B
2019 BMW X53 engines87.1% passA
EngineTestsPass rateRankGrade
3.0 Diesel35,75887.2%Beats 83%A
3.0 Petrol4,03087.4%Beats 74%B
3.0 Hybrid1,30383.8%Beats 54%C
2018 BMW X53 engines85.4% passB
EngineTestsPass rateRankGrade
3.0 Diesel37,25985.4%Beats 79%B
2.0 Hybrid2,39183.7%Beats 67%B
4.4 Petrol1,57288.1%Beats 87%A
2017 BMW X54 engines86.5% passA
EngineTestsPass rateRankGrade
3.0 Diesel34,00886.8%Beats 94%A
2.0 Hybrid4,53584.4%Beats 82%A
4.4 Petrol1,93388.4%Beats 94%A
2.0 Diesel1,58084.7%Beats 88%A
2016 BMW X54 engines87.1% passA
EngineTestsPass rateRankGrade
3.0 Diesel40,84187.4%Beats 98%A
2.0 Hybrid5,50985.5%Beats 95%A
2.0 Diesel3,02385.3%Beats 95%A
4.4 Petrol1,33788.1%Beats 96%A
2015 BMW X53 engines85.9% passA
EngineTestsPass rateRankGrade
3.0 Diesel53,95586.0%Beats 98%A
2.0 Diesel5,71684.2%Beats 94%A
2.0 Hybrid1,19586.5%Beats 98%A
2014 BMW X52 engines85.2% passA
EngineTestsPass rateRankGrade
3.0 Diesel41,73885.3%Beats 99%A
2.0 Diesel5,80384.5%Beats 99%A
2013 BMW X51 engine80.1% passA
EngineTestsPass rateRankGrade
3.0 Diesel30,12080.1%Beats 96%A
2012 BMW X51 engine78.1% passA
EngineTestsPass rateRankGrade
3.0 Diesel35,33478.1%Beats 96%A
2011 BMW X51 engine77.7% passA
EngineTestsPass rateRankGrade
3.0 Diesel34,77577.7%Beats 97%A
2010 BMW X52 engines75.8% passA
EngineTestsPass rateRankGrade
3.0 Diesel32,15875.8%Beats 97%A
2.9 Diesel1,07976.4%Beats 98%A
2009 BMW X52 engines72.2% passA
EngineTestsPass rateRankGrade
3.0 Diesel33,96272.2%Beats 95%A
2.9 Diesel1,68971.9%Beats 95%A
2008 BMW X52 engines71.0% passA
EngineTestsPass rateRankGrade
3.0 Diesel28,54071.0%Beats 95%A
2.9 Diesel1,80572.0%Beats 96%A
2007 BMW X54 engines68.6% passA
EngineTestsPass rateRankGrade
3.0 Diesel28,89068.7%Beats 92%A
4.8 Petrol2,56568.3%Beats 90%A
2.9 Diesel1,64067.0%Beats 89%A
2.5 Diesel1,09969.5%Beats 94%A
2006 BMW X52 engines59.3% passB
EngineTestsPass rateRankGrade
3.0 Diesel29,76459.2%Beats 70%B
2.9 Diesel1,47962.3%Beats 79%B
2005 BMW X55 engines58.7% passB
EngineTestsPass rateRankGrade
3.0 Diesel43,85358.6%Beats 71%B
3.0 Petrol4,20757.2%Beats 64%B
2.9 Diesel3,60059.0%Beats 72%B
4.4 Petrol1,88557.6%Beats 64%B
4.8 Petrol1,26769.9%Beats 96%A
2004 BMW X55 engines58.8% passB
EngineTestsPass rateRankGrade
3.0 Diesel21,90759.0%Beats 75%B
3.0 Petrol5,77056.5%Beats 65%B
4.4 Petrol2,53658.8%Beats 71%B
2.9 Diesel1,77157.1%Beats 70%B
4.8 Petrol1,70566.9%Beats 92%A
2003 BMW X54 engines57.6% passB
EngineTestsPass rateRankGrade
2.9 Diesel14,57758.3%Beats 74%B
3.0 Petrol6,79055.1%Beats 63%B
4.6 Petrol1,50162.3%Beats 81%A
4.4 Petrol1,40857.8%Beats 69%B
2002 BMW X53 engines58.0% passB
EngineTestsPass rateRankGrade
2.9 Diesel7,85858.2%Beats 74%B
3.0 Petrol5,40258.0%Beats 71%B
4.4 Petrol1,75857.0%Beats 68%B
2001 BMW X53 engines57.4% passB
EngineTestsPass rateRankGrade
3.0 Petrol3,46655.3%Beats 62%B
2.9 Diesel2,68658.7%Beats 75%B
4.4 Petrol2,31559.2%Beats 72%B

FAQ

What is the BMW X5 MOT pass rate?

76.2% of MOT tests on the BMW X5 were passed first time, based on 732,964 tests between 2018 and 2026 of cars first registered 2001–2023. A typical car of the same age and mileage passes 66.9% of the time.

Is the BMW X5 reliable?

On MOT results it rates A (excellent): it passes first time more often than a typical car of the same age and mileage and does better than 89% of cars on UK roads. MOT results cover safety and emissions items, not every kind of breakdown.

Which BMW X5 year is best?

Among years with enough data, the 2014 X5 does best for its age and mileage: it beats 99% of cars on UK roads. The 2006 does worst: it beats 71%.

Which BMW X5 engine is best?

Across all years, the 3.0 Diesel does best: it beats 92% of cars on UK roads. The 3.0 Hybrid does worst: it beats 42%.

What are the most common MOT failures on the BMW X5?

The most common failure items are tyre damage & cracking, suspension ball joints, drive shaft (CV) joints. Compared with similar cars, tyre damage & cracking comes up 1.4× as often.

How we calculate this. We use official MOT results for cars tested in Great Britain from 2018 to 2026. Each car is compared with typical cars of the same age and mileage, so old and new cars are judged fairly; “pts” are percentage points above or below them. Differences also reflect how cars are used and maintained, not only how they are built.