2009 vs 2010 BMW X5

Both years

• Electric water pump failure All years One source so far

  What to 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

  What to 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

  What to 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

  What to 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

Both years

• 12V550000 2009–2012

  The bolt of the engine belt's idler pulley can loosen and break. Dealers replace and tighten it. NHTSA

• 13V045000 2007–2010

  The brake vacuum pump can leak oil into its hose, which could lose the brake assist. Dealers fit a vacuum line with a check valve. NHTSA

• 13V339000 2009–2010

  The diesel fuel filter heater can overload and stay switched on. Dealers replace it. NHTSA

• 16V071000 2007–2013

  The driver's frontal airbag inflator can rupture. Owners are told not to drive until dealers replace the airbag module or inflator. NHTSA

• 16V364000 2007–2011

  The front passenger's Takata airbag inflator can rupture. Owners are told not to drive until dealers replace the inflator or airbag module. NHTSA

• 16V746000 2007–2011

  Wire contacts in the in-tank fuel pump may not be crimped well enough. Dealers replace the fuel pump module. NHTSA

• 17V020000 2007–2012

  The front passenger's Takata airbag inflator can rupture. Owners are told not to drive until dealers replace the inflator or airbag module. NHTSA

• 17V683000 2007–2011

  The heater for the crankcase ventilation valve can short circuit. Dealers replace it. NHTSA

• 18V030000 2007–2013

  The front passenger's Takata airbag can rupture. Owners are told not to drive until dealers replace the airbag module. NHTSA

• 18V336000 2009–2013

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

• 19V017000 2007–2013

  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

• 20V017000 2007–2013

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

• 20V016000 2007–2012

  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

• 22V119000 2007–2010

  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

Both years

Engines

3.0L inline-six (2007–2010) Edmunds, a published reference, 4.8L V8 (2007–2010) Edmunds, a published reference, 3.0L twin-turbo diesel inline-six (2009–2013) Edmunds, a published reference

Transmissions

Six-speed automatic Edmunds, a published reference

Drivetrains

xDrive all-wheel drive Edmunds

Trims

Sports Activity Vehicle A published reference

Packages

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

Both years

• 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)