Bmw X5 m problems

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The BMW X5 is a mid-size luxury crossover SUV produced by BMW. The X5 made its debut in 1999 as the E53 model. It was BMW's first SUV. At launch, it featured all-wheel drive and was available with either a manual or automatic gearbox. The second generation was launched in 2006, and was known internally as the E70. The E70 featured the torque-split capable xDrive all-wheel drive system mated to an automatic gearbox. In 2009, the X5 M performance variant was released as a 2010 model.

BMW marketed the X5 officially as a "Sports Activity Vehicle" (SAV), rather than an SUV, to indicate its on-road handling capability despite its large dimensions. The X5 signaled a shift away from the utilisation of body-on-frame construction, in favour of more modern monocoque chassis construction. Although the Mercedes-Benz M-Class was introduced more than a year prior to the X5, the X5 was the first to utilise a monocoque chassis. The M-Class used body-on-frame construction until its second generation.

The X5 is primarily manufactured in North America, at BMW Group Plant Spartanburg. Assembly operations also take place in Russia by Avtotor, along with operations in India, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Thailand. The X5 is also modified for armoured security versions, at the BMW de México Toluca plant.

The automaker's SAV series, which was started by the X5, has expanded with derivations of other number-series BMWs. This began in 2003 with the X3, and continued in 2008 with the X6 (which shares its platform with the X5).

photo of Bmw X5 m car production

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Bmw X5 m model years

bmw x5 m 2012 photo
X5 m 2012
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Common Bmw X5 m problems

Based on complaints from owners of BMW X5 M cars, common problems include issues with water leaking into the interior, coolant pump failure, and loss of power while driving in the 2008 model. The 2009 model is known for oil leaks and melting brake lights. The 2012 model has complaints about vibrations during turns and brake light problems. The 2013 model faces fuel system problems and oil leaks. Lastly, the 2014 model has body integrity issues. These problems vary in severity and can lead to significant repair costs, highlighting the importance of thorough inspection before purchasing a used BMW X5 M.

Bmw X5 m

How long does a BMW X5 M last?

Almost any BMW has the potential to run for up to 200,000 or even 250,000 miles with proper maintenance–and there are always going to be outliers that go further. Since every new BMW includes complimentary factory-recommended maintenance through BMW Ultimate Care, it's easy to start off on the right foot.

What is the biggest problem with BMW X5?

Common BMW X5 Problems

  • Engine stalls: Several X5 models have struggled with engine stalls. ...
  • Interior leakage: The X5's sunroof was reportedly prone to interior leaks. ...
  • Transmission issues: Some X5 model years had problems with their transmission.

What is the most reliable year of BMW X5 M?

As mentioned, X5 models from 2016 onwards are great options in terms of reliability and value proposition – particularly the 2016, 2017, and 2021 X5 model years. These recent models have earned high marks, not just in reliability but overall performance and value for money as well.

Are BMW X5 expensive to maintain?

A BMW X5 will cost about $18,389 for maintenance and repairs during its first 10 years of service. This is more than the industry average for luxury SUV models by $2,675. There is also a 54.61% chance that a X5 will require a major repair during that time. This is 15.05% worse than similar vehicles in this segment.

Percentage distribution of complaints by Bmw X5 m years

We have researched Bmw problems and analysed all the complaints filed against Bmw X5 m cars and compiled the top 1 most problematic Bmw X5 m model years:

Below you can see the percentage distribution of known problems by Bmw X5 m model years.

Distribution of the number of complaints by Bmw X5 m years

We've also compiled a chart for you with the number of complaints about Volkswagen Jetta cars of certain model years:

Bmw X5 m car problems categorized by type of issue

After analysing all complaints related to Bmw X5 m , it was concluded that the most common issues with these cars are:

  • Engine problems
  • Air bags problems
  • Power train problems
  • Electrical system problems
  • Fuel/propulsion system problems

The graph below shows statistics for all Bmw X5 m vehicle components and the number of complaints received.

Distribution of the number of complaints where the accident occurred by X5 m model years

A total of 4 complaints were registered in which the accident occurred. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.

Distribution of the number of complaints with fire by X5 m model years

There were a total of 9 complaints that resulted in a fire. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.

Distribution of the number of complaints with injuries by X5 m model years

There were a total of 6 complaints that resulted in a injuries. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.

The NHTSA has received 263 complaints about various vehicle components related to the Bmw X5 m . Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for Bmw X5 m vehicles.

Latest 25 complaints

Bmw X5 m 2012
  • Date Of Incident: 2024-09-15
  • Date Complaint: 2024-09-15
  • VIN: 5UXZW0C53CL
  • Components: STEERING
  • Summary: It suddenly became very, very difficult and almost impossible to steer.
Bmw X5 m 2012
  • Date Of Incident: 2024-06-03
  • Date Complaint: 2024-06-03
  • VIN: 5UXZV4C57CL
  • Components: POWER TRAIN
  • Summary: A recall on the prop shaft was done in 2017 and today 06/24 while driving on the freeway I heard a loud clunking noise and then a huge pop and I pulled over on the side of the road to find my prop shaft had exploded and messed up everything. Now im stuck with a nonfunctional car because a part that was allegedly replaced for safety ended up exploding while I was driving.
Bmw X5 m 2012
  • Date Of Incident: 2023-10-16
  • Date Complaint: 2024-03-07
  • VIN: 5UXZV4C52CL
  • Components: AIR BAGS
  • Summary: The contact owns a 2012 BMW X5. The contact stated that the air bag restraint malfunction message was displayed, and the air bag warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local mechanic but was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline. The approximate failure mileage was 85,000.
Bmw X5 m 2012
  • Date Of Incident: 2024-02-02
  • Date Complaint: 2024-02-09
  • VIN: 5UXZV8C58CL
  • Components: ENGINE
  • Summary: To my understanding BMW agreed to honor the N63 Customer Care Package voluntarily regardless of mileage or age of the engine as referred to BMW bulletins SIB[XXX], [XXX], and [XXX]. My local dealer did not know anything about the [XXX] and when I called BMW USA I was told that they not honor the package any more even though the bulletin says they will take care of it regardless of engine mileage or age. To my understanding that should have been a recall but BMW negotiated to call it Customer Care Package as an initiative to police itself instead of having a mandated action by a recall. My local BMW dealer is in Temple Texas. Please advice me on how to proceed to service my engine as promised for free based on these bulletins. Thank you. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Bmw X5 m 2012
  • Date Of Incident: 2023-11-15
  • Date Complaint: 2024-01-21
  • VIN: 5UXZV4C54CL
  • Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,AIR BAGS,ENGINE
  • Summary: Vehical randomly shuts off, it all safety systems warning lamps come on l, like ABS, Airbag, and traction control. Found wiring harness laying in a pool of water in the rear right cargo compartment. Rain water leaking from sunroof collected in compartment. The harness contains wires for the the vehicles CAN buss systems the water causes corrosion in the harness, which causes all sorts of problems that could happen at any time like the vehicle shutting off or the airbag or abs warning light coming on.
Bmw X5 m 2012
  • Date Of Incident: 2023-11-29
  • Date Complaint: 2023-11-30
  • Crash: 1
  • VIN: 5UXZV4C56CL
  • Components: AIR BAGS
  • Summary: We hit a deer while driving at 55 MPH. We were wearing seatbelts and not injured, it was a major frontal impact, the car is probably totalled. When we stopped we noticed multiple warning messages on the display: * restraint system failure * passenger airbag failure * pre-tensioner failure It appears that the car detected the collision and tried to activate the restraint systems, but nothing activated. No air bags deployed, and we did not feel the pre-tensioners activate.
Bmw X5 m 2012
  • Date Of Incident: 2023-08-30
  • Date Complaint: 2023-09-20
  • VIN: 5UXZV4C52CL
  • Components: AIR BAGS
  • Summary: The contact owns a 2012 BMW X5. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the message "Passenger Restraint System Malfunction" was displayed. The contact stated that the failure had been recurring while driving. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who informed the contact that the passenger restraint system had failed, and an unknown repair needed to be completed. The contact was charged a repair cost. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to TSB Number: 10056703-9690. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 65,000.
Bmw X5 m 2012
  • Date Of Incident: 2022-12-14
  • Date Complaint: 2023-09-15
  • VIN: 5UXZV4C5XCL
  • Components: POWER TRAIN
  • Summary: The contact owns a 2012 BMW X5. The contact stated that upon coming to a complete stop, he heard an abnormal sound coming from the engine compartment before the vehicle lost motive power. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, who determined that the driveshaft universal joint had failed, causing additional damage to the transmission and oil pan. The vehicle was repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related it to NHTSA Campaign Number 17V138000 (Power Train), but the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000.
Bmw X5 m 2012
  • Date Of Incident: 2023-06-05
  • Date Complaint: 2023-09-05
  • VIN: 5UXZV4C57CL
  • Components: POWER TRAIN,STEERING
  • Summary: The contact owns a 2012 BMW X5. The contact stated that while his wife was driving at an undisclosed speed, she heard a loud thumping sound underneath the vehicle. The contact then stated that the vehicle hesitated then decelerated at low speeds while the accelerator pedal was depressed. The contact stated that his wife was able to navigate the vehicle safely to the residence. The contact was unsure if any warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was then towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the front driveshaft failed and as a result the power steering hoses had ruptured and the front driveshaft and the power steering hoses needed to be replaced. The power steering hoses were replaced however, the front driveshaft had not yet been replaced. The contact referenced the NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V138000 (Power Train). The manufacture was notified of the failure and confirmed that the VIN was not included in the recall. The contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 210,000.
Bmw X5 m 2012
  • Date Of Incident: 2018-02-02
  • Date Complaint: 2023-06-28
  • VIN: 5UXZW0C5XC0
  • Components: SERVICE BRAKES,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
  • Summary: Despite replacing brake sensors, brake pads and rotors break wear light illumination on dashboard dealer unable to fix issues At 70000 miles defective exhaust back pressure sensor
Bmw X5 m 2012
  • Date Of Incident: 2023-04-17
  • Date Complaint: 2023-05-17
  • VIN: 5UXZW0C55CL
  • Components: STRUCTURE
  • Summary: this vehicle running board kits failed and almost thrown vehicle off the service lift. It is unsafe to use on this vehicle. it may cause harm or kills someone. these mounting brackets for this running board required removed and took placed of vehicle designed service lift points. Manufacturer claims it is safe to use while not offer specific way or additional parts installed to lift vehicle safely. prior to collapsed on the service lift, it made some creak sound and collapsed. Manufacturer still not want take responsibility.
Bmw X5 m 2012
  • Date Of Incident: 2023-03-01
  • Date Complaint: 2023-03-06
  • VIN: 5UXZW0C53C0
  • Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,SEATS
  • Summary: I was using the seat heating on a very cold day recently and 10 minutes into the drive we noticed a weird smell, but couldn’t locate the source. As the smell got worse and worse over time, we stopped the car, turned of the interior lights and saw that smoke had accumulated in the cabin, suddenly we found that the seat heater had burned a hole through the leather seat on the rear passenger side, where my girlfriends father sat .
Bmw X5 m 2012
  • Date Of Incident: 2022-07-01
  • Date Complaint: 2023-01-29
  • Fire: 1
  • VIN: 5UXZW0C52CL
  • Components: STEERING
  • Summary: What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? Repair shop repaired the pulley because i couldn't steer the vehicle correctly. It would jerk me on the road. Vehicle is available for inspection but is already repaired by local shop. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? I could drive but couldn't steer intermittently. Scary!! i couldn't make a full turns and there was a rough spot in the steering sometimes. Eventually it locked up an couldn't leave parking spot. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Yes. But i already got it repaired. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? Not that i know of. Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? No. I only smelled burning rubber or electrical components. Smoke from engine bay and screeching sounds. Worst part is it was intermittent which gives the driver a false sense of security to drive but almost crashed because down the road couldn't steer.
Bmw X5 m 2012
  • Date Of Incident: 2022-10-12
  • Date Complaint: 2022-10-12
  • VIN: 5UXZW0C56CL
  • Components: STRUCTURE
  • Summary: Quiet close doors do not latch
Bmw X5 m 2012
  • Date Of Incident: 2022-09-12
  • Date Complaint: 2022-09-12
  • VIN: 5UXZW0C52C0
  • Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
  • Summary: BMW turns off driving down the road. Loss of power, power steering and brakes. Dangerous due to the fact that it is hard and sometimes impossible to pull over and get it to restart. When it happens on the freeway it is very dangerous because it is almost impossible to pull over. The SUV just quits working for no apparent reason. This has happened several times and not just one incident. Last time it happened was in the middle of an interstate in Denver CO with a child in the back seat. It happens at different speeds without warning.

Recalls Bmw X5 m

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 1 recalls for different components of the Bmw X5 m.You can explore the year of the Volkswagen Jetta you are interested in by selecting it from the list.

  • Model: Bmw X5 m 2012
  • Report Received Date: 2018-04-18
  • Manufacturer: BMW of North America, LLC
  • Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE:TURBO/SUPERCHARGER
  • Summary: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2011-2012 BMW 550i, 550i xDrive, 550i Gran Turismo, 550i Gran Turismo xDrive, 750i, 750Li, 750i xDrive, 750Li xDrive, 760Li, X5 xDrive50i, X5 M, X6 xDrive50i, X6 M, ActiveHybrid7, MINI Cooper S Convertible, John Cooper Works (JCW) Convertible, Cooper S Countryman, Cooper S Countryman ALL4, Cooper S, JCW, Cooper S Clubman, JCW Clubman, Cooper S Roadster, JCW Roadster, Cooper S Coupe, JCW Coupe and Rolls-Royce Ghost, 2011 BMW X6 Hybrid and 2012 BMW 650i Coupe, 650i xDrive Coupe, 650i Convertible and 650i xDrive Convertible vehicles. The electric auxiliary water pump may fail and cause the circuit board to overheat.
  • Consequence: If the circuit board were to overheat, it can increase the risk of a fire.
  • Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the electric auxiliary water pump, free of charge. Depending on the model, there are currently limited parts available, however not all parts are available at this time. Owners will be notified of the recall beginning June 11, 2018, and will receive a second notification when remedy parts become available. Owners may contact BMW customer service at BMW 1-800-525-7417, MINI at 1-866-825-1525, or Rolls-Royce at 1-877-877-3735. Note: BMW recommends that owners park their vehicle outdoors until the recall remedy has been performed.

Latest positive Bmw X5 m car reviews

  1. Erwin Dickinson 2024-11-29

    Vehicle year: 2012

    I absolutely love my 2010 X5 M! Every time I consider selling it, I take it for a drive and change my mind. The only reason I'm considering selling it is because we have four vehicles in the garage and I don't get to drive it as much as I'd like. It does use a lot of gas, but that's to be expected. In terms of repairs, I've had the vacuum lines replaced due to heat from the turbos, and it currently needs a new battery and the front suspension is rattling on rough roads. However, overall it's been very reliable. As the saying goes, 'Take care of it, and it will take care of you.'

  2. Candelario Zboncak 2024-11-01

    Vehicle year: 2012

    You won't believe how nice this car is to drive! It grips the road like a dream and is incredibly well-built.

  3. Edwardo Schneider 2024-05-19

    Vehicle year: 2012

    Out-handles most sport sedans. Seriously fast. The most comfy seats I have ever owned. A real homeowner SUV. However, it is important to note that maintenance costs can be quite high, especially after 70k miles, ranging from $5000 to $7500 per year.

  4. Jarret Crist 2024-04-29

    Vehicle year: 2012

    I thought the GT 5 would be a nice blend of performance and function, but the sales manager suggested I drive the X5M instead. I have to say, the X5M was much more fun to drive and more functional, with a surprisingly comfortable and supple ride. In fact, the ride is even better than a standard X5, and the M's handling rivals virtually any sport sedan. Of course, it is big and heavy, and the mileage is atrocious - but that's to be expected. Unfortunately, I don't have enough miles to judge reliability.

  5. Myles Willms 2024-01-02

    Vehicle year: 2012

    I really love my X5M and I wish it had even more torque and horsepower. As an owner of a Porsche 911 Turbo, I appreciate fine engineering and performance and this machine doesn't disappoint. It also comes equipped with all the modern amenities not normally associated with German cars, such as a user-friendly navigation system, two mp3 connections, and every toy you could possibly want. The keyless entry, 4 cameras, and sensors make it almost impossible to find a flaw.

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