🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

BMW

Model:

X5 / X6

Model Variants:

X5 xDrive35i, X5 xDrive50i, X5 xDrive35d, X6 xDrive35i, X6 xDrive50i, X5 M, X6 M

Year:

2012

Chassis Codes:

E70 (X5), E71 (X6)

👋 Introduction

Positioning:

Premium full-size/mid-size luxury SUVs and performance variants, competing with brands like Mercedes-Benz, Audi, Porsche, and Land Rover.

Competitors 2012:

Mercedes-Benz ML-Class/GL-Class, Audi Q7, Porsche Cayenne, Range Rover Sport, Cadillac Escalade, Lexus LX/GX.

Performance Focus:

The 'M' variants represent BMW's high-performance division, offering significantly enhanced power, handling, and aggressive styling.

Luxury Appointments:

High-quality materials, advanced technology, and sophisticated design characterize the interiors.

Xdrive System:

BMW's intelligent all-wheel-drive system providing enhanced traction and stability in various conditions.

📋 Manual Details

Primary Coverage:

Owner's manual for 2012 BMW X5 and X6 models, including M variants.

Vehicle Types Covered:

SUV (SAV), Coupe (SAC), Performance variants (M).

Estimated Page Count:

Approximately 300-500 pages (typical for this generation of BMW owner's manuals).

Type:

Owner's Manual / Operator's Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Printed booklet (as implied by product description).

📖 Manual Coverage

Powertrain:

Engine operation, lubrication, cooling, fuel system, exhaust system, and initial break-in recommendations.

Drivetrain:

xDrive all-wheel-drive system operation, differentials, and transfer case (if applicable to specific models).

Transmission:

Automatic transmission operation, gear selection, manual mode (Steptronic), and potential troubleshooting indicators.

Chassis And Suspension:

Steering system, suspension components (general overview), wheel and tire information.

Brakes:

Braking system operation, parking brake, and ABS/DSC warnings.

Electrical System:

Lighting operation, battery care, fuses (locations and ratings), dashboard indicators and warning lights, infotainment system overview.

Climate Control:

Automatic climate control operation, air conditioning, heating, ventilation, and seat heating/ventilation.

Comfort And Convenience:

Power windows, mirrors, seats, locks, keyless entry, sunroof operation, interior features.

Safety Features:

Airbag system, seatbelts, child seat installation (ISOFIX), dynamic stability control (DSC), traction control.

Driver Assistance:

Parking assist, adaptive cruise control (if equipped), lane departure warning (if equipped).

Infotainment:

iDrive system basic operation, radio, CD/DVD, navigation (if equipped), Bluetooth connectivity.

Daily Checks:

Checks for oil level, coolant level, tire pressure, and washer fluid.

Tire Maintenance:

Tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) reset and operation, wheel change procedures.

Fluid Checks:

Guidance on checking essential fluid levels and their corresponding dipsticks or reservoirs.

Lighting Operation:

Headlights, taillights, interior lights, and signal operation.

Dashboard Indicators:

Explanation of all warning lights, indicator lights, and check control messages.

Keyless Entry Operation:

Remote key fob functions, locking/unlocking procedures, and comfort access (if equipped).

Child Seat Installation:

Detailed instructions on using ISOFIX/LATCH anchors and securing child restraints.

Emergency Procedures:

Operation of hazard lights, first aid kit location, and basic emergency response.

Fueling Procedures:

Proper fuel type recommendations and refueling instructions.

Depth:

Comprehensive owner-level operation and basic maintenance guidance. Does not include detailed repair procedures or diagnostics.

Troubleshooting Level:

Focuses on understanding dashboard warnings and basic symptom identification rather than component-level diagnostics.

📊 Manual Specifications

Digital Format:

PDF (if offered digitally, otherwise printed).

Quality:

High-quality print (expected for OEM manuals).

Binding:

Stapled or perfect bound booklet (typical for owner's manuals).

Paper:

Durable, gloss or semi-gloss paper (typical for OEM manuals).

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Xdrive35I:

3.0L Twin-Turbocharged Inline-6 (N55B30)

Xdrive50I:

4.4L Twin-Turbocharged V8 (N63B44)

Xdrive35D:

3.0L Turbocharged Inline-6 Diesel (M57D30 - likely Twin-Turbo in later iterations)

X5 M / X6 M:

4.4L Twin-Turbocharged V8 (S63B44T0 - M-specific version)

Xdrive35I Hp:

300 hp @ 5800 rpm

Xdrive35I Torque:

300 lb-ft @ 1200-5000 rpm

Xdrive50I Hp:

400 hp @ 5500-6500 rpm

Xdrive50I Torque:

450 lb-ft @ 1750-4500 rpm

Xdrive35D Hp:

265 hp @ 4000 rpm

Xdrive35D Torque:

425 lb-ft @ 1750-2500 rpm

X5 M / X6 M Hp:

555 hp @ 6000 rpm

X5 M / X6 M Torque:

501 lb-ft @ 1500-5650 rpm

Gasoline Injection:

Direct Injection (Di)

Diesel Injection:

Common Rail Direct Injection (CRDI)

Recommended Fuel:

Premium Unleaded (91+ octane) for gasoline engines; Diesel fuel for diesel engine.

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type:

8-speed Automatic Steptronic Transmission (ZF 8HP series) standard on most variants.

Transmission Options:

Some earlier models or specific configurations might have used a 6-speed automatic, but the 8-speed was prevalent for 2012.

M Transmission:

X5 M/X6 M models typically featured a 6-speed M Sport Automatic Transmission with Drivelogic.

Drivetrain Layout:

xDrive All-Wheel Drive standard across all listed variants.

📐 Dimensions

X5 Length:

Approx. 191.1 inches (4855 mm)

X6 Length:

Approx. 193.2 inches (4909 mm)

X5 Width:

Approx. 76.0 inches (1930 mm)

X6 Width:

Approx. 78.7 inches (1999 mm)

X5 Height:

Approx. 69.4 inches (1762 mm)

X6 Height:

Approx. 67.3 inches (1709 mm)

X5 Cargo Volume Seats Up:

Approx. 23.3 cu ft (660 liters)

X5 Cargo Volume Seats Down:

Approx. 75.2 cu ft (2130 liters)

X6 Cargo Volume:

Approx. 20.5 cu ft (580 liters) - sloping roofline impacts capacity.

Curb Weight Range:

Approx. 4,600 - 5,200 lbs (2087 - 2359 kg) depending on engine and configuration.

🛡️ Safety Features

IIHS Ratings:

Generally good ratings for its era, though specific 'Top Safety Pick' status varied by year and test criteria. Known for robust structure.

NHTSA Ratings:

Typically received good overall ratings from NHTSA for the E70/E71 generation.

Dynamic Stability Control:

Standard DSC system with traction control, cornering brake control, dynamic brake control.

Tire Pressure Monitoring:

Standard Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS).

Parking Assist:

Front and rear Park Distance Control (PDC) standard; rearview camera and surround view optional.

Airbag System:

Multi-stage front airbags, front side-impact airbags, head protection system (curtain airbags).

Seatbelts:

Three-point inertia-reel seatbelts with belt force limiters and pretensioners.

Child Restraint:

ISOFIX (LATCH) anchoring points for child seats.

💡 Technology Features

Idrive System:

iDrive controller with a 7-inch or 10.2-inch (optional) display. Features include navigation, satellite radio, Bluetooth audio and phone.

Connectivity:

Bluetooth hands-free calling and audio streaming, USB/Auxiliary input.

Adaptive Headlights:

Optional Xenon Adaptive headlights with LED accent lights.

Adaptive Cruise Control:

Optional ACC with Stop & Go functionality.

Head Up Display:

Optional Head-Up Display (HUD) projects key information onto the windshield.

Lane Departure Warning:

Optional Lane Departure Warning (LDW) system.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Typically every 15,000 miles or 12 months, or as indicated by the vehicle's Condition Based Service (CBS) system.

Brake Fluid Change:

Recommended every 2 years, regardless of mileage.

Engine Air Filter:

Inspect every 30,000 miles; replace as needed or based on CBS.

Cabin Air Filter:

Typically replaced every 15,000-30,000 miles, depending on driving conditions.

Spark Plugs:

For gasoline engines: typically 60,000 miles for standard plugs, or 100,000 miles for long-life plugs (check specific engine).

Transmission Fluid:

BMW historically stated 'lifetime' fluid for many transmissions; however, independent specialists often recommend replacement around 60,000-100,000 miles for longevity, especially for high-performance models.

Engine Oil X35I:

BMW Longlife-01 (LL-01) or BMW Longlife-01 FE (LL-01 FE) compliant synthetic oil, typically 0W-30 or 5W-30. Oil capacity approx. 6.5-7.0 liters.

Engine Oil X50I:

BMW Longlife-01 (LL-01) compliant synthetic oil, typically 0W-40 or 5W-40. Oil capacity approx. 8.5-9.0 liters.

Engine Oil X35D:

BMW Longlife-04 (LL-04) compliant synthetic diesel oil, typically 5W-30. Oil capacity approx. 7.0-7.5 liters.

Engine Oil M Models:

BMW Longlife-01 (LL-01) compliant synthetic oil, typically 0W-40 or 5W-40. Oil capacity approx. 9.0-9.5 liters.

Coolant:

BMW Blue coolant (G48) or equivalent antifreeze/coolant mixed 50/50 with distilled water. Capacity approx. 10-12 liters.

Transmission Fluid:

8-speed Auto: ATF LT-5 (e.g., Shell M1375.4). 6-speed M-Sport: Shell M1375.4 or similar. Specific fill quantities and procedures are critical.

Brake Fluid:

DOT 4 low viscosity (LV) brake fluid.

Common X5 X6 Issues 2012:

Oil leaks (valve cover gaskets, oil pan gaskets), VANOS solenoids, turbocharger issues (especially on V8s), cooling system leaks (water pump, thermostat housing), ignition coil failures, active suspension issues (if equipped), exhaust VANOS rattle (N63), fuel injector issues (especially on N63).

Diesel Specific Issues:

DPF (Diesel Particulate Filter) issues, glow plug failures, NOx sensor failures on the 35d.

M Model Specific Issues:

Higher maintenance requirements, potential for turbocharger wear, specific M-duty brake and suspension component wear.

📚 Vehicle History

Bmw Heritage:

BMW, established in 1916, has a long history of engineering excellence, particularly in producing sporty and driver-focused vehicles.

X5 Generation:

The 2012 X5 belongs to the second generation (E70, produced from 2006-2013), which saw significant updates for 2011 including new engines and styling.

X6 Generation:

The 2012 X6 is part of the first generation (E71, produced from 2008-2014), pioneering the 'Sports Activity Coupe' (SAC) segment.

Manufacturing Locations:

Primarily manufactured at BMW's Spartanburg, South Carolina, USA plant, which is BMW's hub for SAV/SAC production.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Editorial Awards 2012:

BMW X5 and X6 models generally received positive reviews for performance, luxury, and capability from automotive publications like Car and Driver, MotorTrend, and Edmunds. Specific awards varied year to year, but consistent praise for their segment-leading dynamics.

M Model Performance Recognition:

X5 M and X6 M models were often praised for their exceptional performance capabilities, blurring the lines between SUVs and sports cars.