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Buying guide

BMW X5 E70 (2006 to 2013): buying guide, problems and NZ numbers

The BMW X5 E70 was built from 2006 to 2013 as an SUV, with an automatic gearbox, all wheel drive and petrol or diesel power. Chassis code: E70. Redline has a curated guide to its 8 most reported weak points, from owner club and specialist sources.

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Key facts

Years
2006 to 2013
Chassis codes
E70
Body types
SUV
Gearboxes
Automatic
Drive
AWD (all wheel drive)
Fuel
Petrol, Diesel

On NZ roads

Counting every one on the NZ register. The first look can take up to 15 seconds.

Known weak points

Curated by Redline from owner club and specialist sources Commonly reported by owners and specialists for the BMW X5 E70 (2007 to 2013). Not every car has these; check this one.

  1. Diesel injectors, turbo actuator, swirl flaps and DPF

    Poor starting and rough running may be failing injectors, smoke may be a failing electronic turbo actuator, early diesel swirl flaps can break up, and high km diesels can suffer expensive DPF failure.

    Where to look
    The injectors, turbo actuator and DPF on the diesel, and the intake swirl flaps
    How to test
    Feel for a slow start and rough running, watch for smoke and ask whether the swirl flaps have been replaced.
    Cost if it needs fixing
    High cost injectors, actuator, DPF or engine damage

    Sources: autocar.co.uk (opens in a new tab)

  2. Timing chain

    Listen for timing chain rattle from cold on the later engines, and chain trouble is linked to very high km.

    Where to look
    The front or back of the engine on a cold start
    How to test
    Start from cold and listen for a rattle in the first seconds.
    Cost if it needs fixing
    High cost timing chain job

    Sources: autocar.co.uk (opens in a new tab), motoringme.com (opens in a new tab)

  3. Cooling system leaks (V8)

    The cooling system often needs an overhaul at high km, and V8 leaks often come from a water pipe under the intake.

    Where to look
    The coolant pipes under the V8 intake manifold, and the coolant level
    How to test
    Look for coolant crust and smell for coolant after the drive, and check the level.
    Cost if it needs fixing
    High cost intake off cooling repair

    Sources: motoringme.com (opens in a new tab)

  4. Automatic gearbox

    The gearbox thrives on software updates, and early 6 speed boxes had torque converter, mechatronic and clutch pack problems. Fluid is sold as lifetime but many owners change it.

    Where to look
    The 6 speed automatic and its service records
    How to test
    Feel for harsh, slipping or delayed shifts, and ask about software updates and fluid changes.
    Cost if it needs fixing
    High cost mechatronic or gearbox repair

    Sources: autocar.co.uk (opens in a new tab), motoringme.com (opens in a new tab)

  5. Front propshaft recall

    Early cars had a front propshaft recall, because a failure could damage the joint and puncture the sump.

    Where to look
    The recall record for the VIN, and the front propshaft
    How to test
    Ask a BMW dealer to confirm the propshaft recall was done.
    Cost if it needs fixing
    Low cost recall work is free at a BMW dealer

    Sources: autocar.co.uk (opens in a new tab)

  6. Rear air suspension

    Rear air bags perish and the air pump can burn out, while the car may still look level.

    Where to look
    The rear air springs and the air pump
    How to test
    Look at the rear air bags for cracks and listen for the pump running for long periods. Check it sits level after standing.
    Cost if it needs fixing
    High cost air springs and pump

    Sources: autocar.co.uk (opens in a new tab)

  7. Handbrake, wheels and brakes

    The electronic handbrake can lock on, run flat tyres are hard on the alloys, and brakes and tyres are expensive.

    Where to look
    The electronic handbrake, the inner rims and the brakes
    How to test
    Apply and release the handbrake several times, look at the inner rims for damage and check the brakes for judder.
    Cost if it needs fixing
    Medium cost handbrake parts, wheels and brakes

    Sources: autocar.co.uk (opens in a new tab), motoringme.com (opens in a new tab)

  8. Panoramic sunroof and windows

    The panoramic sunroof is described as very unreliable, and window and sunroof faults are costly.

    Where to look
    The panoramic sunroof and every electric window
    How to test
    Open and close the sunroof fully and run every window.
    Cost if it needs fixing
    Medium cost sunroof or window motors

    Sources: autocar.co.uk (opens in a new tab), motoringme.com (opens in a new tab)

General guidance from owner and specialist sources. Check the specific car with an independent inspection. Researched 4 November 2026.

What the cost bands mean
  • Low: a small job. Typically a few hundred dollars or less at an NZ workshop, often a DIY fix.
  • Medium: a proper workshop job. Typically several hundred to a couple of thousand dollars.
  • High: a major job. Typically several thousand dollars or more, enough to change what the car is worth.

Service items

Questions to ask the seller

  • Is it the 3.0 petrol, 3.0 diesel, 4.8 V8 or 4.4 V8?
  • Has the front propshaft recall been done?
  • Has the gearbox had software updates or a fluid change?
  • Has the rear air suspension been replaced?
  • On a diesel, have the swirl flaps been replaced?

US recalls

Looking up US recall data.

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