If you’re looking at a used 2013 BMW X5 xDrive35i, you aren't just looking at an old SUV. You are looking at a turning point. It's that sweet spot where BMW's mechanical soul hadn't quite been smothered by the numb steering and over-complicated tech of the later generations. This was the final year of the E70 chassis. In the car world, the last year of a model run is usually the "golden child." The factory has ironed out the assembly line kinks. The engineers have fixed the weird software bugs.
It's basically the best version of itself.
Most people see the 2013 BMW X5 xDrive35i and think "expensive repair bills." They aren't entirely wrong, but they’re missing the point. Under the hood sits the N55 engine—a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six that won more awards than most actors ever will. It makes 300 horsepower and 300 lb-ft of torque. It’s smooth. It sounds like a refined growl rather than a vacuum cleaner. But more importantly, by 2013, BMW had moved away from the finicky twin-turbo N54, giving this specific X5 a level of reliability its predecessors lacked.
What Actually Goes Wrong With the 2013 BMW X5 xDrive35i?
Let's get the scary stuff out of the way first. You can’t talk about a ten-year-old German luxury car without mentioning the "BMW Tax." If you buy one of these expecting Honda CR-V maintenance costs, you’re going to have a bad time.
Oil leaks are the big one. Specifically, the oil filter housing gasket. It starts as a tiny drip. Then, it turns into a mess that can actually ruin your serpentine belt. If that belt snaps, it can get sucked into the front crank seal. That’s a "new engine" kind of problem. You should also keep an eye on the water pump. In the 2013 BMW X5 xDrive35i, the water pump is electric. It doesn’t give you a warning chirp or a leak; it just stops working. One minute you’re cruising, the next your dashboard is a Christmas tree of red warning lights.
Then there’s the suspension. This car is heavy. It weighs over 5,000 pounds. All that weight eats through front control arm bushings. If you feel a "clunk" when you hit a pothole or the steering feels a bit loose, that’s probably why. Expect to replace those every 60,000 to 80,000 miles if you live somewhere with bad roads.
👉 See also: The Gospel of Matthew: What Most People Get Wrong About the First Book of the New Testament
Driving Dynamics: The Last of the Hydraulic Feel
The 2013 BMW X5 xDrive35i feels... heavy. But in a good way. Like a vault.
Modern SUVs use electric power steering. It’s light and easy to park, but it feels like playing a video game. The E70 X5 was one of the last to keep that weighted, hydraulic steering feel. When you turn the wheel, you actually feel the road. You feel the grip. It builds confidence. Honestly, it’s ruined a lot of other cars for me because once you get used to this level of feedback, everything else feels like a toy.
The xDrive system is rear-biased. Under normal conditions, it sends most of the power to the back wheels to keep that classic BMW handling. When things get slippery, it shuffles power around faster than you can blink. It’s not a rock crawler—don't take it to Moab—but in a blizzard? It’s a mountain goat.
The Interior: Aging Like Fine Wine
BMW interiors from the early 2010s were criticized for being "boring." Looking back, they were actually just timeless. The 2013 BMW X5 xDrive35i doesn't have a giant, distracting tablet glued to the dashboard. It has real buttons. It has a shift knob that actually feels mechanical.
The iDrive system in this year is the CIC version. It’s old, sure, but it’s remarkably functional. You can even find retrofit kits to add wireless Apple CarPlay or Android Auto to the factory screen for about $300. Suddenly, the interior feels 2024 again. The leather is usually Dakota or Nevada—thick, durable stuff that handles kids and dogs way better than the soft "vegan" leathers used today.
✨ Don't miss: God Willing and the Creek Don't Rise: The True Story Behind the Phrase Most People Get Wrong
Why the xDrive35i is Better Than the xDrive50i
I know, the V8 sounds tempting. The xDrive50i has the N63 engine. It’s fast. It’s a monster. It’s also a nightmare. Those early BMW V8s had "Hot V" configurations where the turbos sat inside the engine block. The heat buildup cooked everything—valve stems, gaskets, plastic hoses.
The 2013 BMW X5 xDrive35i is the smarter buy. Period. You get 90% of the luxury with 50% of the headache. The N55 inline-six is easier to work on, has more space in the engine bay, and gets significantly better gas mileage. You’ll probably average about 18-20 MPG combined, which isn't great, but it beats the 13 MPG you'll see in the V8 when you're stuck in traffic.
Real World Ownership Costs
If you’re DIY-inclined, this car is a bargain. Parts are plentiful. Sites like FCPEuro offer lifetime warranties on everything, even oil. If you’re taking it to a dealership, prepare your wallet. A simple brake job can run $1,200 at a dealer, while you could do it in your driveway for $400.
Watch out for the panoramic sunroof. The drains get clogged with leaves and dirt. When that happens, water backs up and leaks into the trunk area. Why is that bad? Because that’s where BMW hid several expensive control modules. A $5 piece of debris can lead to a $2,000 electrical bill. Clean those drains every spring. It takes ten minutes.
The tires are usually "Run-Flats." They have stiff sidewalls so you can keep driving if you get a puncture. The downside? They ride like bricks. Many owners swap them out for traditional tires and just carry a can of Fix-a-Flat. The ride quality improvement is massive.
🔗 Read more: Kiko Japanese Restaurant Plantation: Why This Local Spot Still Wins the Sushi Game
The 2013 BMW X5 xDrive35i vs. The Competition
Back in 2013, the Mercedes M-Class was softer and more comfortable. The Audi Q7 was bigger but felt more like a minivan. The Lexus RX was more reliable but, let's be honest, it was boring to drive. The X5 was the athlete of the group. It still is. Even today, a well-maintained E70 looks expensive. It has a presence on the road that newer, more "over-styled" SUVs lack. It’s a clean, muscular design that hasn't gone out of style.
Finding a Good One
Don't buy the cheapest one on Craigslist. You’ll regret it. Look for a 2013 BMW X5 xDrive35i with a documented service history. You want to see oil changes every 5,000 to 7,000 miles, not the "15,000-mile" intervals BMW recommended at the time. Frequent oil changes keep the VANOS system (BMW’s variable valve timing) happy.
Check the "Premium Package" and "Technology Package" boxes. The multi-contour seats are legendary—they have 20-way adjustments and can make a 10-hour road trip feel like a nap. If the car has the M-Sport package, it looks even better, with flared wheel arches and 20-inch wheels, but be prepared for even higher tire costs.
Is it Still Worth It?
Short answer: Yes.
Long answer: Only if you understand what you're buying. The 2013 BMW X5 xDrive35i represents the end of an era. It’s a driver’s SUV. It requires attention, but it rewards you with a driving experience that modern crossovers simply can’t match. It’s heavy, it’s thirsty for premium fuel, and it will eventually leak a little oil. But when you’re carving through a backroad or cruising at 80 MPH on the highway, it feels substantial in a way that makes you realize why people become BMW fans in the first place.
Actionable Steps for Potential Buyers
Before you sign any papers or hand over any cash, follow this checklist to ensure you aren't buying a lemon:
- Get a Pre-Purchase Inspection (PPI): This is non-negotiable. Spend the $200 at an independent BMW specialist. They will find things you can't see, like a leaking oil pan gasket which can cost $1,500 in labor to fix.
- Check the Battery: These cars are very sensitive to voltage. A dying battery can cause weird transmission shifts or "ghost" electrical errors. If the battery is older than 4 years, budget for a new one ($300+) and remember it must be "registered" to the car's computer.
- Inspect the Belt Drive: Open the hood and look at the serpentine belt. If it's frayed or looks like it's "walking" off the pulley, do not drive the car until it's fixed.
- Scan for Codes: Even if the Check Engine Light is off, there might be "shadow codes" stored in the ECU. Use an OBDII scanner like BimmerLink to see the car's true health.
- Verify Fluid Changes: Ask if the transmission fluid and transfer case fluid have ever been changed. BMW claimed they were "Lifetime Fluids," but ZF (the company that makes the transmission) recommends changes every 60,000 miles.
By focusing on the 2013 model year, you are getting the most refined version of the E70. It’s a vehicle that provides a high-end experience for a fraction of its original $55,000+ MSRP, provided you stay ahead of the maintenance curve.