MCARMARKET

BMW F85 X5 M

The second-generation M SUV, with the improved S63TU, an eight-speed automatic and a big step forward in both speed and reliability.

BMW F85 X5 M — 2015–2018

The F85 X5 M fixed most of what was wrong with the E70. The updated S63TU engine addressed the worst of the timing chain and valve stem seal issues, and the eight-speed automatic replaced the six-speed with better ratios and smoother shifts.

Performance moved into genuinely serious territory: 3.9 seconds to 60 mph from a 5,200 lb SUV that will also tow, carry five people and cross a continent in comfort.

It remains an expensive vehicle to run, but it is a fundamentally sounder purchase than the first-generation cars.

Year by year

  • 2015–2016

    Launch with the S63TU at 567 hp and the ZF eight-speed automatic. Standard adaptive suspension.

  • 2017

    Equipment and infotainment updates. Black Fire Edition released in limited numbers.

  • 2018 — final year

    Last F85 cars; best accumulated updates and equipment levels.

The good and the bad

Positives

  • +Substantially more reliable than the E70's original S63
  • +3.9 seconds to 60 mph with full practicality
  • +Excellent eight-speed automatic
  • +Comfortable and genuinely usable every day
  • +Tunes readily to 700 hp

Negatives

  • −Still very heavy and thirsty
  • −Brake and tire costs are significant
  • −Coolant valley leaks remain possible
  • −Ride is firm on 21-inch wheels
  • −Depreciation has been steep, which attracts neglect

Known faults and what they cost

  • Coolant transfer pipe / valley leaks$2,500–$4,500

    Less common than on the E70 but still a known repair.

  • Fuel injectors$2,000–$3,500

    Age-related failures cause misfires; replace as a set.

  • Charge air cooling degradation$1,500–$3,000

    Important on any car driven hard or tuned.

  • Brake wear$2,500–$4,500 per axle

    Heavy vehicle, large discs, frequent replacement.

Pre-purchase inspection checklist

  • 01Cold-start listen for chain noise and check for start-up smoke
  • 02Scan for misfire and fuel trim codes
  • 03Check coolant level history and any valley repair records
  • 04Verify transmission fluid service on higher-mileage cars
  • 05Inspect brake and tire wear closely
  • 06Ask about tuning history; the S63TU is commonly flashed

Modifications for longevity

  • Oil every 5,000–7,500 miles

    Shorter than the factory recommendation, especially if tuned.

  • Transmission fluid every 40k miles

    Protects the ZF eight-speed.

  • Cooling inspection

    Radiators and charge coolers on an annual check.

  • Injectors as a set

    Avoid piecemeal replacement.

  • Walnut blasting

    Intake valve carbon at 60–80k miles.

Modifications for performance

  1. 01Tires first

    A serious performance tire changes how the vehicle stops and turns.

  2. 02Stage 1 tune

    650–680 hp on stock hardware.

  3. 03Downpipes and intake

    700+ hp with improved heat management.

  4. 04Suspension and brakes

    Upgrade before power if the vehicle is driven hard.

What they are worth

Steep depreciation makes the F85 excellent value. Documented service history and evidence of injector and cooling work are the key differentiators.

Black Fire Edition and well-optioned late cars trade at a modest premium.

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