BMW X5 Buyer's Guide (2014-2018)- F15 & F85 - Models, Options, Engines, Transmissions, & Competition
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- Опубліковано 31 тра 2024
- ►Since 1999 and the release of the E53, the BMW X5 has been one of BMW's best-selling models in their lineup. The BMW F15 & F85 represent the third generation of BMW's ever-popular X5 and one of the best value mid-size SUVs on the market.
In this episode of our Buyer's Guide series, we dive deep into the F15 and F85 BMW X5. Gareth Foley, FCP Euro's BMW Catalog Manager, and owner of an F15 BMW X5 walks us through everything we need to know about the X5, including the following sections:
00:00 - Intro
01:23 - Used BMW X5 Options (F15/F85)
01:48 - BMW X5 Competition (F15/F85)
02:48 - BMW X5 Model Breakdown (F15/F85)
03:37 - BMW X5 Styling (F15/F85)
06:06 - BMW X5 Interior (F15/F85)
07:10 - BMW X5 Engine Breakdown (F15/F85)
12:58 - BMW X5 Transmissions (F15/F85)
15:19 - BMW X5 Design Features (F15/F85)
17:12 - BMW X5 Tires/Brakes (F15/F85)
18:47 - Wrap-Up
If you would like to learn more about the BMW F15 X5, you can find additional videos, articles, news, and products on our blog at blog.fcpeuro.com/tag/bmw.
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independent BMW specialist shop, and dealership employee here, most of my labor is spent on these platforms.
1. The grills fit all models the same, regardless of M, M Sport, or base. no difference in the shape of the grills even with different bumpers. (e.g. you can put double slats on a base model sdrive35i if you so choose)
2. They vary massively in interior and no, they don't all come loaded. We see plenty that are as bare-bones as they come. 4 different leather material options, vinyl, dakota leather, nappa leather, and merino leather, not to mention "BMW Individual" options. You also have several seat shape options, extended leather options, third row option, interior trims, three sound systems, tons of driver assistance options, technology package, executive trims, various gauge clusters, etc. Meaning an un-optioned vinyl interior base sdrive35i with feel far from the luxury of a merino optioned M sport xdrive50i with the executive package and extended leather. One feels like a Toyota Rav4 inside, hard plasticky surfaces everywhere, the other like a Bently, completely wrapped in the most supple Merino leather and alcantara, with night vision cameras, Bang and Olufsen sound, ventilated seats, digital dash-board, adaptive cruise, etc. Keep this in mind if you think there is no big difference in options, there is. There is a reason there can be a 20 grand difference in original MSRPs between the same model
3. 2017 and 2018 get newer versions of idrive that support apple carplay, and touch screen. 2016 and earlier are incompatible, and cannot be easily upgraded.
4. The 35i is the easiest to own. You will do your oil filter housing gasket, and valve cover gasket eventually. Might need to replace a brittle connection or the PCV/valve cover if you aren't lucky, or you are 100,000+ miles. Coils, plugs, filters here and there. That's really the most of it, we don't have many issues with the 35i, save for customers who neglect oil services.
5. The N20 in the 40e has superseded parts, and does not suffer from the timing or oil pump issues mentioned in the video. That hasn't been an issue since 2015, and does not apply to the updated N20 in the 40e, again misinformation. Service bulletins, and part numbers to back this up. Anecdotally, we have't had to tear into a single N20 in a 40e. not once. We've found them to be great cars, and our customers who own them all rave. 40e is a great value, period. The quoted MPG is irrelevant, the point of the vehicle is to have comparable MPG and accel to the 35i under gasoline power, yet when charged nightly and driven locally, you'll find you are on electric power most of the time, unless you drive far daily. It's meant to supplement the gas engine, it's not an EV or a true hybrid as you'd expect. 60+ MPG in my own personal experience, and our customers. MPG drops if you don't charge it. If you aren't going to charge the car, or you drive more than 20 miles on your commute, get a 35i.
6. the N63TU in the 50i is the hardest to own, yet those owners seem to enjoy the car the most. MPG is very poor, cost of maintenance is higher in general, more cylinders, more fluid capacities, tighter engine bay, etc. Most commonly: broken, brittle PCV hoses and turbo inlet pipes, two-piece oil pan leaks. Also, It really is just a damn hot engine. Fans run hard constantly, even after shutfown. Give the engine bay time to cool, the engine bay feels like a kiln in comparison to the other engines. It's a great engine otherwise, much better than the last N63. Watch out for the transfer-case, here and there we see ATC45L transfer-case failures due to wet clutches being burned up from the torque of the engine. we rebuild them in-house, others will insist on replacement. The X5M is a similar story, slightly different top-end of the engine, and exhaust/intake routing + many revised parts. I'd have no problem owning a 50i or an M below 100,000 miles.
7. If you get a car with rear air suspension, you may need to replace the rear air springs later in the car's life. Cheap job, worth the ride quality. rear air suspension is standard on the 40e, and all 3rd row seat models. Optional in two other packages, most commonly on 50is.
8. These cars are just a bit noisy in general. The tires are loud, there will be some creaks and rattles. It is what it is, they feel slightly truck-like at times.
9. There is no real difference between model years, aside from idrive version, and a few small items and options here and there. a 2014 will drive just as well as a 2018 and be no more or less reliable. Just older vs newer (with exception of the 50i, which seems to have some quiet improvements made to the aforementioned brittle engine plastics for build years after 2015, somewhat negligible)
probably forgetting something, but the F15 is a great model. Easy BMW to own if that's what you are looking for
thanks great iinfo, looks like i'm getting me a 35i
btw, which F25, G01, G05 would you recommend?
Thank you for this! I can’t decide between 50i and 35i. I already own f25 with n55 that has 120k worry free miles. I wanted to jump to the 50i since it’s the m sport variant, both of them has less than 40k miles. And i do the maintenance on my cars.I have 4 more days to decide :)
hello, I'm having a rattling noise when accelerating and when the engine is around 1-2RPM. it is noticeable when going uphill and only can hear it when windows are down. what do you think might be the problem. I have a video about it. hope you can help me locate the problem.
How about the diesel? I'm looking to buy one with between 40k and 80k miles, but I plan to do a ton of driving, like 20k miles a year. Should I be worried about the fuel pump issues or anything else?
I LOVE how you just break it all down. super informative, gives me a lot to think about for my next X5. Thanks!
This channel is a gem. I have been researching about BMW for a quite sometime. I came across this channel. It's good.
Thank for taking the time to do this video for the community.
I don't know Gareth but I freaking love this guy! I just stumbled upon FCP Euro videos even though I've been a customer of theirs for some time now. But when I saw the title for this vehicle review, I had to check it out. Personally speaking, I love this video and as a 15 BMW X5 xDrive50i owner, everything covered in this video is spot on!
Good stuff FCP. Came across this vid because I'm in the market to get an F85 X5M. 2015 to be exact. I saw one on a local lot when I was buying my wife's car and got the bimmer bug again, as much as I try I can't resist a well thought out well put together bimmer. I use to use to buy part from you guys when I had an E39 m sport wagon.
Great video, much more in depth knowledge than more 'review' type talking heads. Well done
Very comprehensive video. I am in the market, and this helped a ton!
Very detailed and explained clearly. Thank you
I have the 2010 x5 xdrive30i, have over 179k miles on it love it, easy to work on as well, looking for a newer model X5 so most definitely glad y’all did this video about the newer years
getting my 2018 X5M delivered this week. Thanks for the info!
Certainly sounds like a buyers review to me. Information is on point and relevant if you're looking to buy a vehicle in this size range. I am, so absolutely relevant buyer information
The best video ! Thanks !!! I loved
thank you so much! very helpful video!
Fantastic video! Well done sir!
Nice information thank you, very well presented as well..
Love these videos. You guys are my kind of car nerds!
😎
Great Video. Had a 2015 3.5 with M-sport package. Great looking, and mostly fun to drive. Horrible highway manners. Very twitchy with vague electric power steering, which is why I got rid of it. As stated - ride greatly improved by replacing run flats with regular tires. Pre-covid, these things depreciated like a rock.
very informative.....great job bud
Nice video, very informative for people who want to purchase such vehicles for the first time.
Thanks. Have been considering jumping from my F10 to a F15 for a while now.
Great video I’m looking at getting an X5 and you have a lot of great information in what to look for. I was thinking of the hybrid but am leaning towards a diesel now.
I have a 2016 F15 XDrive35i with 157XXX miles and I have had no major issues so far! Basic maintenance and if I’m 100% honest I drive it very hard. Always on sport mode and with a heavy foot. I’m so freaking impressed with it!!
That is the way it should be driven!
What type of fuel economy do you usually get, I drive pretty hard too so I’d like to know
Please update
Excellent video! Very informative!
Our Pleasure Luis
Very detailed review. Excellent!
Thanks ne2i glad you found it detailed and enjoyed it!
Great video. This is my favorite generation X5 and I love my 2015 F15 35i MSport. It’s been super reliable and a fun family car with an aggressive look.
It really does check all the boxes!
How many miles does it have now? Any major repairs?
@@chuechang9527 i have a 2017 X5 35i bought with 40k miles . I replaced the air suspension that failed at 65k miles (it should be replaced at every 60k miles). Also the waterpump and thermostat. No other major repairs.
Don't ignore your 5-6k miles oil changes, replace your accessory belt at 90k miles and your spark plugs every 50k miles and ignition coils every 100k miles. Replace and flush cooling system every 3 years, flush brake fluids every 2 years. Replace transfer case and difference fluids every 50 miles and replace transmission fluid, pan and filter every 50k miles
I read how uncomfortable this can be in driving and with passengers. In comparison to 5 Saloon, I read it can’t be compared and the 5 saloon is much more comfortable and more enjoyable to the driver.
So is the X5 for an ego massage? Once in, you just compromise and suffer quietly?
Looking for honest opinion from decent human being😅
@@deanroy9420where did you read this and how could it be worse than a 5 series? I drove the f10 and it was terrible, small passenger space and horrendous handling. My e60 was far superior.
Great Video!
I love this content. I feel the f15 xdrive35i is soo underrated. Finally just picked myself up one and might start posting content because of a lack thereof.
There really isnt much out there on them! We have a ton more X5 content on the way so stay tuned!
@@fcpeuro now I’m excited!
@@bigfwopl4873 let me know if you start making videos about it, I would love to learn more about it
Just purchased a f15 xdrive35i, it’s an amazing vehicle
I cut my Bridgestone's for Continental Radials and it drastically improved the ride. I also bought the Mobility Kit in case of a flat! Two issues I want to address is the plastic Charge Pipe and Return Pipe for the turbo to the intercooler. The head Service lead at Rick Hendrick stated that you must be sure to buy exact OEM specifications from Kies(sp) Sports or any other supplier. He also said that replacing the Oil Gasket in the what every that is, don't have my notes currently, is very costly and can cause numerous problems if that gasket fails, drains on your belts and hoses, and then you in for a stalled vehicle and several thousands $$$to fix!!!. A simple low cost gasket, in a difficult area by having to take several main parts to access and then replacing it all. BMW should design an engine with the probability that a gasket, I heard under $20, will fail, as many do as the vehicle gets older, with the ability for quick access, time sensitive repair-as time cost as much or more than most parts! So to replace a $20 rubber gasket it will cost over $1000 to complete. That is planned obsolescence at its best!!! And finally, the depreciation of my vehicle , which is a "17, is laughable. Bought a Certified X5 for $39,166/21,174 miles, that sold three years earlier for $72,599+++ and today with current market value of $25,000!! It's six years old, Mint and that kind of market loss will lead me to another vehicle next time. The Ultimate Driving Machine is not teh Ultimate Value Machine!!!!
did you choose conti dsw ?
keep up the good content guys....good work
Many new buyer's guides to come!
A bro love love how u broke this down soooo simple and even tho u did this brother I still had a long trickle of pee run down my pants because am soooooo scared to death about buying a BMW with all the sensitive parts that are so expensive and the maintenance cost would dent ya bank accounts but love the video bro I wanna get an X5M or the X50i I love V8's had a 2016 Escalade that I cammed and changed exhaust and was running 510hp but really 460-480hp and someone T-bone me off the road and that is gone so looking for another SUV with power and th X5 really sold me so appreciate ya video keep it up
Great video and great information. Thank you for putting it out there. I bought a low millage 2017 X5 50i and love it. I have one question. Are the duel headlights just for show? My outside headlights seam to be the only ones that come on in any configuration of driving lights, high beam and fog (separate light)
Thank you for the informative review of the F15s. Any video for towing? Type of towing hitch? Etc. I would be interested. I am in the market to install towing hitch but there’s so many options out there.
Very informative video. I have a 2016 X5 35i; love it. Got a fair deal on it as well. Just always wondered where it stood among all the configurations.
How is it going!
2017 X5 35D owner, use it to tow my F30 to the track, great tow vehicle with rear air suspension!
Just bought the 40e I’m at a loss for words. INSANE CAR.
Got my X5 F15 a year ago , made almost 35000 km, before had a X3 f25 and its a huge difference. Everybody that was in the car said its awsome and i find it almost perfect :)
What did you like/dislike?
Which year BMW F15 35i suv is the most reliable? I love your videos!!
Where is your shop located? I felt like I just went to a BMW seminar. GREAT introductory video.
The adaptive cruise control seems to be an option no one buys with these, or M340i's. Makes trying to find one very difficult.
Wonderful and informative video, thank you. How do I know if my 2017 X5 xDrive 35i (17XG) has a N55 engine? Is my model a F15?
Very helpful because I'm looking to buy an X5-M, thx pal
Happy shopping!
My F15 has knocking when accelerate I have changed the diesel filter and the EGR system, but knocking still happen. Some people told me is the problem of 4 wheel transfer box or axle problem
.
My 2011 N55 was horrible… but then again, it was 335 not a X35i… might try and grab a X5 next… love the truck so much ❤
Do you have videos for the Alternator and AC compressor replacement for BMW F15 sDrive35i?
Hi Thank you so much for your videos they are really helpful, I just got a stupid question, I own F15 2017 with the M Package that has lane departure and pre collision but doesn't have Adaptive Cruise control, is possible to install that if I buy the radar ? thank you again
Nice video, good buyer’s guide. I have an Msport xdrive35i. I love the N55, it’s definitely a solid choice and has tons of aftermarket potential. As far as SUVs go, the F15 is really an enjoyable car to drive. I must say that the N55 has a couple of well-known issues that are easily addressed but won’t leave you stranded on the side of the road. My X5 groups are constantly filled with N63 nightmare stories and I think it’s something you could address in a future video.
We are big advocates of the N55 here at HQ, and agree the F15 hasnt quite hit its stride yet, but think very soon it will become full appreciated and get the support it deserves!
Really good overview of the 3rd gen x5. My 2018 n57 has been super reliable so far and 31mpg avg not too shabby
31 MPG is no joke for that big an SUV, glad the n57 has treated you well thus far Dale! When the time comes that it doesnt you know we've got your back!
@@fcpeuro nice, My old M57 3.0d still gives me a bit more .... close to 34MPG aprox... driving like an old man...
Have you had any DPF or SCR related issues? Those were common on the predecessor. Just curious as to your own experience as I haven't heard much on the N57 engine.
Negative with my n57, but only 40k miles on my clock.
Can you do a video on the most common problems on the f15 and f85 and how to address them at home?
Can we talk about the x1 sometime? It seems very quirky, more like a jacked up e91 wagon than an SUV. Curious how it compares to e90 and f30 cars
hi guys!! Love your channel and learned so much. I recently purchased a 2018 X5 and it has Air Suspension on the rear however the car drives very rough and I can feel literally every bump moving left to right like I am in a bouncy castle. When asked BMW they said this is normal.....coming from an X3 and a series 5 I never felt this kind of bouncy that makes you want to vomit. Is this normal? I understand some bouncyness might be normal but this you cannot even drink your coffee on a leveled highway without making a mess. Any advice? To mention BMW says basically that X5 sucks and this is how it is because if I want to ride the "magic carpet" I should of stayed with series 5 or bought an x7....which I find ridiculous.
I just bought a 2018 BMW X5 50i xdrive. what is the difference between the X5 50i N63TU at 444hp and the X5M S63R at 567hp. I'm looking at increasing the HP on my N63TU to closer HP numbers of the S63R. What can I do or what should I do. Thank you
Great great video, please do more like this one, I would love to see a midsize Mercedes benz suv video
Jim... its as if you know whats sitting in our shop next up on deck . Dont think youll be dissapointed!
They drive good lots of power
Great info. Is the N55 direct injection?
I want one of these sooooo bad! Coming from a Kia Stinger with a full warranty and absolutely no problems I’m scared to get a X5 50i used. Just don’t need a headache of maintenance, I’m very confused!
Is the X5 50i reliable for your daily if I pick one up second hand?
thanks!
I own 2016 x5 35d how reliable my car is for the long run?
I have 123,000km ,ther is anything that i will need to be worry about ?
Regarding maintenance?
Owned F15 for 3 years and I had problems with weak AC, which is the worst in my experience. As I have no problem with G05 2021, I think issue was in the weak air flow of 4-zone option. If you are living in Texas, I don't recommend it (at least with 4-zone option). Otherwise, all good.
Didn't do the M-Sport package due to the color we wanted not being available with the package and too many M badges and not being an X5M. Went with the Sport package instead with the Pure Excellence appearance package.
Even having all those options makes this F15 platform all the better, glad you found the perfect combo for you!
Is there and adjustable ride height option for the X5 F15?
Looking for help I own a 2018 drive 35i and now with 40k on it when the engine warms to 200 I get what sounds like a valve knock from under the car upon low speed acceleration especially between 2nd and 3rd gear. It sounds like valve tick you get when you run non-premium gas in a car that requires premium only louder. My local dealer could not fi d or fix the issue. Looking to see if anyone else has had this problem or knows how to fix. Comments welcome. Thanks
Hey guys, can anyone tell me the name of the app used to browse the cars for sale @ 1:30 ?
Great video, can you please do transmission, transfer case, front & rear diffs oil change for F85/F86?
We can certainly add them to the list!
We have the 8HP transmission service covered here: ua-cam.com/video/kXKhZievmSI/v-deo.html. The only difference would be a design change for the pan/filter but other than that the service is the same. The QMV torque vectoring differential would be a good one to talk about as it applies to more than just the F85 X5M. We also recently put together a service kit specifically for that differential.
Great video, thanks! I wonder how prominent failures are for the rear air suspension on the third row F15 cars? Could it be a deal breaker as these cars age?
Shouldn't be a deal breaker but worth a thought. My first X5 was a 2001 and one rear air bag failed around 100K miles. Cost about 700 USD to replace both, ran the car to 180K miles before selling without further airbag problems. Bought a 2016 model year and had air bag fail at 75K miles this year. Replaced both again for similar price. Again with an after-market product which has a life time warranty - better than the stock item from everything I hear. In both cases failure was not castastrophic - just noticed the car had sagged overnight in the garage. After starting the engine the pressure came back up right away and it was drivable but had it fixed without delay because otherwise the air pump might wear out and result in a much higher repair cost. Not a problem particular to BMW air suspension BTW. Basically a wear-out part if you have air suspension.
Great video and im looking to purchase one. The only issue its hard to find obe in my current range with under 100k miles. I figure i am looking for atleast under 70k but then the interior options tend to be bland. Any suggestions on 70k and above purchase 🤔?
Did you find one? I finally picked up a 14 with 60k miles, what a dream to drive. It was a bit cheaper than 16’s and up and had lower miles l.
no comment on the 35d reliability?
Which Years do you recommend ?
Great video! F15 is my favorite generation! I have the 2015 F15 M Sport and fun to drive. No major repairs, just minor repairs of some plastic items inside. No major problems! Awesome vehicle! However, Some say that the 2016 F15 is the best year, any thoughts?
Update: I now have 101,000 miles on my X5 and going strong.
I've had a few plastic trim pieces fail on my 2017 X5. We'll call it an F15 issue across the board. I had small plastic trim accents fall off on the drivers door window switch and the center vent slide.
got 125 on mine i take care of it no major problems!
@@jayem8981 awesome stuff! Proud owner of a 2017 X5 xDrive35i with M sport and the M exhaust however without the MPPK.
@@jayem8981 Hi, I have a 2017 but no WiFi antenna. Did you use an MMI box to retrofit CarPlay? If so, which brand? Thanks
My 18’ 35d f15 lease term almost at the end, should I keep it for long term? So far it has been driven 60k kms. I love diesel for the fuel economy but I don’t know if this diesel is reliable for long term. Any suggestions?
I just purchased my leased 18' 35d. I think its well worth it, especially when you look at the current trend of fuel prices.
Hey, do people know why BMW only recommends 0-30w for their 2018 models?
Where are you located I would like for you to do maintenance on my Bmw's 2014 x5 sdrive 35i and 2009 x5 3.0i
what’s the ATF maintenance intervals? Is it a lifetime fluid? Great video,very informative! Keep delivering F15 content, I have an F15 x35d that has 105k miles and driving great with minimal issues minus the sagging air suspension, but an easy diy fix
60k as per ZF
I can only share my experience ( F15 4.0e Hybrid). I did the transfer case fluid service at 60K ( very dirty) and front/rear diff also at 60K (fluid wasn't too bad). I did the simple ATF3+ drain and fill with a new BMW cover ( that included filter). Fluid was still greenish, but I also happen to be a former professional racer so I the way I drive may be very different than the average person's driving pattern. I personally drove this car moderately, typically get my foot of the gas and let it change gears by itself at low rpm. I would say that the transfer case is more likely to go bad than the transmission if you don't do the fluid service. Moving forward, will be doing the transmission at 50K intervals. One word of advise, don't do it too late ( high millage) and don't let anyone telling you ZF oil is the same or better. Just used BMW ATF3+ if you will do simple drain and refill. You don't want the oil mixing up. You can cheapen out somewhere else, but not on the transmission.
I change at 50k
We have a bunch of content on the 8HP transmission. We follow ZF's service recommendation of 80K Km or 8 years (whichever comes first) BMW as a car manufacturer claims a lifetime fill however it's important to know that the term "lifetime" = 100K miles.
Drain and fill service DIY here: ua-cam.com/video/kXKhZievmSI/v-deo.html
8HP diagnostic and overview here: ua-cam.com/video/GIAxM4RMmfc/v-deo.html
To service your ZF 8HP you can go for many different fluids; Pentosin ATF8, Redline D6 ATF, Liqui Moly Top Tec 1800 ATF and ZF Lifeguard8. They are all very good, different price points and all meet OE specs.
I bought a 2015 X5 35D last September, love it. But fuel mileage isn't anywhere near 37mpg. My first trip was from the DC area to Cape Cod, got about 31 mpg with average speed 70+ mph. Around town it's in the 29mpg range. Excellent mileage for such a large vehicle, and the engine is plenty powerful. I paid right at $20K for it with 131K miles, what a deal IMO. Thanks for this video, as a new owner I've been digging into the model to learn more about them.
But as a buyer's guide where is the discussion about what to look for in a used model? You did well telling us about the hybrid problems, are there really no other issues to be concerned about? Should I get rid of the extended warranty I paid for? I do all of my own work unless it's a new engine or new transmission, but wanted some insurance just in case. If I'll never use it well...
That's because you're doing it wrong. My x5d gets 37mpg highway
@@natehaskins1067 how's he doing it wrong? Not trying to say anyone is right or wrong, I'm actually just curious as I am looking into this vehicle and it'd be used oftenly for road trips.
@@whatta7793 Need to hit a good pothole brother
great video garth !! i have an 2018 x5 with the n55 engine and the m package wheels.
i have been smelling since around 20k miles like a coolant overheat smell and also like burnt oil smell. dealers says nothing is wrong, i have 32k miles , also which non run flat tires would you say have the best riding i put recently the michelin pilots and are as hard as the run flats,,what do you think? thanks
I have the same smell on my 2014 X3 F25 with the N20 engine.
Never ever did I have engine problems after having the car for 1.5 years. Only the air suspension kinda said bye bye on right side rear, but it was a cheap fix
What you can say 2013 X5 xdrive35i planing to buy...
Quick question: What if you don't want the camber adjustable wishbones ( upper rear control arm) but you want to get a proper alignment? I see BMW sells the OEM +30 min upper control arm but they do sell a control arm without the +30. As for OE replacement, there is a Lemforder and a TRW option ( there may be others but I don't trust other brands). Would these variants be suitable for a xdrive 4.0e or it should be the OEM +30 version or Myele HD ( the one you mentioned in the video). Guess my question is why is so challenging to get a proper alignment on the F15 if you don't use the OEM part? Some of the replacement parts on this vehicle will need to be OEM from what I see: perfect example would be the struts for the xdrive version, since no other manufacturer is making them and they are terribly pricy.
The F15 X5 and F16 X6 (along with all BMW big chassis vehicles) are using a double wishbone style front suspension (true upper and lower control arms). The primary advantage of this suspension design from an engineering point of view is the ability to control camber and toe curve through suspension travel. In addition to that the double wishbone suspension can increase camber gain through suspension travel where a McPherson strut front suspension will lose camber through suspension travel. So from a vehicle dynamics perspective, a dual wishbone suspension is a better option from a dynamics perspective but it's a more complicated option from a packaging perspective. BMW's implementation with lack of camber adjustment for camber I think is where they went wrong. The only ways to fix/adjust camber on a front double wishbone suspension is as follows:
1) Eccentric adjustments on the upper or lower control arms (lower preferable)
2) Adjustable control arm or set camber correction control arm (BMW uses the latter option for double wishbone cars)
3) Camber correction knuckle (BMW uses this on F chassis McPherson strut cars but would work on a double wishbone suspension)
If the chassis is straight and the suspension components (control arm bushings, ball joints, etc) are in good shape there should be no reason to have to correct an excessive or minimal camber problem in the front suspension. For the F15 X5 the front suspension runs very minimal front wheel camber (less than -1 degree) at static ride ride height. This camber changes through suspension travel based on design/vehicle dynamics. For the factory style camber correction upper arms, and as you stated there is a +30MIN and -30MIN options which will either increase or decrease camber. The one issue with this design is the change is a set increment and is not adjustable. For example, a +30MIN control arm will increase the camber on that given corner by a set .5 degrees. A -30MIN control arm on the other hand will decrease camber by .5 degrees. In order to use these set camber correction arms you have to be very far off the dead middle of the recommended camber value. At the end of the day, with this set limitation in camber correction on the front suspension there is always going to be a discrepancy in camber left and right. Camber is an important suspension setting for handling with toe/steer ahead being critical for tire wear. The advantage the Meyle HD control arms provide is 1 degree of total camber adjustment on the preset value (both the +30MIN and -30MIN but it also allows for incremental adjustment meaning the front cambers can be matched left and right. In an ideal world, this front suspension used by BMW on their larger chassis vehicles would have benefitted greatly from an eccentric adjustment on the front subframe via the wishbone (the straight control arm) and camber correction would not need to be messed with via control arm changes or knuckle changes on other cars.
In regards to other front suspension components, you'll find as time goes on that variants of struts will become more widely available. On my F15 X5 which was used in the DIY videos I used Bilstein B4 replacement for the front struts and rear shocks. They definitely have a different damping characteristic but I believe they used the sport suspension setting option as the happy medium in order to fit more suspension options with fewer part numbers.
Sort of long winded explanation on the front suspension, particular on camber corrections on these double wishbone front suspension cars, but I hope it helps explain the options as well as what the +30MIN and -30MIN options mean.
@@GarethFoley I appreciate the detailed response and hopefully everyone feels the same way and strongly believe your answer portraits the level of expertise you possess. I personally had no doubt, but now it's most clear for the few non believers,if any. I guess my point was to bring up one of these particularities some of the German vehicles have. To the"non expert"( and I see a lot of threads online regarding what's most obvious with the camber adjustment on these cars: my tires are unevenly worned out) this whole debacle about the wish bones made ( hopefully now it does) doesn't say much, they'll replace the part buying whatever they find online and some will be running into issues with the alignment. You'd be surprised to know what dealers are telling people when it comes to replace the wishbones in conjunction with the replacement of other suspension components: " you won't know which wishbone type you need unitil you need to do the alignment. I just wanted more substrate on this matter so everyone in need to replace these specific parts was aware of the potential issue. At the end of the day, we're the perfect customer for a company like FCP ( which is fantastic to say the least) : people buying cars with an average to medium high income. Most others won't ever care, since they lease and won't ever need to care replacing anything on their vehicle. Thanks once again for the thorough response and keep these videos coming!
My 2018 f15 with 50,000mls buttoms out when I ride over a bump.help
No M50d in the US? We get them in Australia. Its as quick as the 50i for 0-100kmh. Beast
Am I right with what I’m reading that you buy this car for the look and great feeling of owning an X5 but compromise heavily with how uncomfortable and non involved it is for Driver and Passengers?
Hope to get non-emotional, factual answers.
Cheers
I purchased a 2018 X5 d with 3rd row seat. I also purchased an BMW extended warrant up to 100k. X5 has 93k. Keep or buy an extended warranty. The vehicle has been trouble free thus far.
Thank for very informative video! BTW, i am currently own 2013 E70 35i, and want to move to F15 35i. Is it worth upgrading ? Thanks in advance
What's your honest experience with 35i? I am aspiring new owner who lives in Tanzania. I want to use it mostly for long distance travelling. Our landscape is more of a lot of mountains and narrow roads. Please advice.
@@peterpetram If we are talking about E70, then this is very good SUV in terms of dynamics and comfort, as well as any other aspect of drive. Long distance driving is excellent and comfortable, but "cornering" in mountain roads is a bit shaky, as this is big SUV and not sedan. But, if you will find version with adaptive suspension - this thing will "eat" miles and miles. Especially after MHD and xHP tunes. However it is quite old in terms of technologies for 2023 and with active suspension may be expensive for servicing. This is why I consider shift to F15 regardless of fact the that it has same engine and transmission.
Porsche McCann lol. Nice review.
Does the F15 X5 have a compartment for a full-size spare tire?
I don’t think so! Since, it has run-flat tires and a space saver option, where a spare-tire would go.
No, not a full size spare. There is a compartment for a space saver spare, as long as you don't have the third row option.
Man I’m contemplating getting the 2011 x5 35 diesel. Not enough content on them though sadly
We agree; they are excellent rigs!
With all due respect, this is not a buyers guide. This is more a review of specs. Thanks anyway.
Alright karen?
Right Kevin
@@user39022 your reference doesnt make sense
6:30 No man.. they are not ALL touch screen!!! thanks for graying all the differences which is what theis video is SUPPOSE to highlight.
Wow, I can feel the hate for the 40e in this video. Sounds like he's never actually driven/owned one. Avg 5.2 L/100km and a solid no issue car at 77xxxkm. Lot of hate but no complaints when I get 1200km out of 3/4 a tank of gas.
The background music isn't in the background, it's competing with your voice.
7:00 those tires tho...
you can see the thread
The owner who bought the car bought it sight unseen from someone across the country. I can confirm they ordered tires for it that day.
I recently purchased a X5 M50D...0 content on that unfortunately lol
I own a 2018 X5X-Drive 35i. At year 4, with 41,000 miles, during the engine oil change, there were large flakes of main bearing material found in the oil. BMW covered the failure under warranty and replaced the engine. They also found that the main thrust bearing was the cause of the flaking. Has this engine type had bearing problems?
Never get the yr before the body change
Nice overview Garth! Please continue to post FYI's on this model.....My wife has one that I take care of.😀
Many more on the way to help you, help your wife 🤔
I have an X3 now but i want an X5, problem is i think it's to big for the city i live in. 😅
🇧🇷🇧🇷🇧🇷🇧🇷👏🏻, Awesome video!
If i use regular tire, not run flat, then if i get aflat , there is NO Spare tire in the car! What do u suggest?
Tow it
I’m so happy with my sdrive 35i RWD 2016 M Package look awesomely aggressive like the M 8 cylinder
That’s N55 engine 6 cylinder is awesomely great reliable like toyota 😂
It’s between this and a 4 runner for me.
4 runner will last longer. Which one you choose?