NHTSA lists 6 safety recalls and 29 owner complaints for the 2000 BMW X5. Most complaints involve visibility (7) and power train (7). The EPA rates it 14 mpg combined.
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2000-2001 X5 vehicles that may be equipped with a sport steering wheel containing a Takata PSDI-4 air bag inflator. The inflator may explode during deployment due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature, and temperature cycling.
ON CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, IT MAY BE POSSIBLE FOR THE FRONT BRAKE LINE TO SLIP OUT OF THE RETAINING BRACKET LOCATED AT THE FRONT STRUT. THE BRAKE HOSE THAT IS ATTACHED TO THE BRAKE LINE COULD COME IN CONTACT WITH THE TIRE AND BE SUBJECTED TO WEAR AND ABRASION.
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, DUE TO A MANUFACTURING PROBLEM, THE BRAKE PEDAL ARM PIVOT SHAFT COULD LOOSEN FROM ITS SUPPORT BRACKET.
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
“TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 BMW X5. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRONT DRIVER AND REAR PASSENGER WINDOWS HAVE FALLEN INSIDE THE DOOR DUE TO A FAULTY REGULATOR. THE CONTACT HAS TAKEN THE VEHICLE TO A DEALER TO HAVE THE DRIVER SIDE WINDOW REPAIRED AND FIVE DAYS AFTER THE REPAIR THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE WINDOW BROKE. THE CONTACT HAS CALLED THE MANUFACTURER AND REQUESTED THAT THEY ASSUME THE COST SINCE THE WARRANTY HAS EXPIRED. THE CONTACT IS CONCERNED THAT A DEFECT INVESTIGATION WAS NOT AVAILABLE FOR HIS YEAR MAKE AND MODEL VEHICLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 60,000.”
“ON JUNE 3, 2009 I TOOK MY X5 BMW TO CHECKERED FLAG BMW 5225 VIRGINIA BEACH BLVD VIRGINIA BEACH, VIRGINIA 23454 TO HAVE AN INCONSISTENT HESITATION CHECKED. THERE WAS NO CHECK ENGINE OR TRANSMISSION LIGHT ON. THE VEHICLE WAS LEFT WITH THE DEALER FOR 3 DAYS, THE SERVICE MANAGER CALLED ON JUNE 6, 2009 , TOLD MY HUSBAND AND I THAT THE TRANSMISSION WAS COMPLETELY BURNED UP. I TOLD THE SERVICE MANAGER THAT THE X5 HAS A SEAL TRANSMISSION. ACCORDING TO MY SERVICE MANUAL A WARNING LIGHT SHOULD HAD CAME ON PUTTING THE VEHICLE IN TRANSMISSION SAFE MODE INFORMING ME TO TAKE IT TO THE DEALER FOR SERVICE. THIS WOULD PREVENT ANY DAMAGE TO THE TRANSMISSION. HOWEVER NO WARNING LIGHT CAME ON. BASICALLY HE TOLD US THE VEHICLE WAS MADE WITH A DEFECTED TRANSMISSION MODULECONTROL PART. WE TOLD HIM TO FIX THE TRANSMISSION AND THAT IT WASN'T MY FAULT IT WAS DEFECTED. HE REFUSED TO REPAIR IT . *TR”
“TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 BMW X5. WHILE PARKED, THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO EXIT THE VEHICLE USING THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE DOOR BUT THE DOOR WOULD NOT OPEN. THE CONTACT EXITED THE VEHICLE THROUGH ANOTHER DOOR AND NOTICED THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE DOOR ALSO WOULD NOT OPEN FROM THE OUTSIDE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO HAVE THE FAILURE DIAGNOSED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 76,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.”
Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.
| Version | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| X5 Auto 5-spd, 8 cyl, 4.4 L · Rear-Wheel Drive | 12 | 16 | 14 | $5,700 | 635 |
| Item | Miles | Time | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine oil & filter | 5,000–10,000 mi | 6–12 months | Follow the oil-life monitor if fitted |
| Tire rotation | 5,000–7,500 mi | Every oil change | Check pressure monthly |
| Engine air filter | 15,000–30,000 mi | 1–2 years | Sooner in dusty areas |
| Cabin air filter | 15,000–25,000 mi | 1–2 years | |
| Brake fluid | — | 2–3 years | Absorbs moisture over time |
| Coolant | 60,000–100,000 mi | 5–10 years | Long-life coolants last longer |
| Spark plugs | 60,000–100,000 mi | — | Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end |
| 12V battery | — | 3–5 years | Heat shortens battery life |
6 safety recalls as of Oct 28, 2026, according to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at a dealer. Check your VIN to see whether your car is included and whether the repair was done.
Owners filed 29 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are visibility (7), power train (7), latches/locks/linkages (3). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
The EPA rates the 2000 BMW X5 at 14 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (1 version rated).