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.
28-9-2012: 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.
17-4-2013: 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.
20-8-2013: 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.
3-10-2013: Have been a number of rear air suspension failures and the airbags are in short supply. Some dealers improvise and fit temporary suspension.
6-2-2014: 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.
2-1-2016: 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.
7-2-2016: 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
15-2-2016: 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.
10-6-2016: 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.
17-2-2017: '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.
17-2-2017: 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.
10-8-2017: 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.
22-3-2018: 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.
20-2-2019: 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.
26-10-2010: Woodcliff Lake, NJ: BMW of North America has notified the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) of its intent to conduct a voluntary recall of some model year 2007-2010 BMWs equipped with twin-turbo inline six-cylinder engines, all of which feature BMW’s High Precision Injection direct fuel injection system. It has also asked for approval from the California Air Resources Board to conduct this action. Affected vehicles may experience a failure of the high-pressure fuel pump. Symptoms include long-crank engine starting times along with the illumination of the “Service Engine Soon” light. In certain cases, the driver may experience reduced engine performance in a Safe Mode accompanied by a tone and the illumination of the “Engine Malfunction” light. Based on the individual service history of the vehicle, the action will entail replacement of the high-pressure fuel pump and/or a software update. Approximately 130,000 vehicles are potentially affected with about 40,000 expected to require a new high pressure fuel pump. Affected BMW models include MY 2007–2010 335i models, MY 2008–2010 135i, 535i and X6 xDrive35i Sports Activity Coupes, MY 2009 – 2010 Z4 Roadster sDrive35i.
In a separate action, BMW has notified the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) that it will voluntarily recall approximately 20,800 MY 2008 X5 Sports Activity Vehicles equipped with normally-aspirated inline six-cylinder engines to replace the low-pressure fuel pump. In this case, should the fuel pump experience a failure, the engine will stop running and the driver will lose power assist for the steering and brakes although both the steering and the brakes remain operational.
05-10-2011: R/2011/123: BMW 1 Series, 5 Series, 7 Series, X3 & X5 with diesel engine: Risk of fire: Moisture may enter the fuel filter heater at an electrical connection. Should this occur, it can cause a discharge of the battery, causing non starting of the vehicle. Also, if it occurs whilst the vehicle is in motion, it could result in a fire when the vehicle is left unattended. Fix: Recall all affected vehicles and replace the fuel filter heater. Build dates: 20-8-2008 to 12-6-2009.
17-11-2011: R/2011/147: BMW X6, X5, 5,6 & 7 series and BMW Alpina B5 & B7 BITURBO: Short circuit may occur: Due to the ingress of moisture, it is possible that a short circuit can occur in the additional coolant pump for the exhaust turbocharger. The driver will be informed of the issue by a warning message on the display in the instrument panel. If not addressed, it is possible for further heat build up in the pump, which may cause the plug connection and housing to melt and in extreme cases, a localised fire in the engine compartment or vehicle. Fix: Recall all affected vehicles for the replacement of the additional coolant pump. Build dates 16-11-2007 to 02-02-2011.
15-4-2012: American National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's (NHTSA) recall stating that the circuit board for the electric auxiliary water pump can overheat and this could lead to a smoldering of the pump or an engine compartment or vehicle fire. The recall covers 69 examples of the 2011 Rolls Royce Ghost and 2,846 BMW models equipped with 8- or 12-cylinder turbocharged engines including the 2011 5-Series sedan, 2011 5-Series Gran Turismo, 2012 6-Series Convertible, 2012 7-Series, 2012 X5 and 2012 X6.
27-04-2012: R/2012/049: BMW 5 Series (GT & Saloon), X5, X6, 7 Series,6 Series Convertible (8 & 12 cylinder engines) and Alpina B5 Biturbo: Fire may occur: Some engines are fitted with an additional water pump for the turbo charger. In some circumstances, a crack may develop, which then leads to melting of the plug connections and the housing. Further heat development may then lead to scorch damage. In exceptional cases, such overheating can lead to smouldering of the water pump. If smouldering occurs, an engine compartment fire and vehicle fire cannot be excluded. Fix: The water pump will be replaced for a new more robust version. VINs: N/A. Build dates: N/A.
18-7-2012: R/2012/078: Left Hand Drive BMW E70 X5 and E71 X6: Potential Fire Risk: The power steering box housing may not be machined to the correct specification. This could cause an over pressurisation of bellows due to the insecurity of a snap ring and result in a sudden loss of hydraulic pressure. Oil will then be sprayed onto hot engine components and may ignite. Fix: Affected vehicles will be recalled to have the steering box replaced. VINs: N/A. Build dates: N/A.
February 2013: BMW TSB of E70 X5 due to a potential issue with the alternator bolt shearing off, offering a free exchange (repair).
15-4-2014: Worldwide recall of 489,000 BMW cars with six-cylinder 3.0 litre petrol engines of which less than 3,000 are in the UK. These are: N52 (from 2005) and the N55 6-cylinder petrol turbo (from 2009). The screws for the housing of the adjustment unit of the variable camshaft timing (Vanos) for the intake and exhaust camshafts could potentially become loose or break. An engine warning lamp ‘should ’ appear in such circumstances, but if drivers experience any loss of power they should contact their BMW dealer immediately.
30-4-2014: Just-Auto gives further details of BMW VANOS bolts recall in the USA: BMW of North America is recalling 156,000 cars from model years 2010 through 2012 due to Vanos bolts breaking causing petrol engines to stall. Models include 2010-2011 MY 128i Coupe, 128i Convertible, 328i Sedan, 328i xDrive Sedan, 328i Coupe, 328i Convertible, 328i Sports Wagon and Z4 sDrive 30i. And 2011-2012 MY 135i Coupe, 135i Convertible, 335i Sedan, X5 xDrive 35i, and X6 xDrive 35i, 2011 335i xDrive Sedan, 335i Coupe, 335i Convertible, 528i Sedan, 535i Sedan, 535i xDrive Sedan, X3 xDrive 28i, and X3 xDrive 35i, 2010 X3 xDrive 30i, and X5 xDrive 30i, 2012 640i Coupe, and 640i Convertible and 2010-2012 535i Gran Turismo vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the bolts that secure the housing for the variable camshaft timing adjustment (VANOS) unit can loosen over time and may possibly break. BMW notified owners, and dealers will replace the four VANOS housing bolts for both VANOS units (intake and exhaust), free of charge. The recall began in May 2014. In addition, owners of approximately 170,172 model year 2010-2012 BMWs with inline 6 cylinder petrol engines not covered by this recall receive an extended warranty to address this condition. Owners may contact BMW.
28-7-2014: R/2014/068 BMW 1, 3, 4, 5, 6, X1, X3, X5, Z4 Build Dates 1-9-2009 to 30-11-2011: Concern : ENGINE EMERGENCY MODE MAY BE ACTIVATED DURING DRIVING Description : The screws retaining the variable camshaft timing (VANOS) housing may loosen and under certain circumstances the heads may break off. This can lead to the VANOS leaking oil internally and adversely affect the valve timing adjustment. If found to deviating from targeted data the engine emergency mode will be activated. This will be indicated by a distinct change in engine running. The orange engine management warning lamp and a check message; On vehicles with N51/N52 engines this will appear at ignition recycle, on N55 engine it will display immediately. Remedial Action : Replace bolted connection of the VANOS adjustment unit.
22-3-2018: Owners of X5 E70s received a letter from BMW Group UK regarding an important vehicle Service Action. "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."
25-10-2018: Recall due to problem with exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) cooler on four-cylinder and six-cylinder diesel engines. The issue affects 268,000 BMW diesel cars in the UK, The recall notice states that a glycol-leakage from the EGR cooler may cause soot deposits to smoulder, melt the intake manifold and (in some cases) cause the car to catch fire.
5-11-2018: R/2018/258: BMW 5 Series Saloon Touring X3 X4 X5 3 series SaloonTouring Gran Turismo 4 series Gran Coupe Coupe Convertible 1 series 2 series Coupe Convertible: EXHAUST GAS RECIRCULATION COOLER COULD POTENTIALLY LEAK OVER TIME. The EGR cooler may leak,presenting a fire risk. FIX: The EGR cooler will be replaced with an im1,2,3,4,5,6,7 series, X1, X3, X4,X5, X6 proved version. VINS: WBA5E32010D787200 to WBA5E52090G721309
WBAWZ520300C23501 to WBAWZ520200T61737
WBA5L32090D788200 to WBA5L32080G540082
WBA8Y52030GV49900 to WBA8T32090G440750
WBA8H72030K508000 to WBA8J92060K784073
WBAXX120300G75029 to WBAXX120500U99954
WBA4E92050GA24001 to WBA4E92040G711998
WBAKT420X00M46500 to WBALS020600U16054
WBA1W52000P938100 to WBA1W720405A35328
WBA1S52040P809000 to WBA1S520805G80550
WBA2L72060V282201 to WBA2L52030V377125
WBA8D12080K488500 to WBA8F92050K773499
WBA2G72090V254204 to WBA2G520X0V661310
WBA4U320505A00101 to WBA4U320805A01842
WBA4P72060KW10800 to WBA4P72000K784670
WBAJC52070G579000 to WBAJC52090G579001
Build dates: 12-12-2013 to 17-8-2016
7-12-2018: R/2018/341: BMW 1,2,3,4,5,6,7 series, X1, X3, X4,X5,X6: EXHAUST GAS RECIRCULATION MODULE COOLER COULD LEAK. The EGR cooler may leak,presenting a fire risk. FIX: A visual inspection of the EGR cooler to check for leaks and excessive build-up of deposits. The EGR cooler will be replaced if required. VINS: WBALZ72050C955400 to WBA6G12070GT41585;
WBA1N32080J156802 to WBA1E72080J275800
WBAKS420900C48805 to WBAKS620600P86421
WBA1C520X0E981900 to WBA1C92000P879744
WBALX72020DL73500 to WBA6J120X0GD54982
WBAKV220600H12502 to WBAKV220000R00350
WBA3P320X0KE99000 to WBA3S92040K580945
WBA3U12020J848604 to WBA3U52090P658917
WBAWY52050LL19001 to WBAWY520400R03858
WBA3E120X0F161709 to WBA3E52090K615205
WBA3Y32040DZ26301 to WBA3Z92090D862921
WBAXX520100F90603 to WBAXX520900F90817
WBA3L52010F191503 to WBA8J72020K574090
WBA1H12030VW99902 to WBA1H32000V352393
WBA4B52030D572501 to WBA4G12000G298909
WBAVZ92010VR60201 to WBAVM72010VS55143
WBAYG42040DW89405 to WBAYG420X0D999896
WBAYC22040C999401 to WBAYC22070D255561
WBAXB72050DM70500 to WBA5J72090D222311
WBAXC62020DW87400 to WBA5N42050D287742
WBA6A62080DG65003 to WBA6E220X0GA38220
WBAFW92040C960900 to WBA5D52080GL96378
Build dates: 12-3-2011 to 25-4-2015
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.