BMW X5 E70 (2007–2013)
Generation-specific owner insights from 28+ substantive owner discussions, with US complaint and recall records.
Should I buy a 2007–2013 X5?
3,226
US owner complaints (NHTSA), 2007–2013
81
recall campaigns
engine
most-complained area
What owners say about this generation
Our take, from owner reports
Owners describe the E70 X5 as a capable, enjoyable SUV that demands serious financial commitment.
15 problems reported (2 very frequent, 6 recurrent, 7 isolated) · high confidence
Problems owners report
- Very frequentN63 V8 engine failures (oil leaks, wastegate rattle, boost leaks)
- Very frequentDiesel emissions system failures (DEF tank
Lines, spray nozzle crystallization) costing several thousand dollars.
- RecurrentN62 V8 valve seal failure causing smoke at idle and acceleration
Requiring replacement around every 100k miles.
+ 12 more issuesShow fewer
- RecurrentN62 V8 alternator bracket gasket failure causing oil evacuation, a 10-hour labor job for a $7 part
- RecurrentTail light housing leaks causing corrosion
- RecurrentValve cover gasket leaks
- RecurrentParking brake control unit malfunction
- RecurrentTurbo oil feed line leaks on N55, identified by white smoke and oil consumption
- IsolatedBattery drain issues from modules keeping systems running
- IsolatedTransfer case hesitation under hard acceleration, possibly plastic actuation gear
- IsolatedFront control arm replacement needed on diesel models
- IsolatedSerpentine belt failure risk if not proactively replaced
- IsolatedBrake fluid loss indicating leaks in the sealed system
- IsolatedCatalytic converter replacement costs
- IsolatedVANOS aluminum bolt recall issue on early N55 engines
The version owners recommend
The 35d diesel models (2011-2013) receive the strongest praise for reliability and fuel economy, with multiple owners reporting high mileage with minimal issues after emissions system deletes. Among gasoline models, the 2012-2013 xDrive35i with the N55 engine is considered the most reliable choice. Owners consistently advise avoiding V8-powered models entirely.
Competitors to consider
Owners compare it most often with the Porsche Cayenne, Toyota Avalon, Lexus ES 350 and Acura TL.
Is a 2007–2013 X5 right for you?
Get an answer for your year, mileage and budget.
Full owner reportHide full owner report
Overall sentiment
Owners describe the E70 X5 as a capable, enjoyable SUV that demands serious financial commitment. The dominant sentiment is caution: many warn that cheap purchase prices are deceptive because maintenance and repair costs remain at the level of a $50,000+ luxury vehicle. The N55 six-cylinder engines are generally praised as solid and reliable when maintained, while the V8 engines (N62, N63, S63) are widely condemned as problematic and expensive. Diesel models receive positive feedback for reliability and fuel economy, though their emissions systems are a known weak point. Early model years (2007-2008) are viewed with more skepticism, while later years (2012-2013) with the N55 are considered the safer choice.
Positioning vs competitors
Owners who cross-shopped against the Porsche Cayenne were told the E70 X5 is more troubled and that the Cayenne would be the better choice for that model year. For buyers seeking reliable transportation in the same price range, owners explicitly recommended Japanese alternatives like the Lexus ES 350 or Toyota Avalon over a used E70 X5, framing the BMW as a poor financial decision for budget-conscious buyers. The comparison is consistently about total cost of ownership rather than driving dynamics, where the X5 is acknowledged as superior.
Recommended configurations
Owners recommend the 35i with the N55 six-cylinder engine or the 35d diesel. The N55 is described as "solid" and "a beast" when properly maintained, with one owner reporting 230,000 miles on a 2010 35i. The 35d diesel is praised for achieving 30+ mpg and being "rock solid" after emissions deletes. Owners repeatedly advise against the xDrive50i with the N63 engine, calling it "garbage" and "a total POS." The X5 M with the S63 engine is also flagged as expensive to maintain, with one owner noting it will "cost you a good chunk of money per year."
General recommendations
Owners strongly advise that this generation is only suitable for buyers who can afford luxury-level maintenance costs or can perform their own repairs. A common refrain is "nothing more expensive than a cheap BMW." Service records are emphasized as critical: owners say the E70 "doesn't take kindly to neglect" and requires a regimented maintenance schedule. For those considering a purchase, owners recommend finding an independent BMW specialist rather than using dealerships, which are described as overpriced. Third-party warranties are suggested for those who want peace of mind. Several owners note that the N55 engine should not follow BMW's recommended oil change intervals, suggesting 6,000-7,500 miles instead. The 2013 model year is noted as the last of the E70 generation and considered somewhat dated by 2013 standards.
Remarks
Owners frequently compare buying a high-performance older BMW to owning an expensive aircraft or boat: the purchase price is irrelevant compared to ongoing maintenance. Several owners with diesel models report that emissions delete and tune packages dramatically improve both reliability and performance, with one reporting 200,000 miles with no issues beyond routine maintenance. The 35d diesel is noted to require the engine to be lowered slightly for downpipe removal during deletes. Owners of the X5 M specifically warn that repair bills match a vehicle with 2-2.5x the original MSRP. One owner with a 2013 X5 M at 69,000 miles reports no issues when properly maintained, showing the S63 can be reliable with diligent care. Analysis based on approximately 28 substantive owner discussions about this generation.
Complaints and recalls by model year
| Year | Complaints | Recalls | Most-reported area |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 486 | 6 | air bags |
| 2012 | 834 | 14 | engine |
| 2011 | 1,120 | 17 | engine |
| 2010 | 149 | 14 | engine |
| 2009 | 161 | 12 | air bags |
| 2008 | 333 | 10 | air bags |
| 2007 | 143 | 8 | air bags |
Source: US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Higher-selling years naturally accumulate more complaints.
Recall notices for this generation
2013 · air bags:frontal:passenger side:inflator modulecampaign 19V017000
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 vehicles and 2010-2011 X6 ActiveHybrid vehicles. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger frontal air bag, these inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.
2013 · air bags:frontal:driver side:inflator modulecampaign 20V017000
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 328i, 328i xDrive, 335i, 335is, 335i xDrive and M3 Coupes, 2006-2011 328i, 328xi, 328i xDrive, 325i, 325xi, 330i, 330xi, 335i, 335xi, 335i xDrive and M3, 2009-2011 335D, 2006-2012 325xi, 328i, 328xi and 328i xDrive, 2010-2011 X6 ActiveHybrid, 2007-2013 328i, 335i, 335is, M3 Coupes, X5 30si, X5 xDrive30i, X5 xDrive35i, X5 48i, X5 xDrive48i, X5 xDrive50i and X5 M, 2009-2013 X5 xDrive35d and 2008-2014 X6 xDrive35i, X6 xDrive50i and X6M vehicles equipped with non-desiccated driver frontal air bag inflators containing phase stabilized ammonium nitrate (PSAN) that were used as interim remedy parts for previous Takata recalls. These inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, high temperatures, and high temperature cycling.
2013 · engine and engine cooling:enginecampaign 18V336000
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.
2013 · air bags:frontal:passenger side:inflator modulecampaign 18V030000
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 ever registered in the states of Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands or "Zone A." BMW is also recalling certain 2007-2010 X5 xDrive30i, X5 xDrive35i, X5 xDrive48i, X5 xDrive50i, X5 M, X5 xDrive35d, X6 xDrive35i, X6 xDrive50i and X6M vehicles ever registered in the states of Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia or "Zone B." BMW is also recalling certain 2007-2009 X5 xDrive30i, X5 xdrive35i, X5 xDrive48i, X5 xDrive50i, X5 M, X5 xDrive35d, X6 xDrive35i, X6 xDrive50i and X6M vehicles ever registered in the states of AK, CO, CT, ID, IA, ME, MA, MI, MN, MT, NH, NY, ND, OR, RI, SD, UT, VT, WA, WI, and WY or "Zone C." These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger frontal air bag, these inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.
2013 · power train:driveline:driveshaftcampaign 17V138000
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. Water and debris may enter the front driveshaft's universal joint, causing excessive wear and possibly resulting in the joint's failure.
2013 · steeringcampaign 12V267000
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.
2012 · air bags:frontal:passenger side:inflator modulecampaign 19V017000
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 vehicles and 2010-2011 X6 ActiveHybrid vehicles. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger frontal air bag, these inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.
2012 · engine and engine cooling:engine:gasoline:turbo/superchargercampaign 18V248000
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.
2012 · air bags:frontal:passenger side:inflator modulecampaign 20V016000
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2009-2012 X5 xDrive35d, 2008-2012 X6 xDrive35i, X6 xDrive50i and X6 M, 2007-2012 X5 30si, X5 xDrive30i, X5 xDrive35i, X5 48i, X5 xDrive48i, X5 xDrive50i and X5 M and 2010-2011 X6 ActiveHybrid vehicles equipped with non-desiccated, passenger frontal air bag inflators containing phase stabilized ammonium nitrate (PSPI-2) propellant that were used as interim remedy parts for previous Takata recalls. These inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, high temperatures, and high temperature cycling.
2012 · air bags:frontal:driver side:inflator modulecampaign 20V017000
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 328i, 328i xDrive, 335i, 335is, 335i xDrive and M3 Coupes, 2006-2011 328i, 328xi, 328i xDrive, 325i, 325xi, 330i, 330xi, 335i, 335xi, 335i xDrive and M3, 2009-2011 335D, 2006-2012 325xi, 328i, 328xi and 328i xDrive, 2010-2011 X6 ActiveHybrid, 2007-2013 328i, 335i, 335is, M3 Coupes, X5 30si, X5 xDrive30i, X5 xDrive35i, X5 48i, X5 xDrive48i, X5 xDrive50i and X5 M, 2009-2013 X5 xDrive35d and 2008-2014 X6 xDrive35i, X6 xDrive50i and X6M vehicles equipped with non-desiccated driver frontal air bag inflators containing phase stabilized ammonium nitrate (PSAN) that were used as interim remedy parts for previous Takata recalls. These inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, high temperatures, and high temperature cycling.
2012 · engine and engine cooling:enginecampaign 18V336000
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.
2012 · air bags:frontal:passenger side:inflator modulecampaign 18V030000
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 ever registered in the states of Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands or "Zone A." BMW is also recalling certain 2007-2010 X5 xDrive30i, X5 xDrive35i, X5 xDrive48i, X5 xDrive50i, X5 M, X5 xDrive35d, X6 xDrive35i, X6 xDrive50i and X6M vehicles ever registered in the states of Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia or "Zone B." BMW is also recalling certain 2007-2009 X5 xDrive30i, X5 xdrive35i, X5 xDrive48i, X5 xDrive50i, X5 M, X5 xDrive35d, X6 xDrive35i, X6 xDrive50i and X6M vehicles ever registered in the states of AK, CO, CT, ID, IA, ME, MA, MI, MN, MT, NH, NY, ND, OR, RI, SD, UT, VT, WA, WI, and WY or "Zone C." These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger frontal air bag, these inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.
20 more recalls not shown. Check nhtsa.gov with your VIN for the full history.
Owner insights summarize real ownership discussions for this generation only. Complaint and recall data is public NHTSA (US) information. Always verify recalls against your VIN at nhtsa.gov.