2011 vs 2012 BMW X5

vs

Both years are the same generation, so most of what they offer is shared.

Watch out for

Reputation: what owners and the press report. Tap one to see what to check.

2011

Nothing that 2012 lacks.

2012

Nothing that 2011 lacks.

Both years

  • Oil burning and turbo failures on the N63 V8 2011–2013 One source so far

    What to check: Ask how much oil it uses and look for blue smoke at a cold start.

    Euro Premium Parts says the N63 can burn oil from as early as 30,000 to 50,000 miles, wears its valve stem seals from the heat and loses turbos early.

    A seller's guide (unofficial)

  • 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

  • Front driveshaft joint recalls 2011–2013

    What to check: Make sure the front driveshaft recalls were done.

    NHTSA lists recalls for 2011 to 2013 cars whose front driveshaft joint can let in water and dirt and wear until it fails.

    NHTSA

Recalls

2011

  • 10V233000 2011

    The tire label lists 19-inch wheels and their pressures on cars with 20-inch wheels. BMW sends correct labels. NHTSA

  • 11V521000 2010–2011

    The circuit board of the electric auxiliary water pump can overheat. Dealers replace the pump. NHTSA

  • 16V311000 2011

    The front driveshaft's universal joint may let in water and dirt, which can damage it until it fails. Dealers replace the front driveshaft. 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

  • 17V683000 2007–2011

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

  • 23V707000 2010–2011

    The aluminum bolts holding the VANOS housing can loosen over time and break. Dealers replace them. NHTSA

2012

  • 12V019000 2012

    The gearbox's parking lock may not engage even when P is selected and shown. Dealers replace the automatic gearbox. NHTSA

  • 12V161000 2012

    The circuit board of the electric auxiliary water pump can overheat. Dealers replace the pump. NHTSA

  • 12V267000 2012–2013

    A machining error on the steering gear can let power steering fluid leak. Dealers inspect the steering gear and replace it if needed. 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

  • 14V176000 2010–2012

    The bolts holding the VANOS housing can loosen over time and break. Dealers replace them. 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

  • 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

  • 17V138000 2011–2013

    Water and dirt can get into the front driveshaft's universal joint and wear it until it fails. Dealers replace the front driveshaft. 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

  • 18V248000 2010–2012

    The electric auxiliary water pump can fail and its circuit board overheat. Dealers replace the pump. 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

What changed between

After 2011, up to and including 2012.

No changes recorded between these years.

What it came with

2011

Nothing that 2012 lacks.

2012

Nothing that 2011 lacks.

Both years

Engines
3.0L twin-turbo diesel inline-six (2009–2013) Edmunds, a published reference, 3.0L turbo inline-six (2011–2013) Edmunds, a published reference, 4.4L twin-turbo V8 (2011–2013) Edmunds, a published reference
Transmissions
Six-speed automatic Edmunds, a published reference, Eight-speed automatic (2011–2013) 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, Convenience Package (2011–2013) Edmunds, Luxury Seating Package Edmunds, Third-row seat Edmunds, Adaptive Drive Edmunds, a published reference

What owners and buyers say

Reputation: what owners and the press report

2011

Nothing that 2012 lacks.

2012

Nothing that 2011 lacks.

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)

  • Avoid: An xDrive50i with the N63 2011–2013 Less sought after

    Euro Premium Parts calls the N63 V8 perhaps the most problematic engine in the E70, for oil use and heat, and CarGurus calls the engine problems of 2011 to 2013 among the generation's most significant issues. CarGurus, a seller's guide (unofficial)