Vehicle Segment:
Luxury Mid-size SUV (SAV - Sports Activity Vehicle in BMW parlance)
Brand Philosophy:
Emphasis on driving dynamics, premium interiors, and advanced technology.
Key Competitors:
Audi Q7, Mercedes-Benz ML-Class (W164/W166), Porsche Cayenne, Land Rover LR4/Discovery
Powertrain Focus:
The '30i' designation typically refers to the N52B30 naturally aspirated 3.0-liter inline-six engine, known for its smooth operation and reliable performance.
Drivetrain:
xDrive all-wheel-drive system, a hallmark of BMW SUVs, providing enhanced traction and stability.
Design Philosophy:
A blend of SUV practicality with BMW's signature athletic styling.
Engine Systems:
Engine mechanical, lubrication, cooling, fuel injection, ignition, exhaust, emission control, engine management (DME), turbocharging (if applicable to 30i variant, though 30i typically refers to naturally aspirated in this era)
Transmission Systems:
Automatic transmission (e.g., ZF 6-speed GA6HPxxx series), transfer case, driveline components (driveshafts, differentials)
Chassis Systems:
Suspension (front and rear), steering, brakes (hydraulic, ABS, DSC, dynamic drive), wheels, tires
Electrical Systems:
12V battery, charging system, starting system, lighting, instrumentation, body electronics (BCM), comfort systems (HVAC, seats, windows, mirrors), safety systems (airbags, seatbelts), infotainment, navigation, driver assistance systems (parking sensors, adaptive cruise control - if equipped)
Body Systems:
Body panels, doors, hood, tailgate, interior trim, glass, seals, crash structures
Maintenance Procedures:
Scheduled maintenance, oil changes, filter replacements (oil, air, cabin, fuel), spark plug replacement, fluid level checks and top-offs, brake pad/rotor replacement, battery testing and replacement
Repair Procedures:
Engine component replacement (e.g., water pump, thermostat, alternator, starter, injectors), transmission overhaul, suspension component replacement (shocks, struts, control arms), brake system repair, electrical component troubleshooting and replacement, body panel repair and replacement
Diagnostic Procedures:
Troubleshooting guides based on symptoms, fault code diagnosis (requires BMW diagnostic tools like ISTA/D), wiring diagrams for electrical fault tracing
Technical Data And Specifications:
Torque specifications for all fasteners, fluid capacities, component dimensions, diagnostic parameters, wiring schematics
Depth Of Coverage:
Comprehensive mechanical and electrical repair information, suitable for professional technicians and advanced DIY enthusiasts. Covers component removal, disassembly, inspection, repair, reassembly, and adjustment.
Engine Type:
Naturally Aspirated Inline 6-cylinder
Displacement:
2996 cc (3.0 Liters)
Bore X Stroke:
85.0 mm x 88.0 mm
Compression Ratio:
10.7:1
Valve Train:
Double Overhead Camshafts (DOHC), 4 valves per cylinder, Valvetronic, Double VANOS
Horsepower:
Approximately 255 hp @ 6600 rpm (varies slightly by model year)
Torque:
Approximately 235 lb-ft (320 Nm) @ 2750 rpm (varies slightly by model year)
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) with sequential multiport injection
Recommended Fuel:
Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91 Octane or higher)
Engine Control Unit:
Bosch Motronic (e.g., MEV17.x or similar)
Transmission Type:
6-Speed Steptronic Automatic Transmission
Transmission Manufacturer:
ZF Friedrichshafen AG (common for BMW)
Transmission Model Code:
Likely GA6HP26Z or similar variant
Shifting Modes:
Automatic, Manual (Steptronic), Sport Mode
Drivetrain Integration:
Integrated with xDrive all-wheel-drive system
Length:
Approx. 4864 mm (191.5 inches)
Width:
Approx. 1933 mm (76.1 inches) (excluding mirrors)
Height:
Approx. 1776 mm (69.9 inches)
Wheelbase:
Approx. 2933 mm (115.5 inches)
Seating Capacity:
5 (standard), optional 7-seater configuration
Passenger Volume:
Approx. 102.2 cubic feet (2894 liters)
Cargo Volume Behind Rear Seats:
Approx. 25.0 cubic feet (708 liters)
Cargo Volume With Rear Seats Folded:
Approx. 75.2 cubic feet (2128 liters)
Curb Weight:
Approx. 4,500 - 4,700 lbs (2041 - 2132 kg), varies by equipment
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
Approx. 6,300 - 6,400 lbs (2858 - 2903 kg)
Towing Capacity:
Up to 6,000 lbs (2721 kg) with proper equipment and trailer brake control
NHTSA Front Crash Test Rating:
5-Star (for models tested, typically for driver and passenger)
IIHS Crash Test Ratings:
Good (for models tested, various categories)
Traction Control:
Dynamic Stability Control (DSC), including Automatic Stability Control + Traction (ASC+T)
Braking Systems:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Dynamic Brake Control (DBC), Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD)
Driver Assistance:
Optional: Parking Assistant, Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Head-Up Display (HUD)
Airbags:
Front airbags (driver and passenger), front side-impact airbags, head protection system (curtain airbags for front and rear passengers)
Seat Belts:
3-point inertia-reel seat belts with pretensioners and force limiters
Child Seat Anchors:
LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren) system
System Name:
iDrive (professional navigation system)
Display:
Central LCD display, typically 8.8-inch widescreen
Control Interface:
Rotary controller with buttons on the center console, steering wheel controls
Audio Options:
Standard BMW Professional Radio, optional Harman Kardon surround sound system
Parking Aids:
Park Distance Control (PDC) front and rear, optional rearview camera
Adaptive Features:
Optional Adaptive Headlights, Optional Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC)
Bluetooth Interface:
Standard for hands-free calling and audio streaming
Usb Interface:
Optional for music playback and device charging
Bmw Connecteddrive:
Services like BMW Assist, TeleServices, Remote Services (availability and features vary by model year and option packages)
Oil Change Interval:
Condition-based service (CBS) system typically suggests every 10,000-15,000 miles or annually, depending on driving conditions.
Brake Fluid Flush:
Every 2 years, regardless of mileage.
Engine Air Filter Replacement:
As indicated by CBS, typically around 30,000-50,000 miles or every 2-3 years.
Cabin Air Filter Replacement:
As indicated by CBS, typically annually or every 15,000-20,000 miles.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Around 60,000-100,000 miles, depending on spark plug type (e.g., long-life iridium).
Engine Oil Type:
BMW Longlife-01 (LL-01) or Longlife-04 (LL-04) synthetic engine oil, viscosity typically 0W-30 or 5W-30.
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approx. 6.5 liters (6.9 US quarts)
Coolant Type:
BMW Blue Antifreeze/Coolant (G48) or equivalent.
Transmission Fluid Type:
ZF LifeguardFluid8 (LF-8) or equivalent ATF specified for the GA6HPxxx transmission.
Differential Fluid Type:
BMW Hypoid Axle Oil G2 (SAE 75W-90) or equivalent.
Common Wear Items:
Control arm bushings, sway bar links, strut mounts, valve cover gaskets, oil pan gaskets, coolant expansion tanks, water pumps, VANOS solenoids.
N52 Engine Specifics:
Potential for oil leaks from gaskets, common failure of the electric coolant pump and thermostat, sometimes sticky VANOS solenoids.
Transmission Considerations:
While generally robust, proper fluid and filter changes are crucial to longevity. Valve body issues can occur with high mileage.
Electronics Reliability:
Various sensors and modules can fail over time, requiring diagnostic tools for identification. Battery health is critical for module operation.
Brand Legacy:
BMW, Bayerische Motoren Werke AG, renowned for engineering excellence, performance, and luxury vehicles since 1916.
X5 Introduction:
The X5, introduced in 1999 (E53 generation), pioneered the 'Sports Activity Vehicle' (SAV) segment, blending SUV capabilities with BMW's characteristic driving dynamics.
E70 Generation Launch:
The E70 X5 generation debuted for the 2007 model year, significantly larger, more refined, and technologically advanced than its predecessor.
Manufacturing Locations:
Primary assembly in Spartanburg, South Carolina, USA.
Production Years For E70:
2006-2013