"Yes, there's the bulb check which occurs when one turns on the key but that's easy to overlook."

This was the Power On Self Test I mentioned. EVERY cluster does it that I have come across. It would now seem to be the norm for dishonest previous owners/dealers to "Black Tape" warning lights rather than fixing the problem because these vehicles can be prohibitively expensive to repair, both in parts and labor. Most owners/ used dealers do not have the equipment or expertise to troubleshoot and repair more complex problems so black tape is now the panacea for all problems.
It is the equivalent of putting gear oil in the engine to hide bearing noises long enough to sell the vehicle.

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2015 X5 xDrive35i MSport
2013 X5 xDrive35i