BMW X5 (2007 – 2013) Review

BMW X5 (2007 – 2013) At A Glance

4/5

+Spacious and practical interior. Huge road presence. Good choice of engines including xDrive 30d. Available with seven seats. Very refined.

-Not always easy to park due to sheer size. Rearmost pair of seats strictly for children.

Insurance Groups are between 42–50
On average it achieves 76% of the official MPG figure

BMW X5 (2007 – 2013) models and specs

Dimensions
Length 4851–4854 mm
Width 1933–1994 mm
Height 1764–1776 mm
Wheelbase 2933 mm
Miscellaneous
Kerb Weight 2075–2380 kg
Boot Space 620–1750 L
Warranty 3 years
Servicing -
Costs
List Price £40,330–£83,800
Insurance Groups 42–50
Road Tax Bands J–M
Official MPG 20.3–38.2 mpg
Euro NCAP Safety Ratings
Adult -
Child -
Pedestrian -
Overall -

On sale until July 2013

4 X 4
Version List Price MPG 0-62
M 5dr Auto £83,800 20.3 mpg 4.7 s
xDrive 30d M Sport 5dr Auto £49,985 38.2 mpg 7.6 s
xDrive 30d SE 5dr Auto £45,560 38.2 mpg 7.6 s
xDrive 40d M Sport 5dr Auto £52,370 37.7 mpg 6.6 s
xDrive 40d SE 5dr Auto £47,945 37.7 mpg 6.6 s
xDrive 50i M Sport 5dr Auto £60,140 22.6 mpg 5.5 s
xDrive 50i SE 5dr Auto £56,980 22.6 mpg 5.5 s
xDrive M50d 5dr Auto £60,830 37.7 mpg 5.4 s

On sale until January 2010

4 X 4
Version List Price MPG 0-62
XDrive 30d M Sport Auto £46,835 - -
XDrive 30d SE Auto £41,715 - -
XDrive 35d M Sport Auto £48,935 - -
XDrive 35d SE Auto £43,815 - -
XDrive 48i M Sport Auto £55,700 - -
XDrive 48i SE Auto £52,300 - -

On sale until February 2009

4 X 4
Version List Price MPG 0-62
XDrive 30i M Sport Auto £45,340 - -
XDrive 30i SE Auto £40,330 - -

On sale until May 2008

4 X 4
Version List Price MPG 0-62
3.0sd M Sport Auto £47,810 - -
3.0sd SE Auto £42,740 - -

Model History

November 2006

New X5 revealed New for 2007 seven-seater X5. Optional head-up display of speed, navigation and check control messages. BMW’s Adaptive Drive active suspension system. Optional Active Steering and Run-flat tyres for added safety. All new 6-speed automatic transmission. X5 3.0si has 272hp, 315Nm, 0-60mph 7.8, top speed 140, 25.9mpg combined; X5 3.0d has 231hp, 520Nm, 0-60 8.0, top speed 134, 32.5mpg combined (231g/km CO2); X5 4.8i has 355hp, 474Nm, 0-60 6.2, top speed 150, 22.6mpg combined.

June 2007

BMW X5 4.8i M Sport £53,44030 355PS 475Nm 0-60mph 6.2 top speed 150mph with 22.6mpg. The new BMW X5 4.8i M Sport comes equipped with 19-inch V-spoke M light alloy wheels, Sports suspension, M Aerodynamic body styling, Sports seats, matt aluminium surround to the side window frames, high-gloss Shadowline roof rails, Anthracite headlining and M leather steering wheel. Optional upgrade to 20-inch M V-spoke light alloy wheels.

New BMW X5 3.0d with 214g/km engine for lower emissions and improved economy. Only conventionally-powered vehicle in its segment with a CO2 emissions figure that falls below the 225g/km banding for Vehicle Excise Duty.

Achieved by EfficientDynamics including Brake Energy Regeneration and various needs-only control of ancillary devices including an air-conditioning compressor that decouples from the drivetrain when not in use and air flaps that can close off air flow to the engine to improve aerodynamics when the engine is not at full load are two such examples.

Now Band F instead of Band G VED, saving owners £95 a year 2007/2008 and £190 2008/2010. Combined fuel economy also improves from 32.5mpg to 34.9mpg, as does acceleration from zero to 60mph – down to 7.8 seconds from 8.0 seconds. Fuel saving technology also applied to range-topping 4.8-litre petrol and 3.0-litre petrol-engined variants. The BMW X5 3.0si now records an improved combined consumption figure of 27.7mpg compared to 25.9mpg. Emissions have been cut from 260g/km to 244g/km. Meanwhile, the BMW X5 4.8i sees its consumption figure improve from 22.6mpg to 23.5mpg and the CO2 emissions figure drop from 299g/km to 286g/km.

July 2007

Efficient Dynamics changes brought the CO2 of both diesel down below 226g/km. Adaptive Drive uses active hydraulic anti-roll bars to counteract the cornering forces of the car to keep the body from leaning too heavily and unsettling the occupants.

In addition to this Adaptive Drive incorporates an Electronic Damper Control system that uses sensors to continuously adjust the damper setting for optimum comfort. Active Steering uses an electronically operated planetary gear intersecting the steering shaft that adds more lock than inputted by the driver at slow speeds to make parking effortless. When driving at speed the opposite occurs for a smoother, more composed ride.

The BMW X5 comes fitted with 18-inch alloy wheels and Run-flat tyres as standard with optional 19- and 20-inch alloy wheels offered. The new X5 can be specified with an optional third row of seats allowing up to seven occupants to be transported in comfort. An increase of 19cms in overall body length and an increase in body width of 6cms, combined with innovative design, has made it possible to introduce a brace of seats in the rear, while still retaining luggage space.

Even with all seven seats in place there is still 200 litres of boot space. The two extra seats, complete with three-point seatbelts and head restraints, are stowed under the boot floor when not in use. BMW X5 owners who do not specify the third row of seats benefit instead from an additional 90-litre storage compartment situated below the boot floor. In a standard five-seat configuration the boot takes 620 litres and luggage capacity increases to 1,750 litres with all rear seats stowed.

Supplementing the standard fit front and rear Park Distance Control, X5 customers have the option to specify a rear camera for added parking convenience. Automatically activated when the reverse gear is selected, the driver is presented with a wide-angle colour image on the iDrive display in the centre console.

April 2009

X5M announced

4,395cc twin turbocharged V8 engine producing a maximum power output of 555hp at 6,000rpm. Twin-scroll twin-turbo technology, also capable of better than diesel engine flexibility with a peak torque of 680Nm from just 1,500rpm through to 5,650rpm. 555PS at 6,000rpm, 680 Nm torque 1,500-5,650rpm, 0-60mph 4.5, 155mph limited

September 2009

BMW X5 xDrive35d 10-Year Edition comes as standard in Sophisto Grey metallic paint with unique 20-inch Y-spoke light alloy wheels, Matt Aluminium exterior trim, Matt Aluminium roof rails, Panoramic glass sunroof and Comfort Access. Inside, and Comfort seats, Anthracite headlining, Carrara Shades Nappa leather upholstery and BMW Individual Piano Black trim are just some of the product highlights. ‘10-Year’ plaques are fitted to the front doors, front door sill plates and on the dashboard to underscore the merit of the vehicle.

Only 2,000 of the 286hp BMW X5 xDrive35d 10-Year Edition models will be sold worldwide with approximately 10 per cent of production destined for the UK. This latest X5 is on sale now priced from £53,075 OTR.

February 2010

Three new engines launched: xDrive30d and xDrive40d replacing the xDrive35d and the xDrive50i replacing the xDrive48i. All meet EU5 standards. Entry level xDrive30d upgraded to provide increased performance, making this the first conventionally-powered luxury SAV to record a sub 200g/km CO2 reading. The engine consumes just 38.2mpg on the combined cycle and emits only 195g/km of CO2 – a 10 per cent improvement – yet produces 245hp, up 10hp on the previous xDrive30d. Acceleration to 62mph now takes only 7.6 seconds – a six per cent improvement over the previous model.

The replacement for the twin-turbocharged xDrive35d called xDrive40d sees an improvement in emissions of 10 per cent, emitting only 198g/km CO2 whilst delivering 37.7mpg on the combined cycle. The zero to 62mph time is now just 6.6 seconds, down from 7.0 seconds, courtesy of a 306hp output, 20hp more than the outgoing engine.

Powered by the world’s first twin-turbocharged V8 engine with the catalytic converter located in the vee, the xDrive50i has an extra 53hp compared to the model it replaces, taking the total to 408hp. This leads to a lower zero to 62mph time of 5.5 seconds, an improvement of 1.0 second over the outgoing powertrain.

The BMW X5 has a standard eight-speed automatic transmission that helps to lower the X5’s CO2 output and allows smoother shifting and greater driving dynamics. The new BMW X5 includes a number of exterior changes. Revised front bumpers with enlarged vents, to increase the air supply to the engine and brakes, and matt aluminium-look lower scuff plates and vent fins, now feature to underscore its performance credentials.

New xenon headlights, with bright white LED corona rings, modernise the face of the car whilst the more centralised front fog lights complete the new front end. At the rear is a revised red light cluster, enhancing the lines of the car with horizontal LED light bars. Enlarged tail pipes, within a redesigned rear bumper, finish off the look.

March 2012

BMW launched a new 'M Performance' brand that includes high performance diesels. The M550d, X5 M50d and facelifted X6 M50d models are all powered by a 3.0-litre six-cylinder diesel that's fitted with no less than three turbochargers.

This new M Performance TwinPower Turbo technology means the engine produces 381PS and an immense 740Nm of torque, available from just 2000rpm. To put that into context the M5 with its 4.4-litre V8 engine develops 560PS with 680Nm of torque. The diesel engine may be down on power but it's not far behind in terms of performance with an official 0-62mph time of just 4.7 seconds for the M550d saloon compared to 4.4 seconds in the M5.

The big difference is of course fuel economy. The M550d, which is available as a saloon and Touring, returns a claimed average of 44.8mpg (44.1mpg for the Touring) and emits just 165g/km of CO2 - remarkable figures considering the performance. All models with the new 50d engine come an eight-speed Sports automatic gearbox as standard.

The X5 50d and X6 50d come with four wheel drive as standard and are still rapid with 0-62mph times of 5.4 seconds and 5.3 seconds respectively. The X5 returns a claimed 37.7mpg (with 199g.km of CO2) while the X6 has a figure of 36.7mpg and 204g/km CO2. Prices haven’t been announced for the M550d but the X5 50d and X6 M50d will cost £60,325 and £62,260 respectively.

What to watch out for

01-01-0001:

Beware the cost of ordinary repairs. A door mirror glass alone is £230 fitted, and that assumes no damage to the mirror pod.

Screen washer jets sensitive to fluid. MUST use BMW approved fluid or BMW will not fix under warranty.

28-09-2012:

Seem to have an appetite for front brake discs. The original thickness is specified as 30mm, but wear of 1.6mm is deemed to necessitate replacement.

17-04-2013:

Reader reported that in June 2012 the alternator bolt of his E70 X5 3.0d sheared off and broke. He had to call the AA and got it repaired at our local indi garage at a cost of £208.45 inc labour and VAT. Subsequently, in February 2013, BMW recalled E70 X5s due to a potential issue with the alternator bolt shearing off, offering a free exchange (repair) at our local BMW dealer.

20-08-2013:

High oil level reported on 8,700 mile December 2011 X4 3.0 litre twin turbo 40d. Caused by overfuelling to regenerate the DPF. All 40ds need an oil and filter change at least every year. Longlife oil servicing is totally inappropriate, especially when these cars are driven low mileages like this one.

03-10-2013:

Have been a number of rear air suspension failures and the airbags are in short supply. Some dealers improvise and fit temporary suspension.

06-02-2014:

Rear light cluster seals prone to letting in water leading to failure of bulbs.

16-11-2015:

If satnav fails and BWW dealer wants £1,600 to replace it, the failure may only be the laser disc reader and a specialist can fix this for £250.

02-01-2016:

Report of 2010 BMW X5 3.0 diesel being swamped by an HGV on a very wet M6. Wave of water got into the air intake and cause hydraulic lock of the engine.

07-02-2016:

Front propshaft of 52,000 mile 2010 X5 E70 4.0dSE broke away, smashing a large whole in the engine. August Technical Bulletin [SI B26 01 14] published by BMW North America identifies problems with the Front Drive Shaft of X5 E70 including 2010 models. BMW UK denies this bulletin is relevant to UK models although says BMW UK issued a “Quality Enhancement” notice dated February 2014 and updated March 2014. BMW later issued Service Action on 2007-2013 BMW X5: "Check/replace front propeller shaft - Code 0026380100" on 22-3-2018

15-02-2016:

Complaint that 'Approved Used' E70 X5 bought 7 months previously from BMW dealer has corrosion on 3 of its diamond cut '333' style alloys, around the centre caps and 'dark spots' where the bixenons headlights don't illuminate patches of the road. Dealer want to refurb the wheels by painting them but refuses to replace the lights. Suggested an MoT test of the lights. if they fail, the dealer has to replace them.

10-06-2016:

Report of 2012 X5 E70 8-speed automatic slurring its gearchanges. Dealer diagnosed it as 'gearbox slam' and made a software update, but no change. Probably needs a change of ATF.

27-10-2016:

Report of 2007 BMW E70 X5 catching fire several times despite attention by BMW dealers resulting from four UK recalls: R/2011/123; R/2011/147; R/2012/049; R/2012/078 (see Recalls). The second immolation of the 2007 X5 destroyed the X5, another car and the front of the owner's house.

17-02-2017:

'Approved Used' December 2012 X5 sold by BMW dealer with "Full Service History" in April 2016 turned out to have had just one service in June 2015 at 15,384 miles, followed by another immediately prior to sale. BMW contended that, despite the car not having been serviced for two and a half years, it qualified for the term "Full Service History" because BMW services are only due every 2 years and as long as the car is serviced within 6 months of the due date (which this was, by 8 days), then the term can lergitimately be used.

17-02-2017:

Report of centres of type 333 alloy wheels of a 2011 X5 E70 bought in 2014 and fitted with a new set of wheels suffering peeling of the lacquer and corrosion within 2 years. The dealer replaced the wheels in January 2016. By February 2017 the centres has begun to peel and corrode again.

10-08-2017:

Report of engine of 2010 BMW X5 40D (310PS) suffering broken conrod at 74k miles despite full service history (but 5 BMW, 2 independent and bought used from an independent trader at 27k). BMW reduced the cost of a replacement engine from an intitial £19,000 to £5,450 with a loan car and 2 year warranty.

22-03-2018:

Service Action on 2007-2013 BMW X5: "Check/replace front propeller shaft - Code 0026380100" - stating that the BMWs quality analysis department has established that the front propeller shaft on the vehicle may be subject to premature wear. This may lead to corrosion resulting in noise or vibration. After prolonged driving under such conditions, the universal joint may eventually break and the drive torque for the front axle can then no longer be transmitted. Reader related this to front prop shaft failure on his 2011 BMW X5 in 2016 which had cost him £3,150 in repairs. See: 7-2-2016.

20-02-2019:

Report of 2013 F11 BMW 5 Series Touring Auto subject to the EGR Cooler Recall. It has been parked in the dealer's compound for 3 weeks, waiting for replacement parts. BMW have absolutely no idea when the car will be repaired, as there is a massive shortage of components. To their credit they have supplied me with a free Renault Kadjar, from a rental company, so I am still mobile.

What does the BMW X5 (2007 – 2013) cost?