BMW X5 E70 (2007-2013): known problems and buying guide

A costly used SUV with known weak spots in the xDrive, steering and rear air suspension, so buy only after checks.

Updated 27 October 2026

All versions

Variant	Running cost per month	Median price	Listings	Fuel	Engine codes	Gearbox	Production years
xDrive30d, 245 PS, 8-speed automatic, all-wheel drive Research	€658	€11,500	207	Diesel	N57D30A	Automatic (8)	2010–2013
xDrive40d, 306 PS, 8-speed automatic, all-wheel drive Research	€721	€13,000	129	Diesel	N57D30B	Automatic (8)	2010–2013

Years: 2007 to 2013. The June 2010 facelift brought new petrol and diesel engines.
Reliability: 2/5. The xDrive transfer case, steering and oil use lower the score.
DIY: 2/5. Most faults need a workshop. Electrics may need a dealer to reflash a module.
Prefer: a facelift car with proof that recall work is done, and a checked transfer case and steering.
Avoid: cars with transfer case judder, steering knocks or rear air sag, and V8 cars with high oil use.

3.0 N52 petrol (N52B30A, 2007-2010): no fault confirmed in the sources read.
3.0 N55 petrol (N55B30A, xDrive35i, 2010-2013): valve cover and oil filter housing leaks, see Oil loss and leaks.
4.8 V8 petrol (N62B48B, 2007-2010): no fault confirmed in the sources read.
4.4 V8 petrol (N63B44A, xDrive50i, 2010-2013): oil use and worn valve stem seals, see N63 V8 oil use and valve stem seals. Timing chains can also stretch.
4.4 V8 petrol (S63B44A, X5 M): the same oil use and valve stem seal faults as the N63, see N63 V8 oil use and valve stem seals.
3.0 and 3.5 diesel (M57D30TÜ2, 2007-2010): six-cylinder timing chains can stretch from about 150,000 km.
3.0 N57 diesel (N57D30A, N57D30B, N57D30C, xDrive30d, xDrive40d, M50d): the faults are in its guide. See the BMW N57 diesel.
ZF 6HP automatic (2007-2010 and X5 M): the faults are in its guide. See the ZF 6HP automatic.
ZF 8HP automatic (facelift 2010-2013): the faults are in its guide. See the ZF 8HP automatic.

Issue	Affects	Typical km	Repair cost
Transfer case judder and clutch wear	All cars (xDrive)	Not stated	No confirmed price
Steering rack and active steering faults	All cars; active steering on fitted cars	About 150,000 km	No confirmed price
Rear air suspension sag and compressor wear	Cars with rear air suspension	70,000-90,000 km	No confirmed price
Front suspension and axle joints wear	All cars	80,000-120,000 km	No confirmed price
Oil loss and leaks	All engines	Not stated; worse from year 8	No confirmed price
N63 V8 oil use and valve stem seals	N63B44A (xDrive50i) and S63B44A (X5 M)	From about 50,000 km	No confirmed price
FRM body module failure after power loss	All cars	Not stated	No confirmed price
Water in the rear lights	Cars built to model year 2010	Not stated	No confirmed price

Drive slowly in tight full circles and pull away from a stop. Bad result: judder at part load, or mismatched tyres, or no transfer oil record.
On an N63 or S63 V8, check the oil level before and after a drive and ask for oil records. Bad result: oil low between services, or no records.
Park, turn the wheel lock to lock, and listen over bumps. Bad result: knocks, play, or an active steering fault. Reprogramming needs a dealer or specialist.
Park overnight, then check the car height and listen to the compressor after start. Bad result: the car sags, shows level errors, or the compressor runs for long periods.
Lift the car and check the ball joints, lower arms and axle joints. Bad result: play in a joint or a knock over bumps.
Check the oil level and look under the car for fresh oil. On an N55, look at the valve cover and filter housing. Bad result: low level, fresh oil or drips.
Test the windows and lights, and ask whether the battery was ever disconnected. Bad result: any dead function. A reflash or module swap needs a dealer or specialist.
Look inside the rear light clusters for water, and check the lights work. Bad result: water or misted lenses, or a battery that drains because of the light boards.
Ask a BMW dealer or check the KBA by VIN for open campaigns, and ask for proof that recall work was done. Bad result: an open campaign on the car.

Operational	€238
Workshop	€228
Fixed costs (tax, insurance)	€235
Total per month	€701
New-car depreciation (not included)	€140

ADAC figures for 15,000 km a year over 60 months

Listings on mobile.de priced up to 50,000 EUR, 29 October 2026.

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