Segment:
Luxury Sports Activity Vehicle (SAV)
Target Audience:
Affluent individuals and families seeking a blend of luxury, performance, and utility.
Primary Competitors:
Audi Q7, Mercedes-Benz M-Class (W164), Porsche Cayenne (9PA), Land Rover LR3/LR4
Design Philosophy:
BMW's signature driving dynamics, premium interior, advanced technology, and robust construction.
Powertrain Options:
Range of inline-six and V8 gasoline engines, as well as efficient diesel options.
Engine:
All engine variants for E70 (e.g., N52B30, N55B30, N62B48, N74B60, M57D30)
Transmission:
Automatic Transmissions (e.g., GA6HP26Z, GA8HP45Z)
Drivetrain:
xDrive All-Wheel Drive System
Suspension:
Front and Rear Suspension, Adaptive Drive, EDC
Brakes:
ABS, DSC, Brake System Hydraulics and Components
Steering:
Power Steering System
Electrical:
All electrical systems, including DME, EGS, DSC, FEM, LCM, CAS, PDC, ACC, Comfort Access, Head Unit, Instrument Cluster
Body And Chassis:
Body panels, doors, interior trim, structural components
HVAC:
Climate Control System, Blower Motor, AC Compressor
Safety Systems:
Airbags, Seatbelt Pretensioners, Crash Sensors
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance, oil changes, filter replacements, brake fluid flush, coolant flush
Repair:
Engine mechanical and electrical repair, transmission overhaul, suspension component replacement, brake caliper rebuild, body panel repair
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting procedures, DTC code interpretation, component testing
Rebuilding:
Engine rebuild procedures, transmission rebuild procedures
Installation:
Component installation and replacement procedures
Depth:
Comprehensive; covers routine maintenance to full engine and transmission overhauls. Includes wiring diagrams, diagnostic procedures, and torque specifications.
2007 Gasoline Engines:
3.0L I6 (N52B30, 255 hp, 236 lb-ft) and 4.8L V8 (N62B48, 350 hp, 350 lb-ft)
2008 Gasoline Engines:
3.0L I6 Turbo (N55B30, 300 hp, 300 lb-ft) and 4.8L V8 (N62B48, 350 hp, 350 lb-ft)
2009-2011 Gasoline Engines:
3.0L I6 Turbo (N55B30, 300 hp, 300 lb-ft), 4.4L V8 Twin-Turbo (N63B44, 400 hp, 450 lb-ft), and 6.0L V12 Twin-Turbo (N74B60, 552 hp, 553 lb-ft in ActiveHybrid 7 variant, relevant for some X7 precursors and high-end sedans, though V12 was not standard in E70 X5).
Diesel Engines:
3.0L I6 Turbo Diesel (M57D30, various outputs e.g., 231-261 hp, 383-413 lb-ft)
0-60 Mph Range:
Approx. 4.7s (X5 M) to 7.0s (3.0i)
Fuel Type:
Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91+ octane), Diesel Fuel for diesel variants
Engine Oil Capacity:
Varies by engine (e.g., 6.5L for N52, 8.5L for N62)
Engine Oil Viscosity:
SAE 0W-30 or 5W-30 (BMW Longlife-01 or Longlife-04 approved)
Coolant Type:
BMW Blue Antifreeze/Coolant
Transmission Type:
6-speed Steptronic Automatic Transmission (GA6HP26Z) for most models
Optional Transmission:
8-speed Steptronic Automatic Transmission (GA8HP45Z) introduced later in the generation
Transmission Features:
Manual shift mode, Sport mode, adaptive shift logic.
Transmission Fluid Type:
ATF Dexron VI (or BMW-specified equivalent, e.g., 83 22 0 024 259)
Transmission Fluid Capacity:
Varies by transmission type (e.g., ~8.0L for 6-speed)
Length:
Approx. 191.1 inches (4855 mm)
Width:
Approx. 76.3 inches (1938 mm)
Height:
Approx. 69.5 inches (1765 mm)
Wheelbase:
Approx. 118.5 inches (3010 mm)
Seating Capacity:
5 (standard), 7 (optional)
Cargo Volume Behind 2Nd Row:
Approx. 25.0 cu ft (708 L)
Cargo Volume With 3Rd Row Folded:
Approx. 75.2 cu ft (2130 L)
Curb Weight Range:
Approx. 4,700 - 5,200 lbs (2130 - 2359 kg)
Towing Capacity:
Up to 6,600 lbs (2994 kg) with optional tow package
NHTSA Front Crash Test:
5-Star (for models tested)
IIHS Crash Test Ratings:
Good (for models tested, e.g., front, side, rear, roof strength)
Dynamic Stability Control:
Standard (DSC)
Antilock Braking System:
Standard (ABS)
Traction Control:
Standard
Hill Descent Control:
Standard
Adaptive Headlights:
Optional
Lane Departure Warning:
Optional
Airbags:
Front, side-impact, and curtain airbags
Seatbelts:
3-point inertia-reel seatbelts with pretensioners and force limiters
I Drive System:
BMW iDrive infotainment system with central display, controller, and navigation (CCC or CIC depending on model year/options).
Audio Options:
Standard Hi-Fi, optional Logic 7, or premium sound systems (e.g., Harman Kardon).
Parking Assistance:
Park Distance Control (PDC), optional rearview camera and surround view.
Cruise Control:
Standard cruise control, optional Active Cruise Control (ACC) with Stop & Go.
Bluetooth Interface:
Standard on most models, offering hands-free calling and audio streaming.
Usb Aux Input:
Available for audio playback and device charging.
Oil Change Interval:
Variable Service Indicator (VSI) system, typically 10,000-15,000 miles or annually.
Brake Fluid Flush:
Every 2 years, regardless of mileage.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Typically around 60,000 miles for gasoline engines, varies by engine type.
Transmission Service:
Recommended every 60,000-100,000 miles, though BMW initially stated 'lifetime' fluid for some units.
Crankshaft Seal Leaks:
Common on N62 V8 engines, often requires engine removal for replacement.
Oil Filter Housing Gasket:
Leaking gasket on N52 and N55 engines is a common repair item.
Water Pump Failure:
Early models with electric water pumps could experience premature failure.
Transfer Case Servos:
Malfunctioning servos for the xDrive system can lead to warning lights and drivetrain issues.
Pcv Valve Failure:
Can cause rough idle and oil leaks on various engines.
Power Steering Fluid:
Pentosin CHF 11S or equivalent
Brake Fluid:
DOT 4 Low Viscosity (BMW Hi-Performance Brake Fluid)
Brand Focus:
BMW has a long-standing reputation for performance, luxury, and engineering excellence in premium automobiles.
E70 Introduction:
The E70 generation replaced the E53 X5, offering a larger, more refined, and technologically advanced package. It marked a significant step forward in the luxury SUV segment for BMW.
Facelift:
A significant facelift occurred for the 2011 model year, introducing updated styling, revised powertrains (including the N55 and N63 engines), and new technology features.
Production Start Year:
2006
Production End Year:
2013 (E70 generation)
Manufacturing Plants:
Spartanburg, South Carolina, USA; Leipzig, Germany
Segment Awards:
Often recognized for its driving dynamics and luxury appointments within the mid-size luxury SUV segment.
Konsumen Reports Reliability:
Varies by year, with some years receiving average to above-average ratings, while others have reported issues.
