2012 BMW X5 BMW X5 2012

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2012 BMW X5 repairs by problem area

Engine (42%)

Transmission and Drivetrain (8%)

Brakes and Traction Control (5%)

Suspension and Steering (8%)

Electrical and Air Conditioning (20%)

Paint, Rust, Leaks, Rattles, and Trim (13%)

Other (3%)

Chart based on 146 repairs.
See TSBs and recalls for the 2012 BMW X5.

2012 BMW X5 repair cost distribution

$2500+ (3%)

$1000 - $2499 (16%)

$500 - $999 (7%)

$100 - $499 (12%)

< $100 (63%)

Worried about potential repair costs? An extended warranty can provide peace of mind.

Chart based on 103 repair trips. The repair cost chart excludes repairs made under warranty, do-it-yourself repairs, and repair trips that include maintenance.

2012 BMW X5

Engine not specified

BMW X5 in British Columbia, Canada
Sep 2014 - Jul 2015
Jun 2015

36580 mi

C $31
Hatch was making creaking noise. Problem still not fixed 

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2012 BMW X5 4dr SUV

turbocharged 555hp 4.4L V8 6-speed shiftable automatic AWD

BMW X5 in Ontario, Canada
Feb 2016 - Mar 2018
Mar 2017

48360 mi
Replace noisy rear wiper motor. 
Oct 2017

55800 mi
Plugged crankcase tube caused oil to blow into turbo housing and cause smoke out the exhaust. Dealer replaced crankcase tube, and ignition coils under warranty. 

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2012 BMW X5 4dr SUV

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

BMW X5 in Maryland, United States
Jul 2015 - Jun 2018
Aug 2015

18500 mi
performed n63 customer care campaign 
Jan 2017

US $300
Replace HPFP 
Feb 2017

48000 mi

US $1200
Replace brakes 
Jan 2018

60000 mi

US $700
Thrust Arm Bushings low battery warning 
Feb 2018

66000 mi

US $1400
Spark Plug #4 caused reduced power fault. Repaired under warranty. Paid to have the other 7 sparkplug and ignition coils replaced 
May 2018

70000 mi

US $180
oil change, system diagnostic 
BMW X5 in Oklahoma, United States
Dec 2015 - Apr 2016
Apr 2016

68000 mi
Quantity control valve, oil leaks 
BMW X5 in Missouri, United States
Jan 2015 - Mar 2017
Mar 2017

54000 mi

US $50
Ignition coils failed 
BMW X5 in South Carolina, United States
Oct 2016 - Oct 2020
Jun 2016

36467 mi

US $4008
Engine burning 1 qt of oil or more every 2-3 k miles. The steel gasket was replaced. 
May 2019

71276 mi

US $1107
Excessive oil cunsumption, Bmw class action lawsuit replaced all valve stem seals. 
Oct 2019

79882 mi

US $1563
Leaking coolant, and Low coolant message appeared on screen, left stranded. The expansion tank was cracked had to replace. Front tension rod bushings worn and cracked, excessive play in front axle replaced both front bushings. 
Nov 2019

81378 mi

US $2246
Check engine light, High pressure fuel pump bank 1 ,turbo auxilliary water pump replaced, Engine Malfunction power reduced, High pressure pump bank 2 , deja vu. 
May 2020

85854 mi

US $1213
Driver soft close door did not latch. Replaced the driver front door lock actuator. 
Aug 2020

86163 mi

US $1627
Clutches in transfer case slipping, replaced transfer case with used unit, Ac evaporator has a leak but not fixing. 
BMW X5 in North Carolina, United States
Mar 2012 - Apr 2017
Jul 2014

11200 mi
Tire pressure monitor repaired 
May 2015

16000 mi
Fuel injectors repaired/replaced 
Apr 2016

20200 mi
Power steering fluid leak 
BMW X5 in Washington, United States
Dec 2014 - Oct 2017
Apr 2015

38500 mi
No cold air from vents. Turned out to be evaporator sensor had failed. Evaporator failure 
Dec 2015

46000 mi

US $25
Rear climate control not functional. 
Mar 2016

48000 mi

US $200
Valve Stem seals 
Aug 2017

61500 mi

US $570
Failed oil level sensor 

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2012 BMW X5 4dr SUV

turbocharged 302hp 3.0L I6 Diesel 8-speed shiftable automatic AWD

BMW X5 in France
Apr 2013 - Dec 2016
May 2013

14000 mi
Tranny noise 
Aug 2013

17300 mi
Tranny noise was finally found to come from a faulty cardan axle, the one connecting the front differential to the front left wheel. Replacement part was unavailable, therefore another trip will be required. 
Sep 2013

21700 mi
Controller aluminum trim had buckled. Controller needed to be replaced. 
May 2014

22320 mi
Left front cardan axle became replaced under warranty. Axle caused pulsating, grinding noise when coasting at around 50 mph. 
Oct 2014

26760 mi
Tranny noise has come back. Dealer confirmed that it wasn't normal to have this noise when coasting or slowing down. Due to me going abroad, detailed inspection at dealer is postponed to May 2015. 
Jun 2015

28520 mi

€600
Oscillating noise when coasting or slowing down. BMW changed transfer box. Changed noise but didn't eliminate. Afterwards found that increasing pressure in rear tires helps. Because of slightly different circumference due to M Package? 

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2012 BMW X5 4dr SUV

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

BMW X5 in Massachusetts, United States
Mar 2012 - Apr 2017
Apr 2017

66000 mi

US $820
Filter Housing Gasket Leaking 
BMW X5 in Texas, United States
Dec 2011 - Dec 2017
Apr 2012

3300 mi
Lift gate making a hollow noise. Dealer put felt tape on the rear portion of the gate. Noise is not as noticeable but not gone. When I asked why car rattles at traffic stop, they said it was normal. Rental X5 made the same noises. 
Jan 2013 Went in to rectify lift gate rattle and roll noise. Took 3 appointments so far. 
Mar 2014

24000 mi
Car makes loading spring sound when turning left on uneven surface. Dealership couldn't replicate the problem. 
Dec 2015

44000 mi
While doing a routine oil change, check engine light came on. 3 Injectors have failed. Dealer stated that it is very common and they have new parts now. All 6 injectors, coils, etc were replaced faulty Fuel pump caused long start cranks.... 
Jan 2017

17900 mi

US $175
Engine compartment partition melted and broke 
Mar 2017

57200 mi

US $400
Rear Upper Control Arms replaced 
Dec 2017

66000 mi

US $1200
water pump failed 
BMW X5 in Washington, United States
Jul 2015 - Mar 2023
Jul 2015

42000 mi
Fuel valve (emissions) and breather line replacement 
Feb 2016

53000 mi

US $414
Lower Control Arm Strut Bushings worn beyond limits. 
Jul 2016

66200 mi

US $15
Intermittent,very long starter crank cycle before engine start only after sitting for short period between trips. Traced to fuel pump relay. 
Nov 2016

77200 mi

US $1600
Water pump and thermostat failed. 
Mar 2017

78000 mi

US $2732
AM/FM radio and GPS inop. Replaced CIC (car infotainment computer) 
Jul 2018

98638 mi

US $1547
Right rear air spring failed. Replaced both rear air springs. 
Mar 2019

100120 mi

US $300
Rear floor pan had standing water after snowfall. B-Pillar drains were cleaned and problem has not returned. 
Jun 2019

102038 mi

US $215
Coolant expansion tank cracked. Replaced tank. 
Mar 2023

135000 mi

US $400
Broken Water pump flange. 
BMW X5 in Colorado, United States
Feb 2015 - Jun 2018
May 2017

85000 mi

US $550
Oil pump leak 
BMW X5 in Colorado, United States
Sep 2017 - Jun 2018
Sep 2017

73000 mi

US $2500
Engine Repair 
BMW X5 in Massachusetts, United States
May 2011 - Oct 2016
Jan 2012

14000 mi
A creaky rear lift gate which the problem has reappeared and will be looked at again at next service. 
Apr 2012

18200 mi
Rear lift gate creak. 
May 2012

19900 mi
Rear lift gate repair previously not fixed correctly. Dealer service manager rode with me and diagnosed the issue. Lower rear portion of the lift gate was too tight and causing the upper gate to creak. Adjusted 
Nov 2012

30100 mi
Driver seat power side bolster was not functioning properly. 
BMW X5 in Massachusetts, United States
Dec 2013 - Jul 2018
Jun 2018

31000 mi

US $1500
Broken temperature sensor and water pump 
BMW X5 in Illinois, United States
Jun 2013 - Mar 2018
Mar 2018

57000 mi

US $1400
Water pump had to be replaced, car overheated and shut down on the highway. Left us stranded. 
BMW X5 in Pennsylvania, United States
May 2011 - Mar 2013
Mar 2013

28000 mi
Intermittent squeaking brakes - halfway through life. Intermittent TPMS alerts even with correct tire pressure. Neither issue reproduced or fixed by BMW dealership 
BMW X5 in Rhode Island, United States
Apr 2015 - Dec 2017
Jun 2015

42000 mi
bad rattle in rear Comfort Access lock on passenger front door did not work Rear entertainment system did not work iDrive screen badly scratched. Dealer attempted to clean, but didn't fix the issue 
Sep 2016

63000 mi

US $50
Electronic parking brake malfunctioned 
Dec 2016

68000 mi
Car was out of alignment and attempts to re-align failed. Dealer says I have to totally replace the tie rods to a tune of $1,400. I'm appealing with BMW 
Sep 2017

79000 mi
Fixed power steering which broke after they had preformed an axle re-call 
Dec 2017

81000 mi
Comfort Access door lock not functioning. Dealer attempted to replace, but installed wrong part. Returned car unfixed and different part on order. 
BMW X5 in New York, United States
Aug 2014 - Jun 2022
Jul 2015

46300 mi
erratic accelerator pedal response at low speed (starting from stop) also surging at initial startup and at low speed. dealer corrected erratic pedal response but surging still occurs intermittently 
Jul 2016

52200 mi

US $50
after a hot-restart the engine idle would vary between 600-1200 rpm. The condition required a re-flash of the engine management system. this seems to have resolved the issue. 
May 2017

56000 mi
detected smell in cabin - dealer identified leaking A/C evaporator and replaced under certified pre-owned warranty During vehicle inspection - technician identified worn brakes (rotors and pads) 

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2012 BMW X5 4dr SUV

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

BMW X5 in Texas, United States
Mar 2013 - Oct 2018
Oct 2013

24000 mi
Replace mirror switch -- was not adjusting passenger side mirror. 
Jan 2015

36000 mi
Rear and side-view cameras would go out when it rains. 
Jul 2016

56500 mi
Check engine light 
BMW X5 in Texas, United States
Sep 2011 - Jun 2014
Nov 2013

43400 mi
Diesel fuel dripping on engine, diesel fumes entering cabin. Had to replace faulty pipe. 
BMW X5 in Nevada, United States
Apr 2012 - Jan 2019
Jan 2015

22200 mi
Voice recognition not working well. Confirmed, CIC module replaced. 
Jan 2016

35800 mi
Leak at power steering pump and turbo. 
Mar 2017

66000 mi

US $200
Replaced rear brake pads and rotors 
May 2017

70117 mi

US $530
Thermostat soft fail, detected by monitoring coolant temp. Common on diesel, may cause DPF regen to not initiate and if it goes on long enough early DPF failure. 
BMW X5 in Michigan, United States
Jan 2013 - Jun 2016
Mar 2013

10000 mi
Coolant temp. sensor failure. Check engine light came on 
Dec 2013

17000 mi
Inlet air temperature sensor went bad, Check engine light went on, but vehicle could be driven 
Mar 2014

19000 mi
Check engine light came on. Computer codes indicated restricted air flow, but all parts in air intake path checked out okay. CEL reset, air filter replaced despite being clean. 
Feb 2015

30000 mi
Battery went dead. Jump started but would not hoped a charge. Battery replaced at dealer. After a week, new battery would not hold a charge. Battery replaced again, new alternator installed. 
BMW X5 in Washington, United States
Jun 2016 - Jul 2016
Jul 2016

44000 mi
EGR pump and valve were both changed, and an exhaust sensor. 
BMW X5 in Illinois, United States
Jun 2016 - Jul 2016
Jul 2016

28000 mi

US $50
Sensor for diesel additive reservoir 
BMW X5 in Ontario, Canada
Apr 2017 - Jul 2018
Feb 2017

49600 mi
this is redundant,,,,I've already entered all this information in another questionaire. 
Apr 2017

51460 mi
Recall on air bags 
BMW X5 in Illinois, United States
Sep 2012 - Jul 2015
May 2014

20300 mi
Clock Spring was making noise 
BMW X5 in Illinois, United States
Sep 2012 - Nov 2019
Mar 2013

3000 mi
Parking sensor failure 
Sep 2013

6000 mi
A short in the telematics unit that caused high battery drain when the car was sitting. 
Feb 2014

9000 mi
EGR Valve failed and replaced 
Aug 2016

25000 mi
Audio speaker improperly wired, part replaced 
Jul 2018

32000 mi
NOx sensors replaced under warranty 
BMW X5 in South Carolina, United States
Nov 2012 - Sep 2013
Jun 2013

26000 mi
False high engine oil level reading 
BMW X5 in British Columbia, Canada
Nov 2016 - Jun 2018
Jan 2017

24180 mi
slow shifting was determined to be normal 
Feb 2018

49600 mi

C $250
Rear Brakes worn indicators light came on. Dealer serviced this and discovered the flaw was in the sensor. They repaired with a used sensor part, for which they did not charge me - I paid labour only (plus shop fees). The next day, a new brake warning light came on again, indicating immediate failure. I took it back to the dealer, who replaced the “used” sensor with a new unit, and did not charge me for labour - only the parts (plus shop fees). 
BMW X5 in Washington, United States
Dec 2011 - Nov 2014
Nov 2012

24800 mi
GPS Anetenna faulty/replaced 
BMW X5 in California, United States
Oct 2015 - Dec 2017
Jun 2016

44000 mi
Regular Maintenance + Brake Fluid was low. Also, Parking Brake button broke, BMW USA refused to fix under warranty. Seems to be common issue. Est repair cost from Dealer is $315.00. 
Dec 2017

54 mi
Engine Fault, leaving engine powered reduced, valve issue needed full replacement 
BMW X5 in Ontario, Canada
Feb 2015 - Mar 2018
Oct 2015

31820 mi
glove box door trim replaced 
Sep 2017

51460 mi
Same bad design with the glovebox peeling back 
Mar 2018

59520 mi
airbag replacement replacement of roof rails from painting peeling - under warranty bc of extended warranty 
BMW X5 in Washington, United States
Feb 2015 - Jun 2016
Sep 2015

35000 mi
Windshield washers would not function. "Debris" was found in the lines, filters replaced, flushed. 
Apr 2016

48000 mi
Service indicator came on, OBD scan revealed P0101 (MAF sensor or Idle Air Control Valve). Dealership said there was a recall covering the issue and repaired/replaced with no charge (even though 4yr factory warranty had expired). 
BMW X5 in California, United States
Oct 2014 - Jun 2015
Nov 2014

27700 mi
The FM radio would reset to 86 FM in random fashion instead of staying at the radio channel I selected. I brought it in for repair at the dealership. On passenger seat, the leather seat would have a circular bulge on the side. This just make it look ugly. The dealer stated BMW warranty does not cover wear and tear item. 
BMW X5 in Washington, United States
Sep 2014 - Dec 2017
Sep 2014

26000 mi
problem with the telescoping steering wheel 
Aug 2016

33000 mi

US $800
Vehicle hesitating and uncommanded shut-offs. Dealer unable to diagnose and repair Independent service diagnosed and repaired the hesitation and shut-off problem. 
BMW X5 in Washington, United States
Mar 2015 - Jun 2018
Jul 2015

47200 mi
Tire pressure monitoring system malfunctio. All tire sensors replaced under warranty. 
Jul 2017

69000 mi
Replaced active DEF tank. Replaced driveshaft due to recall. 
Feb 2018

75000 mi

US $250
Replaced worn lower control arms. 
BMW X5 in Texas, United States
Nov 2011 - Jan 2013
Jul 2012

11500 mi
Leak developed in the dome light near to the windshield. There is a TSB on the issue but we had to return a second time to get something replaced entirely. 
BMW X5 in Alabama, United States
Jul 2015 - Sep 2018
Dec 2016

73000 mi
Front passenger door panel loose near door lock pin. 
Jun 2018

106000 mi
Dealer replaced Knox sensors (2) due to check engine light. Car was running perfectly fine. Repairs made under 10yr/120K mi emissions warranty. 
BMW X5 in Massachusetts, United States
Oct 2013 - Jul 2022
Mar 2014

12000 mi
Mass airflow sensor was defective causing check engine light to come on. Vehicle still drove fine with possible decrease in fuel economy. Dealer replaced part under factory warranty for no charge which fixed the issue. 
Dec 2014

19000 mi
Minimum brake pad warning message appeared but brakes still functioned fine. Dealer confirmed that it was a faulty brake pad sensor and that brake pads were not worn. They replaced the sensor at no charge under main warranty. 
Oct 2016

34300 mi
Vehicle stalled once when turning left in an intersection and has almost stalled a few other times. Dealer tried to reproduce but could not. No fault codes or check engine light ever appeared. 
Aug 2017

45000 mi
Vehicle stalled while stopped and misfired on several occasions (mostly over the past year). Vehicle failed to start once, it finally did start but then check engine light came on. Dealer tried to reproduce but could not. Dealer could not find any fault codes and the check engine light did not come on for them when they started it. 
Sep 2017

45000 mi

US $50
Vehicle shifted into neutral on its own @65mph; vehicle stalled @45mph; vehicle stalled several times while stopped; vehicle engine misfired on several occasions. Dealer discovered the crankshaft sensor was bad and replaced it under warranty less $50 co-pay. 
Sep 2018

53000 mi

US $50
CEL came on. I took it to the dealer and they said the primary diesel exhaust fluid tank was faulty. They replaced it under the 10yr/100k mile emissions warranty (less $50 co-pay). 
Mar 2019

56729 mi

US $1713
Extracted broken wheel lock & replaced with regular studs. Replaced both rear coil springs due to small break/piece missing on tapered end of one of the springs. Brake pedal seemed abnormally stiff. Dealer replaced brake booster vacuum line and check valve. 
Jul 2020

65041 mi

US $214
Unable to open hood. Indy shop went in though wheel liner and got it to open. They replaced broken hood release cable and lubed the hood locks. 
Oct 2020

66111 mi

US $651
No heat when cold outside, reduced MPG, Indy shop replaced thermostat and coolant. 
Dec 2020

67079 mi

US $1947
Service engine soon light came on. No power (limp mode). Dealer found EGR cooler clamp is leaking, cracked EGR cooler. Dealer replace EGR cooler and clamp. 
Mar 2021

67923 mi

US $100
CEL came on. Codes indicated emissions issue. Cleaned Mass Air Flow Sensor (MAF). Cleaned Manifold Absolute Pressure Sensor (MAP). Replaced MAP. 
Mar 2022

72799 mi

US $611
Went from 24MPG avg to 21MPG due to frozen front left brake caliper that went unnoticed. I bought new aftermarket front calipers, rotors, pads, and brake wear sensor and did the labor myself. 
BMW X5 in British Columbia, Canada
Apr 2012 - Jan 2018
May 2012 Exhaust ping sensor Air conditioner belt broke 
Nov 2012

7480 mi
Software update - service bulletin 
Nov 2014

43400 mi
Leak in drain valve from sunroof damaged computer for transmission. Had to order part from back east. 
Jan 2016

15600 mi
Glow plug was broken and needed to be replaced 
Apr 2017

56420 mi

C $1000
Exhaust sensor 
BMW X5 in Pennsylvania, United States
Dec 2011 - Sep 2013
Jan 2013

8200 mi
Software update Wind deflector for Sunroof repaired 
Apr 2013

11500 mi
Replaced leaking transmission cooling lines. O ring failure caused leak. 
BMW X5 in Alabama, United States
Sep 2015 - Jun 2018
Nov 2015

44400 mi
Check Engine light came on, replaced NOx sensor under warranty. 
Dec 2015

46000 mi
"Fuel Pump Malfunction" warning came on. Dealer found faulty EKPS Control Unit (fuel pump controller). Also replaced front rotors due to wear. 
Jan 2016

46300 mi
Fuel Pump Error light came on again. Found faulty rear distribution block, had to wait for part to come in. Put 400 miles on the car road testing it. 

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2012 BMW X5 4-door

6-cylinder diesel automatic AWD

BMW X5 in New Jersey, United States
Dec 2012 - Jul 2014
Dec 2013

15000 mi
Wearing through tires every 7K miles. Have had to refill the fuel additive every 4K miles. Engine light comes on, they fix it and it comes on again. They said it is only happening on Diesel vehicles. 

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2012 BMW X5 Repair Histories

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 2012 BMW X5 problems occur, check out our car reliability stats.