2013 BMW X5
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2013 models.

- Class
- Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD
- Body styles
- Xdrive35d 4dr SUV, Xdrive35i 4dr SUV, Xdrive50i 4dr SUV, M 4dr SUV AWD
- Engines
- 3.0L 6-cyl turbo, 4.4L 8-cyl turbo
- Horsepower
- 265–400 hp
- Drivetrain
- All-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Diesel, Premium Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 22 combined · 19 city / 26 hwy
- Length
- 190.9 in
- Curb weight
- 4,960–5,379 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 7 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- Excellent fuel economyUp to 22 MPG combined — 29% better than the average 2013 standard SUV (17.1 MPG).
- Strong performanceUp to 400 hp, versus about 300 hp for similar 2013 models.
Watch out for
- Many owner complaints154 complaints filed with NHTSA versus about 40 for similar models — most often about the air bags.
- "Do not drive" recallCheck that the recall repair was done before buying or driving.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 20 similar 2013 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2013 BMW X5 is a standard SUV offered with 2 engines (3.0L 6-cyl turbo and 4.4L 8-cyl turbo) and all-wheel drive.
It measures about 191 inches long and 76 inches wide on a 115-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 5,192 lb (Xdrive35d 4dr SUV).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 22 MPG combined (19 city / 26 highway), 29% better than the 2013 standard SUV average of 17.1 MPG, for an estimated $4,350 a year in fuel.
NHTSA has not published a 5-Star overall rating for this model year.
It has 7 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 154 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the air bags.
What changed for 2013
No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2012 X5 — a carry-over year in the data.
Compared with 2012; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2012 X5 →
Trims, performance & features
Trims
Built in: Greer, South Carolina
NHTSA vPIC, as reported by the manufacturer for 5 2013 X5 configurations; may not list every trim. How we calculate this →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Xdrive35d 4dr SUV | 190.9 in | 76 in | 69.7 in | 115.4 in | 64.6 / 65 in | 5,192 lb | 48/52 |
| Xdrive35i 4dr SUV | 190.9 in | 76 in | 69.7 in | 115.4 in | 64.6 / 65 in | 4,960 lb | 48/52 |
| Xdrive50i 4dr SUV | 190.9 in | 76 in | 69.7 in | 115.4 in | 64.6 / 65 in | 5,379 lb | 48/52 |
| M 4dr SUV AWD | 190.9 in | 78.3 in | 69.7 in | 115.4 in | 64.6 / 65 in | 5,368 lb | 48/52 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| X5 xDrive35d Diesel | 3.0L 6-cyl turbo | Automatic (S6) | All-Wheel Drive | 19 / 26 / 22 | +29% | $4,350 | 465 |
| X5 xDrive35i | 3.0L 6-cyl turbo | Automatic (S8) | All-Wheel Drive | 16 / 23 / 19 | +11% | $4,350 | 478 |
| X5 xDrive50i | 4.4L 8-cyl turbo | Automatic (S8) | All-Wheel Drive | 14 / 20 / 16 | -6% | $5,150 | 547 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2013 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2013 BMW X5.
Similar 2013 standard SUVs
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2013 BMW X5 (this car) | 22 MPG | Not rated | 7 |
| 2013 Porsche Cayenne | 23 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
| 2013 BMW X3 | 24 MPG | Not rated | 7 |
| 2013 Lexus RX | 29 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
| 2013 Volvo XC90 | 19 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2013 Audi Q7 | 22 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
| 2013 Lexus LX | 14 MPG | Not rated | 2 |
Recalls (7)
Air Bags › Frontal › Driver Side › Inflator Module · Jan 15, 2020
NHTSA campaign 20V017000 · 59,965 vehicles
- Problem
- BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2008-2013 128i and 135i Convertibles, 128i, 135i, and M Coupes, 2007-2010 X3 30si and X3 xDrive30i, 2013-2015 X1 sDrive28i, X1 xDrive28i and X1 xDrive35i, 2007-2013 328i, 328i xDrive, 335i, 335is, 335i xDrive and M3 Coupes, 2006-2011 328i, 328xi, 328i xDrive, 325i, 325xi, 330i, 330xi, 335i, 335xi, 335i xDrive and M3, 2009-2011 335D, 2006-2012 325xi, 328i, 328xi and 328i xDrive, 2010-2011 X6 ActiveHybrid, 2007-2013 328i, 335i, 335is, M3 Coupes, X5 30si, X5 xDrive30i, X5 xDrive35i, X5 48i, X5 xDrive48i, X5 xDrive50i and X5 M, 2009-2013 X5 xDrive35d and 2008-2014 X6 xDrive35i, X6 xDrive50i and X6M vehicles equipped with non-desiccated driver frontal air bag inflators containing phase stabilized ammonium nitrate (PSAN) that were used as interim remedy parts for previous Takata recalls. These inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, high temperatures, and high temperature cycling.
- Risk
- An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
- Fix
- BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver air bag. On X5 and X6 vehicles, only the inflator will be replaced. All repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began March 11, 2020. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Air Bags › Frontal › Passenger Side › Inflator Module · Jan 14, 2019 Do not drive
NHTSA campaign 19V017000 · 83,016 vehicles
- Problem
- BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2007-2013 X5 xDrive30i, X5 xDrive35i, X5 xDrive48i, X5 xDrive50i and X5 M vehicles, 2008-2014 X6 xDrive35i, X6 xDrive50i and X6 M vehicles, 2009-2013 X5 xDrive35d vehicles and 2010-2011 X6 ActiveHybrid vehicles. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger frontal air bag, these inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.
- Risk
- An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
- Fix
- Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until the remedy is performed. BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag module, free of charge. The recall began March 14, 2019. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Engine And Engine Cooling › Engine · May 23, 2018
NHTSA campaign 18V336000 · 33,214 vehicles
- Problem
- BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2009-2013 X5 xDrive 35d diesel vehicles. The engine idler pulley bolt may loosen over time and break.
- Risk
- If the idler pulley bolt breaks, the vehicle may unexpectedly lose power-assisted steering, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the idler pulley bolt with an improved part, free of charge. The recall began March 11, 2019. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Air Bags › Frontal › Passenger Side › Inflator Module · Jan 9, 2018 Do not drive
NHTSA campaign 18V030000 · 41,808 vehicles
- Problem
- BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2007-2013 X5 xDrive30i, X5 xDrive35i, X5 xDrive48i, X5 xDrive50i, X5 M, 2009-2010 X5 xDrive35d vehicles and 2009-2013 X6 xDrive35i, X6 xDrive50i, and X6 M vehicles ever registered in the states of Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands or "Zone A." BMW is also recalling certain 2007-2010 X5 xDrive30i, X5 xDrive35i, X5 xDrive48i, X5 xDrive50i, X5 M, X5 xDrive35d, X6 xDrive35i, X6 xDrive50i and X6M vehicles ever registered in the states of Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia or "Zone B." BMW is also recalling certain 2007-2009 X5 xDrive30i, X5 xdrive35i, X5 xDrive48i, X5 xDrive50i, X5 M, X5 xDrive35d, X6 xDrive35i, X6 xDrive50i and X6M vehicles ever registered in the states of AK, CO, CT, ID, IA, ME, MA, MI, MN, MT, NH, NY, ND, OR, RI, SD, UT, VT, WA, WI, and WY or "Zone C." These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger frontal air bag, these inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.
- Risk
- An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
- Fix
- Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until the remedy is performed. BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger front air bag module, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin March 2018. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Power Train › Driveline › Driveshaft · Mar 2, 2017
NHTSA campaign 17V138000 · 121,909 vehicles
- Problem
- BMW of North America, LLC, (BMW) is recalling certain 2011-2013 X5 xDrive35i, X5 xDrive50i, X5 M and X5 xDrive35d vehicles, 2011-2014 X6 xDrive35i, X6 xDrive50i and X6M vehicles, and 2011 x6 ActiveHybrid Vehicles. Water and debris may enter the front driveshaft's universal joint, causing excessive wear and possibly resulting in the joint's failure.
- Risk
- If the front universal joint fails, the front wheels would not be driven, affecting vehicle traction. Additionally, continued driving of the vehicle with a broken front universal joint may damage other components. Either condition may increase the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front driveshaft, free of charge. The recall began on April 18, 2017. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Air Bags › Frontal › Driver Side › Inflator Module · Feb 5, 2016
NHTSA campaign 16V071000 · 840,000 vehicles
- Problem
- BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2008-2013 128i and 135i coupes and convertibles and 1 Series M coupes, 2006-2011 325i, 325xi, 328i, 328xi, 328i xDrive, 330i, 330xi, 335i, 335xi, 335i xDrive Sedans, 2009-2011 335d sedans, 2006-2012 325xiT, 328i and 328xi sports wagons, 2007-2013 328i, 328xi, 328i xDrive, 335i, 335xi, 335i xDrive, 335is and M3 Coupes and Convertibles, 2013-2015 X1 sDrive28i, X1 xDrive28i and X1 xDrive35i SAVs, 2007-2010 X3 xDrive30i SAVs, 2007-2013 X5 xDrive30i, X5 xDrive35i, X5 xDrive48i, X5 xDrive50i and X5 M SAVs, 2009-2013 BMW X5 xDrive35d SAVs, 2008-2014 X6 xDrive35i, X6 xDrive50i, and X6 M SACs, 2010-2011 BMW X6 xDrive50i SACs and 2008-2011 M3 Sedan vehicles. Upon deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator to rupture.
- Risk
- In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
- Fix
- BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's frontal air bag module or inflator depending on the vehicle model, free of charge. The recall began March 9, 2018. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Steering · Jun 13, 2012
NHTSA campaign 12V267000 · 2,642 vehicles
- Problem
- BMW IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2012 X5 VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH A DIESEL ENGINE AND 2013 X5 AND X6 VEHICLES. DUE TO A MACHINING ERROR OF THE STEERING GEAR SURFACE, POWER STEERING FLUID MAY LEAK.
- Risk
- LEAKING POWER STEERING FLUID CAN SPRAY ONTO HOT EXHAUST PARTS, INCREASING THE RISK OF AN ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRE.
- Fix
- BMW WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND DEALERS WILL INSPECT, AND IF NECESSARY, REPLACE THE STEERING GEAR FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 20, 2012. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BMW CUSTOMER RELATIONS AND SERVICES AT 1-800-525-7417.
Not every 2013 BMW X5 is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2013 BMW X5 buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 7 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Safety-critical recall. At least one recall carries a "Do Not Drive" or "Park Outside" warning. Do not buy until the VIN shows it was repaired.
- Air Bags — 52 owner reports. Confirm the airbag warning light turns off after start-up and any airbag recall was completed.
- Engine — 46 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
- Power Train — 33 owner reports. Test-drive through all gears, including reverse; note slipping, harsh or delayed shifts.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 65,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2013 BMW X5. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other X5 years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2027 X5 | 26 | – | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2026 X5 | 25 | 194.1 in | Not rated | 2 | 28 |
| 2025 X5 | 25 | 194.1 in | ★★★★★ | 5 | 63 |
| 2024 X5 | 25 | 194.1 in | ★★★★★ | 8 | 145 |
| 2023 X5 | 23 | 194.1 in | ★★★★★ | 4 | 33 |
| 2022 X5 | 23 | 194.1 in | ★★★★★ | 1 | 75 |
| 2021 X5 | 23 | 194.1 in | ★★★★★ | 12 | 111 |
| 2020 X5 | 23 | 194.1 in | ★★★★★ | 11 | 113 |
| 2019 X5 | 22 | 194.1 in | ★★★★★ | 13 | 193 |
| 2018 X5 | 25 | 192.5 in | ★★★★★ | 5 | 73 |
| 2017 X5 | 25 | 192.5 in | Not rated | 6 | 75 |
| 2016 X5 | 25 | 192.5 in | Not rated | 5 | 74 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or BMW. How we calculate this →