Engine
3.0L 6-cyl
How to read this file. Complaint records are unverified owner submissions to the federal safety agency. Counts are raw, not adjusted for sales volume or vehicle age. Recall campaigns apply to the model; only a VIN check shows whether this car is affected or repaired. Parts shown are named by an editorial note or listed as a search directory; none is a diagnosis. Full methodology.
Fault profile
Complaint-component records on this vehicle, grouped by family. A complaint naming two systems counts once in each.
Complaints are owner-reported and not verified by the agency.
When it fails
The timing of this vehicle's reported failures, from the complaint file itself. A cluster tells you what to expect and when; it is shaped by reporting behavior as well as by the vehicle.
Vehicle age when the failure occurred
Years between the model year and the owner's reported failure date. Based on 82 of 82 complaints with a usable failure date.
Odometer when the failure occurred
Owner-reported mileage at failure, in 20,000-mile bands. Based on 62 of 82 complaints reporting a plausible odometer (500 to 500,000 miles; unverified).
Known issues
The component families with the most complaint records against this vehicle. Counts, crash and fire figures belong to the whole family, not to any single named issue. Parts listed are related system parts, not a diagnosis.
Engine & cooling
17 complaint records1 fire report
"ENGINE COOLING SYSTEM, DRIVER SIDE DOOR DAMAGE AND TRANSMISSION FAILURE ISSUES. SOUND OF A KICK IN THE BACK OF THE CAR WHEN STARTING MOTION...."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse engine & cooling parts in the directory →
Air bags
16 complaint records3 crash reports
"FASTEN SEATBELT CHIME AND DISABLED AIRBAG LIGHT APPEAR EVEN THOUGH PASSENGER'S SEATBELT IS FASTENED. SYMPTOMS OCCUR WHETHER SEAT IS OCCUPIED OR UNOCCUPIED. *TR..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse air bags parts in the directory →
Electrical system
15 complaint records3 fire reports
"WHILE I WAS REPLACING MY ANGEL EYES I NOTICED THAT THE WIRE INSULATION WAS GONE. I COULD SEE BROWN AND WHITE WIRES ALL IN THE LIGHT HOUSING. NOW ITS JUST BARE COPPER WIRE...."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse electrical system parts in the directory →
Recall campaigns
Safety-recall remedies are normally provided at no charge. Under US federal law the mandatory free remedy applies when the vehicle was no more than 15 years old at the time the defect was determined; manufacturers often cover older vehicles voluntarily. Canadian rules differ. Confirm eligibility with the manufacturer using the VIN. Each campaign number links to the federal record.
| Campaign | Component | Summary | Remedy |
|---|---|---|---|
| 05V504000 | Power Train | CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES MAY HAVE BEEN BUILT WITH AN INCORRECTLY MANUFACTURED AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION PARKING PAWL GUIDE PLATE. | Normally free |
| 05V367000 | Service Brakes, Hydraulic | ON CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, THE ATTACHMENT OF THE BRAKE LINE SUPPORT BRACKET WITHIN THE FRONT LEFT WHEEL WELL WAS NOT WELDED ACCORDING TO SPECIFICATIONS. | Normally free |
Transport Canada recalls
Recalls issued under Canadian law for this model year, from Transport Canada's Vehicle Recalls Database. Matched by model name, so a Canadian-market variant may appear here that was sold under another name in the US. Units are Canadian vehicles affected.
| Recall | System | Units (CA) | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2012129 2012-04-12 | Label | 67,771 | Certain vehicles fail to conform to Canada Motor Vehicle Safety Standards. Specifically, the compliance label does not indicate the wheel rim size, as required by the Standard. |
| 2005237 2005-08-16 | Brakes | 30 | On certain vehicles, the brake line support bracket within the front left wheel well may not have been spot welded according to specification and could loosen. |
Service bulletins and warranty extensions
Manufacturer communications to dealers on file with the federal agency: repair instructions, service campaigns, and warranty extensions. A warranty extension means the manufacturer may pay for a repair the recall table does not cover.
| Bulletin | Type | Component | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| B510819 Jan 2024 | Visibility | The basic conditions for initializing the power windows are not met. | |
| B611305 Jan 2024 | Electrical System | The electrical system of BMW vehicles has been subject to an ongoing development process over the last few years. This has led to increased demands being placed on the battery. | |
| B160623 Dec 2023 | Fuel System | Engine will crank but not start. There is no communication with the integrated fuel module (TFE) whendiagnosing with ISTA. The following two fault codes will be stored in the DME: 032B43 - Low fuel pressure system, electric fuel pump: pressure value too low CDA594 - Message (-... | |
| B653423 Nov 2023 | Equipment | Customers may state that the alarm system (DWA) is not active after locking their unoccupied vehicle. Depending on the vehicleâÂÂs equipment and settings, no acoustic or optical confirmation (folding the mirrors/blinking confirmation) is noticeable. | |
| B522319 Oct 2023 | Seats | Second seat row blocking access to third seat row, program seat modules. Visible stitching on first row sport seat. Third seat row backrest Bowden cable routing and length change. |
Show 55 more bulletins
| Bulletin | Type | Component | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| B660523 Oct 2023 | Forward Collision Avoidance | Various functions of the camera-based driver assistance systems (ADCAM system) can lead to customer complaints. | |
| B540421 Oct 2023 | Structure | This situation can result in two customer complaints: 1. Wind noise 2. Excess water entry | |
| B170222 Sep 2022 | Engine And Engine Cooling | Coolant is leaking from under the car which is equipped with the S63 engine. A low coolant warning might also be displayed (CC Message ID166). | |
| B520419 Sep 2022 | Seats | The driver's side (left rear) of the 60/40 split 2nd row seat may intermittently not fully latch into position on one side (inner rail). | |
| B520422 Sep 2022 | Seats | When returning the 2nd row seat 60% (left) side from Easy-Entry: The seat stops moving before reaching the final home position, a check control message (CCM) appears alerting the customer that the seat back is unlocked. | |
| B520622 Sep 2022 | Seats | When returning the 2nd row seat 40% (right) side from Easy-Entry: The seat stops moving before reaching the final home position, a check control message (CCM) appears alerting the customer that the seat back is unlocked. | |
| B540421 Sep 2022 | Visibility | The front sunroof glass seal has shrunk, creating a gap which can cause wind noise or excess water entry. | |
| B610120 Sep 2022 | Electrical System | Customer is unable to power up or charge accessories through a plug adapter inserted in the front 12-volt power socket plug. Alternatively, it will only operate when constant downward hand pressure is maintained. | |
| B662419 Sep 2022 | Equipment | Vehicle cannot be opened or closed using comfort access, engine start is not possible, and the vehicle may not start when placing the key against the steering column. | |
| SIB160222 Jul 2022 | Fuel/Propulsion System | The fuel gauge may indicate the incorrect fuel level (full and reserve). | |
| SIB650222 Jun 2022 | Air Bags | A check control message for the restraint system appears. In the Instrument cluster, the red air bag warning light lights up permanently. | |
| SIB662419 Jun 2022 | Electrical System | Vehicle cannot be opened or closed using comfort access, engine start is not possible, and the vehicle may not start when placing the key against the steering column. Note: Opening, closing and starting via the BMW Digital Key or the Digital Key Card are not affected. | |
| B611305 Oct 2020 | Electrical System | Discharged Battery Energy Diagnosis Must Be Performed: The electrical system of BMW vehicles has been subject to an ongoing development process over the last few years. This has led to increased demands being placed on the battery. | |
| B013118 Apr 2019 | Air Bags | TAKATA AIR BAG RECALL-RELATED SHORT-TERM ALTERNATE TRANSPORTATION AND CONSEQUENTIAL REPAIRS This Service Information bulletin supersedes SI B01 31 18 dated October 2018. | |
| B011618 Jan 2019 | Air Bags | TAKATA CLASS ACTION SETTLEMENT. CUSTOMER SUPPORT PROGRAM. FRONT DRIVER SIDE AIRBAG MODULES. | |
| B650916 Nov 2018 | Equipment | Radio / Navigation / Head Unit Identification Guide | |
| B011618 Oct 2018 | Air Bags | For the above-referenced vehicles with driver?s side airbag modules, BMW of North America, LLC (?BMW NA?) will provide a Customer Support Program as outlined in the Takata Settlement Customer Support Program Overview attachment. This ?component-specific? | |
| B080119 Feb 2018 | Air Bags | In an effort to improve the completion rate on Takata air bag recall affected vehicles; BMW NA has expanded the BMW Ultimate Rewards platform to include a new Recall Support page. | |
| B270216 Aug 2016 | Electronic Stability Control | "REPAIRING TRANSFER CASE ACTUATOR (VTG SERVO-MOTOR). The Anti-lock Brakes (ABS), Brakes and Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) warnings are on and there may also be a ""Drivetrain Malfunction"" warning on in the Control Display. | |
| B120808 Dec 2015 | Electrical System | SI B12 08 08 Engine Electrical Systems December 2015 Technical Service This Service Information bulletin supersedes SI B12 08 08 dated April 2008. The vehicle's NOx emissions may exceed the legally mandated limits. | |
| SI B65 04 14 Feb 2015 | Interior Lighting | BMW:SOME BMW MODELS MAY OR MAY NOT DISPLAY AIRBAG WARNING LIGHT. *TA | |
| SIB-63-09-14 Oct 2014 | Exterior Lighting | BMW: SOME VEHICLES, WITH 552 OPTION, ARE EXPERIENCING A MALFUNCTION OF LED HEADLIGHT ON ONE WHERE IT FLICKERS ON AN DOFF DURING DRIVING AND THE CONTROL CHECK MESSAGE IS INDICATING DEFECTIVE DRIVING LIGHT OR PARKING LIGHT. *PE | |
| SIB-65-11-14 Jun 2014 | Air Bags | BMW: PASSENGER AIRBAG WARNING LAMP WILL ILLUMINATE, IN INSTRUMENT CLUSTER, DUE TO FRONT PASSENGER AIRBAG BEING DEACTIVATED FROM FREQUENT FRONT PASSENGER USAGE AND DAMAGED TO SEAT MAT. MODEL 2005-2006 E53 (X5). *PE | |
| 651114 Jun 2014 | Air Bags | Recall Campaign 13V-564: E53 Repair Front Passenger Airbag Seat Occupancy Sensor Mat. This Recall involves the front passenger airbag OC3 (Front Passenger Seat Occupancy Sensor Mat) for the E53 (X5). | |
| 120913 Nov 2013 | Equipment | State Inspection and Emission (I/M) Test Fails Due To an Invalid VIN Number. The customer of an affected vehicle may fail to pass an I/M test due to a non-compliant 17digit vehicle identification number (VIN) stored in the DME (Digital Motor Electronic). | |
| SIB-17-02-09 Sep 2013 | Engine And Engine Cooling | BMW: OIL LEAKS FROM THE AIR HOSE ON TURBOCHARGER. THIS IS DESIGNATED FOR E70, AND E90 MODELS WITH M57Y DIESEL ENGINES. SERVICE ENGINE SOON LAMP MAY BE ILLUMINATED. *KB | |
| 541309 Jul 2013 | Equipment | "?Panoramic Sunroof Repair Instructions. INFORMATION Sunroof Repair Instructions: The panoramic sunroof contains several ""mechanism sets"" which can be repaired and/or replaced independently in the event of a mechanical failure. | |
| 541309 May 2013 | Visibility | "Panoramic Sunroof Repair Instructions. INFORMATION Sunroof Repair Instructions: The panoramic sunroof contains several ""mechanism sets"" which can be repaired and/or replaced independently in the event of a mechanical failure. | |
| SIB-63-10-09 Mar 2013 | Exterior Lighting | BMW: THE BRAKE LIGHT FAILS AND THE BULB HOLDER IS DEFORMED DUE TO HIGH TEMPERATURES AND THE COMPOSITION OF THE HOLDER. *RM UPDATED ON 4/25/2013. *KB | |
| SIB-61-05-12 Mar 2013 | Electrical System | BMW: BATTER DISCHARGED BECAUSE OF UNFAVORABLE DRIVING PROFILE. THIS IS CAUSED ON SHORT TRIPS (LESS THAN 3 MILES) OR WHEN THE TELEPHONE OR ENTERTAINMENT SYSTEM IS USED FOR UP TO 30 MINUTES WHILE VEHICLE IS STATIONARY. MODELS X5, X6 ALL MODEL YEARS AFFECTED. *KB | |
| SIB-61-13-05 Mar 2013 | Electrical System | BMW: BATTERY HAS AN INCREASED DEMAND DUE TO DEVELOPEMENTAL PROCESS OF THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. THIS IS CAUSING THE BATTER TO NEED TO UNDERGO AN ENERGY DIAGNOSIS. *KB | |
| SIB-010511 Dec 2012 | Engine | BMW: SEE DOCUMENT SEARCH BUTTON FOR OWNER LETTER. N52K ENGINE DMTL PUMP: EMISSIONS WARRANTY EXTENSIONS TO 10 YEARS/120,000 MILES. BMW HAS BECOME AWARE OF A POTENTIAL PROBLEM WITH THE DURABILITY OF THE TANK LEAK DIAGNOSTIC MODULE (DMTL) PUMP ON MY 2007,2008, AND 2009.*JS | |
| SIB160712 Dec 2012 | Fuel System | BMW: SERVICE ACTION: REPLACE THE LEFT AND RIGHT FUEL LEVEL SENSOR. DUE TO HIGH PROPORTION OF ETHANOL IN THE FUEL, THE INTERNAL MECHANISMS OF THE FUEL LEVEL SENSORS MAY SWELL. THIS MAY INHIBIT THE MOVEMENT OF ONE OR BOTH OF THE FUEL LEVEL SENSORS. *JS | |
| SIB-61-06-11 Sep 2011 | Electrical System | BMW: ON CERTAIN VEHICLES, THE JBE (JUNCTION BOX ELECTRONICS) MODULE FAILS PROGRAMMING DURING A SOFTWARE UPDATE OF THE VEHICLE. *PE | |
| SIB-63-05-11 Sep 2011 | Exterior Lighting | BMW: ON CERTAIN VEHICLES, THE XENON HEADLAMP OFTEN HAVE NO TROUBLE FOUND WHEN RETURNED AND TESTED THRU WARRANTY PARTS SYSTEM. THE ROOT CAUSE IS NOT POSSIBLE TO BE IDENTIFY. *PE | |
| SIB-65-75-06 Aug 2011 | Air Bags | BMW SERVICE CAMPAIGN: SEE DOCUMENT SEARCH BUTTON FOR OWNER LETTER. THE AIRBAG WARNING LAMP (AWL) IS ILLUMINATED, TOGETHER WITH THE PASSENGER AIRBAG STATUS LAMP (POL). THE PROBLEM MAY BE INTERMITTENT. MICROCRACKS IN THE OC3 SEAT MAT. *PE UPDATED 9/30/11. *PE | |
| SIB-12-15-11 Jul 2011 | Engine And Engine Cooling | BMW: THE SERVICE ENGINE SOON LIGHT IS ON. THERE ARE TROUBLE CODES STORED FOR THE CRANKSHAFT SENSOR. NO DRIVEABILITY ISSUES. *RM | |
| SI-B-12-04-05 Nov 2010 | Engine And Engine Cooling | BMW: CHECK ENGINE LAMP ILLUMINATED AND/OR VEHICLE OVERHEATS. MODELS E83, E85, E86, E70, E90, E91, E92, E93, E60 AND E61. *PE UPDATED 5/24/11. *PE | |
| SIB-24-01-08 Oct 2010 | Power Train | BMW VEHICLE: TRANSMISSION WARNING LIGHT IS ILLUMINATED AND THE TRANSMISSION ENTERS FAILSAFE MODE. FAULT CODE 4F81 (RATIO MONITORING, CLUTCH A), IN SOME CASES COMBINED WITH THE SUBSEQUENT FAULTS 507B/507C (PARKING GEAR SENSOR IMPLAUSIBLE SIGNAL) OR 507D (PARKING GEAR INCORRECTLY... | |
| SIB-52-08-09 Oct 2010 | Seats | BMW: THERE ARE NOISES WHEN ADJUSTING THE FRONT DRIVER OR PASSENGER SEATES. *RM | |
| SIB-65-36-09 Sep 2010 | Electrical System | BMW: THE AIRBAG WARNING LAMP IS ILLUMINATED DUE TO A SOFTWARE ERROR. *RM | |
| SIB-63-02-01 Aug 2010 | Exterior Lighting | BMW: PROCEDURE FOR DETERMINING AND REPLACING INCANDESCENT AND HALOGEN LIGHT BULBS UNDER WARRANTY. *RM | |
| SIB-61-08-10 Aug 2010 | Electrical System | BMW: ELCTRONICALLY DISCONNECTING THE JUNCTION BOX WITHOUT DISCONNECTING THE BATTERY WILL CAUSE DAMAGE TO THE REAR POWER DISTRIBUTION BOX. *RM | |
| SIB-51-26-10 Aug 2010 | Structure | BMW: MODEL E70 EQUIPPED WITH AN AUTOMATIC TAILGATE. THE REAR TAILGATE MAY NOT OPERATE IN EITHER DIRECTION DUE TO WIRING DAMAGE. *RM | |
| SIB-11-08-03 Jul 2010 | Engine And Engine Cooling | BMW: SIX DIFFERENT MODELS EQUIPPED WITH THE M54 ENGINE COULD HAVE VALVE COVERS BREAK IN COLD WEATHER AND RUIN THE ENGINE. THIS IS DUE TO MOISTURE ACCUMULATION. *RM | |
| SIB-32-04-07 Jun 2010 | Steering | BMW: A NEW TECHNICAL PROCESS HAS BEEN CREATED FOR BMW TO IDENTIFY CAUSES OF STEERING COMPLAINTS WITH A WIDE RANGE OF MODELS. *RM | |
| SIB-16-03-10 Jun 2010 | Engine And Engine Cooling | BMW: WARNING MESSAGE ON ABOUT LOW DIESEL EXHAUST FUEL LEVEL AND THAT THE ENGINE WILL NOT RESTART WITHIN 999 MILES. THE LIGHT COMES ON A FEW THOUSAND MILES EARLIER THAN A RECOMMENDED OIL CHANGE. *RM | |
| SIB-13-07-10 Jun 2010 | Engine And Engine Cooling | BMW: THERE IS A ROUGH ENGINE IDLE AND "SERVICE ENGINE SOON LIGHT" WHEN DRIVING DOWNHILL IN HIGH ALTITUDES DURING COLD WEATHER. THERE MAY BE SIX DIFFERENT FAULT CODES. *RM | |
| SIB-13-02-10 Jun 2010 | Fuel System | BMW: IT IS NOW POSSIBLE TO PERFORM A FUEL QUALITY DETECTION TEST ON VEHICLES WITH AN N54 ENGINE. *RM | |
| SIB-13-06-10 Jun 2010 | Engine And Engine Cooling | BMW: A SERVICE ENGINE SOON LIGHT COMES ON. THE ENGINE WILL ONLY OPERATE TO 1500 RPMS AND LACKS POWER. THERE IS A SOFTWARE APPLICATION ERROR. *RM | |
| SIB-61-15-09 Apr 2010 | Electrical System | BMW VEHICLES: VARIOUS ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS ARE POSSIBLE ON THE VEHICLE: WARNING LAMPS ILLUMINATED IN THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER; CHECK CONTROL MESSAGES; SYSTEMS INOPERATIVE; FUSE BLOWN; WIPERS IN DEFAULT MODE (PERMANENTLY ON); AND FAULT CODES FFFF AND F-CAN FAULTS IN ARS AND DSC. | |
| SI-B61-15-09 Apr 2010 | Electrical System | BMW: VARIOUS ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS. ON THE VEHICLE, VARIOUS ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS ARE POSSIBLE. WARNING LAMPS ILLUMINATED IN THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER; CHECK CONTROL MESSAGES; SYSTEMS INOPERATIVE; FUSE BLOWN; WIPERS IN DEFAULT MODE (PERMANENTLY ON); AND FAULT CODES FFFF AND F-CAN... | |
| SIB-63-04-10 Mar 2010 | Exterior Lighting | BMW: THE BULB HAS FAILED ON THE DAYTIME RUNNING LAMP. *PE | |
| SIB-16-02-09 Dec 2009 | Fuel System | BMW VEHICLES: FUEL LEVEL SENSOR REPAIRS. WHERE IT IS NECESSARY TO REPLACE THE RIGHT OR THE LEFT SIDE FUEL LEVEL SENSOR DUE TO A FAILURE, THE ENTIRE PUMP AND HOUSING OR DELIVERY UNIT (SUCTION JET ASSEMBLY) DO NOT NEED TO BE REPLACED AS WELL. | |
| SIB-34-03-07 Oct 2009 | Electrical System | BMW VEHICLES: DSC WARNING LAMP ILLUMINATED. THE DSC (DYNAMIC STABILITY CONTROL) WARNING LAMP IS ILLUMINATED AND SOME OR ALL OF THE FOLLOWING FAULT CODES ARE STORED: 6E58; 6E04; 53BA; D36F; 55C3; 6ECA; AND THE WIPERS MAY ALSO BE OPERATING IN DEFAULT MODE. *PE |
Showing 60 of 87 distinct bulletins on file for this vehicle.
Before you buy this vehicle
A test-drive checklist generated from this vehicle's own complaint and recall record.
- Cold-start it yourself and listen for the first thirty seconds.Knocking, ticking that fades as it warms, or blue or white smoke on startup are the sounds of this vehicle's engine cluster. Check the oil level and the coolant color, and ask whether the engine or its head gaskets have ever been out.
- Watch the airbag warning light through a full key cycle.It should light on start and go out within seconds. A light that stays on, or never lights at all, means the system needs attention. Run the VIN for inflator recalls specifically.
- Sit in it with the engine off and test everything that has a switch.Windows, locks, lights, the cluster, the radio. Electrical faults are this vehicle's story and the hardest to see on a drive: an intermittent no-start waits for the second week of ownership. Ask for the battery's age and whether any control module has been replaced.
- Run the VIN against open recalls before you negotiate.This vehicle has 2 recall campaigns on file. An open recall needs VIN-specific confirmation. Many are quick, no-charge fixes and worth negotiating over; an unresolved do-not-drive advisory, or a remedy the manufacturer has not yet made available, should stop the purchase until it is resolved.
- Ask for the service history in writing, then read it against this page.The complaint families above are where owners of this vehicle report trouble. Repairs in exactly those systems are evidence the car had the problem; no such repairs could mean it never developed it, or that it was never fixed. The test-drive items above are how you tell those apart.
Parts search directory
The generic parts list for this vehicle has its own page: a search launcher for every system, filtered by fuel type and era but not by engine, trim, or brake type. It is not a diagnosis and not a fitment guarantee.
Open the parts directory for this BMW X5 →