2008 BMW X5 problems

• M57D30TU2, second revision 3.0 litres, aluminium block (204-286 hp, 2004-2010)

  204–286 hp · M57D30TU2

  A specialist workshop expressly names the 231 hp E90 330d/330xd and the twin-turbo 335d/535d among the versions with swirl flaps; it points to only a final 197 hp revision of the 325d/525d as an exception.^[2]

  With caution

Faults that affect 2008 cars

• Critical severityFrequency: CommonIntakeBroken intake swirl flapsYes: most automatic M57 and M57TU engines (330d, 530d, 535d, 730d, X3 3.0d and so on) have six metal flaps in the intake manifold that can seize, come loose and wreck a cylinder. The E53 X5 3.0d and the manual gearboxes of the first 330d/530d are free of them, according to a specialist workshop.
• High severityFrequency: CommonLubricationCrankcase ventilation (PCV) valve failureThe valve that separates oil from the crankcase gases (PCV) degrades over time, especially after 120,000-150,000 km, and can cause oil consumption, bluish smoke and a rough idle and, if ignored, foul the turbo, the EGR or the particulate filter.Appears at around 120,000 km
• Medium severityFrequency: OccasionalCylinder head and blockCracked exhaust manifoldThe M57 exhaust manifold can crack, causing loss of power, an unstable idle and a smell of exhaust fumes in the cabin; the recommended repair is to replace it with a cast one.
• Medium severityFrequency: OccasionalOtherCrankshaft pulley vibration damper failureThe M57 crankshaft vibration damper (pulley) can fail with use, warning with abnormal noises and knocking at the front of the engine before it breaks completely.

• N62B48TU 4.8 naturally aspirated 355-367 hp (550i, 650i, 750i, X5 4.8i; 2005-2010)

  355–367 hp · N62B48, N62B48TU

  The German guides describe the 6 Series N62 as a solid engine and the X5 E70 4.8i's as an engine with few problems; even so, at over 15 years old, the coolant hoses and valve stem seals should be checked.^[5][6]

  Buy

• N63B44O0 4.4 twin-turbo 408 hp (2008-2014)

  408 hp · N63B44O0, N63B44

  Gebrauchtwagenberater advises against the 550i with this N63 because of oil consumption (valve stem seals) and the stretched chain, and recommends a car built after July 2013; fiches-auto describes it as the big weak point of the petrol range.^[7][8]

  Avoid

Faults that affect 2008 cars

• High severityFrequency: CommonLubricationN63 oil consumption from worn valve stem sealsYes: the original N63 is known for using oil and the German press attributes it to worn valve stem seals. Gebrauchtwagenberater gives €3,000-4,500 as a repair reference in Germany.
• Critical severityFrequency: OccasionalTimingN63 timing chain stretch and guide breakageOn the N63 the timing chain can stretch and the sliding guide can break, leaving plastic debris in the sump and risking serious engine damage. We have found no European recall for this reason.
• Critical severityFrequency: OccasionalTurboAdditional turbo coolant pump with a risk of short circuit and fireIn 2011 BMW recalled 5, 6 and 7 Series, X5 and X6 models built between 2007 and 2011 because of the additional turbo coolant pump: moisture, a short circuit and, in extreme cases, a fire. In 2012 there was another campaign for a crack in the pump, with a more robust version.
• Medium severityFrequency: CommonCoolingN63 coolant loss and cracks in the cylinder headThe N63 loses coolant fairly often: Gebrauchtwagenberater cites it on the 550i, the X5 50i and others, along with cracks in the spark plug well. Owner reports add hoses and the water pump.
• Medium severityFrequency: CommonCoolingN62 coolant loss from hoses and the pipe between the cylinder banksOn the N62 V8, coolant loss from cracked hoses or pipes is typical, especially on the earliest units. Replacing them is laborious: the hose between the banks means removing a good part of the engine.
• Medium severityFrequency: OccasionalLubricationN62 blue smoke and oil consumption from hardened valve stem sealsOn the N62 V8, the valve stem seals can harden with age and cause oil consumption with blue smoke. It is not a widespread fault: several German guides describe the engine as solid.

• 2nd generation (6HP21/28/32, 2007-2014)

  · 6HP21, 6HP28, 6HP28X, 6HP32, 6HP32A

  The 2007 revision did not eliminate the family's weak points: jerking and mechatronic faults are still documented on cars with this version, and Jaguar ended up replacing the 6HP with the ZF 8HP on the XF as early as 2012. It is still worth checking the gearbox service history before buying.^[10][11][12]

  With caution

Faults that affect 2008 cars

• High severityFrequency: CommonElectronicsValve body and mechatronic failure: erratic shifts or a locked-up gearboxYes, and it can be serious: there are documented failures of the ZF 6HP valve body or mechatronic unit on BMW, Audi and Land Rover models from around 90,000-100,000 km, with cases that go as far as preventing a gear from engaging (including reverse) and dealer quotes of €6,000 to €10,000.Repair: €6,000–€10,000Appears at around 90,000 km
• Medium severityFrequency: CommonTransmissionJerking and harsh shifts from converter wear and ageing oilYes: on BMW, Audi and Land Rover models with the ZF 6HP there are reports of jerking, hesitation and harsh shifts from 80,000-150,000 km, especially if the gearbox oil has never been changed. The converter locks up in all six gears to save fuel, which speeds up its wear over the years.Repair (garage): €150–€400Appears at around 80,000 km
• Medium severityFrequency: OccasionalLubricationOil leaks from the sump or the gearbox sealsYes, although in a minority of cases: there are reports of ZF 6HP gearbox oil leaks on the BMW X5 (at 180,000 km) and the Audi A6 (between 204,000 and 208,000 km). If not repaired, the loss of pressure can speed up internal wear and lead to valve body or mechatronic failure.Repair (garage): €300–€600Appears at around 180,000 km

• N52B30 3.0 (2004-2015)

  215–268 hp · N52B30, N51B30

  Same weak points as the N52B25; units from before the end of 2008 may have noisy hydraulic lifters.^[14][15]

  With caution

Faults that affect 2008 cars

• Medium severityFrequency: CommonCoolingElectric water pump and thermostat failureThe N52's plastic electric water pump cracks or fails sooner than a mechanical one, and the thermostat usually goes with it; it is recommended to replace it as a precaution at around 80,000-100,000 km.Repair (garage): €350–€600Appears at around 80,000 km
• Medium severityFrequency: CommonLubricationOil leak from the oil filter housing gasketThe oil filter housing gasket hardens over time and leaks oil on all N52 engines; the leak can soil the engine and damage nearby parts.
• Low severityFrequency: CommonLubricationValve cover and crankcase ventilation valveThe N52's plastic valve cover cracks with heat cycles and the crankcase ventilation system fails, causing whistling, leaks and oil consumption.Repair (garage): €200–€350
• Low severityFrequency: OccasionalLubricationN52 hydraulic lifter noiseN52 engines from before December 2008 can have hydraulic lifters that make a tapping noise when cold because of a lubrication problem.

• High severityFrequency: OccasionalGearbox and clutchxDrive transfer case failure on the X5 E70According to testimonies on fiches-auto.fr, the X5 E70 transfer case accounts for 18 mentions out of 152 testimonies, with jerking during low-speed manoeuvres, vibrations and 4x4/DSC warnings, linked to neglected oil changes and wear of the internal clutch plates.
• Critical severityFrequency: RareBrakesOil in the brake servo damages the diaphragm and removes assistance (built 2006-2010)Yes: according to Gebrauchtwagenberater.de, BMW recalled X5s built from 2006 to 2010 because engine oil could enter the brake servo, damage its diaphragm and cause loss of brake assistance.
• Medium severityFrequency: OccasionalElectronics and infotainmentElectronic module and connector faults caused by moisture on the X5 E70According to fiches-auto.fr, the X5 E70's electronics appear in 14 mentions out of 152 testimonies: DSC, ABS, airbag and cruise control faults, attributed to moisture and corroded connectors; one case cites a €1,300 module at around 90,000 km.
• Medium severityFrequency: RareSuspensionRear air suspension failure on the X5 E70According to fiches-auto.fr, the X5 E70's rear air suspension can sag because of leaking air springs and level sensor faults, which overloads the compressor. The entry does not give the number of cases.
• Medium severityFrequency: RareBodywork and interiorLeaks and jamming of the panoramic sunroof on the X5 E70According to fiches-auto.fr, the X5 E70's panoramic sunroof can jam or leak because of blocked drain channels, wetting the floor and electrical modules. One testimony cites €2,000 for the replacement.