Used BMW X5 cars for sale

How buying a used car through carwow works

Find a car

Use carwow to browse and compare used vehicles, advertised by a network of trusted dealers. You can search by make and model, or apply filters to find the perfect car for you.

Contact the dealer

Once you’ve found a car you’d like to buy, you can contact the dealer to arrange the next steps, whether that’s asking a question or taking it for a test drive.

Buy the car

When you’re happy to buy, you can do so at a fixed price, safe in the knowledge all models sold through carwow are mechanically checked and come with a warranty.

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Used BMW X5 pros and cons

+ Powerful but efficient engines

+ Classy interior

+ Fun to drive SUV

- Lumbar adjustment isn’t standard

- Engine noise faked

- Uncomfortable on big alloy wheels

Is a used BMW X5 a good car?

If you’re looking for an SUV that’s genuinely good fun to drive, the BMW X5 should be one of the first cars you consider. That’s because it handles nicely, but is also comfortable and practical for normal driving.

The interior is high quality and it’s one of the more luxurious SUVs you can buy. There’s the added bonus of that you get one of the best infotainment systems in the business and the double 12.3-inch displays for the infotainment and driving data look great, too.

It’s very spacious inside, and you should find that three people can travel in the back without complaining too much. The boot is quite a bit smaller than you’ll get in the Audi Q7 and Porsche Cayenne, and smaller still if you have a plug-in hybrid, but at 650 litres (or 500 in the hybrid) it should be big enough for most.

There’s a great range of engines, too. The diesels will work for those who do longer distances, but the petrols are generally pretty economical in mixed driving. The X5 M performance versions are the fastest but also very thirsty, and the plug-in hybrid will be the most economical if you can charge it regularly.

Although there are compelling alternatives from other brands such as Audi and Mercedes, the BMW X5 is our favourite because it’s the best all-rounder.

What to look for when buying a second hand BMW X5

Although the BMW X5 is a great jack-of-all-trades, where it’s let down is its reliability. BMW as a brand doesn’t have the best reputation, and many owner surveys show that the X5 is susceptible to some issues.

The basic stuff to check includes the tyres and alloy wheels. Replacement wheels can be very expensive, so have a look for kerb damage.

Although the interior looks good, many owners have issues with build quality over longer periods of time. Make sure to check nothing rattles or has come loose, and all of the plastic is properly secured.

There have also been complaints about the four-wheel drive system (BMW xDrive) and the rear airbags on the self-levelling suspension. Test drive the car to listen out for any knocks, and look out for the rear suspension sitting low or uneven.

BMW X5 FAQs

Is the BMW X5 reliable?

The BMW X5 isn’t the most reliable car you can buy. BMW has a poor reputation for things going wrong and the X5 does have its issues. Some of this can be negated by checking the car over properly and walking away if there are any signs it’s a dud.

Which BMW X5 engine is the most reliable?

BMW’s engine reliability isn’t too bad, but the petrol engines are considered the most reliable.

Is the BMW X5 a seven-seater?

The BMW X5 is a five-seater as standard, but seven seats were available as an optional extra, so keep an eye out for these when buying used.

Is the BMW X5 four-wheel drive?

Some BMW X5 models were sold as rear-wheel drive, but the vast majority of used models will be four-wheel drive. Look out for 'BMW xDrive' in the specs.

How many miles per gallon does the BMW X5 get?

With a wide range of engines the answer depends which you go for. The petrol models will get about 30mpg, while the diesels will see about 40mpg. The plug-in hybrid will be the best if you can plug it in regularly, while the M versions will drop to around 20mpg.