BMW X5 E70
Weaknesses, engine ratings and buying advice
355–367 PS
4.8L V8 Benzin
SUV with a Proper V8 Heart
Fun to Drive!408 PS
4.4L V8 Biturbo Benzin
7 weaknesses
Stay Away!Generations
Engine Overview
The BMW X5 E70 is available with 8 engine variants — from 197 to 408 hp.
The BMW 3.0d (Diesel, 235 PS) has the M57TUD30 (3.0L Diesel Biturbo) — rated: "Stay Away!", 7 known weaknesses.
The BMW 3.0sd (Diesel, 286 PS) has the M57TUD30 (3.0L Diesel Biturbo) — rated: "Stay Away!", 7 known weaknesses.
The BMW xDrive30d (Diesel, 258 PS) has the N57D30 (3.0L Diesel) — rated: "Be Careful", 6 known weaknesses.
The BMW xDrive40d (Diesel, 306–313 PS) has the N57D30 (3.0L Diesel) — rated: "Be Careful", 6 known weaknesses.
The BMW 4.8i (Benziner, 355–360 PS) has the N62B48 (4.8L V8) — rated: "Stay Away!", 9 known weaknesses.
The BMW xDrive30i (Benziner, 272 PS) has the N52B30 (3.0L Magnesium) — rated: "Be Careful", 5 known weaknesses.
The BMW xDrive35i (Benziner, 306 PS) has the N55B30 (3.0L Turbo) — rated: "Be Careful", 10 known weaknesses.
The BMW xDrive50i (Benziner, 408 PS) has the N63B44 (4.4L V8 Biturbo) — rated: "Stay Away!", 7 known weaknesses.
Vehicle Weaknesses
| Weakness | Cost | |
|---|---|---|
| Air Suspension Fails from 80,000 km Air suspension compressor and air springs fail frequently from 80,000 km. Average lifespan of air springs is 100,000–120,000 km. Aftermarket springs (Arnott/Continental) cost around €115 each — BMW pricing is significantly higher. Symptoms: Car sinks after parking (especially rear), levelling warning light, uneven ride height from 100,000 km | Medium | |
| Air Suspension Compressor and Bellows — Chronic Failure From around 150,000 km the rear air springs become porous; the compressor runs continuously and overheats. Both sides should be replaced simultaneously as the second bellows typically follows shortly after. Symptoms: Car sinks when parked, compressor starts frequently after unlocking, levelling warning message from 150,000 km | High | |
| Adaptive Drive Dampers Failed Electronically controlled Adaptive Drive dampers fail from 120,000 km; replacement is only possible with BMW parts and costs around €800 per damper. Standard suspension is far more trouble-free. Symptoms: Harsher, uncontrolled body movements, 'Adaptive Drive' warning message, car reverts to standard damping from 130,000 km | High |
Top Reported Issues
Alternatives
Nissan Navara D40-FL
Großer SUV (2010–2015)
Nissan Pathfinder R51-FL
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Porsche Cayenne 92A
Großer SUV (2010–2017)
VW Touareg II
Großer SUV (2010–2018)
VW Amarok I
Großer SUV (2010–2020)
Toyota Land Cruiser J150
Großer SUV (2009–2025)
Known Problems and Issues
A total of 52 weaknesses have been documented for the BMW X5 E70 (2006–2013) — 44 engine-related and 8 vehicle-related. 3 problem engines: M57TUD30 (3.0L Diesel Biturbo), N62B48 (4.8L V8), N63B44 (4.4L V8 Biturbo). Typical issues affect Suspension, Body, Electronics, Gearbox.
X5 (M57TUD30, 2007–2010) — Stay Away!: Timing chain stretched / chain tensioner defective, Swirl flaps break off (known risk), EGR cooler leaking — fire risk (recall). Power: 235 PS.
X5 (M57TUD30, 2007–2010) — Stay Away!: Timing chain stretched / chain tensioner defective, Swirl flaps break off (known risk), EGR cooler leaking — fire risk (recall). Power: 286 PS.
X5 (N57D30, 2010–2013) — Be Careful: Timing chain breaks / guide rails shatter, Connecting rod / main bearing damage at high mileage, EGR cooler leak — coolant loss. Power: 258 PS.
X5 (N57D30, 2010–2013) — Be Careful: Timing chain breaks / guide rails shatter, Connecting rod / main bearing damage at high mileage, EGR cooler leak — coolant loss. Power: 306–313 PS.
X5 (N52B30, 2006–2010) — Be Careful: Electric water pump defective, Oil filter housing gasket — oil into coolant, Eccentric shaft sensor (Valvetronic) failure. Power: 272 PS.
X5 (N62B48, 2007–2010) — Stay Away!: Valve stem seals harden — blue smoke after standing, Coolant transfer pipe leaking — hidden coolant loss, Water pump — plastic impeller breaks. Power: 355–360 PS.
X5 (N55B30, 2010–2013) — Be Careful: Bearing wear from neglected maintenance, Electric water pump failure, High oil consumption. Power: 306 PS.
X5 (N63B44, 2010–2013) — Stay Away!: Valve stem seals porous — extreme oil consumption, Piezo injectors defective — hydraulic hammer and misfires, Timing chain stretches — guide rails break. Power: 408 PS.
What to watch out for with the BMW X5? See the detailed listing of all engine and vehicle weaknesses in the sections above.
Frequently Asked Questions
What problems and weaknesses does the BMW X5 E70 have? +
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Last updated: February 2026 · All information without guarantee