Engine
4.4L 8-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 149 of 149 complaints with a usable failure date.
Odometer when the failure occurred
Owner-reported mileage at failure, in 20,000-mile bands. Based on 65 of 149 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
51 complaint records3 fire reports
"ENGINE MALFUNCTION, LOW POWER OUTPUT, BMW DEALER SW IN THE MODULE THEIR WERE 2 SEPARATE MISFIRES BUT CANNOT LOCATE THE PROBLEM..."- 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
50 complaint records1 fire report1 crash report
"DRIVERS FRONT AIR BAG MODULE - RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE 1 YEAR AGO. PARTS ARE STILL NOT AVAILABLE ACCORDING TO MY DEALER...."- 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 →
Power train
36 complaint records1 fire report
"ENGINE OVERHEAT DUE TO WATER PUMP FAILURE, CAR AUTOMATICALLY SLOW DOWN ON HIGHWAY. THE CAR ONLY HAS 44K MILE. ALSO OIL FILER HOUSING LEAKING...."- 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 power train parts in the directory →
Federal defect investigations
Formal investigations opened by the federal safety agency into this vehicle. An investigation is the step between a complaint pattern and a recall; not every one results in one.
| Investigation | Status | Component | Subject |
|---|---|---|---|
| RQ18001 opened Apr 2018 | closed Dec 2018 | Steering | Idler Pulley Bolt Failure - led to recall 18V336000 In a May 23, 2018 letter, BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) notified the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) of a safety defect that may result in the loss of power steering assist in certain model year (MY) 2009 through 2013 BMW X5 xDrive35d... |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 19V017000DO NOT DRIVE | Air Bags | BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2007-2013 X5 xDrive30i, X5 xDrive35i, X5 xDrive48i, X5 xDrive50i and X5 M vehicles, 2008-2014 X6 xDrive35i, X6 xDrive50i and X6 M vehicles, 2009-2013 X5 xDrive35d... | Normally free |
| 18V030000DO NOT DRIVE | Air Bags | BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2007-2013 X5 xDrive30i, X5 xDrive35i, X5 xDrive48i, X5 xDrive50i, X5 M, 2009-2010 X5 xDrive35d vehicles and 2009-2013 X6 xDrive35i, X6 xDrive50i, and X6 M vehicles... | Normally free |
| 20V017000 | Air Bags | BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2008-2013 128i and 135i Convertibles, 128i, 135i, and M Coupes, 2007-2010 X3 30si and X3 xDrive30i, 2013-2015 X1 sDrive28i, X1 xDrive28i and X1 xDrive35i, 2007-2013... | Normally free |
| 18V336000 | Engine And Engine Cooling | BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2009-2013 X5 xDrive 35d diesel vehicles. The engine idler pulley bolt may loosen over time and break. | Normally free |
| 17V138000 | Power Train | BMW of North America, LLC, (BMW) is recalling certain 2011-2013 X5 xDrive35i, X5 xDrive50i, X5 M and X5 xDrive35d vehicles, 2011-2014 X6 xDrive35i, X6 xDrive50i and X6M vehicles, and 2011 x6 ActiveHybrid Vehicles. | Normally free |
| 12V267000 | Steering | BMW IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2012 X5 VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH A DIESEL ENGINE AND 2013 X5 AND X6 VEHICLES. DUE TO A MACHINING ERROR OF THE STEERING GEAR SURFACE, POWER STEERING FLUID MAY LEAK. | 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024544 2024-08-15 | Label | 587,250 | Issue: On certain vehicles, the tire and loading information label does not list that there is no spare tire in both official languages. The label reads as "NONE" when it should read as "NONE / AUCUN". |
| 2020008 2020-01-15 | Airbag | 47 | Issue: This recall is for certain vehicles that had an airbag inflator replaced as a part of an earlier recall campaign. This recall provides a final repair. |
| 2019018 2019-01-15 | Airbag | 20,532 | Issue: On certain vehicles, long-term exposure to high absolute humidity and temperature, combined with high temperature cycling, may eventually degrade the propellant contained in the passenger-front airbag. |
| 2018275 2018-05-23 | Steering | 7,179 | On certain BMW X5 xDrive35d (diesel) vehicles, the engine belt idler pulley bolt could loosen and/or break. This may cause the belt to detach, resulting in a sudden loss of power steering assist. |
| 2017113 2017-03-03 | Powertrain | 12,100 | Certain vehicles may have been manufactured with defective front driveshaft universal joint seals, which could allow water and/or dirt to enter the universal joint, causing accelerated wear and/or corrosion, and resulting in vibration. |
Show 3 more Canadian recalls
| Recall | System | Units (CA) | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2016142 2016-03-31 | Airbag | 104,151 | On certain vehicles, the driver frontal airbag inflator could produce excessive internal pressure during airbag deployment. |
| 2012178 2012-06-12 | Steering | 184 | On certain vehicles, the steering gear was manufactured incorrectly and, as a result, a steering fluid leak could develop. Loss of power steering fluid could cause a loss of steering power assist, which may result in a crash. |
| 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. |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| B012016 Feb 2025 | WARRANTY EXTENSION | Electrical System | The Footwell Module (FRM) limited warranty for defects in materials and / or workmanship has been supplementarily increased to 15 years / 240,000 miles as determined from the original first in-service / delivery date. |
| B012016 Mar 2025 | WARRANTY EXTENSION | Electrical System | The Footwell Module (FRM) limited warranty for defects in materials and / or workmanship has been supplementarily increased to 15 years / 186,000 miles as determined from the original first in-service / delivery date. |
| B012016 May 2026 | WARRANTY EXTENSION | Electrical System | The Footwell Module (FRM) limited warranty for defects in materials and / or workmanship has been supplementarily increased to 15 years / 186,000 miles as determined from the original first in-service / delivery date. |
| B611025 Sep 2026 | Electrical System | While performing a 12-Volt battery jump start, disconnect, or replacement, Vehicle test, and/or Programmingprocedure- the BMW Footwell Module (FRM) may become unresponsive. | |
| B110614 Mar 2025 | SERVICE CAMPAIGN | Engine | This bulletin outlines the Customer Care Package program that has been designed exclusively for BMWvehicles with the N63 engine. |
Show 55 more bulletins
| Bulletin | Type | Component | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| B510819 Jan 2024 | Electrical System | 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. | |
| 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. | |
| B521919 Sep 2022 | Seats | The passenger's side (right rear) of the 60/40 split 2nd row seat may intermittently not fully latch into position on one side (inner rail). | |
| 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. | |
| SIB660322 Aug 2022 | Electrical System | Driver Assistance reduced checked control message (CCM) appears. All or some of the system functions maybe inoperative. The following fault will be stored: 481CC6. | |
| SIB160222 Jul 2022 | Fuel/Propulsion System | The fuel gauge may indicate the incorrect fuel level (full and reserve). | |
| SIB650222 Jun 2022 | Electrical System | 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 | 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. Note: Opening, closing and starting via the BMW Digital Key or the Digital Key Card are not affected. | |
| B111614 Mar 2022 | Engine And Engine Cooling | This bulletin outlines the procedure for checking the engine timing chains for wear, and should be completed in conjunction with SI B11 06 14, "N63 Customer Care Package." The N63CCP and N63 Engine Check the Timing Chain are NOT mandatory Technical Campaigns or Recalls. | |
| B012118 Jun 2021 | Electrical System | While engine oil consumption may create a customer inconvenience, in the short term it should not cause any drivability problems that would prevent normal day-to-day operational use of the vehicle | |
| B011321 May 2021 | Fuel System | CLASS ACTION SETTLEMENT: N54/N54T/N55 ELECTRIC ENGINE COOLANT PUMP . With the court's FINAL approval, BMW of North America, LLC (BMW NA) has entered a nationwide settlement with the plaintiffs in the following class action: Oliver, et al v. BMW NA, et al | |
| B650621 May 2021 | Fuel System | SURFACE RUST ON NEW AIR BAG INFLATORS: The technician finds that the new air bag inflator (aka: gas generator) may have surface rust on the metalhousing . | |
| B130720 Dec 2020 | Fuel System | INCORRECT TORQUE SPECIFICATION FOR THE HIGH-PRESSURE PUMP IN ISTA: The current version of ISTA states the incorrect tightening torque for the High-Pressure pump M6 mounting bolts to the cylinder head cover. The correct tightening torque is only 12 Nm for the M6 bolts. | |
| B310112 Aug 2020 | Suspension | CRACKING NOISES FROM THE FRONTAXLE AREA WHILE TURNING THE WHEELS, WHEN STATION: Cracking noises are heard from the front axle area while maneuvering at low speeds (e.g., parking lot maneuvers) or when turning the steering wheel while stationary. | |
| B012218 Jul 2020 | Electrical System | N63 CLASS ACTION SETTLEMENT - BATTERY SERVICE BENEFIT - RETROFITS/ REPLACEMENTS: This Service Information bulletin applies to: Class vehicles in operation on the road (Applicable N63 engine model vehicles); by Class members (Class Vehicle owners on the date this settlement... | |
| B110208 Apr 2020 | Power Train | Power Reduction FC2A82 Intake VANOS and/or FC2 A87 Exhaust VANOS Camshaft Fault: The "Service Engine Soon" (MIL) lamp is illuminated and engine power reduction is perceived. This situation can occur after driving for some time with the engine at full operating temperature. | |
| B012118 Oct 2019 | Engine | N63: OIL CONSUMPTION CLASS ACTION SETTLEMENT DIAGNOSIS/REPAIRS (VERSION 12.0). What's New: Engine Timing Chain Guide Pre-Inspection (with Valve Stem Seal Repair) instruction added Updated N63 Replacement Engine Assembly/Part statement added Warranty Information section updated,... | |
| B012918 Oct 2019 | Engine | N63 ENGINE VEHICLES: CLASS ACTION SETTLEMENT FOR ENGINE OILCONSUMPTION/BATTER. What's New: The short-term extension window of one (1) year/12,000 miles from date of the settlement has expired. | |
| B012118 Aug 2019 | Engine | While engine oil consumption may create a customer inconvenience in the short term it should not cause any drivability problems that would prevent normal day-to-day operational use of the vehicle. | |
| 651512 Jul 2019 | Equipment | Service Action: CIC - Install Navigation Road Map Database 2013. Before delivering affected vehicles to the customer, the Car Information Computer (CIC) road map database 2013 must be installed onto the CIC internal Hard Disc Drive (HDD). | |
| 513512 Jul 2019 | Equipment | Rear Bumper Trim Warped / Distorted. The center of the rear bumper trim is warped upward and may interfere with opening of the tailgate. No outside damage or customer influence can be detected. | |
| 513608 Jul 2019 | Electrical System | "Outside Door Mirror Moves when Locking or Unlocking the Vehicle. The door mirror tilts immediately after unlocking or locking. The mirror position does not correspond to the memory position preset by the customer. | |
| 513612 Jul 2019 | Structure | Creaking Noises from the B-Pillar Trim. The lower half of the B-pillar trim can make a creaking noise when driving. CAUSE: The two upper openings for the securing tabs on the bottom half of the B-pillar are too small to allow the two barbs of the upper trim to interlock. | |
| 613312 Jul 2019 | Electrical System | "Erroneous CC Message "Remote control! Do not switch off the engine" is Displayed. An erroneous CC message, "Remote control!" " Do not switch off the engine" is displayed in the Central Information Display (CID). | |
| 121412 Jul 2019 | Equipment Adaptive/Mobility | N55 Engine: Various Faults Stored in DME Related to VANOS and Camshaft Position. A rattling noise can be heard from the engine compartment; the engine has a loss of power; and the Service Engine Soon lamp is illuminated. One or more of the following faults may be stored. | |
| 121712 Jul 2019 | Power Train | N52T / N55 with 8HP45: Delay in Engine Response. A customer may complain of a delay in engine response after decelerating at low road speeds and then reaccelerating. This can occur when the transmission remains in a high gear due to a delay in the transmission downshifting. | |
| 110712 Jul 2019 | Engine And Engine Cooling | N63 Engine: Oil Consumption and/or Rough Running Complaints. The vehicle may consume engine oil above the permissible specification, and may run rough at times. White or blue smoke may also be seen exiting the exhaust system. | |
| B012918 Jul 2019 | Electrical System | N63 CLASS ACTION SETTLEMENT FOR OIL CONSUMPTION AND BATTERY DRAIN - OVERVIEW This Service Information Bulletin replaces SI B01 29 18 dated October 2018. | |
| B010719 Jun 2019 | Structure | CLASS ACTION SETTLEMENT: X5 (E70) WITH COMFORT ACCESS. | |
| B012118 Jun 2019 | Engine | N63 ENGINE: OIL CONSUMPTION CLASS ACTION SETTLEMENT DIAGNOSIS AND REPAIR PROCEDURES. While engine oil consumption may create a customer inconvenience in the short term it should not cause any drivability problems that would prevent normal day-to-day operational use of the... | |
| B110919 Jun 2019 | Engine | N55 ENGINE: FC 28A0 OR 101F01 THROTTLE VALVE OPENING ANGLE. The engine malfunction warning is illuminated and one of the following fault codes are stored in the DME shortly after programming the vehicle or with a customer complaint. | |
| 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. | |
| B010719 Mar 2019 | Structure | PRELIMINARY CLASS ACTION SETTLEMENT: X5 (E70) VEHICLES WITH COMFORT ACCESS (OPTION CODE SA0322) CLASS VEHICLES. | |
| B011618 Jan 2019 | Air Bags | TAKATA CLASS ACTION SETTLEMENT. CUSTOMER SUPPORT PROGRAM. FRONT DRIVER SIDE AIRBAG MODULES. | |
| B011618 Oct 2018 | Electrical System | 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? | |
| B011718 Oct 2018 | Air Bags | For the above-referenced vehicles with passenger?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? | |
| B012218 Oct 2018 | Equipment | N63 ENGINE CLASS ACTION SETTELEMENT: BATTERY SERVICE BENEFIT. | |
| B012318 Oct 2018 | Equipment | N63 ENGINE OIL CONSUMPTION/BATTERY DRAIN CLASS ACTION LAW SUIT SETTLEMENT: FUTURE ENGINE OIL SERVICE BENEFIT CLASS VEHICLES (MODELS) Certain models of the following US specification BMW vehicles sold or leased in the United States and Puerto Rico are included. | |
| B012918 Oct 2018 | Equipment | N63 ENGINE VEHICLES: CLASS ACTION SETTLEMENT FOR ENGINE OIL CONSUMPTION/BATTERY DRAIN OVERVIEW CLASS VEHICLES (MODELS) Certain of the following US-specification BMW vehicles sold or leased in the United States and Puerto Rico are included. | |
| B110113 Oct 2018 | Engine | N63 AND N63T ENGINE: ENGINE OIL CONSUMPTION, ENGINE OIL TOP-UPS AND REFILL CAPACITY. Customers with one of the vehicles above may complain that the engine's oil consumption is "too high," resulting in engine oil top-ups and workshop visits to address the issue before the vehicle... | |
| B110815 Sep 2018 | Engine | N63 and S63 Engine: Valve Seal Replacement. Refer to the following applicable SIBs before replacing the valve seals. * B11 07 11 - Turbocharger Failure: Oil Supply and Return Line Blockage and Proper Repair * B11 07 12 - N63 Engine: Oil Consumption and/or Rough Running... | |
| B111117 Sep 2018 | Engine | ?ENGINE LEAK DIAGNOSIS ON TURBOCHARGED V8 ENGINES. When diagnosing an engine oil leak or a coolant leak on turbocharged V8 engines it is necessary to use a borescope to identify if the source of the leak is from under the turbochargers. | |
| B840214 Sep 2018 | Electrical System | ?CONNECTEDDRIVE/BMW ASSIST SYSTEM DIAGNOSIS INFORMATION. ConnectedDrive/BMW Assist features are partially or completely inoperative. | |
| B170318 Aug 2018 | Electrical System | Butt connector for repairing a plug connection. The ?top up coolant? message is displayed in the central display (CC message ID 166). When checking the cooling system there are no leaks found and the expansion tank is filled to the proper level. |
Showing 60 of 270 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.
- Drive it from a dead stop, twice, on a hill if you can.Shudder, hesitation, or a lurch under light throttle is how this vehicle's largest complaint cluster shows itself. Then ask for the transmission service history in writing; repeat repairs are a pattern, not a fluke.
- Run the VIN against open recalls before you negotiate.This vehicle has 6 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.
- Do not drive it home until the do-not-drive recall is confirmed repaired.At least one campaign on this vehicle carries a federal do-not-drive advisory. Confirm the repair with the dealer, by VIN, before taking delivery.
- Ask the dealer whether the warranty extension on file still applies to this VIN.The manufacturer issued 3 warranty extensions for this vehicle (see the service bulletins section). Extended coverage often runs by years or miles from the original sale, and a repair the seller paid for may have been free.
- 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 →