Segment:
Luxury Mid-size SUV / Sports Activity Vehicle (SAV)
Key Competitors:
Mercedes-Benz M-Class (W164), Audi Q7 (4L), Porsche Cayenne (957), Land Rover Range Rover Sport
Platform Design:
E70 platform, shared underpinnings with other BMW models, focus on driving dynamics and premium interior
M Sport Package:
Aerodynamic body kit, sport suspension, unique wheels, sport seats, specific interior trim accents
Xdrive System:
Intelligent all-wheel-drive system providing enhanced traction and stability in various conditions
Primary Coverage:
Complete Workshop Service and Repair
Specific Areas Highlighted:
Engine, Transmission, Drivetrain, Suspension, Steering, Brakes, Electrical System, HVAC, Body, Interior
Estimated Page Count:
Varies based on specific engine/options, typically over 2000 pages for comprehensive coverage
Type:
Workshop Service Repair Manual
Format:
Downloadable Digital Format (likely PDF)
Engine Systems:
Engine mechanical, fuel injection, ignition, cooling, lubrication, emissions control, starting and charging
Transmission Drivetrain:
Automatic transmission (e.g., ZF 6HP26/28), xDrive all-wheel drive system, differentials, driveshafts
Suspension Steering:
Front and rear suspension (double wishbone, multi-link), springs, shock absorbers, stabilizer bars, power steering system
Brake System:
Hydraulic brake system, ABS, DSC (Dynamic Stability Control), brake pad and rotor replacement, brake fluid bleeding
Electrical Electronics:
12V electrical system, battery, alternator, starter, lighting, instrument cluster, infotainment, body control modules (BCM), chassis control modules (CCM)
HVAC Climate Control:
Air conditioning system, heating, ventilation, climate control modules, blower motor, refrigerant handling
Body Interior:
Body panels, doors, windows, seats, airbags, interior trim, body sealing, corrosion protection
Maintenance Procedures:
Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and top-offs, spark plug replacement, belt inspection/replacement
Diagnostic Procedures:
Troubleshooting guides for common issues, DTC (Diagnostic Trouble Code) interpretation, system testing
Repair Procedures:
Component removal and installation, overhaul procedures for major systems, wiring diagrams, torque specifications
Special Tool Requirements:
Identification of necessary BMW-specific or specialized tools for various repair tasks
Depth:
Comprehensive, covering routine maintenance to major component overhauls and complex electrical diagnostics
Detail Level:
Detailed step-by-step instructions, exploded views, diagrams, electrical schematics
Engine Options:
Varies by market and model year. Common engines include: N52 (3.0L I6 Naturally Aspirated), N54 (3.0L I6 Twin-Turbo), N62 (4.8L V8 Naturally Aspirated), N63 (4.4L V8 Twin-Turbo)
Typical 3.0L I6 N52:
260-270 hp, 225-230 lb-ft torque
Typical 3.0L I6 N54:
300 hp, 300 lb-ft torque
Typical 4.8L V8 N62:
350-360 hp, 350-360 lb-ft torque
Typical 4.4L V8 N63:
400-445 hp, 450-479 lb-ft torque
0 60 Mph Times:
Approximately 5.3-7.5 seconds depending on engine and configuration
Injection Type:
Direct Injection (DI) on N54/N63, Port Injection on N52/N62
Fuel Type:
Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91+ Octane recommended)
Transmission Type:
6-speed Steptronic Automatic Transmission (ZF 6HP26/28 variants)
Optional Gearboxes:
N/A (Automatic was standard across E70 models)
Transmission Features:
Manual shift mode (Steptronic), Sport mode, adaptive shift logic
Transmission Fluid Type:
BMW recommends specific ZF Lifeguard fluid (e.g., Lifeguardfluid 6, Lifeguardfluid 8). Check manual for exact specification for your vehicle's transmission.
Length:
Approx. 191.1 inches (4854 mm)
Width:
Approx. 76.0 inches (1930 mm)
Height:
Approx. 69.0 inches (1753 mm)
Wheelbase:
Approx. 115.1 inches (2925 mm)
Cargo Volume Behind 3Rd Row:
Approx. 12.8 cu ft (if equipped)
Cargo Volume Behind 2Nd Row:
Approx. 23.0 cu ft
Cargo Volume Behind 1St Row:
Approx. 75.1 cu ft
Curb Weight:
Approx. 4700-5100 lbs (2130-2315 kg) depending on engine and options
Towing Capacity:
Up to 6,000 lbs (2722 kg) with optional towing package
NHTSA Front Crash:
5-Star (for 2008 model, generally consistent across years)
NHTSA Side Crash:
5-Star (for 2008 model)
IIHS Crash Test Ratings:
Good in front, side, and rear impacts (Top Safety Pick for some years)
Stability Control:
Dynamic Stability Control (DSC), including Automatic Stability Control + Traction (ASC+T)
Braking Assist:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Dynamic Brake Control (DBC)
Traction Control:
Traction Control System (TCS)
Airbags:
Front airbags, front side-impact airbags, front and rear head protection airbags (curtain airbags)
Seatbelts:
3-point inertia-reel seat belts with automatic tensioners and force limiters
System Name:
iDrive (various iterations)
Features Common:
Central display screen, navigation system, radio (AM/FM, Satellite), CD/DVD player, Bluetooth connectivity, USB integration
Optional Features:
Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Lane Departure Warning, Head-Up Display (HUD), parking sensors (front and rear), rearview camera, surround view cameras
Connectivity Options:
BMW Assist, Bluetooth hands-free calling
Oil Change Interval:
Typically 10,000-15,000 miles or as indicated by the vehicle's Condition Based Service (CBS) system.
Brake Fluid Change:
Recommended every 2 years, regardless of mileage.
Transmission Service:
Sealed for life by BMW, but independent specialists often recommend fluid and filter changes around 60,000-100,000 miles.
Engine Oil Type:
BMW Longlife-01 (LL-01) or BMW Longlife-04 (LL-04) approved synthetic oil, viscosity typically 0W-30 or 5W-30 depending on temperature and engine.
Coolant Type:
BMW Blue Antifreeze/Coolant (G48 or similar, ethylene glycol based).
Power Steering Fluid:
BMW Power Steering Fluid (Pentosin CHF 11S or CHF 202, depending on system)
Common E70 Issues:
Valve cover gasket leaks, oil pan gasket leaks, coolant leaks (water pump, thermostat housing), ignition coil failure, fuel injector issues (especially on turbo models), transfer case actuator failure, electronic throttle body issues, battery drain problems.
Air Filter Part Number Example:
Mann-Filter C 25 001 or Bosch F 026 400 255 (verify for specific engine)
Oil Filter Part Number Example:
Mann-Filter HU 832 z or Mahle OX 346/1D (verify for specific engine)
Bmw Dna:
BMW's long-standing reputation for performance, engineering, and premium quality
E53 Predecessor:
The E70 X5 succeeded the first-generation E53 X5, introducing a larger platform and updated technology.
E70 Introduction:
Introduced in 2006 as a 2007 model year, the E70 was a significant redesign.
Mid Cycle Refresh:
A facelift (LCI) occurred for the 2011 model year, bringing updated styling, engines, and technology.
Manufacturing Location:
Spartanburg, South Carolina, USA
Safety Awards:
Consistently received good safety ratings from IIHS and NHTSA, often qualifying for safety awards.
Automotive Journalism Awards:
Praised by automotive publications for its blend of luxury, performance, and utility, though sometimes criticized for ride comfort and iDrive interface complexity in early iterations.
