The original water pump has been replaced three (3) times in four (4) years. Each time the water pump failed coolant started leaking out of the pump and the low coolant indicator illuminated on the dash. The vehicle was in motion for each of the three (3) incidences. The original pump was replaced in 2015 and the third pump replaced in june, 2019.
2009 BMW X5 engine complaints
Page 2 of 2: complaints 11 to 36 of 36, newest first, as owners wrote them.
When the vehicle is idle it will have a white smoke that comes out the tail pipe. Also loosing anti freeze frequently
Tl* the contact owns a 2009 bmw x5. The contact received a recall notification for the federal safety agency campaign number: 18v336000 (engine and engine cooling). The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. Ferman bmw (31400 us hwy 19 n, palm harbor, fl 34684, (727) 400-3542) stated that the parts were not available. The manufacturer was not contacted. The contact had not experienced a failure. Vin tool confirms parts not available.
Engine failure with loss of oil pressure and piston rod breaking off the crank case while driving about 60-65 MPH on the highway
I am smelling extremely dangerous for health exhaust fumes inside the car while driving. The more the cabin heat is applied, the more exhaust smell is noticeable. I found many forums online related to the same issue on 2009 and up diesel powered bmw x5 xdrive35d. People are complaining about faulty egr coolers, leaking turbos etc. This problem needs to be addressed and corrected. Thank you.
I bought my 2009 bmw x5 vehicle in june 2018, with approximately 61,630 miles and a limited warranty with 'power train coverage', which included 'engine, transmission, front wheel drive, and rear wheel drive'. In mid-october 2018, my vehicle began showing the 'low coolant level' light and 'low oil level' light. I called the flow bmw dealership for service and took my vehicle in for service on 10/19/18. Flow bmw diagnosed a leak in the radiator. After contacting the warranty company (assure) the warranty company informed the service manager that they would not cover the cost of a new radiator ($1,300.00) because it was not covered by the limited warranty under 'power train coverage'. The radiator is one of the engine's unsung heroes. It's responsible for essential heat exchange functions in your car's cooling system. The normal operating temperature of the average car engine is around 190-210 degrees fahrenheit. With a defective radiator, the increased heat starts to wear on other engine components, and the resulting stress can shorten engine life dramatically. The coolant system is absolutely critical to keeping the engine running. This is a danger to the driver and to others on the road. The radiator issue and inevitable issue with the engine can cause serious injury to other drivers on the road if the vehicle's engine seizes are stops in the middle of traffic. After some research, I learned that other bmw customers have complained about the radiators in bmws from the years 2007-2013 (documents attached). Again, the radiator is a vital part of ensuring that the engine runs appropriately, and if there is evidence of consistent leaking with bmw vehicles with very few miles due to a manufacturing error, then this problem should be corrected. Please see attached documentation for more information.
Tl* the contact owns a 2009 bmw x5. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency campaign number: 17v683000 (engine and engine cooling); however, the part to do the repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. Bmw of fairfax (8427 lee hwy, fairfax, va 22031) was made aware of the recall and stated that the parts were unavailable. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Vin tool confirms parts not available.
Vehicle is subject to recall 12v550000 due to idler pulley bolt which can break, causing accessory drive bet to dislodge and loss of power steering, alternator, etc. This vehicle's idler pulley and bolt were replaced as part of the recall 2.5 years and 35,000 miles ago, but experienced the exact same failure, again, last month. Bmw USA and the local dealer were contacted, both refused to fix the issue, stating that the repair is only valid for two years. The new idler pulley bolt that was installed sheared off at its mounting point, just as the original bolt that was subject to recall did. It is clear that the replacement bolt is subject to the same failure as the original - worse, as this failure occurred in under 3 years and 40,000 miles, it appears that the "fix" is worse and more dangerous than the originally recalled part. In my vehicle, the pulley bolt snapped while the vehicle was being driven on a city street, causing a "bang" noise and the complete loss of power steering.
Tl* the contact owns a 2009 bmw x5. While driving, the contact smelled something burning from the air conditioning vents and smoke began to fill the vehicle. There were no warning indicators illuminated prior to the failure. The failure occurred numerous times, which resulted in a crash. A police report was filed. There were no injuries. The contact received a notice for the federal safety agency campaign number: 17v683000 (engine and engine cooling). The vehicle was taken to the dealer (bmw of south atlanta, 4171 jonesboro rd, union city, ga 30291 (770) 969-0755). The vehicle was not repaired. The contact was informed that parts were not available. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The VIN was unknown. The failure mileage was 160,000. Vin tool confirms parts not available.
Tl* the contact owns a 2009 bmw x5. The contact stated that when starting the vehicle to drive, a burning odor emitted into the vehicle vent. The vehicle was taken to lauderdale bmw of pembroke pines dealer, located on 14800 sheridan pines, fl 33028, phone: (954) 620-5050, where it was rejected to be serviced due to the remedy part for the recall repair was not available. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency campaign number: (fuel system, gasoline) and 17v683000 (engine and engine cooling) however, the part needed for the repair was not available. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was contacted and made aware of the failure and informed that the part was not available for the repair. The approximate failure mileage was 100,000. Part distribution disconnect and VIN tool confirms part not available.
Tl* takata recall. The contact owns a 2009 bmw x5. The contact stated that a recall notice was received more than eight months ago for the federal safety agency campaign numbers: 16v071000 (air bags) and 17v020000 (air bags). The dealer (harold zeigler bmw, 4201 stadium dr suite a, kalamazoo, mi 49008, (866) 430-1812) stated that they were unable to verify when the manufacturer would provide the remedy and repair parts for both recalls. The contact was unable to determine if the parts were unavailable or on a national backorder. In addition, the contact was not made aware until months later that the vehicle was also included in the federal safety agency campaign number: 17v683000 (engine and engine cooling) in mid october 2017. The manufacturer was contacted to determine when the remedy and parts would be supplied to the dealer to complete the three recall repairs. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect. Vin tool confirms parts not available.
Critical failure/ crack of the coolant reserve tank. No prior indication of leak. Tank split open and lost all coolant when parked. Searched online and see a large number of people have reported same problem. Potential for engine damage significant. Non dealer cost to replace $400 and read other have had dealer replacement cost $800.
Tl* the contact owns a 2009 bmw x5. While driving 25 MPH, the vehicle stalled and the engine indicator illuminated. The dealer and manufacturer were not notified. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was 130,000.
Tl* takata recall. The contact owns a 2009 bmw x5. The contact's VIN was included in the federal safety agency campaign numbers: 17v020000 (air bags), 16v071000 (air bags), and 16v746000 (fuel system, gasoline). The dealer stated that the parts were unavailable for months to receive the two air bag recalls. The contact stated that the vehicle was slow to pick up speed and the engine was idling roughly. In addition, the engine warning indicator randomly illuminated. The manufacturer was notified of the condition and suggested that the vehicle be taken to a dealer for diagnostic testing. The contact was waiting to determine a solution from the manufacturer. The dealer indicated that additional repairs may be required. The contact felt as if the remedy failed to provide a solution for the current condition. The failure mileage was not available. Vin tool confirms parts not available and parts distribution disconnect.
On oct 1/2008 there was a bolettin saying that waterpump and thermostat were defected. But bwm is just replacing the ones under diesel fuel. There is more gasoline fuel x5's cars than diesel. Why they dont just fix the ones with this issue? There is alot of complaints about it on the web.
Tl* takata recall. The contact owns a 2009 bmw x5. The contact stated that the check engine warning indicator illuminated intermittently. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency campaign numbers: 16v071000 (air bags) and 16v746000 (fuel system, gasoline). The parts for the recall repairs were unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The failure mileage was approximately 45,000. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. Parts distribution disconnect. Vin tool confirms parts not available.
Tl* the contact owns a 2009 bmw x5. While driving, an odor of fuel emitted into the vehicle. While in traffic, smoke appeared under the hood. The contact coasted over to the side of the road and noticed antifreeze leaking into the engine. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, but was not diagnosed or repaired. The VIN was included in the federal safety agency campaign number: 16v746000 (fuel system, gasoline). The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 145,000. - (recall related incident) ts
Tl* the contact owns a 2009 bmw x5. When the ignition was turned to the on position, the vehicle failed to start. The contact had to make several attempts in order for the vehicle to start. The failure recurred numerous times. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, but was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and stated that the VIN was included in the federal safety agency campaign number: 16v746000 (fuel system, gasoline). The part to do the repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The failure mileage was approximately 112,000. Vin tool confirms parts not available.
Tl* the contact owns a 2009 bmw x5. While driving 65 MPH, the vehicle stalled without warning. The steering wheel became difficult to turn and the gear selector shifted from the drive position to the neutral position. Afterwards, the engine light illuminated. The contact could not restart the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to a local mechanic, but was not able to be diagnosed. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 80,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2009 bmw x5. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 25 MPH, the overheat engine warning light illuminated continuously. In addition, the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was towed to the contacts residence. The contact was an independent mechanic and diagnosed that the electrical water pump needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The VIN was not included in the federal safety agency campaign number: 11v521000 ( engine, engine cooling). The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 86,000.
Diesel x5 has a faulty passive def tank which illuminates the check engine light and does not provide def fluid to the emissions control system. Bmw will not pay for repairs and could not provide replacement part for the last 6 months due to sensor redesign. Vehicle emitting toxic emissions for 6 months. Could be thousands of vehicles affected. Health safety condition.
Driving through the neighbor hood after some rain, ended up driving through a few inches of rain water, while the opposite traffic struck the same puddle, it caused the front of intake system right under the hood to suck in water causing the bmw SUV to light up multiple sensors, loose alot of power and 4x4 traction stability to act up. The rainwater that got ingested almost causing the engine to hydrolock or sieze up. The SUV became undepedable due to all the error codes acting lighting up and causing the SUV to run at low power.
The circuit board for the electric auxiliary water pump overheated and caused smoldering.
On 10/28/13, I was on a two lane county road, speed limit 45, travelling at 45mph, when the engine overheating light came up on the panel, advising me that the engine was overheating. Shortly thereafter, the warning light advised that the engine had overheated and to pull over asap. While trying to find a safe shoulder, the engine shut down, so there was no more power. I was able to get to the side of the road, gliding. While trying to call for assistance, the electrical system shut down, so that I was unable to operate the windows or any other functions. I had the car towed to the dealer. Per the dealer invoice, the electric water pump/coolant pump were defective and needed to be replaced. In addition, due to the incident, the thermostat had to be removed and replaced. The bill was $1136.77, not including a "dealer goodwill" credit of $268.59, reflecting 50% of the cost of the new water pump. While the car was at the dealer, I went on line and discovered that there have been dozens upon dozens of reported problems with the bmw water pumps, and that this part has been the subject of recall 11v521000, for 2008 models, and that recalls exist for more recent models. I attempted to discuss the matter with bmw north america customer relations, the supervisor there advised me that the problem was not with bmw, but that the problem was that my VIN number had not been listed by the nstb on the recall, and that it was therefore the government's fault! I urge you to review the blogs noted on arfc.org regarding 2008 x5 water pump problems. The fact that the car's response to the water pump failure was to shut down with only seconds of warning placed me, and any other driver of this vehicle in a life threatening situation--several of the posts talk about this happening on a busy highway. I could have died. The car should be recalled, and I should be reimbursed.
Tl* the contact owns a 2009 bmw x5. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 55-65 MPH, the vehicle would suddenly decelerate to about 25 MPH. The vehicle would then completely shut down with no power steering or power brakes. After the failure, the check engine light would illuminate. The contact pulled the emergency brake and the vehicle was towed to an authorized dealership. The dealer stated that they made repairs to the computer. The contact experienced the same failure the day after receiving the vehicle from the dealer. The vehicle was being repaired at the time of the complaint. The contact called the manufacturer who stated that they would investigate but had not corresponded with the contact since. The VIN was unavailable when the complaint was filed. The current mileage was approximately 15,000. The failure mileage was approximately 14,000.
This issue is for a 2009 bmw x5 3.5d (diesel) SUV. When slowing down to a near or rolling stop at approximately 2 MPH and then attempting to accelerate quickly while turning, the vehicle continues to roll without power for up to 3 seconds. Scenario: pull up to an intersection for a right or left turn, slow to a near stop, then accelerate. The vehicle just rolls forward when crossing traffic or attempting to pull away quickly. Meanwhile, traffic is approaching you at speed and an accident could easily occur. Volkswagen diesel vehicles had a similar problem with their dynamic stability control (dsc) system recent. The key factor may be operating under these conditions while attempting a turn, which invokes dsc. I have experienced this several times since purchase of the vehicle in august 2009.
VIN decoder
See the problems and recalls for an exact car
Buying a used 2009 BMW X5?
Check the exact car before you pay: accidents, salvage or flood titles, odometer readings and previous owners.
Check its history