The E70 X5 was produced between 2006 and 2013. After the success of the E53 X5, it was time for BMW to make the X5 better. They improved the vehicle in terms of electronics, comfort and convenience and overall practicality.
Today, these SUVs (rather SAVs – Sports Activity Vehicle as no X5 owner takes it off-roading) are in the ballpark of 10 to 14 years of age. And old German cars are seen as money pits as they age.
But, a lot of people fail to see the money they saved in buying an old car and repairing it versus buying a new car on its sticker price.
With that cleared out of the way, it is now time to talk about some of the BMW E70 X5’s common problems that you should know before buying.
BMW X5 rattle noise in cabin
The E70 is not known for its fabulous interior quality. The car has plastic parts laid out pretty much everywhere. Not that other cars do not use plastics, it is just that BMW did not fit them well.
And as they age, these plastic parts break their tabs (or any other holding mechanism), and either they show up under your seat or make weird noise here and there.
Most commonly, the pass-through port at the rear seat will have its release tabs broken. Then there is the front row seat that makes a squeaking and rattling noise. The dashboard center area may also sing along with all the other loose plastics.
It is not a deal-breaker and can be repaired for cheap. It is just annoying to hear these noises in your luxury SUV, that’s all.
Electric water pump failure
The E70 X5 came with an electric water pump unlike the one driven by the serpentine belt. These are notorious for failing without any warning.
You know that it is time to replace the water pump when you replace the serpentine belt and tensioner. But here, there is no schedule for the electric water pump replacement.
And without a schedule, it catches some owners off guard. The engine would overheat when the electric water pump fails.
Replacing the pump is a DIY for folks who have a lift or a ramp. Due to tight space, one might feel it is a little time-consuming.
Since you are there, why not replace the thermostat as well? The parts would set you back by about $500.
Here is Brian from How to Automotive showing easy replacement of thermostat and electric water pump on E70 X7.
Rear air spring on 7-seater models
The BMW E70 X5 7-seater models came standard with a rear air spring. The factory air spring has an approximate life of around 7-10 years. This also varies with the type of roads you drive your car on.
As they go out, the rear of the car would just sag down. If you see one morning that either side of the rear is sagging, immediately change the air springs.
Why?
The air leaking through the air springs would be compensated by the compressor. If only this could run for long. The compressor eventually will burn out slapping you with a hefty bill.
Many brands make air springs for the E70 X5, but they tend to last only for 2-3 years. After getting done with the reoccurring repairs, some people switch over to the traditional coil springs.
The traditional coil spring setup is economical, and lasts longer but gives a worse ride quality.
Buying an aftermarket air spring should cost you about 300 bucks for both sides. And replacing them is a DIY. So, you can save a couple of bucks on the labour as well.
Here is the DIY video that should explain what goes into replacing the air spring on a BMW E70 X5.
Erratic gear changes
You need to make sure that the car has had its automatic transmission fluid change every 60,000 miles. Never fall for the ‘sealed for life’ crap.
Some folks find minimal metallic particles in the pan when they change the ATF at the recommended schedule. And then some find their entire transmission in the pan. The latter, without a doubt, fell for the ‘sealed for life’ crap.
Now besides the old ATF, erratic gear changes are common on the ZF 6-speed automatics. The mechatronic bridge seal on this transmission is responsible for preventing pressure loss and hence you get smooth shifting.
Unfortunately, this transmission is made of plastic. With heat and age, it gets brittle and develops cracks. Those small cracks lead to pressure loss and your gear shifts become all funny.
Another part that likes to fail is the mechatronic’s sleeve. It is rubber and becomes brittle with age.
So, it is always a good practice to change these two parts as well when replacing the ATF. And this should prevent the erratic gearshifts.
Here’s how you can do it on your own. You just need jack stands, gloves, and a set of Torx.
Power lift gate struts failure
On one supermarket day with your hands full, you might notice that the tailgate won’t respond to your key command.
If you have acquired the car recently and this is the first time you have tried to open the power liftgate, chances are that it was set to the previous owner’s height.
Yes, some people are short, get over it.
Now, go to iDrive settings>Tailgate. See if is set to the lowest position. If it is, rotate the knob until it is fully open. Now, press the tailgate release button on the centre console and see if the tailgate opens fully. If it still is not, then chances are the struts have gone bad.
It is not just a BMW specific problem. Tailgate struts fail on many cars as they age. So, get them replaced at your friendly mechanic or do it yourself. Many people have done it and so can you.
Valve cover gasket
Vehicles this age will have engine oil leaks. And the most common place the engine likes to leak oil is through the valve cover.
The rubber/gasket gets brittle after year on year heat exposure and cracks. The engine oil slowly seeps through these cracks and you may find engine oil drops on your driveway.
Ignoring this could lead you to have an engine seizure as the leak would empty the engine oil sooner or later.
It is an easy and cheap fix so don’t procrastinate.