Used car guide

2014 BMW X5: common problems and what to check

What gets flagged at MOT on 2014 BMW X5s, from 5,162 tests in 2025, plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.

5,162MOT tests in 2025
84%pass first time (all 2014 cars: 69%)
9,100typical miles a year
26%had tyres flagged

What gets flagged at MOT

The share of 2014 BMW X5 MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

  • Tyres
    26% of testsRough price £70–£150

    At the viewing: Check the tread on all four tyres, including the inside edges, and look for cracks or bulges.

  • Suspension
    15% of testsRough price £120–£400

    At the viewing: Listen for knocks over speed bumps, and look behind each front wheel for a snapped coil spring.

  • Brakes
    15% of testsRough price £150–£350

    At the viewing: Look for a lip on the disc edges and feel for judder or pulling when braking firmly from about 40mph.

  • Wipers, windscreen and mirrors
    5% of testsRough price £15–£250

    At the viewing: Check for chips in the driver's view, and test the wipers and washers.

  • Lights and electrics
    5% of testsRough price £10–£80

    At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.

  • Oil and fluid leaks
    4% of testsRough price £80–£600

    At the viewing: Look under the engine and on the ground where the car is usually parked for fresh oil or fluid.

Looking at a BMW X5?

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Other years

YearMOT testsMost flagged
20227,815Tyres 26%
20216,328Tyres 25%
20204,881Tyres 23%
20198,414Tyres 22%
20186,877Tyres 26%
20175,958Tyres 26%
20166,255Tyres 26%
20156,729Tyres 27%
20133,242Tyres 30%
20123,723Tyres 31%
20113,549Tyres 30%
20103,293Suspension 30%
20093,504Suspension 36%
20082,831Suspension 38%
20072,781Suspension 40%
20062,469Brakes 45%
20054,071Suspension 44%
20042,219Suspension 44%
20031,438Suspension 46%
2002779Suspension 43%

Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test in Great Britain in 2025, counting tests of 2014 BMW X5s registered in 2014. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score