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2011 bmw X5 engine problems

severe 90 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $3,100

Complaints
90
Recalls
1
Crashes
0
Avg fix
$3,100

Related recalls

severe NHTSA 23V707000 20/10/2023

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2010-2012 1 Series Coupe, 1 Series Convertible, 3 Series Sedan, 3 Series Convertible, 2010-2011 3 Series Sportswagon, 3 Series Coupe, 5 Series Sedan, X3 xDrive 28i, X3 xDrive 30i, X5 xDrive30i, and Z4 sDrive30i vehicles

Loose or broken VANOS unit bolts can result in an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: Dealers will replace the four VANOS bolts, free of charge. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk are expected to be mailed December 18, 2023. Owner notification letters were mailed June 19, 2024. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

What owners are reporting 8 most recent

engine · filed 12/22/2014

WHILE DRIVING ON HIGHWAY 121 SUDDENLY THE LIGHTS CAME ON AND I WAS WARNED THAT IF I DON'T PULL OVER AND REDUCE MY SPEED MY ENGINE WILL SUFFER DAMAGE. THIS CAUSED ME TO SWERVE AND TRY TO TAKE THE FIRST EXIT, WHICH LUCKILY WAS COMING UP. THERE WAS A LIQUID DISCHARGE UNDER THE CAR. WATER PUMP FAILED AND THERMOSTAT BURNED OUT ... DAMAGES OVER 1000 USD. THIS SEEMS TO BE A THEME WITH 3.0I VE…

engine · filed 12/19/2018

2017 DEC - DIESEL EXHAUST FUMES IN CABIN. MAG BMW DEALER REPLACED EGR PRE-COOLER, AND INTAKE TURBO LINE.

engine · filed 12/19/2018

2017 JULY - DIESEL EXHAUST FUMES IN CABIN. MAG BMW DEALER REPLACED FAULTY EGR COOLER AND EGR VALVE SECOND TIME.

engine · filed 12/19/2018

2016, MARCH 03 - DIESEL EXHAUST FUMES IN CABIN. MAG BMW DEALER REPLACED FAULTY: INTAKE TEMP SENSOR FAULT # 004BC6 AND FUEL PRESUPLY LINE: FAULTS #004BDA AND 004BDC. SCR TANK FAULT 0046F9 WAS NOT REPAIRED BY BMW.

engine · filed 12/18/2017

INTAKE AND EXHAUST VALVE SEALS WENT BAD. WHICH THIS IS A KNOWN PROBLEM FOR N63 ENGINES. BMW HAS A BULLETIN FOR IT, BUT THE EXTENDED WARRANTY WILL NOT HONOR THAT BECAUSE IT'S A KNOWN PROBLEM. AND BMW WON'T HONOR IT CAUSE THEY WON'T DO A RECALL ON IT EITHER. WHEN THIS HAPPENS, IT CONSUMES OIL AND YOU HAVE BLUE SMOKE GOING OUT YOUR TAILPIPE. I'VE BEEN GOING BACK AND FORTH WITH EXTENDED WARRANTY, BMW …

engine · filed 12/17/2017

VALVE SEALS PROBLEMS IN 90 % OF X5 FROM 2010 TO 2013, I BOUGHT MINES FROM THE DEALER WITH THIS PROBLEM... THEY TOLD ME AT THE DEALER NOTHING WAS WRONG.... I AM VERY UPSET ABOUT THIS. *TR

engine · filed 12/14/2015

ELECTRIC WATER PUMP FAILED AT ONLY 40K-50K MILES. ENGINE OVERHEATED AND RISKY FOR SAFE DRIVING. I CHECKED ONLINE FOR ANY RELATED RECALL AND FIND THE FOLLOWING, WHICH IS THE SAME PROBLEM FOR MY VEHICLE. BUT IT WAS NOT COVERED BY THE RECALL. THIS RECALL SHOULD COVER MORE VEHICLES. ELECTRIC AUXILIARY WATER PUMP REPORT RECEIPT DATE: OCT 20, 2011 NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 11V521000 COMPONENT(S): EN…

engine · filed 12/12/2017

SINCE THE N63 ENGINE TECHNICAL UPDATE (AKA N63 CUSTOMER CARE PACKAGE) WAS PERFORMED ON OUR 2011 X5, WE NOTICED AN INCREASE IN ENGINE OIL CONSUMPTION EVIDENCED BY THE ONBOARD SYSTEM ALERTING US TO LOW ENGINE OIL CONDITION REQUIRING ADDING ENGINE OIL. IN ADDITION TO THIS SYMPTOM THE ONBOARD SYSTEM IS ALERTING LOW COOLANT FLUID AND REQUIRING COOLANT FLUID TOP OFF. PRIOR TO THIS N63 TECHNICAL UPDATE …

Common questions

How serious is the engine problem on the 2011 bmw X5?

It's a meaningful issue. 90 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $3,100.

At what mileage does the engine typically fail?

Mileage data is limited for this issue. Owners report failures across a wide range, suggesting cause is more about driving conditions and maintenance than mileage alone.

What does it cost to fix?

Independent shops typically charge around $3,100 for engine repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.

Are there any recalls related to engine?

Yes — 1 active recall(s) cover engine issues on this vehicle. Recall fixes are always free regardless of mileage or warranty status. Use the VIN decoder at the top of the page to check if your specific vehicle is affected.

Other problem areas on this vehicle

Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) public records database. Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.
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