Segment:
Luxury Mid-size SUV
Competitors:
Mercedes-Benz M-Class, Audi Q7, Lexus RX, Porsche Cayenne
Design Philosophy:
BMW's characteristic blend of sportiness, luxury, and utility.
Platform:
Shared platform with Rolls-Royce Ghost (partially) and other BMW models.
Model Years Covered:
2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011
Estimated Pages:
Thousands (typical comprehensive workshop manual)
Type:
Workshop Service Repair Manual
Powertrain:
Engine (all variants), Transmission (automatic), Drivetrain (xDrive AWD)
Chassis:
Suspension (front/rear, air suspension options), Steering, Brakes (ABS, DSC, hydro-boost)
Electrical:
Wiring diagrams, ECU diagnostics, Lighting, Power accessories, Infotainment, CAN bus system
Body:
Body panels, Doors, Windows, Roof system, Seats, Interior trim
Comfort Systems:
HVAC system, power seats, climate control, sunroof operation
Maintenance:
Oil change, filter replacement, fluid checks/changes, brake pad/rotor replacement, spark plug replacement
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting guides, DTC code explanations, sensor testing, component testing
Repair:
Engine rebuilds, transmission overhaul, suspension component replacement, electrical component repair, body repair procedures
Installation:
Component replacement (e.g., starter, alternator, water pump), accessory installation
Special Tools:
Identification and usage of BMW-specific tools for diagnostics and repairs.
Depth:
Comprehensive: From basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission overhauls, detailed electrical schematics, and bodywork repair.
Diagnostics Tools:
Covers procedures using ISTA/D (or prior diagnostic software) and common OBD-II scanners.
Engine Code Common:
N52 (3.0L Inline-6), N62 (4.8L V8), N54 (3.0L Twin-Turbo Inline-6), N55 (3.0L Twin-Scroll Turbo Inline-6)
Hp Range:
255 hp to 400 hp (depending on engine variant)
Torque Range:
235 lb-ft to 450 lb-ft (depending on engine variant)
Diesel Hp:
261 hp (for 2009-2011 models, e.g., xDrive35d)
Diesel Torque:
425 lb-ft (for 2009-2011 models, e.g., xDrive35d)
Injection Type:
Direct Injection (later models) or Port Injection (earlier models)
Fuel Type:
Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91 RON or higher recommended)
Diesel Engine Code:
M57 (3.0L Turbocharged Diesel Inline-6)
Length:
Approx. 191.1 inches (4854 mm)
Width:
Approx. 76.5 inches (1943 mm)
Height:
Approx. 69.0 inches (1753 mm)
Seating Capacity:
5 or 7 (optional third row)
Cargo Volume Behind 2Nd Row:
Approx. 25.0 cu ft (708 L)
Cargo Volume Max:
Approx. 75.2 cu ft (2129 L) with rear seats folded
Curb Weight:
Approx. 4,600 - 5,000 lbs (2087 - 2268 kg), depending on engine and options
NHTSA Front Impact:
5-Star (when tested)
IIHS Side Impact:
Good (when tested)
Stability Control:
Dynamic Stability Control (DSC), Dynamic Traction Control (DTC)
Braking Assist:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Brake Assistant, Brake Fade Compensation
Hill Descent:
Hill Descent Control (HDC)
Airbags:
Frontal airbags, side-impact airbags, curtain airbags
System Name:
iDrive (CCC or CIC generation depending on year)
Features:
Navigation, CD/DVD player, AM/FM radio, Auxiliary input, Bluetooth connectivity (optional/via adapter)
Features:
Park Distance Control (PDC), Adaptive Headlights, Head-Up Display (optional), Cruise Control
Integration:
BMW ConnectedDrive (early versions available on later E70 models)
Oil Change Interval:
Typically 10,000 - 15,000 miles or 12-24 months (based on 'Condition Based Service' - CBS system)
Brake Fluid Change:
Every 2 years, regardless of mileage
Engine Oil Viscosity:
Depends on engine and climate. Common: BMW Longlife-01 (LL-01) 5W-30 or 0W-30 for gasoline engines.
Transmission Fluid:
BMW ATF 6HPxx (specific to the transmission series, e.g., ATF 3, ATF 6) - usually requires specialized service.
Coolant:
BMW Blue Coolant (G48) or compatible ethylene glycol-based antifreeze with corrosion inhibitors.
Engine Common:
Valve stem seal leaks (N62 V8), oil filter housing gasket leaks, VANOS solenoid issues, ignition coil failures.
Transmission Common:
Mechatronic unit issues, torque converter problems, transmission fluid leaks (especially around cooler lines).
Suspension Common:
Air suspension compressor failure, leaking air springs, worn control arm bushings.
Electrical Common:
Water pump failure (electric), CAS module issues, door module failures.
Manufacturer:
Bayerische Motoren Werke AG (BMW)
Previous Generation:
E53 (first generation X5)
Next Generation:
F15 (third generation X5)
Facelift Year:
2010 (LCI - Life Cycle Impulse)
Manufacturing Locations:
Spartanburg, South Carolina, USA; Leipzig, Germany (assembly kits)