Segment:
Luxury Mid-size SUV / SAV
Target Audience:
Buyers seeking premium performance, luxury, and utility in an SUV format
Key Competitors:
Audi Q7, Mercedes-Benz M-Class (W164), Lexus RX, Porsche Cayenne
Platform:
Shared platform with BMW 5 Series (E60) and 7 Series (E65)
Drivetrain Options:
Rear-wheel drive (RWD) and xDrive all-wheel-drive (AWD)
Body Construction:
Steel unibody construction with aluminum components
Interior Layout:
Standard five-seater, optional seven-seater configuration
Covered Years:
2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013
Engine Variants Covered:
3.0L N52 I6, 4.8L N62 V8, 3.0L N54 Twin-Turbo I6 (X5 35i), 3.0L N55 Twin-Turbo I6 (X5 35i LCI), 3.0L M57 Diesel I6, 3.0L N57 Diesel I6 (X5 30d), 4.4L N63 Twin-Turbo V8 (X5 50i)
Page Count Estimate:
2000+ pages (comprehensive)
Manual Type:
Factory Service Manual / Repair Manual
Engine Management:
Engine mechanical, electronic engine controls (DME), fuel injection, ignition system, emission controls, turbocharger systems (where applicable)
Transmission Drivetrain:
Automatic transmission (ZF 6HP/8HP series), xDrive all-wheel-drive system, differentials, axles, driveshafts
Brakes:
Hydraulic brake system, ABS, DSC, parking brake (electronic or hydraulic), brake caliper and rotor service
Suspension Steering:
Front and rear suspension (independent), shock absorbers, springs, bushings, steering system (hydraulic or electric power steering), wheel alignment
Electrical Electronics:
Body electrical systems, lighting, instrumentation, power windows, locks, mirrors, sunroof, comfort access, diagnostics (OBD-II), fuses and relays, battery management
HVAC:
Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system, climate control, refrigerant service
Body Chassis:
Body structure, exterior panels, doors, hood, tailgate, interior trim, body sealing, corrosion protection
Infotainment Navigation:
iDrive system, audio system, navigation system, Bluetooth connectivity, displays
Safety Systems:
Airbag system (SRS), seat belts, parking sensors, rearview camera, adaptive headlights
Scheduled Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and changes, brake inspections, tire rotations
Troubleshooting Diagnostics:
Diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), common fault identification, step-by-step diagnostic procedures
Component Removal Installation:
Detailed instructions for removing and installing major and minor components (e.g., engine, transmission, brakes, suspension, interior trim)
Repair Rebuild:
Engine internal component replacement (e.g., head gaskets, pistons), transmission overhaul, suspension component rebuilding
Electrical Wiring Diagrams:
Comprehensive wiring schematics for all vehicle systems
Depth Level:
Comprehensive: Covers basic maintenance to full engine and transmission rebuilds, including complex electrical diagnostics and bodywork.
Base Engine 2006-2008:
4.8L V8 (N62B48)
Base Engine 2007-2013:
3.0L I6 (N52B30)
Performance Base N52:
255 hp @ 6,600 rpm, 236 lb-ft @ 2,750 rpm
Performance Base N62:
350 hp @ 6,300 rpm, 350 lb-ft @ 3,400 rpm
Engine Code Turbodiesel:
M57TUD30 (3.0L Diesel)
Diesel Performance:
255 hp @ 4,000 rpm, 413 lb-ft @ 2,000 rpm (M57), 240 hp @ 4,000 rpm, 413 lb-ft @ 2,000 rpm (N57)
Engine Code Performance Variants
X5 35I Engine:
3.0L Twin-Turbo I6 (N54B30/N55B30)
X5 50I Engine:
4.4L Twin-Turbo V8 (N63B44O0)
Injection Type:
Direct Injection (DI) for N55, N63, N57; Port Injection for N52, N62, M57
Fuel Type:
Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91+ RON), Diesel Fuel
Standard Transmission:
6-speed Steptronic Automatic (ZF 6HP26/28)
Optional Transmission:
8-speed Steptronic Automatic (ZF 8HP45/70) (introduced with LCI)
Transmission Features:
Manual shift mode (Steptronic), Sport mode, Adaptive transmission control
Drivetrain System:
xDrive All-Wheel Drive (standard on most models, optional on some)
Transmission Fluid Spec Zf6Hp:
ATF LT-3 (Shell M-1375.4 or equivalent)
Transmission Fluid Spec Zf8Hp:
ATF L 1344 (Shell M-L 1344 or equivalent)
Length:
Approx. 191.5 inches (4864 mm)
Width:
Approx. 76.3 inches (1938 mm)
Height:
Approx. 69.5 inches (1765 mm)
Wheelbase:
Approx. 115.5 inches (2935 mm)
Cargo Volume Behind 2Nd Row:
Approx. 25.7 cubic feet (728 liters)
Cargo Volume Max:
Approx. 75.2 cubic feet (2130 liters)
Curb Weight Estimate:
4,500 - 5,000 lbs (2041 - 2268 kg) depending on engine and options
NHTSA Front Crash Test:
5-Star
IIHS Side Impact Test:
Good
Standard Safety Features:
ABS, Traction Control, Stability Control (DSC), Multiple Airbags
Optional Driver Assistance:
Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Departure Warning, Head-Up Display
Airbags:
Front airbags, front side airbags, front and rear head protection airbags (curtain)
Infotainment System:
iDrive Controller with high-resolution display (CCC or CIC depending on year/options)
Audio Options:
Standard Hi-Fi, optional Logic 7 Professional audio system
Parking Assistance:
Front and Rear Park Distance Control (PDC), optional rearview camera and surround view cameras
Adaptive Features:
Adaptive Xenon headlights, Adaptive Cruise Control (optional)
Connectivity Options:
Bluetooth hands-free calling, USB audio interface, optional satellite radio, BMW Assist/ConnectedDrive
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 10,000-15,000 miles or 12-24 months, based on 'Condition Based Service' (CBS) monitoring.
Brake Fluid Flush:
Every 2 years, regardless of mileage.
Engine Air Filter:
Inspect every 20,000-30,000 miles, replace as needed or per CBS.
Cabin Air Filter:
Replace every 15,000-20,000 miles or annually.
Engine Oil Spec N52/N55:
BMW Longlife-01 (LL-01) or Longlife-04 (LL-04) SAE 0W-30 or 5W-30
Engine Oil Spec N62/N63:
BMW Longlife-01 (LL-01) SAE 5W-30 or 10W-40
Coolant Spec:
BMW Blue Antifreeze/Coolant (G48 Ethylene Glycol based)
Power Steering Fluid:
ATF Dexron VI or Pentosin CHF 11S (verify based on specific steering system type)
Common Issue V8 Oil Consumption:
N62 and N63 V8 engines can suffer from excessive oil consumption due to valve stem seals or turbocharger issues.
Common Issue Pcv System:
Clogged PCV system can lead to oil leaks, rough idle, and increased oil consumption on various engines.
Common Issue Turbos N63:
Early N63 engines (pre-2011) had significant turbocharger and fuel injector issues, often addressed by BMW's Customer Care Package.
Common Issue Suspension Air Springs:
Air suspension compressor and air springs can fail over time, leading to sagging ride height.
Common Issue Thermostat Housing:
Plastic thermostat housing can crack and leak coolant.
Common Issue Idrive Controller:
iDrive controller or related electronics can sometimes malfunction.
Bmw SUV History:
BMW pioneered the 'SAV' concept with the original X5 (E53), blending SUV utility with BMW's renowned driving dynamics.
E70 Introduction:
The E70 generation (2006-2013) replaced the E53, offering a larger, more refined platform, advanced technology, and improved performance.
Facelift Lci:
Life Cycle Impulse (LCI) update for the 2010 model year introduced revised styling, new engine options (N55, N63, N57), and updated iDrive system.
Manufacturing Locations:
Spartanburg, South Carolina, USA (primary)
Edmunds.Com Best Family SUVs:
Frequently recognized for its blend of luxury, performance, and utility.
Consumer Reports Reliability:
Mixed reliability ratings historically, often reflecting the complexity of luxury vehicle systems. Manual is crucial for effective maintenance.
Safety Certifications:
Compliant with all relevant US Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS).
