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%)

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

2011 BMW X5 repair cost distribution

$2500+ (3%)

$1000 - $2499 (8%)

$500 - $999 (7%)

$100 - $499 (17%)

< $100 (65%)

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

Chart based on 130 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

BMW X5 in Washington, United States
Nov 2013 - Jun 2014
Jan 2014

42000 mi
Turbos leaking oil, causing oily smell in the cabin 
Feb 2014

43200 mi
Turbos were not leaking, it was actually two leaking PCV lines. Both were fixed and the smell has been abated. 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 555hp 4.4L V8 6-speed shiftable automatic AWD

BMW X5 in Washington, United States
Jan 2021 - Jan 2022
Apr 2021

79540 mi

US $3000
Left rear air spring replaced Cooling system expansion tank, coolant lines, auxiliary turbocharger cooling pump 

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2011 BMW X5 4dr SUV

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

BMW X5 in Washington, United States
Mar 2012 - Jan 2015
Jul 2013

28700 mi
Power tailgate opened automatically. 
Oct 2013

32500 mi
oil level sensor 
Dec 2013

35000 mi
battery warning light = "low voltage" 
Mar 2014

38000 mi
Local BMW dealer is monitoring the oil consumption by writing down the mileage whenever the low oil-level warning lights up and requires me to add more oil. Currently, 2 quarts of oil every 3,000 miles. Per BMW, this is within normal tolerance.  
Sep 2014

45000 mi
System Software Update to help oil level monitoring issue 
Nov 2014

47000 mi
failed fuel injectors, replaced fuel injectors (8) and spark plugs (8) 
BMW X5 in Texas, United States
Feb 2015 - Dec 2017
Jun 2015

29000 mi
N63 engine campaign 
BMW X5 in Illinois, United States
Sep 2011 - Mar 2012
Oct 2011

22000 mi
adaptive headlights failed 
BMW X5 in Washington, United States
Jan 2015 - Feb 2015
Feb 2015

69000 mi
35d, diesel ran great til just out or warranty. I have had 6 CEL warnings in 13 months. Had to trade it in. 
BMW X5 in Oklahoma, United States
Nov 2014 - Jun 2018
May 2015

61800 mi

US $400
Auxiliary Water Pump for the twin-turbo's failed. 
Nov 2016

93000 mi

US $2230
Engine turbos burning excessive amounts of oil and leaking coolant. Coolant lines replaced, turbo drain plug leaking but turbos are also faulty. turbos not replaced. 
Dec 2016

95000 mi
Coolant line burst. 
Feb 2017

98000 mi

US $250
Spark Plug #8 failed. Replaced all 8 spark plugs. 
BMW X5 in Arizona, United States
Jan 2014 - Mar 2016
Sep 2014

48000 mi
minor small leak in a vacuum pump that was covered under my warranty and would be covered by CPO 
Jan 2015

50200 mi

US $50
Ignition coil was bad, replaced under cpo warranty Rearview mirror leaking oil that allows it to darken at night 
Aug 2015

54100 mi

US $50
Service bulletin for this engine was performed and a number of oil leaks were fixed as well. 
Mar 2016

57000 mi

US $50
Another oil leak, this time from around the turbos Drivers sun visor falls out of roof 
BMW X5 in Connecticut, United States
Dec 2011 - Sep 2014
Sep 2014

63000 mi

US $1300
Needed all new fuel injectors and spark plugs. Originally they want 4500 dollars but me picked up 85 pct goodwill 
BMW X5 in California, United States
Oct 2012 - Nov 2013
Feb 2013

7700 mi
Broken U Joint that comes out of the front of the transfer box Steering rack puking fluid, had to be completely removed and replaced. Would have cost around $5K if no warranty! 
BMW X5 in Tennessee, United States
Aug 2015 - Jun 2018
Sep 2015

83000 mi
Drive shaft failed, BMW repaired under recall notice Slow leak in left rear air bag leveling suspension. Replaced both left and right air bags myself for under $400, dealer quoted $1500. 
Jan 2017

US $180
Replaced battery and registered it in car computer Right front fender reflector came out after a car wash, bought adhesive tap and reinstalled 
Oct 2017

97000 mi
Side light on driver side, glued in place with silicon. Recall and replacement of airbag by dealer 
BMW X5 in British Columbia, Canada
Dec 2020 - Dec 2021
Jul 2021

99200 mi

C $5867
Vale seals, all gaskets, oil change 
BMW X5 in Virginia, United States
Sep 2010 - Sep 2014

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2011 BMW X5 4dr SUV

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

BMW X5 in Taiwan
Oct 2013 - Oct 2013
Oct 2013

22940 mi
fuel pump failure 
BMW X5 in Florida, United States
Sep 2010 - Jun 2014
Nov 2011

9600 mi

US $50
Sand abrasion on rocker panels; sanded and repainted 
Feb 2012

11000 mi
The battery was faulty and produced fluctuating voltage. This caused several sensors to malfunction rendering the car inoperative. 
BMW X5 in New Mexico, United States
Jul 2012 - Jul 2013
Nov 2012

30700 mi
Nav rear camera 
Jan 2013

33300 mi
Auto steering wheel module replaced do to erratic behavior. 
BMW X5 in California, United States
Nov 2016 - Apr 2022
Mar 2022

120000 mi

US $900
Headlight (Xenon) and DRL replacement 
BMW X5 in Virginia, United States
Jun 2012 - Sep 2014
Jul 2012

20000 mi
Fuel Filler Vent System 
Nov 2013

38700 mi

US $100
Mirror stopped power folding. 
BMW X5 in Texas, United States
Nov 2021 - Jul 2022
Feb 2022

116000 mi

US $300
Parking brake would not disengage. Had to replace the rear brake shoes and module 
BMW X5 in Minnesota, United States
Oct 2014 - Jan 2020
Jan 2015

US $50
Thrust bushings leaking 
Nov 2015

58700 mi

US $50
Water pump seized Sway bar link broken 
Feb 2016

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. 
Apr 2016

62000 mi

US $100
Front drive-shaft u-joint failed, drive-shaft rotated freely and fractured the transmission case. BMW has since issued a recall for this failure mode. Transmission, under shields, and drive-shaft were replaced by BMW. The new transmission case didn't properly seal from the previous repair and a transmission fluid leak was observed. An attempt to reseal the transmission was made but failed. A 3rd transmission was installed and the leak was resolved. 
May 2016

63300 mi

US $50
Turbo vacuum line was cracked and boost reduced. 
Jul 2016

65800 mi

US $50
Turbo vacuum line was cracked (different line than previous repair). Reduced boost was observed. 
Feb 2017

77000 mi

US $50
Rear air spring leaking and replaced. 
Apr 2018

93000 mi
Left rear air spring replacement Accessories belt tensioner 
Mar 2019

105000 mi

US $140
Misfires, couldn’t be replicated. 
BMW X5 in Minnesota, United States
Sep 2014 - Nov 2017
May 2015

80000 mi

US $175
Car would rev on startup 4 to 7 times. Only after engine was warm but not hot. They updated the engine software and problem was gone. 
Oct 2015

85700 mi

US $550
Water pump going bad. Engine will overheat. 
Jul 2017

106000 mi

US $7
Oil cooler gasket was leaking. 
BMW X5 in Minnesota, United States
Jun 2013 - Sep 2014
Apr 2014

71700 mi

US $500
Condenser hose had leak, requiring replacement and recharge. 
Jul 2014

75000 mi

US $2000
4x4 Stabilization, ABS, Brake lights all came on. Identified transfer case as the problem, required replacement. $4800 job. 
Sep 2014

75000 mi

US $1300
Water pump and thermostat replacement. Dealer identified an oil leak around valve cover, oil leak around filter mount, and a bush rod cover leaking. 
BMW X5 in California, United States
Mar 2014 - Apr 2014
Apr 2014

49000 mi
Turbo was leaking. Dealer replaced the entire turbo. 
BMW X5 in Washington, United States
Mar 2014 - Mar 2020
Dec 2014

28000 mi
Key fobs needed to be reprogrammed. 
Jul 2017

74000 mi
The coolant expansion tank cracked while driving. Overheated & had to be towed. The length of time that it was hot must have fried the water pump as well as BMW replaced that as well. 
Oct 2017

78360 mi

US $45
Replace front sway bar links. Bushings had worn to the point that bumps created a 'thunk' from the front end. Problem easily solved. 
BMW X5 in Alaska, United States
May 2015 - Jun 2018
Sep 2017

75800 mi
replace driveshaft 
Oct 2017

76000 mi

US $1138
replace oil cooler seals, valvetronic wiring harness, intake manifold gaskets 
BMW X5 in Texas, United States
Dec 2010 - Sep 2013
Dec 2011

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. 
Apr 2012

17300 mi
Part arrived from back in December and it was installed. Dropped it off on a Friday and picked up on a Saturday. 
BMW X5 in Colorado, United States
Jun 2017 - Jun 2018
Oct 2017

98000 mi

US $700
oil leak from oil filter housing.  Now shop says oil leaks coming from transmission pan gasket and oil pressure sensor. 
BMW X5 in Colorado, United States
Sep 2015 - Sep 2016
Aug 2016

71300 mi

US $1300
Complete replacement of water pump, radiator, and hoses 
BMW X5 in Texas, United States
Feb 2011 - Mar 2014
Nov 2011

6900 mi
Plastic covers for back seat hinges came off, dealer replaced plastic cover. Old cover had deformed clips so it couldn't hold on tight. 
Apr 2012

14200 mi
left Shock came off from rear gate and caused damage to the frame and paint while trying to close several times, with remote button (wife). Dealer said they will replace shock and fix /repaint the dent to avoid rust. 
Oct 2012

22300 mi
While in motion, X5 lost Drive mode, and will not come out of Neutral until turning engine off and on again + check engine light came on. Dealer left oil cap loose while refilling, oil spilled all over the engine and driveway. 
Feb 2014

44000 mi
Two bolts broke at the VANOS and cramshaft area. The X5 stopped running at a stop light. Because it's a 4 wheel drive and the electronic park that got engaged, special tow dollie wheels needed to be used. Dealer didn't want to pay for tow. After dealer repaired the VANOS screws that broke, and the computer went crazy. I tried to open the hood and I couldn't. Went back to the dealer, and the next day they said the guy cable that open the hood broke! Bad quality BMW! 
BMW X5 in Pennsylvania, United States
Dec 2010 - Jan 2016
Aug 2011

10000 mi
Burning a bit of oil. Topped off, told to watch for anything further. Suspect some blow-by as direct injected 
Sep 2015

78000 mi
Turbo blown. Covered under good will by dealer. 
BMW X5 in Texas, United States
Jan 2017 - Jun 2018
Jun 2017

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. 
Sep 2017

65000 mi
Power seat thigh support motor stopped working. 
Dec 2017

67000 mi
Bushing was leaking, will need to be replaced in next several months 
BMW X5 in Oklahoma, United States
Jul 2015 - May 2017
Aug 2015

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. 
Sep 2015

37000 mi

US $3210
The iDrive screen developed weird dark spots, but wasn't cracked, and would sometimes flicker. iDrive screen was replaced. I tried to merge onto the highway right, and got 4x4 and chassis stabilization errors, and the car went into limp-home mode. The dealership did not reset the steering-angle sensor when it did some electrical work for the iDrive screen. 
BMW X5 in Georgia, United States
Sep 2015 - Jan 2016
Jan 2016

US $857
Oil cooler seal and intake manifold gasket failure. Mechanics states caused by longer periods of time between oil changes. Seals dried, compressed and failed to sustain standard oil pressure. to prevent, change oil every 6k mi instead of 10k 
BMW X5 in Oregon, United States
Jan 2016 - Jun 2021
Sep 2017

80000 mi

US $600
Replaced water pump 
BMW X5 in New York, United States
Nov 2011 - Jun 2016
Aug 2012

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. 
Sep 2012

29000 mi
Back up camera image was distorted and required software reload. 
Feb 2015

55100 mi
Engine light came on indication a problem with the engine and that the car was operating at reduced power. It was discovered by the dealer that during a previous service a vacuum hose was inadvertently cut. The hose was repaired. 
Apr 2015

56300 mi
The dealer had damaged a vacuum hose during a previous service. Instead of replacing the part, they attempted to repair a cheap hose, which did not hold. This hose had to be replaced on this visit. 
Aug 2015

59100 mi

US $1400
Water pump failed and required replacement 
Nov 2015

62000 mi

US $1500
Tie rod bushings worn and loose. Some noise from front end. Tie rod ends replaced. 
Jun 2016

63000 mi
Parking brake no longer sets. The dealer told me that in order to fix the issue they needed to replace the entire emergency/parking brake system. Battery has reached the end of its useful life, but replacement requires some reprogramming from the dealer. Oil leak around the oil filter. 
BMW X5 in Virginia, United States
Nov 2014 - Sep 2016
Dec 2014

78000 mi

US $400
Turbo actuator. The same problem over and over. Every few weeks i have a some issues with turbo engine reduced power. Out of warranty. 

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2011 BMW X5 4dr SUV

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

BMW X5 in California, United States
Apr 2017 - May 2018
Apr 2018

72000 mi

US $900
catalytic converter and exhaust 
BMW X5 in Washington, United States
Feb 2015 - Dec 2016
May 2015

49000 mi
Rear hatch rattling. Adjusted Stored settings for iDrive display would change each time I started the car. They replaced the iDrive module and reprogrammed. pump or fan blade noise coming from under the driver's seat. I recorded it and played it for the service advisor. They couldn't duplicate it. Still an issue. Having to live with it. 
Dec 2016

75000 mi
Warning on iDrive that transmission may not be able to shift into Park. No symptoms other than warning. Happens in cold weather. 
BMW X5 in Oregon, United States
May 2016 - Jun 2020
Sep 2016

101000 mi
Front axle replacement? 
BMW X5 in Connecticut, United States
Feb 2015 - Jun 2017
Jun 2015

60000 mi

US $50
Noise coming from suspension whenever going over uneven road. 
Oct 2016

75000 mi

US $400
One morning car went into limp mode. P0401, P0101, P0069, P0299. Dealer performed smoke test and found leaks in crankcase breather hose, breather hose heater and turbo boost sensor. Only boost sensor was covered by NCA warranty. 
Feb 2017

80500 mi

US $498
Battery needed replacing 
May 2017

83000 mi

US $150
Engine light came on, dealer diagnosis was upstream NOx sensor, but advised it could also be downstream but wouldn't know until upstream replaced. Also stated could be catalyst. No repair performed, engine light did not return during the last six weeks I had the car... 
BMW X5 in California, United States
May 2015 - Jun 2016
Jul 2015

76700 mi
Mass air flow malfunction 
Feb 2016

85700 mi
Turbo leaking oil 
Jun 2016

90000 mi

US $135
Loss of power warning. Dealer had to perform a software update/upgrade. 
BMW X5 in Maryland, United States
Nov 2016 - Jun 2018
Jun 2018

126000 mi

US $700
Engine temperature was operating lower than specification. Replaced thermostat and water pump. 
BMW X5 in Missouri, United States
Jul 2015 - Dec 2021
Aug 2015

60200 mi
Comfort access module and keyless entry (door handle). 
Jan 2016 This is the third "comfort access" door handle replacement (each a different door). 
Nov 2016

75700 mi
Broken parking brake switch 
Sep 2017

87000 mi

US $2700
Def tank 
Nov 2017

91000 mi
Replacement of second def tank due to sensor failure. 
Jan 2018

92000 mi
Restraint system sensor in passenger side seat was reading that child carseat was present when it was not. Periodic issue. 
Nov 2018

102000 mi
Emmission. DEF sensor failure. Repaired under warranty. 
Oct 2021

124000 mi

US $550
Oil leak to turbo. 
Dec 2021

126000 mi

US $1700
Throttle body replacement 
BMW X5 in Michigan, United States
Feb 2012 - Apr 2013
May 2012

18300 mi
Charge Air Temp Sensor replaced. Also exhaust smell in vehicle. 
Jul 2012

20700 mi
Oil Change. Exhaust smell in vehicle. 
Nov 2012

26300 mi
Exhaust smell in vehicle. Area surrounding turbo has turned black from soot. BMW says this in "normal". Vehicle inspection. 
BMW X5 in Alberta, Canada
Oct 2010 - Jan 2012
Jan 2011

10540 mi
Black bumper trim on front bumper was misaligned. Dealer noted the clips holding the black bumper piece were not in and readjusted. 
Jun 2011

17980 mi
Window seal on drivers door became loose and was replaced by the dealer. 
BMW X5 in Connecticut, United States
Dec 2010 - Apr 2012
Jan 2011

2000 mi
Pin in electrical plug was loose and causing many warning lights. 
Jan 2012 Emission related 
Feb 2012

13300 mi
Spot weld defect. Car made a small tick noise when turning or going over some bumps. They did the repair and for the most part the tick frequency definitely went down. Most people would not even hear it. Diesel related problem, a bad EGR valve. It just took them a few tries as there is more than one but the codes do not differentiate. 
BMW X5 in Missouri, United States
Nov 2010 - Dec 2012
Jan 2012

10000 mi
Popping/creaking noise in left a/b pillar area when right front tire encountered raise in pavement. Happens occasionally. Techs reset all trim inside left door/window areas. No change. Reports on internet indicate it could be a cracked weld. Headliner, all left side door and window trim removed. Areas checked for broken welds. None found. Factory engineer applied "sound proofing sealer" around all areas to eliminate "oil can" distortion in unibody. 
Mar 2012

13000 mi
Error code stated that all-wheel drive and stability system not working. No problem found. Code reset. 
BMW X5 in New York, United States
Dec 2010 - Mar 2013
Mar 2012

10000 mi
Rear brake light bulb was out. Repaired when the car was brought in for routine, scheduled maintenance. 
Dec 2012

16000 mi
ipod connection was not working 
BMW X5 in New York, United States
Oct 2010 - Nov 2014
Oct 2011

16000 mi
Headlight washer covering was broken 
Dec 2011

20000 mi
Hedlight washer cover broke for second time. Fixed on 1st trip. 
BMW X5 in Ohio, United States
Aug 2010 - Jun 2017
Jan 2011

25300 mi
Rattle and squeak in rear hatch when driving. 
Sep 2012

38000 mi
Check Engine Light --> SCR Delivery Module failed and replaced. Check Engine Light --> EGR module failed and replaced. 
May 2014

60600 mi

US $275
Faulty oil level sensor; oil over max level reading, however correct amount verified multiple times. 
Jun 2014

60000 mi
Faulty oxygen sensor warning light (check engine) 
Oct 2015

77500 mi

US $1071
Diesel emissions warning "incorrect DEF". Front and rear NOX sensors faulty; diesel exhaust fluid metering valve faulty. Repaired and replaced. BMW provided "good will" covering 35 percent of cost. Net cost actually paid reported. 
BMW X5 in British Columbia, Canada
Aug 2010 - Aug 2014
Jan 2011

6200 mi
Air Charge sensor replaced 
Apr 2012

19220 mi
Dealer replaced EGR Valve and reprogrammed ECM 
BMW X5 in Kansas, United States
Nov 2010 - Jan 2012
Jan 2012 Service engine light was on-need to replace faulty sensor for emission control. Is scheduled to go in next week after ordering part. This will be third visit to identify and hopefully fix the problem. 
BMW X5 in Ontario, Canada
Aug 2010 - Nov 2012
May 2011

10400 mi
Engine light on. Mechanic found mouse nest under air cleaner cowling. Changed sensor. Inspected wiring for damage. Did scheduled maintenance. Problem resolved. 
Dec 2011

17980 mi
Problem still not resolved. BMW must develop a fix. This is an issue with all X5 diesels. They will call when they figure it out!! 
Jan 2012

21700 mi
EGR Valve. Something relating to an IB issue. Not a recall but a common issue. 
May 2012

33340 mi
Rear camera malfunction. Front sensor malfunction.  EGR replacement. Regular scheduled maintenance. 
Oct 2012

40300 mi
Engine light on. Exhaust system sensor. 
Nov 2012

40300 mi
Engine light back on. Same problem with sensor in exhaust. Time to replace car. Done. 
BMW X5 in British Columbia, Canada
Aug 2010 - Jan 2011
Nov 2010

1340 mi
metallic noise in right rear suspension when driving over certain speed bumps. Source of problem diagnosed and a temporary lubricant has eliminated noise. A 2nd follow-up visit will be required to insert a longer lasting talcum powder. 2nd trip back to shop for rear suspension metallic noises. Problem briefly cured with injection of talcum lubricant, but noises returned. Due serious unrelated back pain & the challenge of getting in and out of this high up beast, I sold it. 
BMW X5 in California, United States
Feb 2011 - Nov 2013
Jun 2012

15000 mi
replaced CATs and EGR valves. Replaced hoses to intercooler. Two recalls were resovled. Car was leaking oil when brought in. 
Jun 2013

22000 mi
emission system problem. Dealer replaced the DEF tank and pump. 
BMW X5 in New Jersey, United States
Jan 2011 - Mar 2013
Jan 2013 Brake pedal sensor needed adjustment. Pressing on the brake to shift transmission into gear didn't always work. Still an intermittent problem. 
Mar 2013

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. 
BMW X5 in Saskatchewan, Canada
Mar 2012 - Jul 2015
Aug 2013

32860 mi
tire pressure monitor failed. 
Dec 2013

42160 mi
Bolt fell out of idler pulley for serpentine belt. Sould have been a recall notice sent but we were missed and it broke. 
BMW X5 in Washington, United States
Jul 2012 - Jun 2018
Jun 2014

56000 mi
DEF temp sensor failed. Replaced under a "good will" program since it was just came out of warranty. 
Dec 2014

59000 mi

US $2350
EGR Valve failed and needed to be replaced. 
Apr 2018

111000 mi

US $400
Blower was squealing 
BMW X5 in Connecticut, United States
Aug 2010 - Jun 2015
Jan 2011

31300 mi
Extreme cold operating temperatures (Below zero Fahrenheit for 10+ days) caused low EGR flow reading and orange CEL that does not self-clear. System checked, code cleared by dealer. On the plus side, diesel started easily in cold weather. 
Mar 2013

36000 mi
Upper radiator hose burst resulting in coolant loss. 
Oct 2013

44500 mi
Leather covering the side bolster on bottom of the driver's seat had ripped loose from the seat frame. Overnight stay required as part had to be shipped in from remote warehouse. 
Dec 2013

47000 mi
Cover on vanity mirror in driver side sun visor slides freely causing the vanity light to come on unexpectedly during driving. 
Aug 2014

55400 mi

US $50
Emissions check engine light activated. Diagnostic flow chart showed first step is to "reset adaptations". No parts, just programming and diagnostics. Emissions light returned again within hours of leaving dealership with truck. 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. Emissions error code second trip - Replaced Exhaust Cooler and Exhaust Cooler temperature sensor. Emissions light returned while driving X5 back to work after leaving dealer, see next repair trip for resolution. 
Sep 2014

56000 mi
Third trip for emissions system troubles. Replaced EGR throttle valve assembly. 
Dec 2014

59000 mi

US $50
"Charge Air Pressure Sensor" failed and needed to be replaced. Car was diagnosed and could have been fixed on this trip if part were available. Car drivable, picked it up, drove it home and brought it back to dealer again next day. "Charge Air Pressure Sensor" that was diagnosed as having failed on prior repair visit (and ordered on prior repair visit) arrived at dealer and was installed. 
Jun 2015

65000 mi

US $50
Temperature sensor inside Diesel Exhaust Fluid active tank giving anomalous readings. Repair is to replace active tank, a $1,000+ part that'll take 5 hours to R&R. Part not in stock, ordered, will have to return to repair. Diesel Exhaust Fluid active tank arrived and dealer installed it. Final straw, I no longer trust this car to be a long time keeper. I traded it in on an i3 lease. 
BMW X5 in California, United States
May 2014 - May 2020
Nov 2014

39000 mi
Front brake pads, rotors, sensor wire. Right front brake caliper. Rear brake pads, sensor wire. Brake Fluid Flush, Microfilter. 
Dec 2015

53000 mi
Check Engine Light came on. Dealer scanned and diagnosed problem as pre-cat NOx sensor. Since California has a 7 year/70,000 miles emissions warranty, all costs were waived. 
Jan 2016

42700 mi
Check engine light and vehicle goes into "limp mode" (decreased engine power). Codes P1729 and P3160. Cause was internally shorted fuel injector on cylinder #5. BMW Part #13537808089. Covered under 7-yr./70,000-mile emissions warranty. 
BMW X5 in Pennsylvania, United States
Nov 2011 - Mar 2013
Apr 2012

11000 mi
Egr Cooler was cracked and replaced 
BMW X5 in Ohio, United States
Dec 2010 - Jul 2013
Jan 2012

17000 mi
egr valve failed 
Mar 2012

12000 mi
egr valve failed 
BMW X5 in Vermont, United States
May 2011 - Dec 2016
Nov 2011

20400 mi
Diesel - Check engine light; intake airflow sensor was replaced under warranty. 
Sep 2014

58000 mi

US $50
While replacing wheel bearing dealer's mechanic discovered a leaking rubber air spring in the rear suspension. 
BMW X5 in Texas, United States
Jul 2011 - Dec 2014
Oct 2013

42700 mi
usb port and 9v port not working-replaced under warranty 
BMW X5 in Alberta, Canada
Jul 2011 - Oct 2017
Mar 2013

22320 mi
Adaptive headlight failure. The attempted repair did not fix the issue, which continues intermittently. 
Jan 2014

35840 mi
2nd replacement of the "stepper motor control" for the adaptive headlights 
Feb 2015

53320 mi

C $200
Adaptive headlight motor assembly 
Jan 2016

40140 mi

C $1191
Had to replace glow plug module and all 6 glow plugs. 
Aug 2016

73780 mi

C $200
Evaporator replacement 
Dec 2016

79360 mi

C $250
Bushing and bearing replacement Controller failure 
BMW X5 in Florida, United States
Aug 2010 - Dec 2012
Oct 2012

11700 mi
engine light went on, recall, software upgrade 
BMW X5 in Pennsylvania, United States
Jul 2013 - Jul 2022
Feb 2015

42300 mi
Electric parking brake failure. Brake seized and required emergency release to make car drive able. 
Dec 2016

61000 mi

US $444
Left Rear inner tail light (LED) assembly had failed and required replacement. 
Apr 2017

64000 mi

US $182
Cooling system is like the old days--no clear expansion tank, etc. When the alert system says you are low on coolant, you are dangerously below minimum. Discovered this in the middle of nowhere. Partially filled system with well water and the closest anti-freeze I could find. Had the system flushed and correct coolant/water combo filled. Thought coolant system was checked whenever car was in shop (BMW 21-point check), but found out the hard way it was not. 
May 2017

64946 mi
Faulty glow plug (diesel) - cylinder 4. Engine fault light announced the problem. Replaced diesel glow plug control unit. Check engine light indicated problem. Diagnostic indicated the #4 plug had failed (replaced 5/3). Further inspection discovered fault in the control unit itself. 
Nov 2017

70200 mi
Exhaust Gas Recirculator cooling unit failure. CEL indicated problem. Flap function test indicated improper flap movement. Dealer covered cost as warranty had expired only 2 weeks prior to service. 
Jun 2018

74000 mi

US $550
Mouse chewed an oxygen sensor in turbo. 
Oct 2020

94491 mi

US $402
Replaced original battery. After almost 10 years of service. 

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2011 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 2011 BMW X5 problems occur, check out our car reliability stats.