Used F15 BMW X5 xDrive40e PHEV from RM 140k, a steal or potential money pit?

Let’s get right down to business. You’d like to know what are the common issues with a used F15 BMW X5 xDrive40e plug-in hybrid (PHEV) and decide if it’s as terrifying to own a used BMW, let alone a hybrid, as some have made it out to be.

But before that, here’s a little background of the F15 BMW X5 PHEV in Malaysia.

What are the specs of the F15 BMW X5 hybrid?

The F15 BMW X5 PHEV was launched in Malaysia back in 2016 with a sole locally-assembled (CKD) variant, the xDrive40e M Sport, priced at RM 388,800.

Powertrain comes in the form of an N20 2.0-litre turbocharged 4-cylinder engine that makes 242 PS/350 Nm on its own. Sandwiched in between the petrol engine and the 8-speed automatic transmission is an electric motor rated at 73 PS/250 Nm.

Together, the combined output stands at 313 PS/450 Nm, channelled to all four wheels via the xDrive all-wheel drive system. It has a 9.0-kWh battery pack that is claimed to allow up to 30 km of fully-electric range.

Equipment wise, there’s 4-zone automatic climate control, 10.25-inch infotainment display, Harman Kardon sound system with 16 speakers, and rear seat entertainment system with two 10.2-inch screens.

The X5 xDrive40e also features self-levelling air suspension at the rear, which has proven to be a source of problem for most owners, but we’ll get into that shortly.

How much is a used F15 BMW X5 hybrid currently?

At time of publishing, used examples between 2016-2018 are hovering in the RM 160k region. Asking prices for early units can be found for as low as RM 140k.

Should I factor in the cost of the BMW X5 hybrid battery’s replacement?

As a precaution, you should. A full replacement for the BMW X5 xDrive40e’s high-voltage battery pack with 6 cell modules will cost you around RM 30,000.

But the good news is that the modules can be replaced individually and if only one is needed to be replaced, you can opt to change the faulty cell module which costs RM 5,000.

So, what are the common issues for the F15 BMW X5 hybrid?

As hinted earlier, the most common issue for the F15 BMW X5 xDrive40e is air suspension deflation at the rear, which causes the rear to sag and appear significantly lower. A warning that says “Chassis function restricted” will likely pop up. Ride quality also takes a hit, where it becomes extremely bumpy.

This is caused by leakage from the air springs (or balloons). Our humid weather is also said to accelerate air compressor failure as moisture accumulates, resulting in the inability to feed air.

Fixing this at authorised service centres will set you back around RM 12,000 for a pair of rear air springs and compressor. OEM replacement at independent workshops will cost about half of it. Alternatively, some owners have opted for aftermarket replacements with a conventional strut and spring setup.

Various warnings such as “Drivetrain” and “Automatic start/stop” may appear but more often than not, it’s due to the auxiliary batteries (yes, there are two auxiliary batteries in the F15 BMW X5), commonly replaced within two to three years. 

Replacement for the smaller 50Ah battery can be found for around RM 900, while the bigger 90Ah battery will set you back around RM 1,500. Should you opt to replace them at authorised centres, expect at least a 50 percent price bump.

Owners have also reported faulty electric air-conditioning compressor. An original replacement part alone will cost around RM 5,000. There are also reports of fuel pump issues, budget at least RM 1,000 for a replacement.

What’s the maintenance cost of the F15 BMW X5 hybrid?

A normal service (engine oil and oil filter change) will set you back around RM 500 while a major service (with spark plugs, various filters, etc.) costs around RM 1,300.

Genuine replacement parts for the front brake pads will cost around RM 700 while the rear brake pads are about RM 600. But since this is a PHEV, there’s less wear on the brakes as it uses regenerative braking to slow the car down.

While the automatic transmission fluid is said to last the lifetime of the car, many have disputed. It is recommended to perform a transmission fluid change once the mileage reaches around 80,000 km or so, which will cost around RM 1,300.

Also read: Are "lifetime" transmission fluids a SCAM?

Anything else I should know?

Tyre replacements will not be cheap, considering the 285/45 R19 rubbers at the rear and 255/50 R19 at the front. Runflat replacements will cost around RM 1,200 for the rear and RM 1,100 for the front, depending on brand.

Pre-mature tyre wear on the inside on the rear tyres is commonly reported by owners, likely due to the aggressive camber angle. It is recommended to get an alignment more regularly to monitor the wear.

If you’re getting a unit that is nearing its warranty expiration, do send it in for a thorough inspection and/or service. Any items deemed faulty can still be replaced without cost.

Lastly, there was a warranty programme in which existing BMW PHEV customers were able to extend the hybrid battery warranty by an additional 3 years to 8-year/160,000 km.

If the previous owner had purchased the extension, it would be a plus point for the new owner as hybrid-battery-related issues will be covered by official warranty.

Conclusion

As evident from above, owning an F15 BMW X5 hybrid isn’t exactly fuss-free. Should things go wrong, especially if it’s hybrid-related components like the air-conditioning compressor, it's going to cost quite a bit.

If you’re keen on a used unit, do budget a healthy amount (say, RM 50k) on top of the purchase price for the hybrid battery and other unforeseen repairs. And if that raises your eyebrows, then it’s probably not for you.

Also read: RM 95k buys you a used F30 BMW 330e; here's what to look out for

But if you’re within your means to spend around RM 200k with the budget for repairs included, then an F15 BMW X5 hybrid is still quite a lot of car for the money, considering its age, size, power, and features. Check out Carsome's listings of the F15 BMW X5 via this link here.

Also read: Used German cars: A Mercedes-Benz is more reliable than a BMW, fact or myth?