2011 BMW X5 BMW X5 2011

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2011 BMW X5 repairs by problem area

Engine (51%)

Transmission and Drivetrain (5%)

Brakes and Traction Control (3%)

Suspension and Steering (7%)

Electrical and Air Conditioning (24%)

Paint, Rust, Leaks, Rattles, and Trim (8%)

Other (1%)

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Chart based on 201 repairs.
See TSBs and recalls for the 2011 BMW X5.

2011 BMW X5 electrical repair cost distribution

$2500+ (4%)

$1000 - $2499 (0%)

$500 - $999 (4%)

$100 - $499 (22%)

< $100 (70%)

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Chart based on 46 repair trips. The repair cost chart excludes repairs made under warranty, do-it-yourself repairs, and repair trips that include maintenance.

2011 BMW X5

Engine not specified

43200 mi I also had a daily warning of "battery drain" that was caused by failures of a cable that had a TSB out on it and a battery that did not pass the test outlined in a related TSB. Both were replaced. 

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2011 BMW X5 4dr SUV

turbocharged 400hp 4.4L V8 8-speed shiftable automatic AWD

28700 mi Power tailgate opened automatically. 
35000 mi battery warning light = "low voltage" 
45000 mi System Software Update to help oil level monitoring issue 
46000 mi

US $50
Rearview mirror leaking oil that allows it to darken at night 
88000 mi

US $180
Replaced battery and registered it in car computer 
97000 mi Recall and replacement of airbag by dealer 
22000 mi adaptive headlights failed 

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2011 BMW X5 4dr SUV

turbocharged 300hp 3.0L I6 8-speed shiftable automatic AWD

30700 mi Nav rear camera 
33300 mi Auto steering wheel module replaced do to erratic behavior. 
28000 mi Key fobs needed to be reprogrammed. 
61400 mi

US $3500
Slight A/C core leak detected by dealer. Repair required replacement of the A/C core. Dash was removed to access core, core was replaced. Repair cost was $3500. 
120000 mi

US $900
Headlight (Xenon) and DRL replacement 
6200 mi

US $50
A/C needed recharge after only 12 months. There is likely a leak. Repaired using a simple recharge at low cost, though a more expensive leak fix is likely needed. 
65000 mi Power seat thigh support motor stopped working. 
33700 mi

US $115
The smart key did not work at all with the Comfort Access (keyless) functions, and intermittently worked when slotted into the ignition and used to manually unlock the car. 
37000 mi

US $3210
The iDrive screen developed weird dark spots, but wasn't cracked, and would sometimes flicker. iDrive screen was replaced. 
71700 mi

US $500
Condenser hose had leak, requiring replacement and recharge. 
38700 mi

US $100
Mirror stopped power folding. 
11000 mi The battery was faulty and produced fluctuating voltage. This caused several sensors to malfunction rendering the car inoperative. 
15000 mi The X5 has a harness that powers my blackberry. This harness didn't work properly and after handling the routine maintenance, an order was put in for an new harness. I'm supposed to come back when the part comes in. 
17300 mi Part arrived from back in December and it was installed. Dropped it off on a Friday and picked up on a Saturday. 
28500 mi Video image from the back up camera is distorted at the bottom of the screen. The dealer wants to reload software as a first step in attempting to fix the problem but reload requires a full day in the garage. 
29000 mi Back up camera image was distorted and required software reload. 
63000 mi Battery has reached the end of its useful life, but replacement requires some reprogramming from the dealer. 

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2011 BMW X5 4dr SUV

turbocharged 265hp 3.0L I6 Diesel 6-speed shiftable automatic AWD

60200 mi Comfort access module and keyless entry (door handle). 
64500 mi This is the third "comfort access" door handle replacement (each a different door). 
92000 mi Restraint system sensor in passenger side seat was reading that child carseat was present when it was not. Periodic issue. 
80300 mi

US $498
Battery needed replacing 
2000 mi Pin in electrical plug was loose and causing many warning lights. 
33340 mi Rear camera malfunction. Front sensor malfunction.  
49000 mi Stored settings for iDrive display would change each time I started the car. They replaced the iDrive module and reprogrammed. 
60600 mi

US $275
Faulty oil level sensor; oil over max level reading, however correct amount verified multiple times. 
111000 mi

US $400
Blower was squealing 
61000 mi

US $444
Left Rear inner tail light (LED) assembly had failed and required replacement. 
94491 mi

US $402
Replaced original battery. After almost 10 years of service. 
18300 mi Charge Air Temp Sensor replaced. Also exhaust smell in vehicle. 
55400 mi

US $74
Right secondary brake light assembly had been throwing trouble code off and on for 10,000 miles. This visit they determined that light housing had been infiltrated by water. Housing replaced gratis since trouble began during main warranty. 
22320 mi Adaptive headlight failure. The attempted repair did not fix the issue, which continues intermittently. 
35840 mi 2nd replacement of the "stepper motor control" for the adaptive headlights 
53320 mi

C $200
Adaptive headlight motor assembly 
73780 mi

C $200
Evaporator replacement 
42700 mi usb port and 9v port not working-replaced under warranty 
32860 mi tire pressure monitor failed. 
Brake pedal sensor needed adjustment. Pressing on the brake to shift transmission into gear didn't always work. Still an intermittent problem. 
24000 mi Brake pedal sensor still needed adjustment. Pressing on the brake to shift transmission into gear didn't always work. Still an intermittent problem. 
10000 mi Rear brake light bulb was out. Repaired when the car was brought in for routine, scheduled maintenance. 
16000 mi ipod connection was not working 

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2011 BMW X5 Electrical Problems

See our lemon odds and nada odds page to see vehicles with no repairs or vehicles with more than three repairs. To see how frequently 2011 BMW X5 problems occur, check out our car reliability stats.