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2016 BMW X5

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By Research the Car 4 min read

The 2016 BMW X5 is a mid-size luxury SUV that offers a blend of performance, comfort, and utility. It was available with a range of engines including a 3.0L Turbocharged Inline-6 (300 hp and 300 lb-ft of torque), a 4.4L Twin-Turbocharged V8 (445 hp and 480 lb-ft of torque), and a 2.0L Turbocharged Inline-4 paired with an electric motor in the xDrive40e plug-in hybrid model (308 hp and 332 lb-ft of torque combined). All engines were paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. Owners generally appreciate the X5’s luxurious interior, comfortable ride, and sporty handling. Common complaints revolve around the high cost of maintenance and repairs, as well as some reported issues with the electrical system and certain engine components.

Engine

3.0L Turbocharged Inline-6 (N55)

  • Oil Filter Housing Gasket Leak
    • Description/Symptoms: Oil leak around the oil filter housing, visible oil drips, burning oil smell, low oil level warning.
    • Solution: Replace the oil filter housing gasket.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $400 - $700
    • Recalls: None Found
  • VANOS Solenoid Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Rough idling, reduced engine performance, check engine light with VANOS-related codes.
    • Solution: Replace the faulty VANOS solenoid(s).
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $600
    • Recalls: None Found

4.4L Twin-Turbocharged V8 (N63)

  • Oil Leaks (Valve Stem Seals, Turbo Oil Lines)
    • Description/Symptoms: Blue smoke from exhaust upon startup (valve stem seals), oil leaks around the turbochargers or engine (turbo oil lines), burning oil smell, low oil level.
    • Solution: Replace valve stem seals (labor-intensive), replace turbo oil lines and seals.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: Valve stem seals: $3,000 - $6,000+, Turbo oil lines: $500 - $1,500
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Coolant Leaks (Coolant Transfer Pipe)
    • Description/Symptoms: Coolant leak at the rear of the engine, low coolant level, overheating.
    • Solution: Replacement of coolant transfer pipe.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $3,000
    • Recalls: None Found

2.0L Turbocharged Inline-4 Hybrid (N20/Electric Motor)

  • Timing Chain Issues (N20 Engine component of Hybrid)
    • Description/Symptoms: Rattling noise from the engine, especially on startup; check engine light; potential engine damage.
    • Solution: Replace timing chain, guides, and tensioner.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $2,500
    • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

8-Speed Automatic (All Engines)

  • Rough Shifting/Hesitation
    • Description/Symptoms: Harsh or delayed shifts, hesitation when accelerating, transmission slipping.
    • Solution: Could be due to low transmission fluid, valve body issues, or solenoids. Requires diagnosis and possible replacement of the valve body, solenoids, or complete transmission rebuild/replacement.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: Fluid change ($300 - $500), Valve body/Solenoid replacement ($1,200 - $3,000), Transmission rebuild/replacement ($4,000 - $8,000+)
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Mechatronic Unit Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Erratic shifting, transmission stuck in gear, failure to engage a gear, transmission malfunction warning light.
    • Solution: Replacement of the mechatronic unit. This involves removing the transmission, replacing the unit and coding it to the vehicle.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $2,500 - $5,000
    • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

  • Air Suspension Issues (if equipped)
    • Description/Symptoms: Vehicle sagging on one or more corners, air compressor running excessively, suspension malfunction warning.
    • Solution: Replace leaking air springs, air compressor, or ride height sensors.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: Air springs ($800 - $2,000 per corner), Air compressor ($800 - $1,500), Ride height sensor ($300 - $600)
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Control Arm Bushing Wear
    • Description/Symptoms: Clunking or rattling noise from the front suspension, especially over bumps; vague steering; uneven tire wear.
    • Solution: Replace worn control arm bushings or the entire control arm.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: Bushings ($300 - $600 per control arm), Control arm replacement ($500 - $1,000 per control arm)
    • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

  • Battery Drain Issues
    • Description/Symptoms: Dead battery, difficulty starting the vehicle, electrical components malfunctioning. Often caused by parasitic draw from a faulty module or accessory.
    • Solution: Diagnose and repair the source of the battery drain (e.g., faulty module, aftermarket accessory, etc.). This can require specialized diagnostic equipment.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $1,000+ (depending on the cause)
    • Recalls: None Found
  • iDrive System Malfunctions
    • Description/Symptoms: iDrive screen freezing, system rebooting unexpectedly, navigation issues, inability to control certain vehicle functions.
    • Solution: Software update, replacement of iDrive module.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: Software update ($150-$300), iDrive module replacement ($800 - $2,000+)
    • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

  • Tail Light Issues
    • Description/Symptoms: LED tail lights flickering or failing.
    • Solution: Replacement of the entire tail light assembly.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $400 - $800 per tail light assembly.
    • Recalls: None Found

Interior

  • Sunroof Issues
    • Description/Symptoms: Sunroof failing to open or close properly, unusual noises, water leaks.
    • Solution: Repair or replacement of sunroof motor, tracks, or seals.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $1,200+
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Seat Motor Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Seat not adjusting properly, clicking noises when attempting to adjust the seat.
    • Solution: Replacement of the faulty seat motor.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $800
    • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2016 BMW X5, while a desirable luxury SUV, is prone to certain issues that prospective buyers should be aware of. Engine oil leaks and timing chain issues are notable concerns, particularly for the V8 and hybrid models. Transmission problems, especially rough shifting, can be costly to address. Electrical issues such as battery drain and iDrive malfunctions are also relatively common. Suspension problems can be expensive if equipped with the air suspension. The cost of repairs can range from a few hundred dollars for minor fixes to several thousand dollars for more significant component replacements. The severity and cost associated with these potential issues warrant a thorough inspection before purchasing a used 2016 BMW X5.

BMW, X5
BMW X5 2016
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