2003 BMW X5: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2003 BMW X5?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2003 BMW X5 than on all cars registered in 2003.

• Drive shaft (CV) joints2.8× usual
  BMW X5

  18.2% All 2003 cars

  6.6%

  Failed outright at MOT: 6.3%, against 2.9% of all 2003 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 joints2.1× usual
  BMW X5

  17.9% All 2003 cars

  8.6%

  Failed outright at MOT: 4.2%, against 1.9% of all 2003 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 joint2.3× usual
  BMW X5

  14.8% All 2003 cars

  6.4%

  Failed outright at MOT: 7.2%, against 2.9% of all 2003 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.

• Door condition7.7× usual
  BMW X5

  4.6% All 2003 cars

  0.6%

  Failed outright at MOT: 4.6%, against 0.6% of all 2003 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £150–£1,000 our estimate

  At the viewing: Check the sills, wheel arches and underneath for rust, and look along the panels for uneven gaps or paint.

• Individual direction indicators2.1× usual
  BMW X5

  6.8% All 2003 cars

  3.2%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.8%, against 1.5% of all 2003 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £10–£80 our estimate

  At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light while you work the switches: indicators, brake lights, fog lights and reversing lights.

Common 2003 BMW X5 MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2003 BMW X5 MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Brakes
  45% 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
  45% 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
  37% 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
  36% 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
  26% 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
  18% 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 2003 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 drive shaft (cv) joints? (Flagged at MOT 2.8× as often on the 2003 BMW X5 as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the suspension arm bushes and joints? (Flagged at MOT 2.1× as often on the 2003 BMW X5 as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the ball joint? (Flagged at MOT 2.3× as often on the 2003 BMW X5 as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?