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BMW X5 Common Problems and Solutions

Clunking Noise

Problem:

You can hear a clunking noise coming from the front of the car and can feel the steering wheel wander when driving.

Models affected:

Solution:

The X5 goes through front control arm bushings very quickly. You'll have to replace either the control arm bushings from our parts list or completely new arms. However, removing the worn ones and installing the new ones is very simple.

Difficulty level

1

Part you need

Control Arm

Part required

Control Arm

Get a quote for Control Arm

Grinding Noise From Front Wheels

Problem:

You can hear a metallic grinding noise from the front wheels when they are rotating.

Models affected:

Solution:

This is common in X5s that have been driven hard and is down to a failure of the driveshaft spline. You can cut the stripped-out portion and weld on a new part that has longer splines. However, it's usually a lot easier and more cost-effective to order a new driveshaft from our store and replace the whole thing.

Difficulty level

2

Part you need

Driveshaft

Part required

Driveshaft

Get a quote for Driveshaft

Engine Skip (E53 Models)

Problem:

The engine drops out of phase regularly.

Models affected:

Solution:

On the E53 X5s, the guide rails can fall apart very quickly, which leads to the timing chain skipping. To repair the problem, you're going to need to order replacement guide rails from us, and you may have to replace the timing chain at the same time if it has stretched or been damaged.

Difficulty level

3

Part you need

Timing Chain

Part required

Timing Chain

Get a quote for Timing Chain

Loss of Brake Power

Problem:

The brakes are no longer as effective as they were.

Models affected:

Solution:

This is really a problem that every car can face, but it's particularly frequent on the BMW X5 because it is renowned for being very punishing on its brake parts. If you're losing brake power, check the callipers, brake pads, and brake discs. You can order the necessary brake parts from our parts list easily and replace them yourself very quickly.

Difficulty level

1

Rough Idling and Stalling

Problem:

The X5 idles roughly and occasionally stalls. The 'fill coolant' light is illuminated, even when you have just filled up with coolant.

Models affected:

Solution:

You have a leak in your coolant system. In most cases, this will be an issue involving the inlet manifolds for the system, which will need to be replaced. Check your inlet manifolds and order a replacement from us if there are obvious signs of damage. If the inlet manifolds look fine, then go over the whole coolant system looking for the damaged section, which will need to be replaced.

Difficulty level

2

Door Handles (SUV Models)

Problem:

The door handles lift, but the door doesn't open.

Models affected:

Solution:

Unfortunately, this isn't an easy fix. You're going to need to replace the entire door opening and locking mechanism. That's going to require some specialist tools that most drivers don't own. If you do, then you can order the parts you need directly from our store.

Difficulty level

4

Part you need

Door Lock Mechanism

Part required

Door Lock Mechanism

Get a quote for Door Lock Mechanism

Stalling and Jerky Driving

Problem:

The car regularly stalls, occasionally drives jerkily and is sometimes difficult to start.

Models affected:

Solution:

There's a good chance that you have a faulty air mass flow sensor. Fortunately, sensors are very low cost when you buy from us and easy to install.

Difficulty level

1

Part you need

Air Flow Mass Sensor

Part required

Air Flow Mass Sensor

Get a quote for Air Flow Mass Sensor

Creaking Tailgate

Problem:

You can hear a creaking sound from the tailgate, and the rear-view camera has stopped working.

Models affected:

Solution:

You won't have to replace the tailgate in this situation. The problem is usually being caused by a faulty tailgate latch, which you can find a replacement for on our parts list. Install the new latch, and both issues will be resolved.

Difficulty level

1

Stalling Problem

Problem:

The car occasionally stalls and won't restart. Sometimes, the dashboard warning lights illuminate.

Models affected:

Solution:

This can happen, but it's quite rare. In most cases, it's a complete engine malfunction and means that you will have to replace the entire engine. You can order a low-cost replacement from us and install it yourself.

Difficulty level

4

Engine misfiring

Problem:

Are you having problems with the engine misfiring on your X5? This will be most noticeable when the engine is idling and you may also have noticed that there is a rattling sound coming from the engine. This is caused by a broken unit on the intake actuator.

Models affected:

Solution:

You can replace this unit to fix the problem. Watch the video below to see how you can do this your self, and save money in the process:

Difficulty level

2

Excessive wind noise

Problem:

Can you hear a lot of wind noise coming through the doors and into the cabin, particularly at high speeds? If so, this is caused by failing door aperture seals.

Models affected:

Solution:

You will need to replace the door aperture seals, in order to resolve the issue. We can help you to find your replacement door aperture seals, at very low prices:

Difficulty level

3

Electric handbrake problem

Problem:

If you have found that the handbrake is not releasing as smoothly as it once did, it is known for sticking on the X5. This is caused by a software failure, which causes the handbrake actuator to fail, resulting in the handbrake sticking.

Models affected:

Solution:

You will need to have the software updated, in order to fix the problem. BMW should fix this under warranty, otherwise you are responsible for the cost of the repair.

Difficulty level

5

Automatic gearbox leaking oil

Problem:

The gearbox plug sleeve seal is known for failing, causing the transmission oil to leak out of this area. If you have noticed that the gearbox oil is becoming low, this is the most likely cause.

Models affected:

Solution:

Replacing the gearbox plug sleeve seal, will stop the oil leak. Watch the video below, to see how to change this seal and stop the leak:

Difficulty level

4

Seat Belt Restraint

Problem:

The seat belts don't lock into place when you move forwards, increasing the risk of injury in the case of a collision.

Models affected:

Solution:

The seat belt pre-tensioner is faulty. You can scroll through our list of X5 parts and order a replacement which you can easily install yourself.

Difficulty level

1

Child Safety Lock Malfunction

Problem:

The child safety lock malfunctions so that the rear doors can be opened from the inside.

Models affected:

Solution:

If your car was built in 2014, then there's a good chance that this is due to a faulty soft-close door, which you'll need to replace. If your X5 was built in any other year, then it may simply be a case of replacing the locking mechanism, which you can order from us easily.

Difficulty level

3

Part you need

Door Lock Mechanism

Part required

Door Lock Mechanism

Get a quote for Door Lock Mechanism

Reading these common BMW X5 problems should help you find out what is wrong with your BMW X5 – or just what to look out for in the future. We’ll also give suggestions on what to do if your BMW X5 does have one of these issues.