2017 BMW X5 — should you buy one?

Why people love the 2017 BMW X5

The 2017 X5 came with either the 3.0L turbocharged inline-six or the 4.4L twin-turbo V8, both paired to an 8-speed automatic that actually shifts smoothly without the lag some BMW automatics had in earlier years. Owners praise the V8 model's 445 horsepower and the way it handles like a sedan despite the size—the steering is tight and the air suspension lets you lower it for easier loading. The third-row seat folds flat and doesn't eat trunk space like some competitors, and the iDrive infotainment system in this year finally got responsive enough that people stopped cursing at it.

Common complaints and known issues

The N55 turbo engine (3.0L six) develops carbon buildup around 60k–90k miles, causing rough idle and reduced power until a $800–1200 cleaning fixes it. Water pumps on both engines fail around 70k–110k miles, often without warning, and replacement runs $400–700 because it's buried under the belt and pulleys. The air suspension compressor fails at roughly 80k–130k miles ($1200–1800 to replace), and some owners report iDrive screen flickering or complete blackouts after 2017 firmware updates. NHTSA complaints cluster around panoramic sunroof seal leaks causing interior water damage and occasional transmission shudder under hard acceleration.

Typical asking price

Under 80k miles: $28,000–$38,000. 80k–130k miles: $20,000–$28,000. Over 130k miles: $14,000–$22,000. V8 models command $4,000–$8,000 premiums over the turbo-six at every mileage band. Regional differences are sharp—West Coast examples run 8–12% higher, and clean Carfax histories with full service records narrow the low end of each range by $2,000–$3,000.

Ranges are typical 2026 asking prices, not appraisals. The actual fair offer depends on this specific car's title history, accident record, and open recalls — which is what EstimateProof tells you.