Whether you’re seeking out adventure or convenience, the BMW X5 is ready to perform.
Available in a wide range of trims and engine choices, the X5 is one of the most recognizable luxury SUVs.
If you’re looking to buy one, you might be wondering where they’re made.
In this article we’ll take a deep dive into the production origins of the X5…
Table of Contents
Where Are BMW X5s Being Made?
The BMW X5 is made exclusively at BMW Groups Spartanburg plant, located in the city of Greer, Southern California. Spartanburg is the only U.S. BMW assembly facility and is the only place in the world where X5s are built. The plant has been producing the X5 model since 1995.
Located in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, the city of Greer is home to BMWs Spartanburg plant.
From here the X5 is distributed to more than 300 suppliers across the country, as well as exporting BMW X5s globally.
Spartanburg plant facts:
- Employs 11,000 people
- Covers 7 million square feet
- 70% of production is exported to world markets
- Over 1500 vehicles produced daily
- Over 5 million BMW’s have been produced here
- The X6, X4, X3, X7, X5 are also built here
Are BMW X5 for the U.S. Market Produced in the U.S.?
BMW X5 are produced in the U.S., at the Spartanburg plant in Greer, Southern California. The facility is BMW’s largest plant in terms of production volume and has been in operation for over 25 years.
The South Carolina plant manufactures the X5 for the North American market, as well as shipping the vehicles around the world.
Are they Being Assembled in the U.S.?
For the U.S. market, the X5 is assembled at the Spartanbug facility. However for international markets, the X5 is assembled locally.
Production is done exclusively in the U.S. however X5s are assembled (all the pieces put together) in many other countries.
The region is which the X5 is destined for, will determine its assembly plant.
BMW assembly plants can be found in:
- Araquari, Brazil
- Shenyang, China
- Chennai, India
- Kaliningrad, Russia
- Jakarta, Indonesia
- Rayong, Thailand
How Can You Check Where a Specific BMW X5 Was Produced?
The simplest way to tell where a specific BMW X5 was produced is to check the Vehicle Identification Number, also known as the VIN.
To locate the VIN on a vehicle, there are two areas where it is usually printed: on the dash beneath the lower part of the windshield, and the door jamb.
The VIN is a 17-character code of numbers and letters, and by looking at the first three (Vehicle Identifiers) you can determine the origin of an X5.
There are many free online VIN-lookup tools available for use, and that is the fastest way to check where a BMW X5 is produced.
Are Japanese or European Built X5s Better?
Although the X5 is assembled in various parts of the world, BMW X5s are produced exclusively in the United States – as such there can be no comparison of Japanese or European built X5s.
In terms of assembly – we would expect similar standards to be met internationally, especially as BMW prides itself on being a premium brand.
Where is the BMW X5 Designed?
The BMW X5 is designed by Designworks a subsidiary of the BMW Group, their HQ is based in Los Angeles.
The design consultancy played a key role in the development of the X5
The first BMW X5 was designed by Frank Stephenson, a well known American/British automobile designer.
Please also read our article: where is the BMW X3 made
Where Are BMW X5 Made for the Australia Market?
BMW X5s made for the Australian Market are produced in the U.S., at the Spartanburg plant in South Carolina.
BMW X5 trims available in Australia include:
- BMW X5 xLine
- BMW X5 M
- BMW X5 M Sport
- BMW X5 PHEV
Where Are BMW X5s Made for the Canada Market?
BMW X5s made for the Canadian Market are produced in the U.S., at the Spartanburg plant in South Carolina.
All BMWs sold in Canada are imported from various locations although the X5 is shipped from the U.S.
BMW X5 trims available in the Canadian market include:
- BMW X5 xDrive40i
- BMW X5 M50i
- BMW X5 xDrive45e
- BMW X5 PHEV
Where Are BMW X5s Made for the UK Market?
BMW X5s made for the UK market are produced at the U.S. plant, Spartanburg. The plant is located in Greer, South Carolina.
The UK is one of the only countries in the world that maintains production for all of the major brands owned by BMW Group including Mini, Rolls-Royce and BMW.
As far as the X Series are concerned, however, they are imported.
BMW X5 models available in the UK market include:
- BMW X5 xLine
- BMW X5 M
- BMW X5 M Sport
- BMW X5 PHEV
All X5 models are available in a variety of engine types, including gasoline, diesel, and hybrid technologies.
Is BMW Planning to Move Its Production?
BMW is not planning to move any of its major production points globally or in the United States.
BMW Group maintains a vast global network of manufacturing, assembly, and sales points that serve more than 140 countries.
You may also be interested in our article: BMW X5 in snow & winter driving and how long do BMW X5 last
Is BMW Hiring or Firing in the U.S.?
Whether you are looking for a corporate position, a career as a sales representative, a technician, or a mechanic, BMW is always looking for talented people to join its team.
There are often positions available at the production facility in South Carolina, the headquarters in New Jersey, and many of the official dealerships and service centers across the country.
Career opportunities can be found on the BMW website and also on popular job sites such as glassdoor and indeed.com.
Is BMW an American Company?
BMW is a German company but has facilities in 140 countries worldwide.
In 31 of those countries, BMW maintains locally incorporated production and management facilities.
As a result, BMW is better thought of as an international company, albeit with German roots.
In the United States, there are two important facilities for BMW Group:
- BMW of North America, in operation since 1975, is the base of operations for the automobile company and handles sales, marketing, training, and much more. BMW of North America is located in Woodcliff Lake, NJ.
- BMW Manufacturing Company, established in 1992, is the manufacturing plant for BMW’s X series. The plant is located in Greer, South Carolina.
Related: 23 Best & Worst BMW X5 Years (With Facts & Stats)
Resources
https://www.bmwgroup.com/en/company/leadership-and-governance.html
https://www.bmwgroup-werke.com/spartanburg/en.html
https://www.bmwgroup-werke.com/spartanburg/en/our-plant.html
https://www.bmwusa.com/bmw-careers-selector.html
https://enginepatrol.com/bmw-good-first-car/
https://enginepatrol.com/bmw-x5-snow-winter-driving/
https://enginepatrol.com/how-long-bmw-x5-last/
