Segment:
Luxury Mid-size SUV
Target Audience:
Owners seeking to perform their own maintenance and repairs, independent repair shops, enthusiasts
Key Competitors:
Mercedes-Benz ML-Class, Audi Q7, Porsche Cayenne, Lexus RX, Land Rover LR4
Vehicle Attributes:
BMW's signature driving dynamics, premium interior, advanced technology, versatile SUV practicality
Manual Value:
Provides factory-level accuracy and detail, enabling informed maintenance and repair decisions.
Primary Coverage:
Service, Repair, and Maintenance
Secondary Coverage:
Troubleshooting, Diagnostics, Specifications
Estimated Pages:
Extensive (typically 2000+ pages for comprehensive factory manuals)
Type:
Factory Service Manual / Workshop Manual
Powertrain:
Engine mechanical, Engine management (DME), Fuel system, Exhaust system, Cooling system, Lubrication system, Ignition system
Drivetrain:
Transmission (automatic - Steptronic), Transfer case (xDrive all-wheel drive), Drive shafts, Differentials, Axles
Chassis:
Suspension (front and rear), Steering system, Brake system (hydraulic, ABS, DSC, parking brake)
Electrical:
Body electrical, Powertrain electrical, Chassis electrical, Comfort systems (HVAC, seats, windows), Infotainment system, Lighting system, Battery, Alternator, Starter motor, ECU/modules
Bodywork:
Body panels, Doors, Hood, Tailgate, Bumpers, Glass, Seating systems, Interior trim
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance, Oil changes, Filter replacements, Fluid checks and top-offs, Spark plug replacement, Belt inspection/replacement
Repair:
Engine component repair/replacement, Transmission overhaul, Suspension repair, Brake caliper/rotor replacement, Electrical component diagnostics and repair, Body panel repair/replacement
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting guides, Diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), Fault finding procedures, Sensor testing, Module testing
Technical Data:
Torque specifications, Lubricant types and capacities, Wiring diagrams, Schematics, Component locations, Diagnostic procedures
Depth:
Comprehensive, from basic checks to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, including complex electronic systems
Engine Options:
3.0L Inline-6 (N52B30), 4.8L V8 (N62B48), 3.0L Twin-Turbo Inline-6 Diesel (N57D30), 3.0L Twin-Turbo Inline-6 Diesel (M57D30TOP)
3.0L N52B30 Hp:
260 hp @ 6600 rpm
3.0L N52B30 Torque:
255 lb-ft @ 2500-4000 rpm
4.8L N62B48 Hp:
350 hp @ 6300 rpm
4.8L N62B48 Torque:
350 lb-ft @ 3400-3800 rpm
Injection Type:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) - Port or Direct Injection depending on model/engine
Fuel Type:
Premium Unleaded Gasoline (for gasoline engines), Diesel (for diesel engines)
ECU System:
Bosch Motronic (or equivalent BMW system)
Transmission Type:
6-speed Automatic (Steptronic)
Transmission Type Diesel:
6-speed Automatic (Steptronic) - may vary by market
Drive Modes:
Sport Mode, Manual Shift Mode (Steptronic)
Fluid Type:
BMW ATF (Automatic Transmission Fluid) - specific type required, e.g., ATF LT-2 or LT-3 depending on transmission
Length:
Approx. 191.8 inches (4872 mm)
Width:
Approx. 76.5 inches (1943 mm)
Height:
Approx. 69.4 inches (1763 mm)
Curb Weight:
Approx. 4700 - 5100 lbs (2130 - 2315 kg) depending on engine and options
Cargo Volume Behind 2Nd Row:
Approx. 25.0 cu ft (708 liters)
Cargo Volume With 2Nd Row Folded:
Approx. 75.2 cu ft (2130 liters)
NHTSA Front Impact:
5-Star (typical for this class and era)
IIHS Side Impact:
Good (typical for this class and era)
Stability Control:
Dynamic Stability Control (DSC), Traction Control System (TCS)
Braking System:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist
Airbags:
Frontal airbags, Side-impact airbags, Curtain airbags (front and rear)
Seatbelts:
3-point inertia-reel seatbelts with pretensioners and force limiters
System Name:
iDrive infotainment system
Features:
Central display screen, navigation system (optional), radio (AM/FM/Satellite), CD player, Bluetooth connectivity, USB integration.
Features Available:
Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Park Distance Control (PDC), rearview camera, Surround View camera system, Lane Departure Warning (LDW).
Connectivity Options:
Bluetooth for phone and audio streaming, optional SiriusXM satellite radio.
Comfort Features Available:
Heated and ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, panoramic sunroof, multi-zone climate control, power adjustable steering column.
Oil Change Interval:
Variable service interval indicator (Condition Based Service - CBS), typically 10,000-15,000 miles or annually, whichever comes first.
Brake Fluid Flush:
Every 2 years, regardless of mileage.
Coolant Flush:
BMW long-life coolant, typically replaced at major service intervals, e.g., 60,000-100,000 miles, or as indicated by CBS.
Engine Oil Type Gasoline:
SAE 0W-30 or 5W-30 Synthetic, meeting BMW LL-01 specification (e.g., Castrol Edge Professional OE).
Engine Oil Capacity 3.0L:
Approx. 6.5 liters (6.9 US quarts)
Engine Oil Type Diesel:
SAE 5W-30 Synthetic, meeting BMW LL-04 specification.
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 4 Low Viscosity (LV) High Performance brake fluid.
Power Steering Fluid:
BMW Power Steering Fluid or Pentosin CHF 11S (confirm with manual).
Common Complaints V8:
Oil cooler gasket leaks, valve stem seal leaks (oil consumption), VANOS solenoid issues, coolant leaks (water pump, thermostat housing).
Common Complaints Inline6:
Oil leaks from valve cover gasket, crankcase vent (CCV) system failure leading to rough idle or smoke, cooling system issues (water pump, thermostat).
Common Complaints Diesel:
DPF (Diesel Particulate Filter) issues, EGR valve problems, glow plug issues, turbocharger problems.
Common Complaints Electronics:
HVAC blower motor resistor failure, iDrive system glitches, battery drain issues (faulty modules or parasitic draw).
Common Complaints Suspension:
Air suspension compressor failure (if equipped), control arm bushing wear, uneven tire wear.
Bmw SUV Lineage:
BMW, known for performance sedans, entered the SUV market with the X5, aiming to blend sportiness with utility.
E70 Introduction:
The E70 generation replaced the original E53 X5, introducing a larger platform, more advanced technology, and refined powertrains.
E70 Facelift:
A significant facelift occurred in 2010, introducing updated styling, new engine options (like the N55 twin-turbo inline-6), and enhanced technology.
Manufacturing Locations:
Primarily Spartanburg, South Carolina, USA; also assembled in other locations depending on market.
