Recalls: BMW F15 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 F15 X5
2014 BMW F15 X5: rear child locks may not work
In May 2014, a recall was issued for BMW F15 X5 vehicles that were available for sale from 1 February, 2014, to 22 May, 2014. In these vehicles, it was possible that when the rear door child safety locks were engaged (i.e. locked), the door may still open if the interior door handle was operated – this could pose a fall or injury hazard to occupants, particularly children. For further information on this recall, please see PRA 2014/14120.
2013-17 BMW F15 X5: Takata airbag recall
In December 2018, a staged recall campaign was initiated for BMW ‘F Series’ models – this included 2013-17 BMW F15 X5 vehicles. These vehicles had Takata driver’s airbags and the propellant wafers in these airbags could absorb moisture over time. In the event of airbag deployment, excessive internal pressure could cause the metal inflator housing to rupture and metallic fragments could be projected through the airbag cushion towards vehicle occupants – these fragments posed a risk of serious injury and fatality. For the VINs of the recalled vehicles, please see PRA 2018/17191.
2014-17 BMW F85 X5 M: Takata airbag recall
In December 2018, a staged recall campaign was initiated for BMW ‘F Series’ models – this included 2014-17 BMW F85 X5 M vehicles. These vehicles had Takata driver’s airbags and the propellant wafers in these airbags could absorb moisture over time. In the event of airbag deployment, excessive internal pressure could cause the metal inflator housing to rupture and metallic fragments could be projected through the airbag cushion towards vehicle occupants – these fragments posed a risk of serious injury and fatality. For the VINs of the recalled vehicles, please see PRA 2018/17191.
Problems and faults: BMW F15 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.
2013-14 BMW F15 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 F15 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.
2013-14 BMW F15 X5 xDrive50i: engine knock when accelerating
In April 2015, BMW North America issued Service Bulletin SI B12 17 15 for BMW F15 X5 xDrive50i vehicles that were produced from July 2013 to July 2014. If the vehicle was driven with long engine idle phases followed by full throttle accelerations, engine knocking (i.e. uncontrolled detonation) could occur and cause internal engine damage. To prevent this from occurring, the DME was to be re-programmed using the latest version of ISTA/P (3.55.1 or higher). Prior to issuing this service bulletin, BMW sought to update DMEs for this condition under Service Action 738.
BMW F15 X5: rattling noise from rear shock absorbers
In April 2016, BMW issued Service Information Bulletin SI 33 03 14 for BMW F15 X5 vehicles. According to the service bulletin, some rear shock absorbers may have been assembled with the incorrect guide support and this could cause a rattling noise within a low mileage. If the incorrect guide supports (part number 6 867 864) had been used, they were to be replaced with the correct guide supports (part number 6 851 881).
2015 BMW F85 X5 M: reduced engine power and ‘charging pressure too high’
In July 2015, BMW North America issued Service Bulletin SI B12 23 15 for BMW F85 X5 M vehicles that were manufactured prior to 1 July 2015. When accelerating under certain conditions, engine power may be reduced and the Check Control Message (CCM) ‘Drive Faulty: Drive at moderate speed’ would be displayed. Furthermore, the following charging pressure control fault would be stored in the DME:
- Fault 120208: Exhaust camshaft sensor, signal: not plausible.
The following faults may also be stored in the DME:
- Fault 120408: Charging pressure control: Switch-off, pressure build-up blocked; and,
- Fault 120908: Charging pressure control2: Switch-off, pressure build-up blocked.
According to the service bulletin, these symptoms were due to a DME software error. To fix, the vehicle was to be re-programmed using the latest version of ISTA/P.
