Recalls: BMW E70 X5
Overview
Manufacturers, or importers, issue recalls for defects or faults which have the potential to cause injury. Generally, manufacturers will inform the original buyers if their vehicle is subject to a recall and of the steps required to remedy the defect or fault. Please note that the recalls below (if any) are for Australian-delivered vehicles only. Furthermore, the number of recalls should not be taken as an indication of a model’s reliability or its safety more generally.
Recalls: BMW E70 X5
2008-09 BMW E70 X5 Diesel: heater may short circuit
In September 2011, a recall was issued for BMW E70 X5 models with turbo-diesel engines that were available for sale from 20 August 2008 to 12 June 2009. In these vehicles, moisture may enter the diesel fuel filter heater at the electric contacts, causing the heater to short circuit – this could result in the short-term discharge of the starter battery such that the vehicle may not start. However, the short-circuit could also lead to an engine fire when the vehicle was switched off. Note that the diesel fuel filter heat unit only operated at temperatures below -1 degree Celsius (PRA 2011/13091).
2009 BMW E70 X5 Diesel: heating unit may short circuit
In August 2013, a recall was issued for BMW E70 X5 vehicles with turbo-diesel engines that were available for sale from 1 August 2009 to 30 November 2009. In these vehicles, an internal short-circuit may occur in the area of the electric contacts of the diesel fuel filter heating unit. At worst, an electrical short-circuit may occur in the diesel fuel filter heater which could could a vehicle fire. Please note, however, that hte diesel fuel filter heater unit only operated at temperatures below -1 degree Celsius. For the VINs of the recalled vehicles, please see PRA 2013/13591.
2007-10 BMW E70 X5 V8: loss of braking assistance
In February 2013, a recall was issued for BMW E70 X5 vehicles that were fitted with BMW’s N62 V8 petrol engine and available for sale prior to March 2010. In these vehicles, engine oil which entered the brake booster may damage the internal rubber membrane – as a result, the membrane may develop a leak which would impair the brake power assistance system. In turn, the driver may only be able to slow the vehicle by applying an increased level of brake pedal pressure (PRA 2013/13472).
2011 BMW E70 X5 V8: coolant pump may short circuit
In November 2011, a recall was issued for BMW E70 X5 models with 4.4-litre twin-turbo V8 petrol engines that were available for sale from 16 November to February 2011. In these vehicles, fuel additives in plastic components in the additional coolant pump for the exhaust turbocharger may cause electromigration on the PCB (printed circuit board). As a result, the coolant pump may short circuit – this could also cause overheating and scorching on the coolant pump and a possible fire in the engine compartment (PRA 2012/13086).
2009-12 BMW E70 X5 with I6 petrol engine: VANOS oil leak and ‘limp home’ mode
In June 2014, a recall was issued for BMW E70 X5 vehicles that had N51, N52 or N55 six-cylinder petrol engines and were available for sale from 1 October 2009 to 30 April 2012. In these vehicles, the bolted connection on the housing of the variable valve timing unit (VANOS) adjustment units could become loose. If this occurred, the units may develop an internal oil leak and then no longer adjust quickly enough due to the reduced oil pressure. The vehicle’s emergency engine mode would then be activated and the engine warning light would illuminate to warn the driver. If the vehicle was being driven and slowed down or stopped unexpectedly, it would pose an accident hazard to the driver and other road users (PRA 2014/14160).
2007-12 BMW E70 X5: Takata airbag recall #1
In July 2017, a recall was issued for BMW E70 X5 vehicles that were available for sale from 1 January 2007 to 31 December 2012. In these vehicles, the gas generator for the driver’s airbag could malfunction if subjected to high levels of absolute air humidity. If the gas generator exploded, metal parts could be propelled out of the airbag due to high internal pressure – these metal parts had the potential to cause serious injury to the driver and passengers. For the VINs of the recalled vehicles, please see PRA 2017/16230.
2007-12 BMW E70 X5: Takata airbag recall #2
In September 2017, a recall was issued for BMW E70 X5 vehicles that were available for sale from 1 January 2007 to 31 December 2012. In these vehicles, the gas generator of the front passenger airbag could malfunction if subjected to high levels of absolute air humidity. If the gas generator exploded, metal parts could be propelled out of the airbag due to high internal pressure – this posed a risk of serious injury to vehicle occupants. For the VINs of the recalled vehicles, please see PRA 2017/16298.
2013 BMW E70 X5: Takata airbag recall #3
In February 2018, recall PRA 2018/16566 was issued for 2013 BMW E70 X5 vehicles; PRA 2018/15455 was an extension of the previously issued PRA 2017/16230 recall. In these vehicles, propellant wafers in the driver’s airbag could absorb moisture over time – this could lead to overly aggressive deployment of the airbag such that the airbag inflator housing could rupture and metal fragments could be dispersed throughout the cabin. These metal fragments posed a serious risk of injury and fatality. For the VINs of the recalled BMW E70 X5 vehicles, please see PRA 2018/16566.
2007-10 BMW E70 X5: fire hazard
In April 2021, recall campaign 00 61 8905 00 was issued for BMW E70 X5 vehicles that were available for sale in Australia from 1 January 2007 to 31 August 2010. In these vehicles, the plug connection from the wiring harness to the blower controller may deteriorate over time; this could cause the plug-in contact to short circuit or overheat, which may cause a fire. A vehicle ire increased the risk of a collision, property damage and injury to vehicle occupants, road users and bystanders. For the VINs of the recalled vehicles, please see PRA 2021/18854.
2009-12 BMW E70 X5: camshaft timing unit bolts could break
In November 2023, recall campaign 0011520700 was issued for 2009-12 BMW E70 X5 vehicles. In these vehicles, the bolts connecting the variable camshaft timing unit (BMW’s ‘VANOS’) to the engine may break. If this occurred, the vehicle’s ‘limp home’ safety mode may be activated, the engine warning light may illuminate and the vehicle may lose motive power. A loss of motive power while driving could increase the risk of a collision and injury to vehicle occupants and other road users. For the VINs of the recalled vehicles, please see REC-005810.
Problems and faults: BMW E70 X5
Overview
This section identifies potential problems, causes and fixes based on the experiences of owners and repairers, online sources and technical service bulletins. This information is provided solely for reference purposes and AustralianCar.Reviews recommends that only properly qualified persons carry out repairs or modifications. Furthermore, the number of items below should not be taken as an indicator of a model’s reliability or the frequency with which they may occur.
To report a problem or fault to the AustralianCar.Reviews team, please use the Contact Us form. Note that AustralianCar.Reviews does not offer advice on automotive problems or disputes; such enquiries will not receive a reply. For vehicles purchased from dealers after 1 January 2011, please see our Australian Consumer Law fact sheet.
BMW E70 X5 3.0d and 3.0sd: M57TU2D30 swirl flaps
For BMW E70 X5 3.0d and 3.0sd models with the M57TU2D30 engines, the swirl flap mechanism in the inlet manifold consisted of butterfly valves within each individual inlet tract. These butterfly valves were secured to an actuating rod via two small screws and, over time, these screws could become loose. If this occurred, the screws could be drawn into the cylinder and cause significant damage to the piston, cylinder head and valves. If a screw were to pass through the exhaust valve, it could then damage the turbocharger. As a result of this problem, a common modification is to remove the swirl flaps and replace them with blanking plates. From 2004 to 2007, BMW introduced larger diameter spindles (made from plastic) and larger screws, though these engines were not immune to failure. Around 2006, it is understood that plastic swirl flaps were introduced to reduce the likely extent of damage.
BMW E70 X5: M57 DPF blockage
In November 2010, BMW issued technical service bulletin SI B 18 03 10for BMW E70 X5 3.0d, 3.0sd, xDrive30d and xDrive35d vehicles with the M57 turbo-diesel engine. In these vehicles, the ‘Service Engine Soon’ lamp may illuminate and fault codes FC 480A or 481A may be logged in the DDE for particulate filter system blocked.
According to the service bulletin, this condition may occur due to:
- Faults with the exhaust system that affect the monitoring of the diesel particulate filter (DPF) by the DDE; and/or
- An ‘unfavourable recent driving profile’ which didn’t allow sufficiently high exhaust gas temperature to burn off the soot particles and regenerate the DPF.
For further information, please refer to the service bulletin.
2008-12 BMW E70 X5 xDrive30d and xDrive35d: EGR cooler leaks
In November 2013, BMW issued Service Information Bulletin SI B11 06 13 for BMW E70 X5 vehicles that had M57TU2D30 engines (i.e. the 3.0d, xDrive30d, 3.0sd and xDrive35d) and were manufactured from March 2008 to September 2012. According to the technical bulletin, the flexible pipe on the high-pressure Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) cooler could leak due to excessive vibration and/or tension at the flexible elbow of the EGR cooler. As such, the technical bulletin described a Service Action to retrofit a bracket (part number 13 54 8 576 446) to the cylinder head to secure the EGR cooler. If this Service Action had been performed, the B-pillar was to be fitted with a label which had the code number 651. If, however, the EGR cooler was leaking at the flexible elbow, then it would need to be replaced.
BMW E70 X5: engine partitions and water ingress
The BMW E70 X5 has partitions in the engine bay to protect engine components. Over time, however, heat from the engine can cause the engine partitions to deteriorate and fall apart, enabling water to flow onto the engine. This, in turn, may cause:
- Fuel injector faults (see ‘injector faults due to water ingress’, below);
- Corrosion in the engine compartment (see ‘engine compartment corrosion due to water ingress’, below); and,
- Other electrical components to short circuit such that the vehicle enters ‘limp home’ mode.
Reports from owners suggest that the partitions may require replacement from 80,000 kilometres and AustralianCar.Reviews recommends that owners check the condition of the engine partitions for signs of wear. Part numbers are as follows –
- Left Bulkhead Partition: 51717169419;
- Right Bulkhead Partition: 51717169420; and,
- Centre Bulkhead Partition: 51717169421.
2007-12 BMW E70 X5 with M57 engine: injector faults due to water ingress
In July 2012, BMW issued Service Information Bulletin SI B13 01 12 for BMW E70 X5 vehicles that had M57 engines and were produced prior to May 2012 (i.e. the E70 X5 3.0d, xDrive30d, 3.0sd, xDrive35d and xDrive40d). According to the bulletin, these vehicles may exhibit the following symptoms –
- The engine may lose power;
- Illumination of the ‘Service Engine Soon’ lamp; and,
- One or more of the following fault codes:
- 4460 cylinder 6 injector, actuation;
- 4450 cylinder 5 injector, actuation; or,
- 4440 cylinder 4 injector, actuation.
These symptoms were attributed to water from a leaking joint in the engine compartment partition wall dripping onto the electrical connectors of the fuel injector. To fix, faulty fuel injectors were to be replaced and any wire terminals damaged from moisture ingress were to be repaired or replaced. The engine compartment partition was then to be resealed.
2007-10 BMW E70 X5 xDrive35i: engine compartment corrosion due to water ingress
In November 2011, BMW issued Service Information Bulletin SI 51 34 11 for BMW E70 X5 xDrive35i vehicles that were manufactured prior to 30 October 2010. According to the bulletin, the bulkhead partitions for these vehicles had insufficient sealing and this could allow water to enter the engine compartment during heavy rain or melting snow. The water ingress could cause corrosion which, if it continued over time, could necessitate extensive repairs. To fix, one metre of Butyl tape (part number PN 83 19 0 00 537) was to be used to seal the engine compartment bulkhead.
BMW E70 X5 3.0si (N52): ticking noise from camshaft lifters
In September 2009, BMW issued technical service bulletin SI B11 09 07 for E70 X5 3.0si vehicles with N52 engines that were produced prior to 31 November 2008. In these vehicles, an occasional ticking or rattling noise from the camshaft hydraulic lifters (HVA) may occur during cold engine starts. It is understood that the ticking was caused by an insufficient quantity of air-free oil for the HVA elements. To fix, however, the twelve (12) exhaust camshaft hydraulic valve lifters needed to be replaced (part no. 11 33 7 605 330).
A revised cylinder head was phased into production from 1 October 2008 and fully implemented on 31 November 2008, as per the following casting numbers –
- N51 (B30): 7588277.01;
- N52 (B30): 7588273.01; and,
- N52K (B30): 7588271.01.
2009-10 BMW E70 X5 3.0si and xDrive35i: rattling noise, loss of power and ‘Service Engine Soon’
In October 2014, BMW issued Service Information Bulletin SI B12 14 10 for BMW E70 X5 3.0si and xDrive35i models produced from October 2009 to March 2010 that had N52 and N55 engines. According to the bulletin, these vehicles may exhibit the following symptoms:
- A rattling noise from the engine compartment;
- A loss of engine power;
- Illumination of the ‘Service Engine Soon’ lamp; and,
- A range of faults stored in the DME related to VANOS and camshaft position.
The bulletin attributed these symptoms to one or both (intake and/or exhaust) of the VANOS gear assemblies having faulty assembly bolts. As a result, one or more of the four assembly bolts may have loosened or broken. If the VANOS gear assembly bolts were found loose or broken, the affected VANOS gear assembly was to be replaced.
BMW E70 X5 3.0si and xDrive30i: N52 fuel pump
In the USA in October 2010, a recall was issued for E70 X5 vehicles that had 3.0-litre N52B30 six-cylinder petrol engines and were manufactured from 1 November 2007 to 31 August 2008. In these vehicles, the fuel pump was not produced to specifications and, under specific operating conditions, the fuel pump’s commutator could experience an increase in wear – this wear could lead to fuel pump malfunction and engine stalling, such that the steering and brakes would lower power assistance (but remain operational). As such, the recall involved replacement of the in-tank fuel pump. For Australia, however, no recall has been issued.
BMW E70 X5: N52/N52K VANOS faults
In October 2010, BMW issued technical service bulletin SI B11 02 08 for E70 X5 vehicles with N52/N52K engines produced from October 2006.In these vehicles, the ‘Service Engine Soon’ (MIL) lamp may illuminate and be accompanied by a reduction in engine performance/performance; this may occur after driving with the engine at normal operating temperature. If the ignition is cycled, the engine then usually performs normally. Furthermore, the following fault codes are stored in the DME:
- 2A82 VANOS intake – stiff; jammed mechanically;
- 2A87 VANOS exhaust – stiff; jammed mechanically; or,
- 3100 Boost-pressure control, deactivation – boost pressure build up prohibited (N54 engine only).
These VANOS faults may be caused by insufficient oil pressure supply to the inlet VANOS adjustment unit. To effectively move the camshafts to the target positions in the specified time and under all engine conditions, sufficient oil pressure supply to the VANOS control pistons was required. When engine operation required that the VANOS quickly advance or retard the intake or exhaust camshaft, fault 2A82 or 2A87 may occur if the camshaft is ‘late’ or does not reach the target position. In this situation, engine power may be reduced and a check control message be displayed.
According to the service bulletin, a mechanical restriction or electrical failure of the VANOS solenoid and/or the electrical circuit could cause insufficient oil supply to the VANOS assemblies.
Depending on the diagnosis, both VANOS solenoids may need to be replaced (as well as the engine oil and filter). If there was excessive wear to the camshaft bearing ledge, the camshaft hook ring seals and the affected camshaft bearing ledge would require replacement.
BMW E70 X5: N52 and N62TU engine deposits
In February 2008, BMW issued technical service bulletin SI B 13 01 07 for BMW E70 X5 vehicles with N52K or N62TU engines. In these vehicles, deposits in the injection and induction system may cause driveability complaints and the ‘Service Engine Soon’ light to be illuminated. This condition could be caused by:
- Deposits at the fuel injector’s tip which affected fuel flow and the air/fuel mixture ratio. Symptoms included hesitation or stumble during acceleration or loss of power; poor fuel efficiency; increased HC and CO emissions; and, the ‘Service Engine Soon’ lamp to illuminate due to misfire faults;
- Carbon deposits at the valves and on the intake manifold ports absorbing fuel during the warm-up phase, causing a leaner air/fuel mixture. Carbon deposits (or build-up) could also disturb the mixture flow at low throttle conditions and/or idle speeds. Symptoms of carbon deposits included a loss of power; unstable and/or rough idle; increased HC, CO and NOx emissions; and, the ‘Service Engine Soon’ lamp to illuminate due to intermittent misfire faults; and,
- Combustion Chamber Deposit Interference (CCDI) when there was contact between carbon deposits on the piston crown and the cylinder head. The noise created by this contact may be misdiagnosed as a ping, knock or other mechanical failure. CCDI occurs first as a cold start noise that can fade as the engine reaches operating temperature. As deposits build, there is an increase in compression temperature that may cause pre-ignition detonations. Symptoms include knocking, pining, poor acceleration, increased NOx emissions and engine idle speed surges.
2010-11 BMW E70 X5: worn universal joints and front driveshaft replacement
In March 2015, BMW North America issued Service Bulletin SI B26 01 14 for BMW E70 X5 vehicles that were produced from April 2010 to January 2011. In these vehicles, the universal joints in the front driveshaft may wear out prematurely. To determine if the front driveshafts were worn, the front and rear universal joints were to be checked for radial play. If no play was found, a visual inspection was to be performed of the U-joint needle bearing seals on both front and rear U-joints, looking for:
- Exposed needle bearings;
- Excessive rust at the bearing seals;
- Excessive grease marks on the surfaces of surrounding components around the U-joints; and,
- Excessive grease being released out of the bearing seals.
If any of these conditions were present, the front driveshaft was to be replaced. Prior to the issue of this service bulletin, these measures were performed on some affected vehicles as part of Service Action 673.
2008-12 BMW E70 X5 xDrive50i: oil consumption and rough running
In November 2012, BMW issued Service Information Bulletin SI B11 07 12 for 2008-12 BMW E70 X5 xDrive50i vehicles that had N63 engines. According to the technical bulletin, the N63 engine may:
- Consume oil above its permitted specification;
- Run rough; and,
- White or blue smoke may be emitted from the exhaust.
The technical bulletin attributed these symptoms to engine compartment temperatures making the construction material of the crankcase ventilation connection lines and vent pipes brittle.
For BMW E70 X5 xDrive50i vehicles produced prior to March 2011, the crankcase ventilation connecting lines and vent pipes were to be replaced. For BMW E70 X5 xDrive50i vehicles produced after March 2011, the crankcase ventilation connecting lines and vent pipes were to be inspected and, if loose, secured.
2008-12 BMW E70 X5 xDrive50i: engine oil pump volume control valve leaks
In August 2012, BMW issued Service Information Bulletin SI B11 08 12 for 2008-12 BMW E70 X5 xDrive50i vehicles that had N63 engines. According to the technical bulletin, the engine oil pump volume control valve gasket seal ring may leak engine oil due as a result of damage to the seal ring during assembly. To fix,
- The engine oil pump volume control valve was to be removed;
- The engine oil pump volume control valve gasket seal ring (part number 07 11 9 963 473) was to be replaced; and,
- The oil pump volume control valve was to be reinstalled.
2011 BMW E70 X5 xDrive50i: N63 high-pressure fuel pump failure
In July 2015, BMW issued Service Information Bulletin SI B13 02 15 for BMW E70 X5 xDrive50i models that were produced from 1 January 2011 to 1 December 2011. According to the service bulletin, the high-pressure fuel pump quantity control valve could fail and this would cause:
- Reduced engine output; and,
- An engine malfunction warning.
To fix, both high-pressure fuel pumps were to be replaced.
2010-13 BMW E70 X5 xDrive50i: N63 Customer Care Package
In January 2015, BMW issued Service Information Bulletin SI B11 06 14 for BMW E70 X5 xDrive50i vehicles produced from March 2010 to June 2013 that were powered by the N63B44O0 engine. This technical bulletin described the ‘N63 Customer Care Package’ which consisted of a six point check and, if necessary, the replacement of one or more of the following powertrain components:
- Hot-film air mass sensors;
- High-pressure piezo fuel injectors;
- Engine vacuum pump;
- Fuel system low pressure sensor/feed line;
- Fresh air intake turbo seals; and,
- Crankcase ventilation lines (hoses).
Issued in May 2015, Service Information Bulletin SI B11 16 14 advised that the engine timing chains should be checked for wear in conjunction with the N63 Customer Care Package. To avoid future valvetrain wear, the ECU was to be re-programmed and a shorter oil service interval (12 months/10,000 kilometres, previously 2 years/15,000 kilometres) was to be introduced via ISTA/P. Finally, the engine oil and filter were to be replaced.
Service Information Bulletin SI B11 06 14 also advised that Service Information Bulletin SI B61 30 14 (12 volt battery replacement) should also be performed if applicable. For vehicles that had undergone the N63 Customer Care Package, a service action label with the code ‘721’ was to be attached to the A-pillar.
The above inspections and replacements were to be performed at no cost to the owner, while the ‘N63 Customer Loyalty Offer’ provided incentives for owners affected by the campaign to trade-in their N63-powered vehicle.
BMW E70 X5: ZF transmission faults
In December 2008, BMW issued technical service bulletin SI B24 01 08 for E70 X5 vehicles with N52K engines and ZF automatic transmissions that were manufactured prior to February 2008. In these vehicles, the ‘Transmission’ warning light may illuminate and the transmission enter its fail safe mode. Furthermore, fault code 4F81 (‘ratio monitoring, clutch A’) may be logged in the EGS control module, as well as 507B/507C (‘parking gear sensor implausible’) or 507D (‘parking gear incorrectly disengaged’). The service bulletin attributed these faults to:
- A low transmission fluid level; or
- An internal transmission pressure leak caused by a defective adapter seal between the transmission housing and the Mechatronic unit.
If the Mechatronic adapter seal was found to be defective (i.e. cracks or seal damage), it was to be replaced.
2007-13 BMW E70 X5 xDrive35i, xDrive50i and X5 M: ‘Service Engine Soon’, ‘Drivetrain Malfunction’ and VANOS faults
In September 2014, BMW North America issued Service Bulletin SI B12 26 14 for BMW E70 X5 xDrive35i, xDrive50i and X5 M vehicles that were manufactured prior to July 2014. These vehicles may exhibit the following symptoms:
- Illumination of the ‘Service Engine Soon’ warning (Malfunction Indicator Light);
- The engine may enter a reduced power mode with the ‘Drivetrain Malfunction’ message displayed; and,
- One or more VANOS faults may be stored in the DME, even though the engine is mechanically sound and no unusual noises can be heard from the VANOS area. These VANOS faults related to implausible camshaft position (intake or exhaust), the camshaft stuck situation, or the camshaft angle offset relative to the crankshaft being outside the tolerance range.
According to the service bulletin, these symptoms could be due to unfavourable Engine Position Management (EPM) parameters in the DME software. The service bulletin recommended test plans be performed using BMW’s ISTA/D diagnostics system and any VANOS hardware issues were to be corrected. After performing repairs, or if the ISTA test plan was inconclusive, the vehicle’s DME software was to be re-programmed with the latest version of ISTA/P. If further VANOS control faults occurred after the DME software was updated, further diagnosis would be required to identify its cause.
BMW E70 X5: other problems and faults
- Seemingly unrelated electrical problems may be due to a loose power connector to the power distribution/electronics junction or box.
- In cold environments, moisture in the PCV system may turn to ice, causing the valve cover to crack and possibly leading to engine damage.
- The glove box may not fully open or close due to problems with the latch.
- For models with the sports suspension package, a knocking noise from the front suspension may be attributable to the sway bar.
- Water may leak from the upper section of the tailgate due to hinge bolts coming loose. Furthermore, the ‘tailgate ajar’ warning or rattling of the tailgate may occur due to the latch striker not being properly aligned.
- The windscreen washer fluid reservoir may empty itself due to a siphoning action created in the breather while driving; a redesigned reservoir was subsequently released.
