BMW X5 E70 problems (2006–2013)

BMW N57 (N57D30) · Diesel

Verdict for the versions it uses

• N57D30 245-258 hp, single turbo (O0/O1, 2008-2019)2008–2019 · 245–258 hp · N57D30O0, N57D30O1, N57D30OL

  With caution

  The same documented rear timing chain risk and inclusion in the EGR cooler service campaign as the rest of the N57 range.^[6][7]

• N57D30 299-313 hp twin turbo (T0/T1, 2009-2019)2009–2019 · 299–313 hp · N57D30T0, N57D30T1, N57D30TOP

  With caution

  It shares the general timing chain risk and the EGR campaign, and adds the documented risk of loss of thrust through the vacuum circuit or the actuator of the two turbos.^[6][8]

Faults that affect the X5 E70

1. Critical severityFrequency: Very frequentEmissions controlEGR cooler leaks with risk of engine fireYes: like the N47 and B47, the N57 is covered by BMW's service campaign for EGR cooler leaks, which can mix coolant with soot and oil to combustion temperatures. BMW checks free of charge the 6-cylinder engines built between July 2012 and June 2015 because of the fire risk.
2. Critical severityFrequency: CommonTimingRear timing chain wearThe N57 inherits from the N47 the timing chain at the rear of the block, next to the gearbox, which complicates any repair. Unlike the N47, there is no documented campaign or wave of mass claims, and cases of serious wear appear mainly above 200,000 km.
3. High severityFrequency: CommonTurboLoss of thrust on twin-turbo versions due to the vacuum circuit or the actuatorOn the twin-turbo versions (335d, 535d, xDrive35d/40d) it is common to lose thrust at low revs because of a degraded vacuum circuit or dirt in the actuator that synchronises the turbos, not because of a mechanical turbo failure. The variable-geometry turbo is also cited, more generically.
4. Medium severityFrequency: CommonOtherCrankshaft pulley vibration damper wearThe N57's crankshaft vibration damper (pulley) wears with use and, according to a technical guide to the engine, usually needs replacing between 80,000 and 120,000 km, giving warning with abnormal noises before failing completely.Appears at around 80,000 km

X5 E70 BMW N57 pageAll versions and faults of the BMW N57

BMW M57 (M57D25/M57D30) · Diesel

Verdict for the version it uses

• M57D30TU2, second revision 3.0 litres, aluminium block (204-286 hp, 2004-2010)2004–2010 · 204–286 hp · M57D30TU2

  With caution

  A specialist workshop expressly names the 231 hp E90 330d/330xd and the twin-turbo 335d/535d among the versions with swirl flaps; it points to only a final 197 hp revision of the 325d/525d as an exception.^[10]

Faults that affect the X5 E70

1. Critical severityFrequency: CommonIntakeBroken intake swirl flapsYes: most automatic M57 and M57TU engines (330d, 530d, 535d, 730d, X3 3.0d and so on) have six metal flaps in the intake manifold that can seize, come loose and wreck a cylinder. The E53 X5 3.0d and the manual gearboxes of the first 330d/530d are free of them, according to a specialist workshop.
2. High severityFrequency: CommonLubricationCrankcase ventilation (PCV) valve failureThe valve that separates oil from the crankcase gases (PCV) degrades over time, especially after 120,000-150,000 km, and can cause oil consumption, bluish smoke and a rough idle and, if ignored, foul the turbo, the EGR or the particulate filter.Appears at around 120,000 km
3. Medium severityFrequency: OccasionalCylinder head and blockCracked exhaust manifoldThe M57 exhaust manifold can crack, causing loss of power, an unstable idle and a smell of exhaust fumes in the cabin; the recommended repair is to replace it with a cast one.
4. Medium severityFrequency: OccasionalOtherCrankshaft pulley vibration damper failureThe M57 crankshaft vibration damper (pulley) can fail with use, warning with abnormal noises and knocking at the front of the engine before it breaks completely.

X5 E70 BMW M57 pageAll versions and faults of the BMW M57

BMW V8 de gasolina N62 (atmosférico) and N63 (biturbo) · Petrol

Verdict for the versions it uses

• N62B48TU 4.8 naturally aspirated 355-367 hp (550i, 650i, 750i, X5 4.8i; 2005-2010)2005–2010 · 355–367 hp · N62B48, N62B48TU

  Buy

  The German guides describe the 6 Series N62 as a solid engine and the X5 E70 4.8i's as an engine with few problems; even so, at over 15 years old, the coolant hoses and valve stem seals should be checked.^[1][2]

• N63B44O0 4.4 twin-turbo 408 hp (2008-2014)2008–2014 · 408 hp · N63B44O0, N63B44

  Avoid

  Gebrauchtwagenberater advises against the 550i with this N63 because of oil consumption (valve stem seals) and the stretched chain, and recommends a car built after July 2013; fiches-auto describes it as the big weak point of the petrol range.^[13][14]

Faults that affect the X5 E70

1. High severityFrequency: CommonLubricationN63 oil consumption from worn valve stem sealsYes: the original N63 is known for using oil and the German press attributes it to worn valve stem seals. Gebrauchtwagenberater gives €3,000-4,500 as a repair reference in Germany.
2. Critical severityFrequency: OccasionalTimingN63 timing chain stretch and guide breakageOn the N63 the timing chain can stretch and the sliding guide can break, leaving plastic debris in the sump and risking serious engine damage. We have found no European recall for this reason.
3. Critical severityFrequency: OccasionalTurboAdditional turbo coolant pump with a risk of short circuit and fireIn 2011 BMW recalled 5, 6 and 7 Series, X5 and X6 models built between 2007 and 2011 because of the additional turbo coolant pump: moisture, a short circuit and, in extreme cases, a fire. In 2012 there was another campaign for a crack in the pump, with a more robust version.
4. Medium severityFrequency: CommonCoolingN63 coolant loss and cracks in the cylinder headThe N63 loses coolant fairly often: Gebrauchtwagenberater cites it on the 550i, the X5 50i and others, along with cracks in the spark plug well. Owner reports add hoses and the water pump.
5. Medium severityFrequency: CommonCoolingN62 coolant loss from hoses and the pipe between the cylinder banksOn the N62 V8, coolant loss from cracked hoses or pipes is typical, especially on the earliest units. Replacing them is laborious: the hose between the banks means removing a good part of the engine.
6. Medium severityFrequency: OccasionalLubricationN62 blue smoke and oil consumption from hardened valve stem sealsOn the N62 V8, the valve stem seals can harden with age and cause oil consumption with blue smoke. It is not a widespread fault: several German guides describe the engine as solid.

X5 E70 BMW N62 / N63 pageAll versions and faults of the BMW N62 / N63

ZF 6HP (caja automática de convertidor de par, 6 velocidades)

Verdict for the versions it uses

• 1st generation (6HP19/26/32, 2000-2006)2000–2006 · 6HP19, 6HP19A, 6HP26, 6HP26A, 6HP26X, 6HP26Z, 6HP32, 6HP32A

  With caution

  Cars with this first generation are now around 20-26 years old in 2026 and often accumulate the same weak points as the whole 6HP family (jerking, valve body or mechatronic faults), documented on BMW, Audi and Land Rover; check the gearbox oil change history before buying.^[15][16][17]

• 2nd generation (6HP21/28/32, 2007-2014)2007–2014 · 6HP21, 6HP28, 6HP28X, 6HP32, 6HP32A

  With caution

  The 2007 revision did not eliminate the family's weak points: jerking and mechatronic faults are still documented on cars with this version, and Jaguar ended up replacing the 6HP with the ZF 8HP on the XF as early as 2012. It is still worth checking the gearbox service history before buying.^[18][19][20]

Faults that affect the X5 E70

1. High severityFrequency: CommonElectronicsValve body and mechatronic failure: erratic shifts or a locked-up gearboxYes, and it can be serious: there are documented failures of the ZF 6HP valve body or mechatronic unit on BMW, Audi and Land Rover models from around 90,000-100,000 km, with cases that go as far as preventing a gear from engaging (including reverse) and dealer quotes of €6,000 to €10,000.Repair: €6,000–€10,000Appears at around 90,000 km
2. Medium severityFrequency: CommonTransmissionJerking and harsh shifts from converter wear and ageing oilYes: on BMW, Audi and Land Rover models with the ZF 6HP there are reports of jerking, hesitation and harsh shifts from 80,000-150,000 km, especially if the gearbox oil has never been changed. The converter locks up in all six gears to save fuel, which speeds up its wear over the years.Repair (garage): €150–€400Appears at around 80,000 km
3. Medium severityFrequency: OccasionalLubricationOil leaks from the sump or the gearbox sealsYes, although in a minority of cases: there are reports of ZF 6HP gearbox oil leaks on the BMW X5 (at 180,000 km) and the Audi A6 (between 204,000 and 208,000 km). If not repaired, the loss of pressure can speed up internal wear and lead to valve body or mechatronic failure.Repair (garage): €300–€600Appears at around 180,000 km

X5 E70 ZF 6HP gearbox pageAll versions and faults of the ZF 6HP

BMW N54 biturbo and N55 monoturbo 3.0 (N54B30 / N55B30) · Petrol

Verdict for the versions it uses

• N55B30M0 302 hp (2009-2018)2009–2018 · 302 hp · N55B30M0

  With caution

  Simpler than the N54 (one turbo and solenoid injectors), but it keeps the oil leaks from the filter housing and the electric water pump; check both.^[21][22][23]

• N55B30 315 hp (2011-2018)2011–2018 · 315 hp · N55B30

  With caution

  Simpler than the N54 (one turbo and solenoid injectors), but it keeps the oil leaks from the filter housing and the electric water pump; check both.^[21][22][23]

Faults that affect the X5 E70

Only those that affect the versions and years that this car used. The BMW N54/N55 has 5 documented faults in total.

1. Medium severityFrequency: CommonTurboTurbo wastegate noise and failureOn the N54 the wastegate rods work loose and produce a metallic rattle; over time they reduce boost pressure. On the N55 it is the electric actuator that fails.
2. Medium severityFrequency: CommonCoolingElectric water pump and thermostat failureThe electric water pump on the N54 and N55 fails without warning, at around 100,000-150,000 km, and is usually replaced together with the thermostat. If not dealt with, the engine overheats.
3. Medium severityFrequency: CommonLubricationOil leak from the oil filter housing gasketThe oil filter housing gasket on the N54 and N55 leaks oil as it ages; the oil can drip onto the auxiliary drive belt, and there are also leaks from the valve cover.

X5 E70 BMW N54/N55 pageAll versions and faults of the BMW N54/N55

BMW N52 and N53 (seis cilindros atmosférico) · Petrol

Verdict for the version it uses

• N52B30 3.0 (2004-2015)2004–2015 · 215–268 hp · N52B30, N51B30

  With caution

  Same weak points as the N52B25; units from before the end of 2008 may have noisy hydraulic lifters.^[25][26]

Faults that affect the X5 E70

Only those that affect the versions and years that this car used. The BMW N52 / N53 has 5 documented faults in total.

1. Medium severityFrequency: CommonCoolingElectric water pump and thermostat failureThe N52's plastic electric water pump cracks or fails sooner than a mechanical one, and the thermostat usually goes with it; it is recommended to replace it as a precaution at around 80,000-100,000 km.Repair (garage): €350–€600Appears at around 80,000 km
2. Medium severityFrequency: CommonLubricationOil leak from the oil filter housing gasketThe oil filter housing gasket hardens over time and leaks oil on all N52 engines; the leak can soil the engine and damage nearby parts.
3. Low severityFrequency: CommonLubricationValve cover and crankcase ventilation valveThe N52's plastic valve cover cracks with heat cycles and the crankcase ventilation system fails, causing whistling, leaks and oil consumption.Repair (garage): €200–€350
4. Low severityFrequency: OccasionalLubricationN52 hydraulic lifter noiseN52 engines from before December 2008 can have hydraulic lifters that make a tapping noise when cold because of a lubrication problem.

X5 E70 BMW N52 / N53 pageAll versions and faults of the BMW N52 / N53