2001 BMW X5: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2001 BMW X5?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2001 BMW X5 than on all cars registered in 2001.

• Engine oil leaks1.8× usual
  BMW X5

  28.5% All 2001 cars

  15.9%

  Failed outright at MOT: 1.1%, against 0.4% of all 2001 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £80–£600 our estimate

  At the viewing: Look under the engine and where the car is usually parked for fresh oil. Ask whether the leak has been looked at.

• Drive shaft (CV) joints2.7× usual
  BMW X5

  17.2% All 2001 cars

  6.3%

  Failed outright at MOT: 7.7%, against 2.8% of all 2001 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £60–£350 our estimate

  At the viewing: Drive slowly on full steering lock in both directions and listen for clicking. Look for split rubber boots behind the front wheels.

• Suspension arm bushes and joints2.2× usual
  BMW X5

  16.8% All 2001 cars

  7.6%

  Failed outright at MOT: 4%, against 1.6% of all 2001 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £120–£180 (one arm) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for clunks over bumps and feel for the steering wandering. Worn arm bushes show as cracked rubber near the wheels.

• Ball joint2.4× usual
  BMW X5

  14.1% All 2001 cars

  5.8%

  Failed outright at MOT: 7.2%, against 2.4% of all 2001 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £60–£150 (one joint) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for knocking over bumps and check the rubber boots behind the wheels aren't split.

• Headlights1.7× usual
  BMW X5

  15.5% All 2001 cars

  9.1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 4.4%, against 3.7% of all 2001 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £40–£400 our estimate

  At the viewing: Check both headlights on dipped and full beam, and look for cloudy or cracked lenses.

Common 2001 BMW X5 MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2001 BMW X5 MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Brakes
  42% 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.

• Suspension
  41% 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.

• Lights and electrics
  38% of testsRough price £10–£80

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

• Tyres
  34% 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.

• Oil and fluid leaks
  31% 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.

• Driveshafts and joints
  17% of testsRough price £60–£350

  At the viewing: On full steering lock, drive slowly and listen for clicking from the front wheels.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2001 BMW X5

Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.

1. Any recent work on the engine oil leaks? (Flagged at MOT 1.8× as often on the 2001 BMW X5 as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the drive shaft (cv) joints? (Flagged at MOT 2.7× as often on the 2001 BMW X5 as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the suspension arm bushes and joints? (Flagged at MOT 2.2× as often on the 2001 BMW X5 as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?