BMW X5 · F15 (X5 M: F85)
Generation 3 2013–2018
An evolution of the E70 rather than a clean-sheet car: same footprint, lighter, quieter and with the 8-speed ZF automatic on every version. The xDrive30d is the Polish-market default, the 40d and tri-turbo M50d are the fast diesels, the 35i and 50i are the petrol choices and the 40e plug-in arrived in 2015. There was no mid-life facelift; the visible changes over the run are engine updates (the 25d moved from the N47 to the B47 in 2015) and equipment.
Photo: Loadbeta · CC0
Recognition
How to tell it apart
- •Kidney grille flows into the headlights; 'Air Breather' vents behind the front wheel arches; split two-piece tailgate
- •Pure Excellence: chrome-heavy front and satin roof rails; Pure Experience: matt underbody-look inserts; M Sport: body-coloured bumpers with large intakes
- •Interior: iDrive with a freestanding 10.25-inch screen on Professional navigation cars; four-spoke or M steering wheels
Engines
Engines
2.0d (25d) · 218 hp
2013–2015
Diesel · Automatic · RWD / AWD
Four-cylinder twin-turbo entry diesel; the sDrive25d is the only rear-wheel-drive X5 of the era. Economical but the N47 timing chain history must be documented.
2.0d (25d) · 231 hp
2015–2018
Diesel · Automatic · RWD / AWD
The B47 replaced the N47 in 2015 and largely fixed the chain worry; still a small engine in a 2.1-tonne car.
3.0d (30d) · 258 hp
2013–2018
Diesel · Automatic · AWD
The definitive F15: straight-six diesel, 560 Nm, 8HP automatic and xDrive. Effortless, economical for the size and the easiest to sell on. Supply is huge, so condition and history decide.
3.0d twin-turbo (40d) · 313 hp
2013–2018
Diesel · Automatic · AWD
Twin-turbo version of the same six: noticeably quicker than the 30d with similar fuel consumption. Two turbos and their actuators add cost with age.
3.0d tri-turbo (M50d) · 381 hp
2013–2018
Diesel · Automatic · AWD
M Performance tri-turbo diesel with Adaptive M suspension and M brakes standard. Astonishing mid-range; the three-turbo system is complex and expensive when it fails.
3.0i turbo (35i) · 306 hp
2013–2018
Petrol · Automatic · AWD
Smooth turbocharged straight-six petrol. Cheaper than a 30d in Poland because buyers filter for diesel; many are US imports, so check provenance. Thirsty in town.
4.4 V8 twin-turbo (50i) · 450 hp
2013–2018
Petrol · Automatic · AWD
Fast, quiet V8. The N63 family's oil consumption, valve stem seal and injector history is well known; buy only with evidence of the work done. Mostly US imports in Poland.
2.0 plug-in hybrid (40e) · 313 hp
2015–2018
Plug-in hybrid · Automatic · AWD
BMW's first plug-in SUV: 2.0 four-cylinder turbo plus an electric motor in the 8-speed gearbox and a small 9 kWh battery (about 20–30 km electric). Battery health now drives the value.
4.4 V8 twin-turbo (X5 M) · 575 hp
2015–2018
Petrol · Automatic · AWD
Full M car with the S63 V8, M xDrive-tuned all-wheel drive and an 8-speed automatic. Supercar pace in a 2.3-tonne SUV; running costs and tyre bills to match.
| Engine | For sale now | Years | Gearbox · drive | Sought after | Robust | Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
2.0d (25d) · 218 hp Diesel · X5 sDrive25d / xDrive25d · N47D20 (twin-turbo) | 41 | 2013–2015 | Automatic RWD / AWD | Four-cylinder twin-turbo entry diesel; the sDrive25d is the only rear-wheel-drive X5 of the era. Economical but the N47 timing chain history must be documented. | ||
2.0d (25d) · 231 hp Diesel · X5 sDrive25d / xDrive25d · B47D20 | 78 | 2015–2018 | Automatic RWD / AWD | The B47 replaced the N47 in 2015 and largely fixed the chain worry; still a small engine in a 2.1-tonne car. (some details unverified) | ||
3.0d (30d) · 258 hp Diesel · X5 xDrive30d · N57D30 | 75 | 2013–2018 | Automatic AWD | The definitive F15: straight-six diesel, 560 Nm, 8HP automatic and xDrive. Effortless, economical for the size and the easiest to sell on. Supply is huge, so condition and history decide. | ||
3.0d twin-turbo (40d) · 313 hp Diesel · X5 xDrive40d · N57D30 (twin-turbo) | 36 | 2013–2018 | Automatic AWD | Twin-turbo version of the same six: noticeably quicker than the 30d with similar fuel consumption. Two turbos and their actuators add cost with age. | ||
3.0d tri-turbo (M50d) · 381 hp Diesel · X5 M50d · N57S (tri-turbo) | 5 | 2013–2018 | Automatic AWD | M Performance tri-turbo diesel with Adaptive M suspension and M brakes standard. Astonishing mid-range; the three-turbo system is complex and expensive when it fails. | ||
3.0i turbo (35i) · 306 hp Petrol · X5 xDrive35i · N55B30 | 49 | 2013–2018 | Automatic AWD | Smooth turbocharged straight-six petrol. Cheaper than a 30d in Poland because buyers filter for diesel; many are US imports, so check provenance. Thirsty in town. | ||
4.4 V8 twin-turbo (50i) · 450 hp Petrol · X5 xDrive50i · N63B44 TU | 8 | 2013–2018 | Automatic AWD | Fast, quiet V8. The N63 family's oil consumption, valve stem seal and injector history is well known; buy only with evidence of the work done. Mostly US imports in Poland. | ||
2.0 plug-in hybrid (40e) · 313 hp Plug-in hybrid · X5 xDrive40e · N20B20 + electric motor | 20 | 2015–2018 | Automatic AWD | BMW's first plug-in SUV: 2.0 four-cylinder turbo plus an electric motor in the 8-speed gearbox and a small 9 kWh battery (about 20–30 km electric). Battery health now drives the value. | ||
4.4 V8 twin-turbo (X5 M) · 575 hp Petrol · X5 M (F85) · S63B44T2 | 1 | 2015–2018 | Automatic AWD | Full M car with the S63 V8, M xDrive-tuned all-wheel drive and an 8-speed automatic. Supercar pace in a 2.3-tonne SUV; running costs and tyre bills to match. |
Versions
What the badges mean
Standard
commonbase
2013–2018
Bi-xenon lights, leatherette or leather, iDrive, automatic tailgate, rear self-levelling air suspension and 18–19 inch wheels.
Pure Excellence
uncommonequipment line
2013–2018
Luxury design line: chrome exterior accents, satin-aluminium roof rails, leather Dakota and wood trim. Cosmetic, not mechanical.
Watch out: Sometimes listed as 'Luxury Line' (its name on other BMWs). Check the chrome front-bumper inserts and interior trim.
Pure Experience
uncommonequipment line
2013–2018
Off-road-flavoured design line: matt underbody-look inserts, silver roof rails and specific wheels; frequently called xLine by sellers because that is the name on later BMWs.
Watch out: 'xLine' on an F15 almost always means Pure Experience or simply base trim; the F15 did not use the xLine badge.
M Sport (M Pakiet)
commonequipment line
2013–2018
M aerodynamic bumpers and sills, M steering wheel, sport seats, aluminium or dark trim, M wheels and, usually, sport suspension. It is an appearance and seating package, not an engine upgrade.
Watch out: 'M Pakiet' is often claimed on the strength of a steering wheel or retrofitted bumpers. Ask whether the car has the exterior package, the interior package or both, and check the VIN option list for 337.
M50d
uncommonperformance model
2013–2018
M Performance model: 381 hp tri-turbo diesel, Adaptive M suspension, M Sport brakes, M exterior and interior as standard.
Watch out: M50d badges are sold aftermarket; the tri-turbo engine and the VIN settle it.
X5 M
rareperformance model
2015–2018
The full M model (F85): 575 hp S63 V8, M-specific suspension, brakes, bodywork and interior.
Watch out: 'X5 M' is frequently written for an M Sport car; a genuine X5 M has quad tailpipes, M-specific front wings and the S63 engine.
Options
Options that matter
uncommon
Two-axle air suspension (Adaptive Comfort)
Rear self-levelling air is standard; the optional two-axle air suspension with adaptive dampers is the comfort option worth seeking.
Air springs and the compressor age; budget 1,500–3,000 PLN per corner plus a compressor.
rare
Bang & Olufsen High End Surround
The rare flagship audio with the rising centre speaker; a strong marker of a rich order.
rare
Comfort seats with ventilation / massage
Multi-way comfort seats with active ventilation and massage are rare and a big upgrade for long journeys.
uncommon
Dynamic Damper Control (adaptive dampers)
Electronically adjustable dampers; part of the Adaptive M and Comfort suspension packages and standard on M50d.
rare
Dynamic Drive active anti-roll (Adaptive Drive / Professional package)
Hydraulic active roll stabilisation with Dynamic Performance Control: transforms body control, rare and expensive when it leaks.
Leaking actuators and the hydraulic pump run into tens of thousands of PLN.
uncommon
Head-up display
Genuinely useful on a long-distance car and uncommon on F15.
very rare
Night Vision with pedestrian detection
Rare thermal camera option; a sign of a maxed-out order.
uncommon
Active Cruise Control with Stop & Go (Driving Assistant Plus)
Radar cruise with traffic-jam following; the F15 becomes a proper motorway car with it.
uncommon
Adaptive LED headlights
Optional over bi-xenon; much better at night and a marker of a fuller spec.
uncommon
Surround View cameras
Top view plus side cameras; very useful on a car this size.
rare
Soft-close doors
Luxury detail that only appears on high-spec orders.
rare
Third-row seats (7 seats)
Optional two extra seats in the boot; rare and sought after by families.
common
Harman Kardon surround sound
The common audio upgrade and the one most buyers want.
common
Panoramic glass roof
Popular and common; check the drains and the blind mechanism.
uncommon
Auxiliary heater (Webasto)
Pre-heats cabin and engine; valued in Poland.
common
M Sport interior (sport seats, M wheel)
Sport seats and M steering wheel: what buyers picture when they read 'M Pakiet'.
common
Lane departure / lane change warning
Part of the Driving Assistant packages; common on later cars.
uncommon
Heated rear seats
Minor comfort item that hints at a fuller specification.
uncommon
Four-zone climate control
Rear passengers get their own controls; common on well-specced cars.
common
Comfort Access (keyless)
Keyless entry and start; also enables the hands-free tailgate.
common
Tow bar (often electrically retractable)
Common on X5 and useful; check the wiring module works and ask what was towed.
common
20–21 inch wheels
Visual impact at the cost of comfort and tyres; not a quality signal.
Before you buy
What to know
Strengths
- +N57 straight-six diesels (30d/40d) are strong, quiet and durable when serviced; 560–630 Nm makes the car effortless
- +8-speed ZF automatic on every version: smooth, reliable and cheap to service compared with dual-clutch rivals
- +Rear self-levelling air suspension standard, so the car sits right when loaded or towing
- +Huge Polish supply and specialist knowledge; parts are shared with the 5 and 7 Series
Expensive when they fail
Tri-turbo system (M50d)N63 V8 engine workDynamic DriveTwo-axle air suspensionAdaptive LED headlampsBang & Olufsen amplifier40e high-voltage battery
Polish market
One of the most common large SUVs on the Polish market. Diesel 30d imports from Germany dominate; petrol 35i and 50i are mostly from the US and priced accordingly. M Sport cars carry a real premium over Pure lines. The gap between a tired 300,000 km taxi-spec import and a documented Polish-salon car is very large, so history matters more than the year.
Known weak points
- seriousN47 timing chain (25d 218)The N47 four-cylinder's rear-mounted timing chain and guides wear; failure can destroy the engine and the repair is engine-out. Later B47 cars are largely free of it.Check: Cold-start video listening for rattle from the back of the engine; ask whether the chain and guides were replaced.
- moderateN57 ageing items: swirl flaps, EGR cooler, DPF, injectors, turbo actuators (30d/40d/M50d)Intake swirl flaps stick, the EGR cooler can leak coolant (subject of a large BMW recall), DPF and injector problems appear with age and the electronic turbo actuators fail on twin/tri-turbo versions. Deleted EGR/DPF is common on imports and illegal for inspection.Check: Ask whether the EGR-cooler recall was performed; check for stored fault codes, smoke under load and whether the DPF is original.
- seriousN63 V8 oil consumption, valve stem seals, injectors and coolant leaks (50i)The N63 family burns oil, wears valve stem seals, eats injectors and leaks from coolant pipes under the intake; many US cars were part of BMW's 'customer care package'.Check: Ask for oil-consumption history and evidence of stem-seal, injector and coolant-pipe work; look for blue smoke on start-up.
- moderateN55 oil filter housing gasket, electric water pump and coolant pipes (35i)The typical N55 trio: the oil filter housing gasket leaks oil onto the belt, the electric water pump fails without warning and plastic coolant pipes crack.Check: Look for oil around the filter housing and belt; ask whether the water pump and thermostat were replaced.
- moderatexDrive transfer case actuator gearThe plastic actuator gear in the ATC transfer case strips, causing 4x4 warnings and loss of drive to the front axle. A cheap part, moderate labour.Check: Look for '4x4' or drivetrain warnings; ask whether the transfer case actuator or oil were serviced.
- moderateRear air springs and compressorThe standard rear air suspension ages: springs leak and the compressor overworks. A sagging rear after standing overnight is the tell-tale.Check: Ask the seller for a morning photo of ride height after the car has stood overnight; listen for a compressor that runs constantly.
- seriousDynamic Drive hydraulic leaks (if fitted)Active anti-roll bar actuators and the tandem pump leak with age; repairs are very expensive.Check: If the car has Dynamic Drive, look for fluid on the anti-roll bar actuators and for suspension warnings after hard cornering.
- moderateFront thrust arms, control arm bushings and rear subframe bushesHeavy car, big wheels: front thrust-arm bushings and ball joints wear, causing a shimmy under braking; rear bushes follow.Check: Feel for steering shimmy at 100–120 km/h and under braking; ask when the front arms were last replaced.
- moderatePlug-in battery health (40e)The 9 kWh pack is now old; capacity loss cuts an already short electric range and replacement is dealer-priced.Check: Ask for a battery state-of-health readout and realistic electric range in mild weather.
- seriousS63 turbo oil lines, injectors and high-pressure pumps (X5 M)The X5 M's twin-turbo V8 needs strict oil changes; turbo oil feed lines, injectors and fuel pumps are known cost items and tuning is common.Check: Insist on full BMW or specialist history, check for tuning and ask about turbo and injector work.
- moderateImports, mileage and US specificationMost Polish F15s are German or US imports; mileage correction and salvage titles are common enough that an independent history check is standard practice. US cars have different lighting and no Webasto.Check: Ask for the VIN and check history and title before travelling; compare wear of the steering wheel, pedals and driver's seat bolster with the stated mileage.
From the market
Real cars on sale right now
From the market
Engines actually on sale
Grouped from 314 live listings: what people are selling, at what price and mileage.
| Engine | Share | Typical price | Median mileage | Gearbox · drive |
|---|---|---|---|---|
2.0 Diesel · 231 hp xDrive25d | 24% | 89 900 PLN | 176 200 km | Automatic · AWD / RWD |
3.0 Diesel · 258 hp xDrive30d | 21% | 79 900 PLN | 220 584 km | Automatic · AWD |
3.0 Petrol · 306 hp xDrive35i | 15% | 80 900 PLN | 168 200 km | Automatic · AWD / RWD |
2.0 Diesel · 218 hp xDrive25d | 12% | 72 500 PLN | 220 415 km | Automatic · AWD / RWD |
3.0 Diesel · 313 hp xDrive40d | 11% | 89 516 PLN | 215 891 km | Automatic · AWD |
2.0 Plug-in hybrid · 313 hp xDrive40e | 5% | 83 500 PLN | 166 964 km | Automatic · AWD |
4.4 Petrol · 450 hp xDrive50i | 2% | 79 000 PLN | 161 000 km | Automatic · AWD |
3.0 Diesel · 245 hp 3.0d xDrive | 2% | 70 000 PLN | 230 181 km | Automatic · AWD |
From the market
Price by model year
Typical price and mileage for each model year on sale.
From the market
Most common versions
- xDrive30d48
- xDrive25d47
- xDrive35i26
- xDrive40d23
- xDrive40e15
- xDrive25d Sport-Aut9
- xDrive50i4
- sDrive25d Sport-Aut4
From the market
Equipment seen most often
Bluetooth 100%Radio 100%Front armrest 100%Rear armrest 100%Leather steering wheel 100%Multifunction steering wheel 100%Rain sensor 100%Cruise control 100%Front parking sensors 100%Rear parking sensors 100%Traction control 100%Hill descent control 100%Fog lights 100%ABS 100%
Our picks
Versions worth looking for
xDrive30d M Sport 2015–2018 with adaptive or two-axle air suspension
The best all-round F15: the durable N57 six, the right look and a ride that suits Polish roads. Look for documented EGR-cooler recall work.
xDrive40d for more pace without M50d complexity
313 hp and 630 Nm for a modest premium over the 30d; two turbos rather than three.
M50d for enthusiasts who budget for it
The fastest diesel SUV of its era with the full M Performance chassis; only with complete history and money set aside for the turbo system.