2011 BMW X5: petrol or diesel?
Petrol, diesel and hybrid versions go wrong in different ways, so each has its own figures from the MOTs these cars had during 2023–2025. Pick the one you’re looking at: the fuel is on the logbook and in the car’s MOT history.
Diesel and Hybrid versions had too few MOTs for figures of their own, or weren’t sold.
Known faults on every 2011 BMW X5
Reported by owners, mechanics and buying guides for this model and age. Check which engine the car has, as some apply to one engine only.
- Self-levelling rear suspension
Rear air suspension bags
The airbags on the self-levelling rear suspension are a known weak point, and axle, suspension and electrical repairs are expensive.
At the viewing: Look at the rear ride height after it's been parked, and listen for the compressor.
- All engines
Water leaks: driver's carpet and rear lights
A blocked or broken rear washer pipe can soak the driver's carpet, and rear light clusters can leak.
At the viewing: Feel the driver's carpet and look inside the rear lights.
- All engines
xDrive faults from mismatched tyres
The four-wheel-drive system can be damaged when tyres on the same axle have very different tread depths. Early gearboxes shifted abruptly until a software update.
At the viewing: Check the tyres match and have similar tread.
- All engines
Rattles, peeling trim and sticking door handles
Rattles from the glovebox, sunroof, rear seats and tailgate, peeling interior plastic and sticking door handles are reported.
At the viewing: Listen on a rough road and try every door handle.
Looking at a BMW X5?
Check the actual car: its own MOT history, mileage and what to ask the seller. Free, no sign-up.
Other years
Every year of the BMW X5 compared
| Year | MOT tests | Most flagged |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | – | Too new for MOT data |
| 2025 | – | Too new for MOT data |
| 2024 | – | Too new for MOT data |
| 2023 | 224 | Tyres 12% |
| 2022 | 8,124 | Tyres 25% |
| 2021 | 13,390 | Tyres 25% |
| 2020 | 14,853 | Tyres 23% |
| 2019 | 25,450 | Tyres 23% |
| 2018 | 20,734 | Tyres 26% |
| 2017 | 18,041 | Tyres 26% |
| 2016 | 18,935 | Tyres 26% |
| 2015 | 20,364 | Tyres 27% |
| 2014 | 15,752 | Tyres 26% |
| 2013 | 9,980 | Tyres 29% |
| 2012 | 11,686 | Tyres 31% |
| 2010 | 10,621 | Tyres 30% |
| 2009 | 11,406 | Suspension 33% |
| 2008 | 9,407 | Suspension 36% |
| 2007 | 9,795 | Suspension 38% |
| 2006 | 9,115 | Brakes 45% |
| 2005 | 14,710 | Brakes 43% |
| 2004 | 8,300 | Brakes 42% |
| 2003 | 5,708 | Brakes 45% |
| 2002 | 3,205 | Suspension 42% |
| 2001 | 1,594 | Brakes 42% |
| 2000 | – | Too few tests |