5 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE BUYING A BMW F15 X5

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Hey Everyone,
In today's video, we're going to review 5 common issues of the BMW F15 X5!
Even with these in mind, the N55 X5 is AWESOME and we absolutely love the car.
See the links at the top for the products we installed, in addition to links for some helpful tools!
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Thanks for watching and please try everything at your own risk.
Bryan
Kies Motorsports is an Authorized Dealer of: ProTuningFreaks BootMod3, BimmerTech, AWE Tuning, Evolution Racewerks, CSF, Pure Turbos, Kratos Turbos, FTP, Variant Wheels, Fuel-it, Studio RSR Roll Cages, MST Performance, Burger Motorsports, VRSF, Bilstein, H&R, Injen, Borla, Dinan, GoFastBits, Depo, VMR Wheels, BBS, Sparco, Snow Performance, Nitrous Express, AFE, Akrapovic, Eibach, Hawk, Fifteen52, Koni, KW, Seibon, Stop Tech, Vorsteiner, Wagner Tuning, Wilwood, and many more incredible brands!
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[@sylvaincote1729]

106000 miles on mine with zero problem......Never been to the dealer beside for maintenance.......Best car ever owned....2015 x5 xdrive M

[@jugheadfla]

One thing to add is the steering column stops telescoping out automatically. This seems to be known issue on these cars and happened to my wife's F15. Luckily the dealership fixed it under warranty. Also, Like others have mentioned, would love to see a vid on changing out the charge pipe on the F15 please, thanks!

[@sergioc1555]

That, my friend, is not leather seat, but leatherette (vinyl), hence the cracking

[@1CrazyDudeYo]

One thing I don’t like is the cheap leatherette

[@CarlosFerreira-0879]

Yesssssss more F15 content please thanks Bryan!!!

[@DJRanoia]

Yea about to buy one to add to the family!

[@user-ir7sl4gh9h]

This is true! Squeeking noise on the steering wheel, tailgate, and the airbags leak actually did happen on my 2014 F15. Beware if you plan to buy one!

[@XcoolcoolbeansbeansX]

The F15 is such an awesome platform. It one of the most popular cars we sell at our shop!

[@NinjaTactiks]

This video was what got me into looking for the oil leaks on my N55 and started my journey into being a home mechanic.

[@fxstar7048]

LMAO ... That was funny!

[@alvarom106]

Lol!!!… same here, it’s only funny cause it’s true! 😅

[@mbrofc]

Be careful and check the rear air spring solenoid, the red and blue lines go into it from the air springs. Mine was leaking from the red fitting causing the left side to sag and the right would follow soon after. I had the compressor overwork and the piston seal fail creating no air pressure. As a quick fix I pealed the seal downwards exposing the fresh side of the seal. It worked! This is just a temporary fix mine has been going for 2 weeks so far whilst waiting for the new one to come from overseas.

[@tompeterson3210]

Do more of this type of video when get “older” BMWs in your shop.

[@Thacardoctor]

Solid video, well done.

[@aarem01]

Tailgate squeak can easily be solved by putting some grease on the guide pins for the tailgate of the car.

[@viktoriya260589]

can you send me a pic of the guide pins where they are located exactly if not too much trouble for you, thank you

[@mastercay]

There are valvetronic motor and cylinder head gasket leak issues as well very common.

[@throws56]

Bringing confidence to the after lease period, BMW owner.

[@mossonephotography712]

Finalllllly!!!!! Thanks Brian! Please do MODs!!!!

[@GimliTehDwarf]

Yes thank you! I want one soon as I finish paying off my f80 😉

[@alexk9746]

Took my car to the service center to resolve the various squeaks and rattles in the cabin and trunk. Bryan, can you show an end-to-end charge pipe replacement on the F15 35i?

[@Kingsman-1981]

Very useful 👍

[@mattX5]

Great video. One of my soft close door mechanisms broke at 50,000 and my seat started to tear on the side at 60,000. All repaired under warranty. Now at 80,000, and no other issues. Very reliable if maintained properly.

[@mohammedshabazz1548]

Which dealership mate

[@eugencristea1585]

I just purchased an off lease 2018 X5 35d and in the maintenance history from the dealer it had exactly the same faults, driver soft close actuator replaced and the driver seat side leather replaced due tears cracked. First thing I did, apply leather treatement to all seats. It also had recorded a front LH wheel bearing replaced which is very unusual for a 4 years old car. The car was driven by a lady, no ofence here but I know my wife. She will test all the pot holes on the road. Just to see how deep they are, lol.

[@Khanbaba-co6mz]

Nice , So seats are covered warranty within 60k miles ?

[@gtsimmo1]

Owned a n55 in a f30 335i and had the first two issues. Now on a B58 in a g01 x3

[@druwashington2945]

Thaaaaaank you Brayan!

[@diewlaylomei]

The air suspension is a cake to change

[@MadaraUchiha-fg6pz]

That’s 1st issue been happening to al Bmw that have the oil filter there. My 2006 325i had the same problem

[@zaviermartin6762]

Can you guys do some content for x5 v8 owners

[@sofloemir]

Forgot about that dang valve cover gasket! Where mine leaked oil...

[@TaylorMMontgomery]

Yeah, the straight 6s of the past two decades or so will need a valve cover gasket replacement at some point. It's just a thing with a lot of German cars actually

[@JL_sounds]

Our driver side rear suspension air bag - we have 3rd row option - gave out about last year so about 6 yrs of Canadian use. We park our car on the driveway outside as well. About a $900 fix including parts/labor for an aftermarket more reliable air bag, we replaced both sides as well. No biggie - we chalked it up to wear and tear after owning since 2014 brand new. The squeek in the steering column was taken care of by dealership while under warranty but would only happen to us in winter for 1st few years. Otherwise we plan to keep even longer.

[@sammyg805]

My air suspension blew out for some reason . No garage wanted to touch it then ended up taking it bmw who charged £3,500 to replace the air suspension and the compressor cos apparently it stopped working as well .. I wished there were cheaper places to have it done

[@Dronethat]

I have a 2016 BMW X5 F15 M Sports. My two rear air springs have started leaking so I've just recently replaced them myself.

[@cenk82]

Very reliable if you do your check/change on time.

[@fraisergaragetv2030]

Where can I get the seals and Charge pipe for f15 X5

[@luizy95]

Possibly looking to get a x5 diesel or gas maybe even Hybrid but set on x5 pre owned and suggestions or ideas on what one. Currently own a f30 328i and getting close to the 100k and been dying for an SUV

[@NickDaschevici]

Brian, can you do a video about how to fix the rattles? I have this problem on the f30, and on a bad road that’s a huge huge problem. Even loud music sometimes won’t cover the noise haha.

[@viktoriya260589]

my bmw x5 2014 has the seats cracked a little like your car has, is there a cheap fix for that if car is out of warranty, as for the noise and squeaky sounds I don't understand how tape can fix it

[@mrsalazar4206]

I do have the seat cracked .... I did change the charge pipe and down pipe.... the squeaky noise doesn't bother me , just blast the music . I do have to change the seal for the oil filter.

[@rockieg02]

Nice what year? ..I have an e70 non turbo right now ..seems like all the similar problems

[@andy-440i7]

Hi Bryan, I agree with the other comment, more f15 video pls... I don't see any "how to install ftp charge pipe for f15"... lastly do you have the ftp aluminum charge pipe on your inventory? I need one for 2016 f15. Thanks!

[@mossonephotography712]

Yessssss

[@chef9576]

Are the same issues on the F16 X6?

[@farroucksirker6248]

Thanks!! So far mine with 55k no issues!

[@Scotford_Maconochie]

Yep same here with 50k mi

[@guitarman7169]

My X5 was cracked when I bought it certified in April of 2021 with 21,141 miles. Didn't notice till about a month later. It is a hard vehicle to get into. The memory seats DO NOT PUSH BACK AUTOMATICALLY AND RESET WHEN YOUI CLOSE THE DOOR-$70,000 VEHICLE????? The dealership here in Columbia, SC said "we can replace it this time" well hell yes it is still CERTIFIED! DAH!

[@TheRealAnthony_real]

My x5M was great though !!!

[@_harshbhatt]

Bryan, is there any mod for the eye sore white plastic vent thing underneath the fog lights?

[@Scotford_Maconochie]

Paint them black

[@deano2855]

We still have our 2009 X5 4.8i, placed about $10k into it, wife won’t let this car go!

[@michaelnikprelaj6679]

Those 4.8’s can be a pain man

[@Areku06]

N62 can be be of pain, more oil leaks than any car, except Alfa.

[@user-vv2wd9vm4l]

My 2008 X5 4.8 was awesome until about 75,000 miles then slowly turned into a pain in the ass consistently till I sold it at 102,000. Replaced majority of the entire coolant system, plus a laundry list of other stuff later. It finally started going into limp mode randomly and I had enough. Beautiful car and loved it, but don’t advise owning one out of warranty over 50,000! Got a 2018 M Sport twin turbo 4.4 now. Got it with 20,000 on it and full extended warranty and already had rear air bags replaced under warranty.

[@Areku06]

N55 also have electric water pump failure around 80-100k, valve covers also leak. Other than those motors are stout.

[@Scotford_Maconochie]

Watch for those VANOS solenoids failing too in the 100k mi region.

[@sithp1690]

Finding aftermarket parts for f15 x5 50i is difficult.

[@sammyg805]

Air ride suspension is my issue now … had to get both air bags replaced including air compressor replaced costing £3,500 with main dealer because no garage wants to do it … As for the leaks and squeaks hopefully I never get to experience those … I service my car regularly

[@ioannisstavrou2677]

Good video!! BMW need to fix the plastic quality, so many crack noises!!! The seat leather issue is common in all leather cars. Oil leaks from a BMW is not common!

[@therrandy2506]

Do you have a electric water pump symptoms video?

[@nycpabla]

Can you be clear on what type of leather are u talking about. Bmw got like 3 or 4 different leathers

[@fkemweballdub9464]

I was looking to buying an x5 but this videos tells me other wise 5 issues is way to many issues for an expensive brand

[@yungkaos3500]

These are minor issues compared to other things typical bmw owners have to deal with. if you don’t want problems buy it new and don’t keep it any longer than 4-5 years

[@scott02464]

Hi Bryan does the N57 engine suffer from the same oil filter housing fault?

[@Scotford_Maconochie]

N57 is a diesel and is different to the N55

[@marioguzza2095]

I have mine x5 f15 2014 57k miles is losing the power is anyone has idea what’s going on? I iv ben to many services they’re saying it could be anything sensor turbo no boost at all like you can’t get fast thanks

[@syedhussain6381]

Excellent Video!! My 2014 F15 went out of extended warranty in February and this month one of the engine mount broke, car is at the dealers, but your video really helps. I will keep an eye on the oil filter gasket. Oh totally forgot to mention rear suspension spring was replaced in Jan.

[@djadjaw5680]

How many miles on it so far ? :)

[@yungkaos3500]

does your vehicle have 3rd row seating?

[@prabeeshsidhu]

Which engine!

[@some_car_guy]

That’s is ? Sounds pretty reliable might just buy a nice M sport 35i

[@Armennnn11]

I just got one few days ago but it's not 35i, it's actually 50i. Any information about 50i ? Thanks

[@yungkaos3500]

what i do know is that is more unreliable. why exactly? not sure. best of luck

[@Averman09]

The air springs are trash!! If you’re changing 1 you may as well change them both as The second one is sure to fail soon after your first air spring failure. And the air compressor moisture filter will get plugged which can cause the same issue with a deflated bag due to not being able to purge the air properly. Other than the air suspension i love my f15 X5 35D

[@prabeeshsidhu]

How many miles has it been! I’m also looking to purchase a f15 x5 35d. The diesel seems to return great mileage. I’m just a little worried about the rear leg room. Would your recommend the suv to others?

[@654Arey]

Can you mod my 17 x5 sdrive35i remotely lol ?

[@Khanbaba-co6mz]

I bought 2018 certified x5 F15 from bmw dealership. Vehicle had 45000 miles when i bought it. At 55000 miles, lower control arm rearward, passenger side went out. Suspension sounded like 20 year old car. Funny thing is when I took it yo the dealer they diagnosed it after 3 days as a bad strut. It wasn’t even that . After I got my front lower arms rearward and forward and strut link replaced , the vehicle’s MPG dropped drastically. Next will get wheel alignment done to see if that is causing the poor MPG. It’s around 14-15 mpg local ..

[@MLeung-vl7we]

Solved the squeak with $5. Have a '14 and started to squeak from thrust arms. It was almost impossible to diagnose. Had my kid jump up and down to replicate the squeak. Such a high pitch, even that, it was very hard to pin point. All I knew was from the right, and somewhere by an arm. A quick and dirty method was just to inject some silicon spray into the one ball joint with a syringe. I was even able to do it without taking off the tire. Gave it a drive and the squeak slowly disappeared. If the bushings are still good, replacing the whole arm is just crazy. This should take care of a squeak. If it comes back, do it again. Poor MPG shouldnt be related to control arm. Control arm shouldnt even affect alignment, maybe just tie rod.

[@jayzr8938]

Whenever you get suspension work always get wheel alignment.

[@curlytops7]

If ur an owner of this suv. Oil leak major problem. Will cost THOUSANDS OF $$$. im not taking about oil filter assembly.

[@stephencannon3140]

Wasn’t covered here but lift gate flood light……. The light works fine when lift gate closed but when open the light shines down to the ground not the cargo area. Swapping to alEad bulbs doesn’t make much of a difference….…ask me how I know…….different vehicle but same design and location error.

[@waeleb6106]

I want to buy x5 but I'm worried about the reliability wise 😕

[@nithishjvj8736]

3:57 Literally, both sides dropped and a fraud company charged me nearly $700 for some weird repair thingy, the car dropped again And got my car to another German cars specialist, diagnosed the vehicle and replied within an hour saying that there were holes in both the bags and they'll have to be replaced Charged $750 and now the vehicles running mint

[@johnnyhe2313]

The door rubber wear out

[@djadjaw5680]

My seat was replaced by the dealer under warranty 2 years ago, the crack was bad..

[@ToOpen6seven]

Probably fake leather or cheap bonded leather.

[@Cardosofrankie]

What about an f15/f16 50i? Same issues or less? Or more?

[@Scotford_Maconochie]

TONS MORE

[@karimsallo]

Please don't buy a V8 F15.

[@vensdell7173]

Hey Brian question for you. What the F15 X5 has DUAL Exhaust but only the left side WORKS? Or always has Carbon deposit on???

[@nediyedath181]

Hi I had the same doubt. When enquired with the service advisor, I was told there is a sensor on the right exhaust and it will work only when it's needed.

[@Scotford_Maconochie]

If you have the M Performance Exhaust the gases are expelled from both pipes. Otherwise exhaust gases are expelled from the left only unless the turbo spools up and that's around 3000-4000rpm

[@thend8535]

Funny, we just bought a 2018 a last week.

[@user-vv2wd9vm4l]

Hope you got a warranty with it lol

[@pinkyandbrain123]

How can one prevent the leather from going cracking ?

[@Trap_Or_Die_84]

Clean it and make sure you condition it

[@118Columbus]

Keep it out of the sun - no windows garage and sun shades and tinted windows.

[@ToOpen6seven]

Quality leather will no crack like this, the cheap faux leather or low-grade bonded leather.

[@eugencristea1585]

Natural leather requires regular maintenance. They are exposed in the car with extreme high or low temp. The a/c is not helping too as is extract the moisture from the cabin and subsequently dry out the leather which btw, it is natural skin. Buy some good quality oils and conditionaires and make sure you keep them moist and soft as they should be.

[@msahakim]

Should I get an extended warranty for a 2017 X5?

[@Scotford_Maconochie]

No. I bought a 2017 35i with 38k miles and now I have 50k miles and had ZERO issues. Oil changes every 6-7k miles, did the spark plugs at 47k miles. I also upgraded the charge pipe for more reliability and a little more throttle response.

[@user-vv2wd9vm4l]

I owned my first X5 out of warranty, and it didn’t need anything major until after bout 75,000. But it’s a BMW so they are a risk if you ask me over 45,000.

[@deano2855]

Rear air bags Valve cover gasket Engine oil leaks Door handle inside sticky

[@TpriestJr]

This is everything I had wrong with my 335i (n55) except the air bag is passenger air bag

[@Grammyy]

I live in New Jersey and if you guys ever need a new employee or help I don’t care how far I have to drive

[@vladisac2141]

what engine?

[@eugencristea1585]

Diesel, will last a long time but like any other brands, nothing is 100% bullet proof. Small thinks will pop-up eventually. These cars are high performance with “millions” of sensors. They are not expensive to replace by yourselve, but going to the dealer may be a disappointment.

[@Scotford_Maconochie]

17 F15 35i Front doors soft closed failed Driver leather seat cracked Adaptive M Sport air suspension failed (fixed) Power assist tailgate failed (fixed by insurance after rear end collision)

[@mariuszp4530]

What kind of WAX are you using ???

[@Hotflare]

Haha damn i just bought a 2016 x35i @113k miles. $17k , wonder if i should do those gaskets and charge pipe...get a warranty 3rd party... or skip the car altogether

[@bmw_knight_f3088]

Not the leather... 🤦‍♂️

[@TheCyberboy10]

Does king reply?

[@borzica]

Damn seems like a lot of issues!

[@janetb6413]

Potential... you can literally make the same video about pretty much any car .. every car breaks in the end

[@genesis3490]

Janet ty some people do not use common sense

[@thejungatron6792]

Tempted to get one for the wife

[@lighter97]

Get it for her!

[@user-vv2wd9vm4l]

Better get a warranty too

[@jasonwhelan5596]

I have one, they definitely are not worth the money.

[@A.Dude.]

To the oil filter housing gasket, all you need to know that it will fail if and only if fluids are used, which are not appropriate for this vehicle, aka, El-cheapo coolant and engine oil. Besides that, don't worry; it will never fail. On a different note, that seal will fail on any vehicle with a similar design. Regarding the cracked "leather" seat; that is Lazarette, not real leather and it will crack regardless of make and model; it's cheap shit and that is what you get for little money. Air suspension... It has a lifetime of 100k miles, but in some cases it will never fail and in other cases it could fail early. Prevention is the name of the game. The air bags are cheap and super easy to install (about 30 min/corner for a novice). The pump can't fail simply because you would have to be a complete moron not to recognize the failing bag. If the pump fail, it's also not a big deal.; also cheap to replace and easy to install. Addressing your second "issue" - the pipe, I saw it happen, but only on vehicles which have been neglected, aka, ran warmer constantly due to poor consumables... You're a moron and there is ZERO reason to subscribe. Cheers, stay safe and improve your act!

[@pugs1377]

That would be vegan(fake) leather on the side of the seat. If it was real it wouldn't crack like that

[@omaribawn777]

Thats BMW's fake leather, the real leather doesn't. The real one just stretches.

[@TaylorMMontgomery]

In my opinion the F15 is one of the worst put together cars BMW has made. I just bought one with 66k miles and after a few days of driving I'm surprised with how cheap it feels and how much the interior is squeaking. I also have an F30 335i and an i3 - it's very apparent that the quality control on the cars assembled in Germany is much higher than the cars made in Mexico... Or worse, the USA, where the X5 is made! Kind of ironic, but not surprising.

[@rraj4988]

I don’t know about US but in the Uk it is one of the best family car

[@user39022]

Thor is doing bmw videos? Another ban from asgaard. Remember asgaard is not a place, it’s a people…

[@architecturehappy]

Dang… those are some bad problems….think I’m going to stay away…. Don’t need my engine ripping itself a new one….

[@rolandog.2212]

U forgot to mention the defective turn signal switch. It does not work on 90% of all BMWs 🤣🤣

[@MrLaloman18]

the X series BMWs are garbage do to being made in the USA and not the mighty GERMANY!

[@user-vv2wd9vm4l]

It’s a BMW…..HENCE GET A WARRANTY OR REGRET LATER LOL

[@pugs1377]

That would be vegan(fake) leather on the side of the seat. If it was real it wouldn't crack like that