I am considering buying a 2013 to 2015 X5 and I'm looking for advice on what to look out for. What are the common faults etc. All help gratefully received.

Hi William

Welcome to the Forum

As with any used car History History History when viewing the car make sure the engine is cold before first start, when running listen for any odd noises check under neath for any signs of leaks. While it is warming up make sure everything works every button every knob every accessory, inside check condition of seats, carpets etc. Check tyre condition (get under) and check inner edges, on the test drive make sure there are strange noises from the suspension or drive train. When back check it all again.

As for common faults, no major faults but suspension bushes start to go at about 70 to 80k which will cause odd tyre wear. Not a fault as such and common to all 4x4 cars and particularly on heavy SUV's. Also with a staggered wheel set up (wider rear tyres) The front/rear rolling radius has to be within certain tolerances if not then damage can be caused to the transfer box. Make sure that front and rear tyres are the same type and make and in good condition you don't want to be putting your hand in your pocket for 4 new tyres after a month or so. When test driving reverse slowly on full lock any jerking or snatching could indicate a damaged transfer box or a tyre issue front rear out of tolerance, also when stopping open the door or window and as you shut down listen carefully for a clicking noise an indication of a worn gear in the transfer box. Depending on your mechanical skills if signs of Transfer case issues are there either walk away or use it to negotiate a better deal. 

Engine (I am assuming Diesel) should be smooth and quiet any rattles particularly at start up walk away the BMW engineers decided to move the timing chain to the rear of the engine?? If the V8 again smooth and quiet no rattles. With regular oil changes there should be no issues, same with the ZF gearbox (ZF say service every 80 to 100 km 60k miles) with service the box is tough and long lasting

Hope this helps not hinders

Dave

 

 

Thanks Dave, that's a good help. I was wondering if it has staggered wheels is it ok to change that and make all the wheels the same?

Hi William

Not an issue with using a square set up with the car being 4x4 fatter rear tyres are more for show than go. Range Rover use a square set up and quite a few X5 owners have used Fronts all round and a few fat Rears all round. My summer wheels are 275/40 R 20 W (F); 315/35 R 20 W (R) my Winter wheel/tyres are 255/55 R18 all round. 

So sourcing either 2 fronts or 2 rears of the same style shouldn't be that difficult and makes tyre purchase simpler. The main point to remember is what ever the tyre/wheel set up front and rear rolling radius needs to be the same to avoid transmission wind up.

You near to finding your next motor yet?

Dave 

 

Hi Dave, still looking around. I have noticed a nice x6  xdrive 30D at what I think is a reasonable price, 63 plate with 58000 for £16000. It looks lovely and is in metallic red.

Hi William

I don't know where your looking but don't discount the BMW Dealer AUC cars you will get good extended Warranty cover thrown in and if you squeeze hard enough may be for 2 or 3 years 🤣

Metallic Red !! Estoril Blue is the fastest colour everyone knows that 🤣