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Used 2013 BMW X5 Consumer Reviews

3.9 out of 5 stars
38 reviews
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4 out of 5 stars

CPO purchase, no big complaints, but updated

Bruno, 11/17/2016
updated 05/21/2018
2013 BMW X5 xDrive35i Sport Activity 4dr SUV AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 8A)
62 of 65 people found this review helpful

We wanted to buy a new one in 2010, but they were just a little too high for anything but a diesel, and we were wary of diesel price swings, the different character of that engine, and being able to pull into a pump anywhere at a busy station back when diesel was less common. Years later, we found that many diesel versions had reliability issues. But in terms of all-around ability (ride, handling, acceleration, comfort, utility, towing ability, looks) it was still our favorite 6 years later. It handles fantastic for such a large heavy vehicle. You can feel the weight but the huge tires grip like crazy. The SAV version is definitely the one to get, it looks great, and gives a feeling of confidence in turns and at speed that most others just do not. Utility is good, not great, with over 70 cu ft of cargo area with seats down. They don't fold flat, which is disappointing (we have dogs), but there is plenty of room for a road trip with 4 dogs, 2 people, and luggage. A family of four would do ok. It can also tow a fairly heavy trailer, but I installed my own hitch and wiring as the BMW version is outrageously expensive. Took 2 hours, so there's no valid reason for their exorbitant labor charges, as they should be able to do it in half the time. Ride is firm but not harsh, though big bumps will be felt. It is a better ride than our Volvo S60 R design sport sedan, but those seeking a luxury smooth ride should look elsewhere. It is surprisingly quiet for a vehicle like this. Seat comfort is better for the thin shouldered, as the bolsters do press a little on my broad back at the lats. The thigh extension is a must-have. Xenons make visibilty good at night, and there are no blind spots to worry about. Throttle tip in is actually slower than it should be, you have to punch it to get power in regular transmission mode. It doesn't seem to be turbo lag (max torque comes in at just 1250 rpm) but a throttle tip in issue. Acceleration is good, not breathtaking, but more than enough for regular driving, especially at speed. Handling is very confidence inspiring and curvy mountain roads won't raise the hairs on your back like in most crossovers or SUVs. Not too far from a sport sedan and better than most mundane sedans. Very handsome vehicle, materials are good, and our 3 year old example looked practically new. Many others we looked at didn't fare so well. We paid $37,000 for one with 34K miles and it still has one year of bumper to bumper and 2 more years of CPO coverage. With taxes and the hitch we have $39K in it. It stickered for about $69,000 so that's a nice savings. It had an airbag recall that was fixed before we got it but otherwise the history was clean. There was no spare on this one which is unfortunate, but those temp spares are so limited in range and speed that it wasn't of much use anyway on long trips. The interior design is handsome but not beautiful. Ergonomics are typical BMW, with a learning curve for some functions like cruise and the computer. The NAV is useful but like most, not always great. The iDrive controller is fairly easy to use now and fairly logical, though one can still get screens not doing what you want when choosing the split screen or wanting to display your songs when you are also navigating, etc. Tons of brake dust, like all BMWs. But a very solid feeling vehicle and great build quality. Conceptually this is the closest to a "does it all" vehicle that one can find. Sporty, good looking(in SAV trim), good handling, quiet, reasonable ride quality, safe, spacious, and reasonable comfort. My only fix would be to add the luxury comfort seat option, as the sport seats are supportive but a little firm compared to our Volvos. But anything will be less comfortable than Volvo seats. Only those who value solid handling and sporty aspirations should bother paying the price, as there are plenty of bigger or more cushy rides available for less. We just want the confidence it gives at high speed and the active safety of great handling and braking for the class. UPDATE: Steering is actually over-heavy, in parking situations the wide tires and heavy steering actually make your arms ache while backing a trailer. It "feels" as heavy as it is, and so unless you need the extra space, the X3 is probably a better choice for driving enthusiasts, but really a wagon would be best of all. Unfortunately they make only the 3 series wagon and I find its seats too narrow. The X5 seats are wide. It's very solid at speed, but not nimble. UPDATE: Actually it handles very well, but in a heavy manner. Ride is for enthusiasts rather than luxury seekers. Depreciation has been really bad as apparently BMW's reliability and high cost of repairs haunt it. A good bargain well researched $37K vehicle has a resale value of about $24K after 20 months. I will keep it through expiration of CPO warranty, just to keep my money's worth

Safety
5 out of 5 stars
Technology
3 out of 5 stars
Performance
4 out of 5 stars
Interior
4 out of 5 stars
Comfort
3 out of 5 stars
Reliability
4 out of 5 stars
Value
4 out of 5 stars
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1 out of 5 stars

X5 xDrive 5.0i Horrible Engine Quality

Kelly Anderson, 06/22/2019
2013 BMW X5 xDrive50i 4dr SUV AWD (4.4L 8cyl Turbo 8A)
52 of 55 people found this review helpful

I purchased a new 2013 BMW X5 5.0i xDrive with the N64 Engine. I have had the following problems 1. Excessive Exhaust Smoke due to oil leaking through the valve guides. 2. OIL LEAKS due to the upper oil pan leaking Both problems started at 48,000 miles ( I now have 53,000 miles). BMW Service refused to repair the problems because the vehicle was out of warranty. BMW Dealer Service told me the following; Value guide repair is $8,000. Possibly more. Upper Oil Pan Repair is $3,200. $11,200 in Repair for a low mileage vehicle is insane. Vehicles with this low of mileage should NOT be leaking and burning OIL for any reason. This is a design flaw in BMWs engineering, they should fix it.

Safety
3 out of 5 stars
Technology
3 out of 5 stars
Performance
3 out of 5 stars
Interior
3 out of 5 stars
Comfort
3 out of 5 stars
Reliability
1 out of 5 stars
Value
1 out of 5 stars
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5 out of 5 stars

X5 Diesel 2013 is a game changer!

IronManX5, 06/14/2017
updated 06/17/2022
2013 BMW X5 xDrive35d 4dr SUV AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbodiesel 6A)
30 of 32 people found this review helpful

This is the most affordable, reliable , gas efficient Luxury car in the market. The 2013 BMW X5 Diesel had all the issues that the previous diesel resolved and is the perfect car. If you were making a decision between this car and the new look of a 2014 BMW X5 Diesel. I would suggest stick with the 2013 or go for a 2017 which will cost you. I am amazed by the 28 Miles per gallon, solid, luxury, powerful reliable car. Is this is your first diesel car you may have to get used to the hum of a diesel engine. However after 3 weeks you will find it hard to drive a car that does not produce that solid power humming diesel noise. This is the best luxury car, I have ever owned

Safety
5 out of 5 stars
Technology
4 out of 5 stars
Performance
5 out of 5 stars
Interior
5 out of 5 stars
Comfort
5 out of 5 stars
Reliability
5 out of 5 stars
Value
5 out of 5 stars
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1 out of 5 stars

Very Disappointed

Marc Haro, 05/31/2019
updated 06/03/2021
2013 BMW X5 xDrive50i 4dr SUV AWD (4.4L 8cyl Turbo 8A)
28 of 30 people found this review helpful

We bought this care used with low miles (30k) and unfortunately have had nothing but problems. It is constantly burning oil and we were told by the BMW dealer that “these 4.4L engines do this”. We literally burn through 4-5 quarts a month. Little did we know that there is now a class action lawsuit against BMW for this problem and BMW has agreed to settle for a $1000 credit towards the purchase of a new BMW. Ridiculous. We have had so many problems in the past two years owning it...and have easily spent $6000+ on repairs in past 18 months. When it works it is literally a rocket ship and has every whistle and bell you can think of...but unfortunate this is by far the most unreliable vehicle that we have ever owned (this was our 3rd BMW...but first used one). I would be very unlikely to ever by another BMW after the experience with the xDrive5.0i 4.4L. X5. It’s an $80k car that is probably worth about $10k. Can’t warn people enough to stay away. I think I will stick with Mercedes from now on. Update: Eventually The burning of oil in the oil loss became so bad we took it into another dealer. At this point they said it needed a new engine. And this was based upon the class action lawsuit regarding this engine. Unfortunately since the vehicle now had 70,000 miles on it, We would have to pay for the majority of it. Even though we started reporting it at 30,000 miles. If the vehicle and 30,000 miles on it when they said it needed a new engine, we would’ve gotten it for free. Still very distrustful of BMW. Both their dealers and corporate. We spoke to corporate who essentially said there was nothing they could do, which is A complete lie. We have documented evidence of us taking it to BMW dealers for service starting at 30,000 miles complaining of smoke coming out of the car and burning oil at a ridiculous rate. Too bad Bmw wouldn’t step up. We did get a new engine but had to pay over $3000 of it ourselves in addition to all the repairs that we’ve paid for issues related to the engine over the past three years. Even after the engine was replaced Bmw gave us an estimated trade-in value of like $12,000. On an $80,000 car with 70k miles on it. Ridiculous. Hope this new engine doesn’t turn around and feel like the last one.

Safety
3 out of 5 stars
Technology
3 out of 5 stars
Performance
1 out of 5 stars
Interior
3 out of 5 stars
Comfort
3 out of 5 stars
Reliability
1 out of 5 stars
Value
1 out of 5 stars
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5 out of 5 stars

My first BMW

sal42, 02/25/2013
2013 BMW X5 xDrive35i Sport Activity 4dr SUV AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 8A)
28 of 30 people found this review helpful

This is a great vehicle, as well as my first BMW. If you learn how to drive the X5 properly you can achieve the MPG figures, and even exceed them, the vehicle has done surprisingly well on gas mileage. The car has been totally reliable and it's performance has been very impressive, it really does handle like a BMW sports sedan, not a big SUV. It is comfortable and feels very solid and secure, even at very high freeway speeds, and it's practicality and space are very much appreciated on a daily basis. I have the M performance and sport packages and they really do make the vehicle look and feel amazing! I would recommend the X5 to anyone looking for a great luxury SUV.

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