🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

BMW

Model:

X5

Year:

2011

Trim Level:

xDrive50i

Chassis Code:

E70 (Second Generation)

Engine Code:

N63B44O0

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Luxury Mid-size SUV

Competitors 2011:

Audi Q7, Mercedes-Benz M-Class (W164), Lexus RX, Porsche Cayenne, Land Rover LR4.

Powertrain Focus:

Powerful V8 engine, advanced xDrive all-wheel-drive system.

Luxury Appointments:

Premium interior materials, advanced technology, comfort-oriented features.

Driving Dynamics:

BMW's emphasis on sporty handling for an SUV, often featuring adaptive suspension options.

📋 Manual Details

Primary Coverage:

Operation, Maintenance, and Specifications for the 2011 BMW X5 xDrive50i

Secondary Coverage:

Instrument cluster, entertainment, climate controls, lighting, driver controls, locks, security, seating, safety restraints, driving dynamics, customer assistance, cleaning, engine compartment, fluids, battery, fuel, air filter, part numbers, refill capacities, lubricant specifications, accessories, service information, maintenance.

Estimated Pages:

Approximately 300-400 pages (typical for factory owners manuals of this era)

Type:

Owner's Manual

Language:

English

Digital Format:

PDF

📖 Manual Coverage

Powertrain:

Engine operation, lubrication, cooling system, fuel system, exhaust system, ignition system.

Drivetrain:

xDrive all-wheel drive system, transfer case, differential operation.

Chassis:

Suspension system (including adaptive suspension if equipped), steering system, brake system (including ABS, DSC).

Electrical:

Lighting systems, instrument cluster operation, warning indicators, battery maintenance, power outlets, fuses (locations and ratings), infotainment system, climate control system.

Body Interior:

Doors, locks, windows, seats, airbags, seatbelt operation, climate control operation, interior lighting, cargo area.

Routine Maintenance:

Engine oil and filter change recommendations, air filter replacement, cabin air filter replacement, tire pressure checks, fluid level checks (coolant, brake fluid, power steering fluid, windshield washer fluid).

Emergency Procedures:

Changing a flat tire, jump-starting the battery, using the spare tire and tools, towing information.

Operation Guides:

Starting and stopping the engine, operating the transmission (e.g., gear selector positions, manual shifting), using cruise control, operating climate controls, using the iDrive system, adjusting seats and mirrors, using the power liftgate.

Safety Features:

Understanding and using airbags, seatbelt pre-tensioners, child seat installation (LATCH system), child safety locks.

Diagnostics:

Basic troubleshooting guidance based on warning lights and symptoms. Does not typically include detailed diagnostic procedures or repair steps found in a service manual.

Repair Scope:

Focuses on driver operation and owner-level maintenance. Does not cover component-level repair or disassembly procedures.

📊 Manual Specifications

Format:

PDF

Searchability:

Likely searchable text-based PDF, allowing for keyword searches.

Quality:

Digital replica of factory output; quality depends on original scanning/digitization but generally high for factory documents.

Type:

N/A (Digital Download)

Type:

N/A (Digital Download)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Type:

4.4L Twin-Turbocharged V8 (N63)

Horsepower:

400 hp @ 5500-6500 rpm

Torque:

450 lb-ft @ 1750-4500 rpm

Injection Type:

Direct Injection

Coolant Type:

BMW Blue Antifreeze (or equivalent silicate-free G48 type)

Oil Type Specification:

BMW Longlife-01 (LL-01) or BMW Longlife-04 (LL-04) approved synthetic oil, SAE 5W-30 or 0W-30

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type:

8-speed Steptronic Automatic Transmission

Transmission Type:

N/A (8-speed was standard for xDrive50i in 2011)

Gear Selector:

Electronic gear selector with Park, Reverse, Neutral, Drive, and Manual modes.

Transmission Fluid:

Specific ATF fluid (e.g., Shell M-1375.4 or ZF Lifeguardfluid 8). Capacity around 9-10 liters.

📐 Dimensions

Length:

191.8 inches (4,873 mm)

Width:

76.0 inches (1,930 mm)

Height:

69.1 inches (1,755 mm)

Curb Weight:

Approximately 4,872 lbs (2,210 kg)

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:

Approximately 6,570 lbs (2,980 kg)

Cargo Volume Rear Seats Up:

25.6 cubic feet (725 liters)

Cargo Volume Rear Seats Down:

75.2 cubic feet (2,130 liters)

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Overall Rating:

5-Star (for 2011 model year, typical for BMWs of this era)

Traction Control:

Dynamic Stability Control (DSC), Traction Control (ASC+T)

Braking System:

Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Dynamic Brake Control (DBC), Brake Fade Compensation, Start-off Assistant.

Driver Assistance:

Parking Assistant (optional), Head-Up Display (optional), Lane Departure Warning (optional), Adaptive Cruise Control (optional).

Airbags:

Front airbags for driver and front passenger, front side-impact airbags, head protection system (curtain airbags for front and rear).

Seatbelts:

Three-point inertia-reel seatbelts with pre-tensioners and force limiters, active front head restraints.

Latch System:

Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH) system in rear seats.

💡 Technology Features

System Name:

iDrive System (CCC or CIC depending on specific build date/options)

Display:

Central color LCD display (typically 7-inch or 8.8-inch).

Input Controls:

Rotary/push controller with surrounding buttons, steering wheel controls, voice command (optional).

Connectivity:

Bluetooth connectivity for phone calls and audio streaming, USB interface (optional), auxiliary audio input.

Cruise Control:

Standard cruise control; Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) was a common option.

Parking Aid:

Front and rear Park Distance Control (PDC), rearview camera (optional).

System Type:

Automatic dual-zone or multi-zone climate control with cabin microfilter.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Typically based on Condition Based Service (CBS) system, with recommendations around 10,000-15,000 miles or annually, whichever comes first.

Brake Fluid Change:

Recommended every 2 years, regardless of mileage.

Spark Plugs:

Recommended replacement interval around 60,000 miles for this engine.

Engine Oil:

BMW LL-01 or LL-04, SAE 5W-30 or 0W-30 Synthetic

Coolant:

BMW Blue Antifreeze (G48) or equivalent

Brake Fluid:

DOT 4 low viscosity (LV) or DOT 4 Plus

Power Steering Fluid:

Pentosin CHF 11S or equivalent hydraulic fluid

N63 Engine Specific:

The N63 V8 engine from this era is known for potential issues with valve stem seals, ignition coils, fuel injectors, and oil consumption. Turbocharger oil supply lines and intercooler hoses can also be points of concern.

Common Wear Items:

Suspension components (control arms, bushings), all-wheel-drive system (transfer case seals, driveshaft), battery issues, and water pump failures can occur with age and mileage.

Oil Filter:

Example: Mann-Filter HU831z, Mahle OX 386/1D, BMW 11 42 7 953 129

Air Filter:

Example: Mann-Filter C 24017, BMW 13 71 7 527 720

📚 Vehicle History

Brand Focus:

BMW has a long-standing reputation for building sporty, driver-focused vehicles, including luxury sedans, coupes, and SUVs.

X5 Introduction:

The BMW X5 was first introduced in 1999 as the E53, pioneering the 'Sports Activity Vehicle' (SAV) segment. The E70 generation began in 2006, and the 2011 model year represents a significant mid-cycle refresh for this generation, often referred to as LCI (Life Cycle Impulse).

Manufacturing Location:

Spartanburg, South Carolina, USA

Model Year Range For E70:

2007-2013

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Segment Accolades:

While specific awards for the 2011 X5 xDrive50i might be scattered, the E70 generation generally received positive reviews for its performance, luxury, and technology from automotive publications like Car and Driver, MotorTrend, and Edmunds.

Consumer Satisfaction General:

Owners often praise the powerful V8 engine and luxurious interior, though maintenance costs can be a factor.