2007 BMW X5 problems
The 2007 BMW X5 was sold with 3 engines and 1 gearbox that we have documented: the BMW M57, the ZF 6HP gearbox, the BMW N52 / N53 and the BMW N62 / N63. The BMW M57 and the ZF 6HP gearbox have serious faults that affect the cars of that year. The safest option is the BMW N62 / N63 (verdict “Buy”). Outside the engine, 6 documented faults affect 2007 cars, such as xDrive transfer case failure on the X5 E70.
2007 BMW X5 score: acceptable reliability
Calculated using only 19 documented faults and their sources: the most serious and frequent faults weigh more. How it is calculated
- Engine5.8From 3.7 to 7.1 depending on the engine
- Gearbox5.24 faults
- Suspension9.31 fault
- Brakes8.61 fault
- Tyres and wheels10.0No documented faults
- Steering10.0No documented faults
- Electrical system10.0No documented faults
- Electronics and infotainment8.61 fault
- Climate control10.0No documented faults
- Bodywork and interior9.31 fault
- Airbags and safety8.91 fault
What changes compared with the 2006 BMW X5
- Score: 4.5 → 5.5
- New engines or gearboxes: BMW N52 / N53 and BMW N62 / N63
- Starts to be affected by: electric water pump and thermostat failure (BMW N52 / N53), oil leak from the oil filter housing gasket (BMW N52 / N53), valve cover and crankcase ventilation valve (BMW N52 / N53) and n52 hydraulic lifter noise (BMW N52 / N53) and 6 more
BMW M57 engine in the 2007 BMW X5
Names: 3.0d · 35d
- With caution
M57D30TU2, second revision 3.0 litres, aluminium block (204-286 hp, 2004-2010)
204–286 hp · M57D30TU2
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.[2]
Faults that affect 2007 cars
- 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.
- 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
- 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.
- 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.
ZF 6HP gearbox in the 2007 BMW X5
Names: X5 3.0d Steptronic · X5 30d Steptronic · X5 40d Steptronic
- With caution
2nd generation (6HP21/28/32, 2007-2014)
· 6HP21, 6HP28, 6HP28X, 6HP32, 6HP32A
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.[4][5][6]
Faults that affect 2007 cars
- 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
- 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
- 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
BMW N52 / N53 engine in the 2007 BMW X5
Names: X5 3.0si
- With caution
N52B30 3.0 (2004-2015)
215–268 hp · N52B30, N51B30
Same weak points as the N52B25; units from before the end of 2008 may have noisy hydraulic lifters.[8][9]
Faults that affect 2007 cars
- 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
- 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.
- 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
- 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.
BMW N62 / N63 engine in the 2007 BMW X5
Names: 4.8i / xDrive48i · xDrive50i
- Buy
N62B48TU 4.8 naturally aspirated 355-367 hp (550i, 650i, 750i, X5 4.8i; 2005-2010)
355–367 hp · N62B48, N62B48TU
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.[12][13]
Faults that affect 2007 cars
- 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.
- 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.
Faults outside the engine in the 2007 BMW X5
- High severityFrequency: OccasionalGearbox and clutchxDrive transfer case failure on the X5 E70According to testimonies on fiches-auto.fr, the X5 E70 transfer case accounts for 18 mentions out of 152 testimonies, with jerking during low-speed manoeuvres, vibrations and 4x4/DSC warnings, linked to neglected oil changes and wear of the internal clutch plates.
- Critical severityFrequency: RareBrakesOil in the brake servo damages the diaphragm and removes assistance (built 2006-2010)Yes: according to Gebrauchtwagenberater.de, BMW recalled X5s built from 2006 to 2010 because engine oil could enter the brake servo, damage its diaphragm and cause loss of brake assistance.
- Medium severityFrequency: OccasionalElectronics and infotainmentElectronic module and connector faults caused by moisture on the X5 E70According to fiches-auto.fr, the X5 E70's electronics appear in 14 mentions out of 152 testimonies: DSC, ABS, airbag and cruise control faults, attributed to moisture and corroded connectors; one case cites a €1,300 module at around 90,000 km.
- High severityFrequency: RareAirbags and safetySeat belt buckle that may not release (X5 E70 from 2006-2007)Yes: according to Gebrauchtwagenberater.de and the KBA, on X5 E70s from 2006 and 2007 the seat belt buckle may not release, making it harder to get out of the car after an accident.
- Medium severityFrequency: RareSuspensionRear air suspension failure on the X5 E70According to fiches-auto.fr, the X5 E70's rear air suspension can sag because of leaking air springs and level sensor faults, which overloads the compressor. The entry does not give the number of cases.
- Medium severityFrequency: RareBodywork and interiorLeaks and jamming of the panoramic sunroof on the X5 E70According to fiches-auto.fr, the X5 E70's panoramic sunroof can jam or leak because of blocked drain channels, wetting the floor and electrical modules. One testimony cites €2,000 for the replacement.
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Frequently asked questions
Is the 2007 BMW X5 reliable?
The 2007 BMW X5 was sold with 3 engines and 1 gearbox that we have documented: the BMW M57, the ZF 6HP gearbox, the BMW N52 / N53 and the BMW N62 / N63. The BMW M57 and the ZF 6HP gearbox have serious faults that affect the cars of that year. The safest option is the BMW N62 / N63 (verdict “Buy”). Outside the engine, 6 documented faults affect 2007 cars, such as xDrive transfer case failure on the X5 E70.
Is the 2007 BMW X5 better than the 2006?
Our score goes from 4.5 in 2006 to 5.5 in 2007. Starts to be affected by: electric water pump and thermostat failure (BMW N52 / N53), oil leak from the oil filter housing gasket (BMW N52 / N53) and valve cover and crankcase ventilation valve (BMW N52 / N53). BMW N52 / N53 and BMW N62 / N63 arrive.
What is the best year for the BMW X5?
According to our score, the best is 2007 (5.5/10). The year with the worst score is 2006 (4.5/10). Each year's score counts only the engines sold that year and the faults that affect those cars.
What faults does the 2007 BMW X5 have?
The most important ones documented for 2007 cars are: broken intake swirl flaps (BMW M57, critical severity), oil in the brake servo damages the diaphragm and removes assistance (built 2006-2010) (brakes, critical severity), crankcase ventilation (PCV) valve failure (BMW M57, high severity), valve body and mechatronic failure: erratic shifts or a locked-up gearbox (ZF 6HP gearbox, high severity) and xDrive transfer case failure on the X5 E70 (gearbox and clutch, high severity).
Own a 2007 BMW X5? Tell us what faults you have had and at how many kilometres. Report your fault.
Sources
Every fact on this page links to its source. If you find an error, let us know.
- BMW M57Wikipedia (inglés) · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026
- Motor BMW M57 - Reparación EspecializadaDasercars · Technical documentation · consulted 27 September 2026 · in Spanish
- Fiabilité BMW X5 (2007-2013), pannes et témoignagesFiches-auto.fr · Owners' forum · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
- Jaguar XFWikipedia (en) · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026
- Fiabilité BMW X3 (2004-2010), pannes et témoignagesFiches-auto.fr · Owners' forum · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
- Fiabilité Audi A8 (2002-2010), pannes et témoignagesFiches-auto.fr · Owners' forum · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
- BMW N52Wikipedia · Other source · consulted 5 October 2026
- BMW N52 Engine ProblemsBMW Tuning · Other source · consulted 5 October 2026
- These BMW N52 Years Have The Most ProblemsJalopnik · General press · consulted 5 October 2026
- BMW N62Wikipedia (inglés) · Other source · consulted 8 October 2026
- BMW N63Wikipedia (inglés) · Other source · consulted 8 October 2026
- BMW X5 E70 – Typische Probleme & SchwachstellenGebrauchtwagenberater.de · Motoring press · published 5 January 2023 · consulted 8 October 2026 · in German
- BMW 6er E63, E64 – Typische Probleme & SchwachstellenGebrauchtwagenberater.de · Motoring press · published 5 January 2023 · consulted 8 October 2026 · in German