Resources for the Repair and Maintenance of your BMW X5
BMW X5 Models:
BMW X5 Problems
Burning Smell or Oil Drips on the Ground Due to Engine Oil Leak
Valve cover gasket leaks are common after 60,000 miles. Symptoms will include oil drips under the vehicle and burning oil smell from the engine compartment.
Mushy Road Feel and/or Shuddering in the Steering Over Bumbs
The front thrust rod bushings—also referred to as tension strut bushings—are known to fail occasionally. The oil-filled rubber mounts weaken and crack over time, causing a mushy road feel and shuddering in the steering wheel when going over bumps.
Front Outer CV Boots May Tear
After 60,000 miles, the front outer half-shaft boots tend to tear and leak grease. In most cases, only the boot will have to be replaced; however, if it is not repaired soon enough, the half-shaft may need to be replaced. The front outer boots are put under heavy stress because of their involvement with the suspension when making turns.
Loss of Power Steering Fluid Due to Leaking Hoses
A fluid leak may develop from one or more power steering hose. When a leak is being repaired, it is not uncommon for multiple hoses to be replaced.
Water Pump May Develop Coolant Leak
The low coolant light may illuminate and/or the engine may overheat as a result of a coolant leak from the water pump. The leaking pump will require replacement and the entire cooling system should be inspected for leaks as it is not uncommon to find multiple leaks on higher mileage vehicles.
Overheating can cause severe engine damage. If the engine begins to overheat it is recommended to stop at the first available location and ...
BMW X5 Recalls (Recent)
BMW X5 Recall 07E069000
Summary: CERTAIN AFTERMARKET BMW BIKE CARRIERS, P/N 82110393954, SOLD FOR USE ON MY 2005 BMW X3 AND X5 VEHICLES. A PINCH BOLT EXISTS BETWEEN THE BIKE ARM BRACKET AND THE UPRIGHT ASSEMBLY OF THE HITCH STYLE BICYCLE RACK.
Learn more »Brake Fluid Warning Light May Not Work
RepairPal Expert Overview:
The switch in the brake fluid reservoir cap to activate the brake warning lamp for low fluid levels may not work at high temperatures. If this happens, a loss of the hydraulic brake system may cause increased stopping distances, which could result in a crash. Dealers will replace the brake fluid reservoir cap free of charge. The recall began September 20, 2007.
Learn more »Engine May Stall In Weather Below Freezing
RepairPal Expert Overview:
A static discharge from the fuel rails may affect the engine electronic control unit (ECU) and stall the engine in weather below freezing combined with low humidity. If the engine stalls, the driver may not be able to maintain speed or accelerate, and the power steering could fail increasing the risk of a crash. Dealers will install two ground cables in the engine compartment free of charge. The recall began October 29, 2007.
Learn more »The Auxiliary Water Pump May Smolder and/or Catch Fire
RepairPal Expert Overview:
On vehicles equipped with an 8 or 12 cylinder turbocharged engine, the circuit board for the electric water pump may overheat. This could lead to smoldering of the pump and/or an electrical fire in the engine compartment. Dealers will replace the auxiliary water pump to correct this concern.
Learn more »Diesel Fuel Heater May Turn On and Stay On
RepairPal Expert Overview:
The diesel fuel filter heater, which is used to warm the fuel at low temperatures, could experience an electrical overload condition and become permanently activated. The heater could remain active even when the ignition is off, which can lead to a dead battery. The unit itself could also overheat, increasing the risk of a fire. Dealers will replace the fuel filter heater to correct this concern.
Learn more »BMW X5 Questions and Answers
I have lost my odometer reading and the screen where all the failure messages keep popping up. Also have a check engine light ABS & Brake msg. Yes my dash looks like a x-mas tree! But really need...
a/c blows cold air from left dash vent but blows warmer as it goes to the passenger side.
WHEN CRAKING IT JUST KEEP TURNING OVER AND OVER BUT NOT CRANKING AFTER SEVERAL TRYS IT FINALLY CRANKS. BUT SOME TIME I SMELL GAS WHEN I KEEP TRYING. wHAT COULD THIS BE?
The problem noted above happens constantly.
i tried using a 10mm socket, but it seems to big, and the 9mm is too small. am i missing something here?
BMW X5 Stories
ALL BMW USED TO BE CALL "THE ULTIMATE DRIVING MACHINE" NOW THEY CALL "THE ULTIMATE FIXING MACHINE" WHO THINKING OF OWNING ONE BETTER THINK TWICE. GET READY TO EMPTY YOUR SAVING. FRIENDLY WARNING.
I have had a lot of steering problems
Good car so far when it come engine and driving but sensors go off like crazy. Luckily my hubby learn to read code himself and understand the car but otherwise might be in the dealer. Must sensor were false alarms. Costly when in need of repair. Glad we have the opportunity to own a BMW but might be our last due to high repair cost and ton of unneeded sensors. BMW makes them complicated to repair for to make money. Many things the regular mechanic can't due because special tools are needed. Lots of electric wiring. One window ($500 plus and only BMW had the tools) and sunroof motor ($2000+ but manage to get a discount) burned out and need replacement.
I purchased this car with 26000 mles on it. It now has 166000! Read the reviews and had many of the same issues. Wipers just stopped, the dealer tightened the linkage and used lock tight. Prob solved. Locks frozen in winter, try to get some lubricant in there if you can. Solved my problem and I had this issue for years. Console light intermittantly indicates that my headlight is out, but it is not. No major repairs and it is still going strong. It seems to burn oit though and I always keep 5 quart container of Mobile 1 and check between changes. Love my car. Would get another one but I want to see when this one gives out first..
Bought vehicle new - now has 125K miles. Great vehicle - excellent tow vehicle (5000 lb boat). Love the vehicle BUT costly to maintain and repair - has cost $0.15/mile for R&M.