BMW X5 X5 xDrive25d common faults.

2018–2023, SUV, diesel, 231 HP.

The fault list covers: B47B20 engine, ZF8HP, ZF8HP70, ZF8HP75, ZF8HP90 transmission.

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8 fault write-ups. All are important. 41 recalls.

If you know the year, pick it. Faults for other years drop out of the list.

Before you buy

Known faults

8 important faults

critical4

Diesel high pressure pump: power loss and engine shutdown while driving

critical

The high pressure pump of these common rail diesels (Bosch CP4) can fail while driving. The characteristic course is not gradual: a "Drivetrain fault" message appears on the dash, and within a few seconds the power is gone, on the motorway too. Afterwards the engine often cranks but will not start.

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What makes the repair expensive: once the inside of the pump wears, metal debris travels through the rail and contaminates the entire fuel system. At that point replacing the pump is not enough: the injectors, the rails, the tank and the lines go with it. That is the difference between a "pump replacement" and a "full system replacement" quote, that is what you should ask about.

The maker started a recall for this in the United States (NHTSA 21V586000, 2014 to 2018 328d / X5 xDrive35d / 535d / 740Ld / X3 xDrive28d). The same campaign did not run in Europe, even though the same pump works in the 320d/520d/X3 20d versions that are common right across Europe. The recall does not cover these cars.

between 79,000 and 248,000 km

What to check

Ask whether there has ever been a "Drivetrain fault" message or a loss of power while driving
Ask for the service history: if the high pressure pump was replaced, check whether the injectors and the lines were replaced with it. If not, the debris may still be in the system
After a cold start listen to the engine at idle: irregular running or smoke is suspect

3 more steps in the write-up

Diesel EGR cooler: cracking, coolant in the intake, fire risk

critical

The internal fins of the exhaust gas recirculation cooler crack over time, and glycol coolant leaks into the intake, where it mixes with soot. The sticky mixture can ignite at high temperature: it can melt the plastic intake manifold and, in extreme cases, cause an engine bay fire.

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The maker recalled the 2013 to 2018 four and six cylinder diesels, roughly 800,000 cars worldwide. The first repair attempt proved insufficient, and the leak returned in several cases: the cooler fitted since 2022, from a different supplier, is the valid fix.

So "the recall was carried out" is not enough on its own: you have to check when, and which repair was done. A first round repair does not by itself rule the problem out.

The early symptoms are white, sweet smelling exhaust smoke, slowly dropping coolant, and a rough idle.

It shows up on diesels built between 2013 and 2018. The earlier M57 is not covered by the recall.

between 108,000 and 222,000 km

What to check

Check the level in the expansion tank, and ask whether it has needed topping up
After a cold start watch the exhaust: persistent white smoke and a sweet smell mean the coolant is burning
Ask for the service book and find the EGR cooler recall entry: Check the date too

2 more steps in the write-up

B47 diesel: the timing chain stretches on the early model years

critical

On the early model years the timing chain of the B47 stretches faster than intended. The chain tensioner compensates for the stretch for a while and then no longer can: the chain jumps, the valve timing goes off, and in a severe case engine damage follows. The first sign is a rattling, clacking noise on a cold start that goes quiet after one to three seconds. On the B47 the chain sits at the front of the engine, not at the rear as on its predecessor, the N47. The replacement is therefore considerably less, between 1,200 and 1,800 euro, against 2,000 to 2,500 euro on the N47; if the chain has already jumped, the repair can run up to 4,500 euro. The risk is highest on units built before the end of 2015, with a reported rate of 3 to 5 per cent. 2016 was better but cases remained, and between July and December 2016 an improved chain tensioner was phased in. After mid-2016 the problem is rare, below one per cent. The engine has been in almost every four-cylinder diesel BMW since 2014, from the 1 Series to the 5 Series and from the X1 to the X4. The build date therefore says more here than the model.

above 120,000 km1,200–4,500 EUR

What to check

Start the engine cold and listen for the rattling noise in the first seconds
Ask for the build date, because units built before the end of 2015 are the risky ones
Ask whether the chain or the tensioner has been replaced, and ask for the invoice

2 more steps in the write-up

B47 / B57 diesel: particulate filter and turbo on short trips

critical

The B47 replaced the N47, and the maker fixed the timing chain problem. The two remaining risks on this modern diesel depend on how the car was used.

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The first is the particulate filter. On short urban trips the regeneration cannot finish, and the filter clogs. The second is the turbo. With extended oil change intervals its bearings wear.

On this engine the service history and the type of use tell you more than the odometer. On a 200,000 km car driven on motorways and serviced often, the filter and the turbo can be in better shape than on a 90,000 km city-only car.

Where turbo wear leads in the worst case: a runaway engine. If the turbo shaft seal fails, engine oil enters the intake on the compressor side. A diesel burns that too, and this is different from a petrol engine: a diesel controls torque with the quantity of fuel injected, and it has no throttle. Once the engine runs on its own oil, cutting the injection and switching off the ignition will not stop it. The revs climb on their own until the engine destroys itself for lack of lubrication.

If this happens while driving, turning the key does not help. The only thing that works is cutting off the air: cover or plug the intake, or discharge a dry powder extinguisher into the intake tract. On a manual car you can also stall it: hold the parking brake and the brake pedal, select a high gear, and release the clutch quickly so the drivetrain chokes the engine.

This is not common, and it can happen on any turbo diesel, not only on this engine. On this engine the turbo bearing and seal wear. The warning signs are blue smoke under acceleration, an unexplained drop in oil level, and an oily charge air pipe.

What to check

Ask how the car was used: short daily trips or longer runs?
Read the fault codes for particulate filter regeneration and differential pressure
On a longer test drive watch the power delivery and the smoke under load

5 more steps in the write-up

expensive4

XDrive transfer case (ATC): binding in corners, plastic actuator gear

expensive

The heart of the four wheel drive in the longitudinal engine BMW X models (X3, X5 and the X1 E84) is the ATC transfer case. It has two faults, and you can feel both while driving.

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The first is wear of the clutch pack and the fluid: in a slow, tight corner (a car park, a roundabout) the car jerks and "hops", as if the drive grabbed and let go. You can also get a jerk when pulling away on a slope. The second is the plastic actuator gear: the position signal is lost, the brake, ABS and 4x4/DSC lights come on together on the dash, and a clicking is audible from the transfer case when you switch the ignition off.

Workshops often propose a full transfer case replacement straight away. But the plastic gear can be replaced on its own, and the wrong tyre size or a mixed set of tyres also imitates the jerking, because the transfer case then slips continuously. So clear up the tyres and the fault code first, before you pay for a transfer case replacement.

between 72,000 and 175,000 km

What to check

In a slow, tight corner (a car park) watch for jerking, binding and a "skipping" feel
When pulling away on light throttle, can you feel the drivetrain jerk
Watch the dash: 4x4, ABS, DSC and brake lights together point at the actuator

4 more steps in the write-up

Rear air suspension: the back sinks overnight, overworked compressor

expensive

On the E70/F15 (and the air sprung G05) X5 the self levelling air spring on the rear axle starts to leak over time. The characteristic picture: after standing for a long time the back sits lower than the nose; on startup the compressor runs for minutes, the car comes up, then sinks again hours later. Sinking on one side points more to that corner's air spring or to the valve block, while sinking on both points to the shared supply (compressor, dryer, lines).

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A "compressor replacement" on its own often does not fix it: if the air spring keeps leaking, the new pump fails soon too. Air suspension is not fitted to every version, so the equipment list has to be checked separately.

The repair starts with finding the leak (soapy water, ride height sensor, valve block), not with replacing parts blind.

above 100,000 km

What to check

Look at the car cold, after standing at least one night: does the back sit lower than the nose, or does one rear corner sink
Listen to the compressor after startup: how long it runs, and whether the back comes up
Measure the arch height at all four corners: a difference means a sensor or a spring fault

3 more steps in the write-up

ZF 8HP automatic: mechatronics unit and connector sleeve leak

expensive

The ZF eight speed automatic (BMW Steptronic 8HP family) has two faults, and you can feel both.

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The first is the mechatronics unit: the valve body and the control electronics in one. If the solenoids or the pressure regulation weaken, the gearbox jerks, the D/R engagement is delayed, it logs a gear ratio fault code, and finally drops into limp mode (often staying in 2nd or 3rd).

The second, and often misdiagnosed, is the connector sleeve of the mechatronics unit: the O-ring of the plastic sleeve ages, and ATF leaks from the side of the housing, exactly where the wiring harness enters. This is easy to mistake for a rear crankshaft seal. The trail starts from the driver's side of the housing, not from the clutch side.

On cars built in 2023 there was also a separate safety recall for a welding fault in the mechatronics unit. That is not the same as the wear related sleeve and the valves.

Check the fluid level, the area around the sleeve and the fault codes first; do not accept a "full gearbox replacement" quote straight away.

above 120,000 km

What to check

On the test drive watch for delayed D/R engagement, a jerk when shifting, and limp mode (a stuck gear)
Look at the driver's side of the gearbox housing where the wiring harness enters: an ATF trail from the sleeve is suspect
Do not confuse it with a rear crankshaft seal leak: the direction of the trail decides

3 more steps in the write-up

Powered tailgate: breaking wiring at the hinge, spindle drive

expensive

The automatic tailgate (an option) is covered by a maker service bulletin on the E70: the wiring harness around the hinge wears through, the spindle drive fails, the lock sticks or the connectors corrode. The symptom: the tailgate stops halfway, moves in one direction only, only clicks when you press the button, or the lower part of the split tailgate does not close fully.

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The fault is often not the "expensive motor" but the wiring fraying at the hinge. And that can only be found with the trim off. If the seller says "the spindle has already been replaced" but the wiring is damaged, the fault will come back.

This applies only to versions with the powered tailgate.

What to check

Open and close the powered tailgate five times: from the key, the interior button and the button in the boot
Watch whether it stops halfway, reverses, or only clicks at the lock
On a split tailgate, try the closing of the lower part separately: there should be no gap left

2 more steps in the write-up

Official recall41 recallsShow

The manufacturer fixes these for free at a franchised dealer. Ask with the VIN whether it was done.

Most recent: 7 July 2026

SR/02180/26Safety recallFire7 July 2026 · EU Safety Gate

The RSW22 starter with reinforced water tightness (RWT) may experience increased abrasion of the magnetic contact, causing deposits to build up at the lowest point inside the relay. These deposits may increase relay contact resistance, leading to starting failures or short circuits. If a short circuit occurs, either when attempting to start the vehicle or while driving due to vibration-related movement of the deposits, it could cause a thermal event and increase the risk of fire. The product does not comply with the Regulation on the approval and market surveillance of motor vehicles and their trailers, and of systems, components and separate technical units intended for such vehicles.

Remedy: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users Date of entry into force: 07/07/2026

We could not check this: model year. The authority's notice

SR/00551/26Safety recallFire30 January 2026 · EU Safety Gate

The failure concerns the RSW22 starter, type RWT (reinforced for watertightness). Increased abrasion of the magnetic contact can lead to the formation of deposits at the lowest point of the relay interior. This in turn can increase the resistance of the relay contact, causing accidental ignition or even short circuits, possibly leading to a thermal reaction and fire. The product does not comply with the Regulation on the approval and market surveillance of motor vehicles and their trailers, and of systems, components and separate technical units intended for such vehicles.

Remedy: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users Date of entry into force: 30/01/2026

We could not check this: model year. The authority's notice

SR/00568/26Safety recallFire30 January 2026 · EU Safety Gate

Remedy: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users Date of entry into force: 30/01/2026

We could not check this: model year. The authority's notice

24V327000EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELSEQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS10 May 2024 · NHTSA (USA)

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2024-2025 X5 xDrive40i vehicles. The tire information placard may indicate an incorrect tire size and tire pressure. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 110, "Tire Selection and Rims."

Risk: Incorrect tire information can allow an incorrectly sized tire to be installed or result in improperly inflated tires, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Dealers will replace the tire information placard, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 9, 2024. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

We could not check this: model year. The authority's notice

23V253000SEATS:MID/REAR ASSEMBLY:HEAD RESTRAINTSEATS:MID/REAR ASSEMBLY:HEAD RESTRAINT6 April 2023 · NHTSA (USA)

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2023 X5 sDrive40i, X5 xDrive40i, X5 M50i, X5 M and X5 xDrive45e vehicles. The head restraints for the second-row outboard seats may have been improperly manufactured without locking tabs in the guide sleeves. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 202, "Head Restraints."

Risk: A head restraint without a locking tab may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.

Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the second-row outboard seat head restraint guide sleeves, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 31, 2023. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

We could not check this: model year. The authority's notice

22V942000SEATS:CRITICAL FASTENERSSEATS:CRITICAL FASTENERS19 December 2022 · NHTSA (USA)

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2023 X5 sDrive40i, X5 M50i and X5 xDrive 45e vehicles. One of the four bolts that connects the backrest to the driver's seat frame may not have been correctly installed.

Risk: A loose driver's seat backrest may not properly restrain the occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.

Remedy: Dealers will inspect the driver's seat backrest and if necessary, install an attachment bolt, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed February 17, 2023. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

We could not check this: model year. The authority's notice

21V586000FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMPFUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP29 July 2021 · NHTSA (USA)

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2014-2018 328d, 328d xDrive, X5 xDrive35d, 2014-2016 535d, 535d xDrive, 2015 740Ld xDrive, and 2015-2017 X3 xDrive28d vehicles. The high-pressure fuel pump may fail.

Risk: Fuel pump failure can cause an engine stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Dealers will replace the high-pressure fuel pump, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on January 14, 2022. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

We could not check this: model year. The authority's notice

21V520000AIR BAGS:FRONTALAIR BAGS:FRONTAL8 July 2021 · NHTSA (USA)

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling one 2019 X5 xDrive 40i vehicle. The instrument panel may not have been manufactured correctly, which could prevent the passenger side air bag from deploying properly in a crash.

Risk: An air bag that does not deploy properly can increase the risk of injury in a crash.

Remedy: A dealer will replace the instrument panel, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on July 26, 2021. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

We could not check this: model year. The authority's notice

21V089000SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:CRITICAL FASTENERSSERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:CRITICAL FASTENERS18 February 2021 · NHTSA (USA)

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2021 X5 sDrive40i and X5 xDrive40i vehicles. The right front brake disc may have been assembled with incorrect fasteners, which over time, could result in the front brake disc becoming loose.

Risk: A loose brake disc could affect vehicle handling and control, and increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the right front brake disc and replace it if necessary, along with the unaffected left side brake disc, free of charge. There are no owner vehicles affected; therefore, owner notification is not necessary and, as such, a planned owner notification date is not entered into the recall schedule. Owners may contact BMW's customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

We could not check this: model year. The authority's notice

20V601000ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:PROPULSION SYSTEM:TRACTION BATTERYELECTRICAL SYSTEM:PROPULSION SYSTEM:TRACTION BATTERY30 September 2020 · NHTSA (USA)

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2020-2021 530e, 530e xDrive, 530e iPerformance and X3 xDrive30e and MINI Cooper Countryman All4 SE, 2020 BMW i8, and 2021 330e, 330e xDrive, 745Le xDrive and X5 xDrive45e vehicles. Debris may have entered one or more of the hybrid battery cells during their production.

Risk: The debris could result in a short-circuit, increasing the risk of fire or injury.

Remedy: BMW will inspect and, if necessary, replace the battery module free of charge. The remedy is currently being developed. Until the remedy is completed, drivers are instructed to not charge their vehicles. Drivers are instructed to not drive in manual mode, sport mode, and to not use the shift paddles. Owners were notified of the safety risk October 23, 2020. The recall began November 24, 2020. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

We could not check this: model year. The authority's notice

20V490000ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERYELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY18 August 2020 · NHTSA (USA)

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2021 330e and X5 xDrive45e, 2020-2021 X3 xDrive30e, and 2020 MINI Countryman SE ALL4 vehicles. Loose welding beads may form a conductive path between the hybrid battery cells which could lead to a short-circuit.

Risk: A short-circuited hybrid battery may increase the risk of a fire.

Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the battery modules, free of charge. BMW issued owners an interim notification on October 16, 2020. Although potentially affected BMW owners received interim owner notification letters, all potentially affected BMW owner vehicles have been remedied; therefore, BMW Final owner notification letters will not be necessary. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

We could not check this: model year. The authority's notice

20V434000STEERINGSTEERING28 July 2020 · NHTSA (USA)

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2019-2020 X5 sDrive40i, X5 xDrive40i and X5 xDrive50i vehicles and 2020 X6M vehicles. The steering column shaft bearing plate may not have been properly attached to the vehicle, allowing it to loosen.

Risk: A loose bearing plate can affect the vehicle's handling and control, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the steering column shaft bearing plate and properly attach or replace it, as necessary, free of charge. BMW telephoned owners and all of the vehicles have been remedied. No owner notification letter is necessary. Please contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

We could not check this: model year. The authority's notice

19V096000SEATSSEATS13 February 2019 · NHTSA (USA)

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2019 X5 xDrive40i and xDrive50i vehicles. The attachment bolts for the driver's seat and/or seat belt may not have been properly tightened.

Risk: The improperly tightened bolts can increase the risk of injury in the event of a crash.

Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the attachment bolts for the driver's seat and seat belt, and torque them to the correct specifications, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began April 9, 2019. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

We could not check this: model year. The authority's notice

18V918000EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELSEQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS19 December 2018 · NHTSA (USA)

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2019 BMW X5 xDrive40i and X5 xDrive50i vehicles. The driver and/or passenger sun visor may have an incorrect air bag warning label, or the label may be missing. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 208, "Occupant crash protection."

Risk: Without a label that shows the proper restraint usage guidelines, the occupants may have an increased risk of injury in the event of a crash.

Remedy: BMW notified owners, and dealers will inspect the driver and passenger sun visor, replacing the visors as necessary, free of charge. The recall began January 4, 2019. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

We could not check this: model year. The authority's notice

18V732000ELECTRICAL SYSTEMELECTRICAL SYSTEM17 October 2018 · NHTSA (USA)

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2019 BMW X5 xDrive40i vehicles. The capacitors within the Body Domain Controller (BDC) may short circuit and overheat.

Risk: If the BDC short circuits, other nearby components may also overheat, increasing the risk of a fire.

Remedy: All affected vehicles remain on dealer lots, therefore owner letters will not be mailed. BMW dealers will replace the BDC control unit, free of charge. The recall began on October 17, 2018. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

We could not check this: model year. The authority's notice

18V652000EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICALEQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL20 September 2018 · NHTSA (USA)

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2018 BMW 330e iPerformance, i3 Rex, i3 Sport Rex, X5 xDrive40e, i3 BEV, i3 Sport BEV and 2019 i8 and i8 Roadster vehicles and 2018-2019 530e iPerformance, 530e xDrive iPerformance and 740Le xDrive iPerformance vehicles. Capacitors within the TurboCord Portable Chargers may fail, possibly resulting in a shock hazard or a fire.

Risk: An electrical shock or a fire can increase the risk of injury or death.

Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the charging cable, and replace it if necessary, free of charge. The recall began February 22, 2019. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

We could not check this: model year. The authority's notice

A12/00068/19Safety recallInjuriesno date · EU Safety Gate

The press-in force of the counterbalance shaft’s bearing shells may not have met the specifications, which could cause the counterbalance shaft to become loose. As a result, the engine could be damaged and locked in motion, increasing the risk of an accident.