Popular diesel cars - BMW X5 models from 2018 to 2022. Why are these cars chosen most often in the used car market? Let's delve into the matter.
Recently, a piece of news flashed across the internet regarding the most popular diesel car in the secondary market. It turned out to be… the BMW X5. What draws car enthusiasts to this crossover?
Generally, those who choose BMWs tend to pay the least attention to the durability of the engine or transmission, as well as the reliability of ancillary units and assemblies. The brand's fans appreciate mainly the image and status that these cars afford. Plus, they offer excellent dynamics and superb handling.
The most in-demand model, according to statistics, is the X5. But what's most interesting, looking ahead, is that this crossover has proven to be a generally reliable vehicle.
Currently, the fourth-generation 2018 model BMW X5 with factory index G05 is popular.
The body’s resistance to corrosion is inherently high. However, the paintwork cannot boast strength. Within 2-3 years, the first chips appear on the front of the body - although they take a long time to rust. In contrast, small rust spots can be found under the rubber seal at the rear window of 3-5-year-old units. Interestingly, all windows in the 'fiver' are quite expensive, including the windshield. It quickly becomes chipped and scratched, cracking easily even from a minor impact. Many owners thus armor not just the windows but the entire body all around, including lights.
Many users spend on additional sound insulation, specifically in the wheel arches. There are numerous complaints about the quality of materials and their precise fit, perpetually dirty thresholds from which drivers and passengers dirty their clothes. Bad ergonomics also stand out - pockets on rear door cards protrude strongly, which passengers hit with their feet on entry and exit. The steering column may squeak when adjusted in the longitudinal direction. Such nuances seem minor, yet the X5 resides in the premium segment, and its owners are right to demand commensurate quality of finish.
There are numerous complaints about glitches and malfunctions in the electrical equipment and electronics. The vehicle is crammed with modern safety systems, entertainment assistants, electronic aids, and gadgets. These may malfunction or freeze sequentially. Typically, these problems are resolved by restarting the engine or firmware. Voice and remote control of the car, as well as CarPlay, experience issues. Still, CarPlay can be hardwired.
Regarding the engines, the crossover came equipped with 3.0-liter turbocharged gasoline R6 (340 hp) and 4.4-liter V8 (462 and 530 hp), as well as a 3-liter turbo diesel R6 of varying power – 249, 265, 286, and 340 hp. The M version had 4.4-liter gasoline V8 delivering 600 and 625 hp along with diesel R6 3.0 producing 400 hp. Economy class features a 2-liter turbo diesel with 231 hp. It's often said true BMWs should bear 6-cylinder engines. Perhaps for this reason, R6 engine X5s are most sought after, particularly the diesel versions.
All X5 engines feature a system that speeds up the engine warm-up process. While cold, the radiator is covered by shutters which open once warming up. These louvers can jam even in brand-new cars. If they remain open, the engine will simply take longer to warm up, while if closed, overheating is not far off. The good news is stuck louvers may decide to work again on their own. Another way to deal with them is to simply wash them gently with a Karcher.
B57D30 Series. Inline 3-liter turbo diesels with chain drive camshaft timing and Bosch Common Rail injection system with piezo injectors provide between 249 and 400 hp thanks to one, two, or four turbines. In 2020, four turbines were replaced by a twin-entry setup. The diesel is considered very reliable. Its most notable issue is intake manifold carbon buildup with swirl flaps, which can lead to throttle drop-offs and unstable engine operation. In the most serious scenarios, the flaps' axle turns loose and the manifold needs replacement as a whole. The camshaft timing chain usually lasts 220–300 thousand km, but in high-torque diesel engines, it should be replaced after 100-150 thousand km. To prolong engine life, keep an eye on the cooling system, oil quality, and consumables, and clean both the manifold and EGR system periodically.
B47B20 Series. This engine is also reliable, yet somewhat under-powered for the hefty X5. It features a chain-driven camshaft timing and Bosch Common Rail injection with piezo injectors. Typically, the engine resource before an overhaul exceeds 250-300 thousand km. Weak points are the camshaft timing chain and a fuel system prone to fuel quality sensitivity.
B58B30M1 Series. Inline 3-liter 6-cylinder petrol turbo engine providing 340 hp with direct fuel injection, Double VANOS phase adjusters, Valvetronic system for intake valve lift variation, and chain-driven camshaft timing. The engine is highly heat-loaded – the head gasket often blows. The targeted component system involves fuel direct injection, with injectors clogging at 100-130 thousand km. A leaky injector can cause a hydro-shock in the engine leading to expensive repairs. The high-pressure fuel pump is also sensitive to fuel quality, periodically failing or breaking down. Moreover, BMW engines can leak oil through gaskets and seals due to defective crankcase ventilation valves.
N63B44 Series. Gasoline 4.4-liter V8 engine (462 and 530 hp) is considered the most problematic unit in the BMW X5. Due to turbochargers being installed in the block valley, all engine components operate at elevated temperatures, exacerbating seals, gaskets, electronic components, and turbos themselves, where cooling tubes cokefy, valve stem seals wear out quickly, and piston rings start leaking oil sometimes as early as 50-80 thousand km. Fuel injectors are piezoelectric, vulnerable to high temperatures. Malfunctions may lead to a hydro-lock.
All engines come with a single ZF automatic transmission. It is reliable. Provided aggressive driving is avoided, and oil is replaced every 60 thousand km, the transmission resource exceeds 300,000 km. However, after 120-150 thousand km, oil may begin leaking from the plastic sump pan. The solution takes its replacement.
In Europe, X5s with xDrive all-wheel-drive system predominates, where a center clutch transmits torque to the front wheels if the rears slip. An off-road package is available, including underbody protection and a rear limited-slip differential. On top of that, chassis tuning offers Gravel, Rock, Sand, and Snow modes. Transmission elements are quite reliable. The clutch and transfer case are prone to fail more often. To prolong their life, change the oil in the transfer case periodically.
The front suspension in the BMW X5 is independent, twin-wishbone, and the rear is independent, multi-link. The Dynamic Damper Control suspension system is standard. The rear limited-slip differential and air suspension on both axles with an 80 mm variable clearance can be ordered at an extra cost, enabling the vehicle to 'sit down' by 40 mm for loading and unloading ease.
In urban conditions, the spring suspension life is about 100 thousand km, and its repair is simple and inexpensive: many silent blocks can be replaced separately, without arms. Furthermore, many low-cost replacement parts are sold. The air suspension's resource and reliability are roughly equal to the spring's. However, it all depends on the driving style – the slower you go, the less you pay, and vice versa. Problems may occur with the active stabilizer, whose replacement is also costly.
There are no particular complaints about the brakes and steering. Yet, there is a typical BMW dependency – the faster you drive, the more frequent visits to the service. Overall, the X5 has proven surprisingly reliable despite the abundance of electronics and advanced technologies, yet not the cheapest to maintain and repair. Nevertheless, for a sporty image, flawless handling, and excellent driving performance, you have to agree, there's a price to pay.