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BMW X5 E70 (2007-2012) reliability

At a glance

BMW X5 E70 built around 2012: fails its MOT less often than average

BMW X5 E70 models built around 2012 fail their MOT less often than similar cars the same age.

Looking at a BMW X5 E70?

Enter its number plate to see its full MOT history, risk rating and running costs.

Key figure

20% of MOT tests on BMW X5 E70 models built around 2012 ended in a fail (retests included), against 28% for similar cars the same age.

Most common issue

The most common MOT issue on BMW X5 E70 models built around 2012 involves the tyres.

BMW X5 E70
excellent reliability2007-2012SUVDIESEL / PETROL

Based on 24,718 tests of X5 models registered 2007-2012.

About 1 in 15 X5 E70 MOTs (6.2%) failed and still hadn't passed 3 days later. That's for cars built around 2012 (13 years old), all fuels combined.

Based on 4,699 tests (DVSA MOT results, 2025). A fail that passed a retest within 3 days, even the same day, isn't counted. Nor is a fail with no later MOT on record.

About 1 in 15 X5 E70 MOTs (6.4%) found at least one dangerous defect. These are cars built around 2012 (13 years old).

Based on 4,699 tests (DVSA MOT results, 2025). Dangerous is the most serious grade an MOT gives: a direct risk to road safety.

E70 fail rate by age

Below typicalAbove typicalHigh (28% or more)Highest fail rateUK average for cars this age
Age / builtFail rateMOT tests
12 yearsbuilt around 2013
2,04119.3%
13 yearsbuilt around 2012
4,69919.8%
14 yearsbuilt around 2011
4,19018.8%
15 yearsbuilt around 2010
4,25621.8%
16 yearsbuilt around 2009
3,99822.9%
17 yearsbuilt around 2008
4,08323.0%
18 yearsbuilt around 2007
1,45123.5%

Fail rate is the share of MOT tests that ended in a fail. Retests count as tests. How we count fail rates Build years are worked out from age, so they are approximate. Tests counted are 2025 MOTs. Highest fail rate at 18 years old.

How the X5 E70 compares

At each age below, see how the X5 E70 holds up against other cars the same age. The averages combine all fuel types.

Based on 109,135 tests across 12 BMW models, built around 2012 (13 years old).

Below typicalAbove typicalHigh (28% or more)Highest fail rateBMW average
Age / builtFail rateMOT tests
12 yearsbuilt around 2013
2,04119.3%
13 yearsbuilt around 2012
4,69919.8%
14 yearsbuilt around 2011
4,19018.8%
15 yearsbuilt around 2010
4,25621.8%
16 yearsbuilt around 2009
3,99822.9%
17 yearsbuilt around 2008
4,08323.0%
18 yearsbuilt around 2007
1,45123.5%

Fail rate is the share of MOT tests that ended in a fail. Retests count as tests. How we count fail rates Build years are worked out from age, so they are approximate. Tests counted are 2025 MOTs.

What to check before viewing

The model's most common MOT issues, turned into things you can ask about or look for.

Brake discs

High priority

Ask for the date and mileage of the last disc replacement; visually check for a deep wear lip and rust pitting on each disc.

Tyres

Worth checking

Check tread depth across the full width on all four; uneven wear suggests alignment or suspension issues.

Suspension bushes and joints

Worth checking

Listen for knocks over speed bumps and ask about recent control-arm or anti-roll-bar work.

Leaks

Worth checking

Inspect the leaks carefully and ask the seller for repair history.

Vehicle-specific check

Worth checking

Check the car’s number plate on MOT Wise to see its own MOT history and any recalls for its build years.

Other SUVs to compare

Other SUVs, with each one's figures taken at the same age as the X5 E70.

  1. 1

    Mini (R60)

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    23%

    No clear edge over the BMW X5 E70 on these figures.

    Some figures could not be compared for these two cars. So this comparison uses the fail rate and recalls only.

    7,400 MOT tests on cars built around 2012

  2. 2

    Lexus RX

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    19.9%

    No clear edge over the BMW X5 E70 on these figures.

    Some figures could not be compared for these two cars. So this comparison uses the fail rate and recalls only.

    1,819 MOT tests on cars built around 2012

  3. 3

    Toyota RAV4

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    23.6%

    No clear edge over the BMW X5 E70 on these figures.

    Some figures could not be compared for these two cars. So this comparison uses the fail rate and recalls only.

    3,478 MOT tests on cars built around 2012

  4. 4

    Land Rover Discovery

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    22.3%
    Still registered at 10 years
    91.1%

    No clear edge over the BMW X5 E70 on these figures.

    10 critical recall campaigns matching this model/build period.

    7,774 MOT tests on cars built around 2012

Fail rate
= the share of MOT tests that ended in a fail. Retests count as tests.
Still registered at 10 years
= the share of cars still registered (taxed or declared off the road) 10 years after they were first registered.

How many are still registered

87%of all BMW X5 cars first registered in 2014 to 2015 were still registered 10 years later. This is the whole model, not only this generation.

UK average for cars first registered in 2014 to 2015: 92% · Fewer than typical

The share still registered can reflect demand, the cost of repairs, exports, write-offs and how owners use the car. It isn't proof of how long the car lasts mechanically.

Source: DfT vehicle licensing statistics (VEH0124).

Recall context

70 recalls in all

17 of the 70 X5 E70 recalls cover cars built in these years.

  • 6 Critical
  • 11 more

Top concerns

  • Takata driver and/or passenger airbag recall (global VINs)
  • The driver and front passenger airbags may deploy with too much explosive force causing sharp metal fragments to be rele
  • Movements of the connector of the blower regulator wiring harness could lead to frictional corrosion

For the exact car, check GOV.UK's recall checker with the number plate.

How X5 E70 cars have aged

How X5 E70 cars have aged

How fail rates have changed as these cars got older. Each line follows cars first registered in about the same year across several years of MOT data. Not a prediction for any one car.

0%10%20%911131517Age at MOTBuilt around 2012, 9 years old at the time of MOT: 18.5% (3,157 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2012, 10 years old at the time of MOT: 18.8% (3,002 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2012, 11 years old at the time of MOT: 19.1% (2,869 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2012, 12 years old at the time of MOT: 19.5% (2,686 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2012, 13 years old at the time of MOT: 19.4% (2,525 tests, 2025 data)2012Built around 2011, 10 years old at the time of MOT: 17.9% (2,948 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2011, 11 years old at the time of MOT: 17.3% (2,766 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2011, 12 years old at the time of MOT: 19.1% (2,636 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2011, 13 years old at the time of MOT: 18.6% (2,397 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2011, 14 years old at the time of MOT: 18.7% (2,189 tests, 2025 data)2011Built around 2010, 11 years old at the time of MOT: 21.0% (2,838 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2010, 12 years old at the time of MOT: 20.6% (2,696 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2010, 13 years old at the time of MOT: 20.7% (2,469 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2010, 14 years old at the time of MOT: 21.1% (2,216 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2010, 15 years old at the time of MOT: 20.5% (2,127 tests, 2025 data)2010Built around 2009, 12 years old at the time of MOT: 22.7% (3,259 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2009, 13 years old at the time of MOT: 22.8% (3,084 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2009, 14 years old at the time of MOT: 22.8% (2,902 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2009, 15 years old at the time of MOT: 20.8% (2,525 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2009, 16 years old at the time of MOT: 22.2% (2,309 tests, 2025 data)2009Built around 2008, 13 years old at the time of MOT: 23.5% (2,965 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2008, 14 years old at the time of MOT: 24.0% (2,788 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2008, 15 years old at the time of MOT: 22.5% (2,484 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2008, 16 years old at the time of MOT: 22.5% (2,170 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2008, 17 years old at the time of MOT: 21.2% (1,944 tests, 2025 data)2008Built around 2007, 14 years old at the time of MOT: 24.7% (2,687 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2007, 15 years old at the time of MOT: 23.5% (2,335 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2007, 16 years old at the time of MOT: 24.7% (2,036 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2007, 17 years old at the time of MOT: 24.6% (1,716 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2007, 18 years old at the time of MOT: 23.5% (1,451 tests, 2025 data)2007
First registered around 2012First registered around 2011First registered around 2010First registered around 2009
E70 variants compared
All generations of this modelEnough data

Most common issues on BMW X5 models of this age

This list covers every BMW X5 built around 2012, whichever generation it is. We don't have a defect list for the E70 on its own.

Most common advisories and fails

In order of the share of MOT tests that recorded each one

  1. 1
    Advisory

    Tyre worn close to the legal limit or worn on the edge

    23.2%
    Advisory: 1,730Fail: 118 (6% of the times it was found)
  2. 2
    Advisory

    Suspension arm pin or bush worn, but not moving too much

    21.9%
    Advisory: 1,518Fail: 287 (16% of the times it was found)
  3. 3
    Advisory

    Oil leak, but not excessive

    16.3%
    Advisory: 802Fail: 13 (2% of the times it was found)
  4. 4
    Advisory

    Brake disc worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened

    6.8%
    Advisory: 428Fail: 2 (0% of the times it was found)
  5. 5
    Advisory

    Tyre slightly damaged, cracking or perishing

    6.2%
    Advisory: 190Fail: 189 (50% of the times it was found)

Based on 4,699 tests

Looking at a BMW X5 E70?

Enter its number plate to see its full MOT history, risk rating and running costs.

Frequently asked questions

Built around 2012 (13 years old), the BMW X5 E70 (2007-2012) fails MOTs noticeably less often than typical for this age. This is based on 4,699 13-year-old MOT tests from DVSA data. Each retest counts as a test.

*The build year is worked out from the date a car was first used on UK roads. For most cars this matches when it was registered, but imports may differ by a few months.

Data sourced from DVSA MOT History API. From 24,718 MOT tests on BMW X5 models first registered between 2007-2012. These figures are a guide, not a guarantee.