E70 BMW X5 2007–2013 E70

The second X5, larger and built in South Carolina, with iDrive, an optional third row, the first X5 diesel in the US and, from 2011, turbocharged engines and an eight-speed automatic.

5 engines1 trim11 colors6 warnings31 recalls

How it was checked: 23 sources read.

Generation E70 2007–2013 Pick a generation
Model year All 7 Pick a year

Overview

Engines
3.0L inline-six, 4.8L V8, 3.0L twin-turbo diesel inline-six, 3.0L turbo inline-six, 4.4L twin-turbo V8
On record
6 warnings, 31 recalls

Sold as 3.0si (2007–2008), xDrive30i (2009–2010), 4.8i (2007–2008), xDrive48i (2009–2010), xDrive35d (2009–2013), xDrive35i (2011–2013), xDrive50i (2011–2013)

The story

The E70 debuted in July 2006 for the 2007 model year. It made iDrive standard and offered a third row of seats for the first time in a BMW, answering criticism that the first X5 was too small. A published reference

The manual gearbox was dropped. For 2009 the models were renamed in BMW's xDrive style, and the twin-turbo diesel xDrive35d arrived in the US and Canada alongside the 335d. Edmunds, a published reference

An update for 2011 brought new styling and new turbocharged, direct-injection engines, the xDrive35i and xDrive50i, with an eight-speed automatic. CarGurus says powertrain complaints rose soon after. Edmunds, CarGurus, a published reference

Colors

Show all 11 colors
  • Jet Black2010
  • Monaco Blue Metallic2010
  • Deep Green Metallic2010
  • Space Gray Metallic2010
  • Platinum Bronze Metallic2010
  • Mineral Green Metallic2010

Interiors

Sources: Edmunds

Specs

Badges

Engines

Transmissions

Drivetrains

Trims

Packages

Figures

Years and what changed

  1. 2007

    The second X5 arrives as the 3.0si and 4.8i, with an optional third row. Edmunds, a published reference

  2. 2008

    No change recorded

  3. 2009

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

  4. 2010

    A new iDrive system with a hard drive replaces the DVD-based one. CarGurus, a published reference

  5. 2011
    Refresh

    An update brings new styling and the turbocharged xDrive35i and xDrive50i with an eight-speed automatic. The diesel keeps its six-speed. Edmunds, a published reference

  6. 2012

    No change recorded

  7. 2013

    An M Performance Package adds power to the xDrive35i and xDrive50i. Edmunds, a published reference

Watch out

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

Going to see one? Take the checklist with you.

Open the checklist

Recalls

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

Show all 31 recalls

  • 2009–2013 Recall 18V336000

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

  • 2010–2012 Recall 18V248000

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

  • 2007–2013 Recall 18V030000

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

  • 2007–2011 Recall 17V683000

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

  • 2011–2013 Recall 17V138000

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

  • 2007–2012 Recall 17V020000

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

  • 2007–2011 Recall 16V746000

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

  • 2007–2011 Recall 16V364000

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

  • 2011 Recall 16V311000

    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

  • 2007–2013 Recall 16V071000

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

  • 2010–2012 Recall 14V176000

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

  • 2009–2010 Recall 13V339000

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

  • 2007–2010 Recall 13V045000

    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

  • 2009–2012 Recall 12V550000

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

  • 2012–2013 Recall 12V267000

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

  • 2012 Recall 12V161000

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

  • 2012 Recall 12V019000

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

  • 2010–2011 Recall 11V521000

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

  • 2009 Recall 11V441000

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

  • 2008 Recall 10V518000

    The fuel pump was not made to specification, and its commutator can wear faster. Dealers replace the pump. NHTSA

  • 2011 Recall 10V233000

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

  • 2010 Recall 10V025000

    The windshield may not be bonded well enough in its upper right corner. Dealers remove it and refit it. NHTSA

  • 2009 Recall 09V255000

    The rear brake discs may not have been made to specification, which could reduce braking at that wheel. Dealers inspect them and replace them if needed. NHTSA

  • 2008 Recall 08V170000

    These cars were built with the sport suspension's rear anti-roll bar in place of the standard one. Dealers replace it. NHTSA

  • 2007 Recall 07V479000

    In freezing, dry weather a static discharge at the fuel rails can upset the engine computer and stall the engine. Dealers fit two ground cables. NHTSA

  • 2007 Recall 07V391000

    The switch in the brake fluid reservoir cap that lights the low-fluid warning can fail in high heat. Dealers replace the cap. NHTSA

Owning

What owners and buyers say

Maintenance

Warranty when new

Basic50,000 miles or 4 years Edmunds
Drivetrain50,000 miles or 4 years Edmunds
Rust12 years EdmundsAny miles
Roadside assistance4 years EdmundsAny miles
Free scheduled maintenance50,000 miles or 4 years Edmunds

Before you pay: every warning, recall and check on one sheet.

Open the checklist