2009 BMW X5 E70

Overview

Engines

3.0L inline-six, 4.8L V8, 3.0L twin-turbo diesel inline-six

On record

4 warnings, 16 recalls

What changed for 2009

• The models are renamed the xDrive30i and xDrive48i, and the twin-turbo diesel xDrive35d arrives. Edmunds, a published reference

Compare 2009 with 2008

Colors

No paint color is recorded yet.

Specs

Badges

• xDrive30i: 3.0L inline-six, xDrive all-wheel drive Edmunds, a published reference
• xDrive48i: 4.8L V8, xDrive all-wheel drive Edmunds, a published reference
• xDrive35d: 3.0L twin-turbo diesel inline-six, xDrive all-wheel drive Edmunds, a published reference

Engines

• 3.0L inline-six N52 engine page Edmunds, a published reference

  260 hp and 225 lb-ft · 2007–2010

• 4.8L V8 N62 Edmunds, a published reference

  350 hp and 350 lb-ft · 2007–2010

• 3.0L twin-turbo diesel inline-six M57 Edmunds, a published reference

  265 hp and 425 lb-ft · 2009–2013

Transmissions

• Six-speed automatic Edmunds, a published reference

Drivetrains

• xDrive all-wheel drive Edmunds

Trims

• Sports Activity Vehicle A published reference

Packages

• Sport Package (2007–2009) Edmunds
• Premium Package Edmunds
• Technology Package Edmunds
• Cold Weather Package Edmunds
• Rear Climate Package Edmunds
• Sport Activity Package Edmunds
• M Sport Package Edmunds
• Luxury Seating Package Edmunds
• Third-row seat Edmunds
• Adaptive Drive Edmunds, a published reference

Figures for the whole E70

• Built: At BMW's plant in Greer, South Carolina A published reference
• First: The first production vehicle to use the FlexRay electrical bus, for its damping control A published reference
• Safety: An IIHS Top Safety Pick for 2008 A published reference
• Third row: Edmunds calls it strictly for small children Edmunds
• Towing: Up to 6,000 lb Edmunds

Watch out

Faults owners and the press report, and how to spot each one.

• Electric water pump failure All years

  One source so far

  Check: Ask whether the electric water pump has been replaced, and watch the temperature gauge.

  Euro Premium Parts says the electric pump fails without warning, usually between 60,000 and 100,000 miles, and should be replaced before it does. A seller's guide (unofficial)

• Rear air suspension failure All years

  One source so far

  Check: See that the car sits level at every corner, and listen for the compressor running long.

  Euro Premium Parts calls the air suspension a consistent weak point, with cracked air bladders and worn compressors, usually between 80,000 and 120,000 miles. A seller's guide (unofficial)

• Worn front control arm bushings All years

  One source so far

  Check: Feel for vague steering and listen for clunks over bumps.

  Euro Premium Parts calls worn front lower control arm bushings a very common E70 repair, usually between 60,000 and 80,000 miles. A seller's guide (unofficial)

• Takata passenger airbag recalls All years

  Check: Make sure every passenger airbag recall was done.

  NHTSA lists several recalls for the front passenger's Takata airbag on 2007 to 2013 cars, with owners told not to drive until it is replaced. NHTSA

Recalls

Newest first. Ask the seller for proof the work was done, or check the VIN with NHTSA.

• 2007–2010 Recall 22V119000

  The heater for the crankcase ventilation valve can short circuit. Dealers fit a wiring harness with a fuse. This replaces and expands 17V683000 and 19V273000. NHTSA

• 2007–2012 Recall 20V016000

  Passenger airbag inflators fitted as a stopgap under earlier Takata recalls can explode as their propellant degrades. Owners are told not to drive until dealers replace the passenger airbag. NHTSA

• 2007–2013 Recall 20V017000

  The driver's airbag inflator can rupture. Dealers replace the driver's airbag. NHTSA

• 2007–2013 Recall 19V017000

  The front passenger's Takata airbag inflator can explode as its propellant degrades. Owners are told not to drive until dealers replace the airbag module. NHTSA

• 2009–2013 Recall 18V336000

  The bolt of the engine's idler pulley can loosen and break. Dealers fit an improved bolt. NHTSA

Owning

What owners and buyers say

• Sought after

  A 2011 to 2013 xDrive35i or an xDrive35d 2009–2013

  One source so far

  Euro Premium Parts says the N55 xDrive35i from 2011 gives most buyers the best balance of performance and reliability, and calls the xDrive35d an excellent choice for high-mileage drivers. A seller's guide (unofficial)

Maintenance

• Engine oil and filter All years

  Replace every 7,500 miles or 1 year, per a parts seller. Euro Premium Parts says every 7,500 to 10,000 miles, or yearly, and not to rely on the service indicator alone A seller's guide (unofficial)

  Ask the seller: Ask for oil change records.

• Automatic transmission fluid All years

  Replace every 50,000 miles, per a parts seller. Euro Premium Parts says every 50,000 miles despite BMW's lifetime fill claim A seller's guide (unofficial)

• Transfer case and differential fluid All years

  Replace every 50,000 miles, per a parts seller A seller's guide (unofficial)

• Coolant All years

  Replace every 50,000 miles or 4 years, per a parts seller A seller's guide (unofficial)

• Spark plugs All years

  Replace every 30,000 miles, per a parts seller. Euro Premium Parts says every 30,000 to 45,000 miles A seller's guide (unofficial)

• Brake fluid All years

  Replace every 2 years, per a parts seller A seller's guide (unofficial)

Warranty when new