BMW X5 Problems - E70 Engine Problems

By Nick Marchenko, PhD

The second generation of the BMW X5 (E70) was produced from 2006 to 2013. Positioned above the X3 in the BMW lineup, it underwent a facelift in spring 2010. Its predecessor is the E53, and its successor, the F15.

BMW X5 E70 Engine Problems - Petrol

The E70's gasoline range includes the six-cylinder models 3.0si or xDrive30i (272 horsepower) and xDrive35i (306 horsepower), the V8 models 4.8i or xDrive48i (355 horsepower) and xDrive50i (408 horsepower), and the top model X5 M (555 horsepower).

Inline-6 Issues

The smallest gasoline engine in the E70 is the three-liter six-cylinder N52 series, used in the 3.0si/xDrive30i. In addition to Double-VANOS, this engine employs Valvetronic (variable valve lift), which can encounter problems with the eccentric shaft and the servo motor at high mileages. Additionally, like the M54, issues due to incorrect air intake may arise.

The xDrive35i features the N55 engine under the hood. Unlike the N52, the N55 is a direct-injection gasoline engine with turbocharging, benefiting both performance and fuel consumption. Common issues include increased oil loss around the valve cover gasket and oil filter housing, and the electric water pump tends to wear out quickly.

V8 Issues

The well-known V8 engine N62, used in the 4.8i/xDrive48i, is a solid engine that rarely causes issues. Its successor, the N63 (used in the xDrive50i), however, is known for high oil consumption due to worn valve stem seals and elongated timing chains. Additionally, coolant loss and even cracks in the spark plug wells are not uncommon.

BMW X5 E70 Engine Problems - Diesel

At the E70's launch, a 235 horsepower and a 286 horsepower diesel with rear-wheel drive (3.0d) and all-wheel drive (xDrive30d) were offered. The well-refined M57 engine rarely encounters issues, mainly arising from inappropriate driving profiles (frequent short trips, ignoring the warm-up phase, etc.).

From June 2006, diesel variants were only available with xDrive all-wheel drive (except the M50d). Additionally, the engine lineup underwent a change: the M57 was discontinued and replaced with the newer N57 engine, which drew attention due to reports of connecting rod bearing damage linked to late or skipped oil changes.

A common issue in all diesel models is the EGR valve, which often fails due to soot and carbon deposits. Therefore, it's recommended to clean the EGR valve before it leads to further damage. Avoiding short trips can delay failure, and deactivating the EGR valve (though illegal) can prevent it entirely.

BMW X5 Common Problems

Regardless of the manufacturer, typical diesel engine weaknesses should be noted, especially at high mileages. These include:

• Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF)
• Dual Mass Flywheel (DMF)
• Turbocharger
• EGR Valve
• Fuel Injectors
• Issues with the Transfer Case

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A transfer case is used in all variants of the E70. Its function is to distribute the torque generated by the engine and transmitted by the vehicle's transmission to the two driven axles.

The longevity of the transfer case is influenced by various factors. Mixed tires, due to differences in rolling circumference, are particularly conducive to wear, as are varying tire pressures and tread depths.

Furthermore, old oil can lead to early failure of the transfer case and should be changed regularly. A defect typically manifests as jerking during acceleration in partial load conditions.

Recalls

The BMW X5 E70 has been subject to multiple recalls. Listed below are the major recall actions affecting a large number of vehicles:

• According to the KBA, there is a possibility that the seat belt buckle may not open in models from 2006 and 2007.
• Due to motor oil penetrating the brake booster, the membrane may become so damaged that brake assist fails. This affects X5 models from 2006 to 2010.
• On the additional coolant pump's circuit board for the exhaust turbocharger, electromigration can lead to the pump's failure and potential smoldering. V8 models from 2007 to 2010 are affected.
• In E70 models from 2008 and 2009, the fuel filter heater may overheat, leading to a vehicle fire.
• For models produced from September 2009 to November 2011, there's a risk of the VANOS unit's mounting bolts breaking.
• In four-cylinder diesel models from March 2011 to November 2016, there is a fire hazard due to issues with the EGR module.
• In models from April 2012 to May 2012, loss of power steering assistance may occur.
• Diesel models from July 2012 onwards face a fire hazard due to issues with the EGR module.

Tip: Detailed information on recalls is available from the KBA or ADAC. Using the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), you can find out if the model in question is affected by recalls and which actions have already been taken.

BMW X5 Used Car Market Situation

Prices for the BMW X5 E70 start at around 7,000 euros, with models having up to 62,137 miles (100,000 km) advertised from 10,000 euros. The majority of available vehicles are diesel models.

Nick Marchenko, PhD

Industrial Engineer & Automotive Content Specialist

Nick writes in-depth guides on car clubs, engine specs, vehicle ownership, and modifications, combining engineering knowledge with automotive passion.

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