2012 BMW X5 problems

• N57D30 245-258 hp, single turbo (O0/O1, 2008-2019)

  245–258 hp · N57D30O0, N57D30O1, N57D30OL

  The same documented rear timing chain risk and inclusion in the EGR cooler service campaign as the rest of the N57 range.^[3][4]

  With caution

• N57D30 299-313 hp twin turbo (T0/T1, 2009-2019)

  299–313 hp · N57D30T0, N57D30T1, N57D30TOP

  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.^[3][5]

  With caution

Faults that affect 2012 cars

• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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

• N63B44O0 4.4 twin-turbo 408 hp (2008-2014)

  408 hp · N63B44O0, N63B44

  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.^[9][10]

  Avoid

Faults that affect 2012 cars

• 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.
• 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.
• 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.

• 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.^[12][13][14]

  With caution

Faults that affect 2012 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

• N55B30M0 302 hp (2009-2018)

  302 hp · N55B30M0

  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.^[15][16][17]

  With caution

• N55B30 315 hp (2011-2018)

  315 hp · N55B30

  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.^[15][16][17]

  With caution

Faults that affect 2012 cars

• 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.
• 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.
• 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.

• 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: RareSteeringPower steering control unit: loss of assistance and fire risk (X5 E70 from 2011-2013)Yes: Gebrauchtwagenberater.de reports a power steering assistance fault on X5 E70s built in April-May 2012, and a European alert also covers BMW's electric power steering control unit from 2011 to 2016, with a fire risk.
• 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.
• 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.