Market Position:
The E70 X5 represented BMW's second generation of its highly successful SAV (Sports Activity Vehicle), blending luxury, performance, and utility in the premium mid-size SUV segment.
Competitive Analysis:
Competed directly with vehicles such as the Mercedes-Benz M-Class, Audi Q7, Lexus RX, and Land Rover LR4, often lauded for its dynamic driving characteristics and premium interior.
Key Features:
Available with powerful V8 and efficient inline-six engines, advanced xDrive all-wheel-drive system, sophisticated suspension, and luxurious interior appointments. Introduced optional third-row seating for increased practicality.
Systems Covered:
Engine (gasoline & diesel), Transmission (automatic & manual), Drivetrain (xDrive AWD), Suspension, Steering, Brakes (ABS, DSC), Electrical System, HVAC, Body & Chassis, Interior Components, Exterior Trim, Diagnostics & Troubleshooting
Procedures Included:
Routine maintenance, component removal & installation, diagnostic procedures, troubleshooting guides, repair instructions, wiring diagrams, torque specifications, fluid capacities, replacement procedures
Technical Depth:
Expert-level detail suitable for professional technicians and advanced DIY enthusiasts, covering everything from basic fluid changes to complex engine and transmission overhauls.
Engine Variants Gasoline:
3.0L N52B30 I6, 4.8L N62B48 V8 (later replaced by 4.4L N63B44 V8 TwinPower Turbo)
Engine Variants Diesel:
3.0L M57D30 I6 Turbo Diesel (various power outputs)
Performance 3.0L I6:
Approx. 260-270 hp, 225-236 lb-ft torque
Performance 4.8L V8:
Approx. 350-360 hp, 350-360 lb-ft torque
Performance 4.4L V8 Twinpowerturbo:
Approx. 400-445 hp, 450-480 lb-ft torque
Performance 3.0L Diesel I6:
Approx. 215-261 hp, 383-413 lb-ft torque
Fuel System:
Multi-point fuel injection (MPI) for gasoline, Common Rail Direct Injection (CRDI) for diesel. Some gasoline models feature direct injection.
Engine Management System:
BMW Digital Engine Electronics (DME) for gasoline, BMW Diesel Electronic (DDE) for diesel models.
Standard Transmission:
6-speed Steptronic automatic transmission
Optional Transmission:
6-speed manual transmission (available on select models, primarily early 3.0L gasoline)
Transmission Features:
Adaptive shift logic, Sport mode, manual shift option (Steptronic), xDrive all-wheel-drive integration.
Drivetrain:
xDrive All-Wheel Drive standard on most models. Active rear differential optional on performance variants.
Transmission Fluid Spec:
ATF LT-3 (or equivalent approved by BMW) for automatic transmissions. Manual transmission fluid varies by model, typically SAE 75W-90 GL-4/GL-5.
Exterior Length:
Approximately 191.1 inches (4854 mm)
Exterior Width:
Approximately 75.9 inches (1928 mm)
Exterior Height:
Approximately 69.4 inches (1763 mm)
Wheelbase:
Approximately 118.1 inches (3000 mm)
Interior Seating Capacity:
5 passengers standard, 7 passengers optional (with third-row seating)
Cargo Capacity Rear Seats Up
Cargo Capacity Rear Seats Up:
Approximately 25.1 cubic feet (711 liters)
Cargo Capacity Rear Seats Down
Cargo Capacity Rear Seats Down:
Approximately 75.2 cubic feet (2130 liters)
Curb Weight:
Approximately 4,700 - 5,000 lbs (2132 - 2268 kg), depending on engine and options
Towing Capacity:
Up to 5,000 lbs (2268 kg) with optional tow hitch and appropriate package.
Wheel Bolt Pattern:
5x120 mm
Wheel Size Options:
18-inch, 19-inch, 20-inch, and 21-inch alloy wheels
Tire Size Standard:
e.g., 255/55R18, 255/50R19 (varies by model and trim)
NHTSA Front Impact Rating:
5-star (for models tested)
IIHS Top Safety Pick:
Yes (for models tested in relevant categories)
Active Safety Features:
Dynamic Stability Control (DSC), Dynamic Traction Control (DTC), Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), Cornering Brake Control (CBC), Hill Descent Control (HDC), Tire Pressure Monitoring (TPM).
Passive Safety Features:
Front and side airbags, curtain airbags for all rows, active front head restraints, advanced crumple zones, high-strength steel passenger cell.
Optional Safety Features:
Adaptive Headlights, Head-Up Display (HUD), Park Distance Control (PDC), rearview camera, Lane Departure Warning (LDW), Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC).
Infotainment System:
BMW iDrive system (CCC or CIC depending on year/options), featuring a central display, rotary controller, and buttons. Navigation, radio, CD/DVD player, Bluetooth connectivity.
Driver Assistance Features
Driver Assistance Features:
Park Distance Control (PDC) front and rear, rearview camera, Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Lane Departure Warning (LDW), Blind Spot Detection (optional).
Connectivity Options:
Bluetooth hands-free calling and audio streaming, USB and AUX inputs, SiriusXM Satellite Radio, optional BMW Assist with telematics.
Lighting Technology:
Xenon Adaptive Headlights with automatic leveling, LED daytime running lights, fog lights.
Service Intervals Oil Change
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 10,000 - 15,000 miles (16,000 - 24,000 km) or annually, based on BMW's Condition Based Service (CBS) system and driving conditions. Refer to manual for specific CBS parameters.
Service Intervals Filters
Filter Replacement Intervals:
Air filter: 30,000 miles; Cabin filter: 15,000-20,000 miles; Fuel filter (diesel): 60,000 miles; Oil filter: with every oil change.
Service Intervals Spark Plugs
Spark Plug Replacement Interval:
Gasoline I6: ~60,000 miles; Gasoline V8: ~80,000-100,000 miles. Diesel models use glow plugs.
Fluid Specifications Engine Oil
Engine Oil Specification:
BMW Longlife-01 (LL-01) or Longlife-04 (LL-04) for gasoline engines (check specific engine variant); BMW Longlife-04 (LL-04) for diesel engines. Viscosity typically 0W-30 or 5W-30. Always verify with the manual.
Fluid Specifications Coolant
Coolant Specification:
BMW Blue Antifreeze/Coolant (G48) or approved equivalent.
Fluid Specifications Brake Fluid
Brake Fluid Specification:
DOT 4 (BMW High Performance or equivalent).
Fluid Specifications Power Steering Fluid
Power Steering Fluid Specification:
Pentosin CHF 11S or approved equivalent.
Common Issues:
Valve stem seals (oil consumption on I6 engines), water pump failure (electric on later models), exhaust manifold cracks (V8 models), turbocharger issues (N63 V8), diesel particulate filter (DPF) regeneration issues, EGR valve problems (diesel), active suspension component failures (if equipped), idrive system glitches.
Oil Filter Part Number Example:
Mann-Filter HU 830 z, Mahle OX 156/1D (verify for specific engine)
Air Filter Part Number Example:
Mann-Filter C 35154, Mahle LX 1868 (verify for specific engine)
Brand Heritage:
BMW, a German automotive manufacturer founded in 1916, is renowned for its luxury vehicles, performance sedans, and SUVs, consistently emphasizing 'The Ultimate Driving Machine'.
Model Evolution:
The E70 succeeded the E53 X5. It was larger, more sophisticated, and offered more advanced technology and engine options, including the first use of turbocharging in an X5 V8 and the introduction of optional third-row seating.
Production Years:
2006 (for the 2007 model year) to 2013, with this manual covering the initial phase (2007-2011).
Manufacturing Locations:
Primarily manufactured at BMW's Spartanburg plant in South Carolina, USA.
Vehicle Recognitions:
Consistently ranked highly by automotive publications for performance, luxury, and utility. Received numerous awards in the mid-size luxury SUV segment.
Safety Awards:
Achieved Top Safety Pick status from the IIHS for many model years. Earned 5-star ratings from NHTSA.
Design Awards:
Praised for its athletic styling and premium interior design, reflecting BMW's signature aesthetic.
