2011 BMW X5: sudden loss of power

Filed Nov 6, 2026 · Engine, Fuel system · CA

I am reporting a potential safety-related defect involving the N63 twin-turbocharged engine in my 2011 BMW X5 xDrive50i (VIN: [XXX]). My vehicle has developed serious engine-related problems involving the turbocharger system and an oil leak/sealing failure. Bob Smith BMW evaluated the vehicle and provided a repair estimate of approximately $30,000. BMW previously acknowledged recurring technical issues involving N63 engines and established special customer-care and repair programs addressing certain engine and turbocharger-related defects. When I contacted BMW regarding my vehicle, representatives acknowledged that my problem was consistent with turbocharger-related issues reported by other N63 owners. However, BMW declined assistance because the applicable repair program had expired. My concern is not simply the cost of repair. Oil leaking near extremely hot turbocharger and exhaust components may create a potential fire or smoke hazard. I am also concerned about possible engine malfunction or loss of power resulting from this failure. I respectfully request that the federal safety agency investigate whether these turbocharger and oil-sealing problems represent a recurring safety-related defect affecting BMW vehicles equipped with the N63 engine. I also request that the federal safety agency review historical BMW service campaigns, customer-care programs, and existing consumer complaints involving similar failures to determine whether further investigation or a safety recall is warranted. I believe this issue deserves independent safety review rather than being treated solely as an expired warranty matter. Vehicle: 2011 BMW X5 xDrive50i Engine: N63 Twin-Turbocharged V8 VIN: [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Oct 18, 2023 · Engine · 107,000 miles · GA

The contact owns a 2011 BMW X5. The contact stated that while stopped at a stop sign, the vehicle unexpectedly turned off and independently shifted into neutral. The “Engine Failure - Reduced Power” message was displayed. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the failure was due to a faulty variable valve timing system. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and determined that the VIN was not included in a recall. The failure mileage was approximately 107,000.

Filed Feb 13, 2021 · Transmission · 137,000 miles · PA

Vehicle is having issue with front driveshaft universal joints. Shaking, and loss of power while driving on highway, transmission malfunction light comes on. Vehicle is not stationary at any time this problem occurs. Took vehicle to nearest mechanic, who is ase certified and bmw . Said that vehicle needs front drive shaft. Explained that there is recall 17v‑138 on my vehicle. Recommended contacting local bmw service for replacement. Technician states that driveshaft is failing at same area as recall explains. When contacting tom hesser bmw of scranton, pa, was told vehicle had service action performed in 2015 (prior to si b26 02 17) under previous owner at around 57,000 miles. Extended warranty covers 10 years or 120,000 miles. Vehicle has 137,000. Asked if vehicle could be covered under bmw customer goodwill. Was denied for not being a regular customer. Filed a formal complaint with bmw north america. Defective part was replaced with defective part which has only lasted 60,000 miles and now endangers more accidents as vehicle driveshaft could catastrophically fail at any point. Recall has not addressed issue of safety and reliability.

Filed Dec 24, 2020 · Acceleration, Engine · 113,000 miles · NJ

Vehicle indicated the engine was operating at reduced power, unable to accelerate and barely able to pull over. Speed was reduced to 5mph in the middle of the highway.

Filed Dec 3, 2019 · Engine, Fuel system · 111,000 miles · NY

Drove my vehicle in to the bmw dealer for coolant leak/water pump service and oil change. The next day they inform me the car stalled during a standard test drive after the service was performed. The were unable to specify what caused the engine to stall and did not release diagnostics to me but told me that a new engine was needed. Ny state dept of vehicle forwarded a report stating vanos faults. There are currently bmw recalls for engine and engine cooling, electric auxiliary water pump failure, and an unspecified recall for vanos bolts unit that loosen or break over time causing the engine to have reduced power or stall. My VIN number is not under these recalls but should be.

Filed Aug 16, 2019 · Engine · 156,000 miles · MA

Vanos bolts on exhaust cam sheared off while driving at hwy speeds resulting in engine malfunction, reduced power to a no start condition. The recall for this exact bolt issue was done at 86k miles, and now 70k miles later the issue occured anyway. Bmw will not cover as the replaced part only had a 2 year warranty.

Filed May 2, 2019 · Engine · 88,624 miles · TX

Oil was changed and shortly after the engine lost power. Then displayed an engine light. Took to bmw and stated the fault was for exhaust camshaft stuck and this error was due to the timing/vanos system. The camshaft solenoids had no visible damage and where cleaned. They stated further research needed to be done which would be over $1000+.

Filed May 2, 2019 · Engine · 88,624 miles · TX

After having the oil changed and driving for several miles, the vehicle lost power. It had a code which was diagnosed as the exhaust camshaft stuck, this was an error due to the timing/vanos system. There was no visual damage to the camshaft solenoids but were cleaned yet still having issues. Are other consumers having this type of issue?

Filed Jan 23, 2019 · Engine · 131,000 miles · GA

Burning smell inside car cabin. Immediate loss of power during acceleration. Engine stops abruptly coast to the side of the road and restart. Today is the second time, the first time happened two weeks ago

Filed Jun 21, 2018 · Engine · 48,000 miles · WA

While driving on highway, the engine overheated, loss of power, stop driving message appeared on dashboard. Car towed to dealership, diagnosed issue due to water pump failure.

Filed Sep 19, 2017 · Brakes, Transmission · 50,000 miles · TX

Tl* the contact owns a 2011 bmw x5. While accelerating from a red light, the contact heard a loud noise and the ABS and four wheel traction warning indicators illuminated. Also, "transmission malfunction" displayed on the instrument panel. The vehicle lost power and had to be maneuvered to the side of the road. The contact exited the vehicle and looked underneath, and noticed oil all over the road. The contact also noticed a u-shaped piece sticking out of the under carriage shield. The contact engaged the electronic parking brake because the vehicle was on an incline and called roadside assistance. When the tow truck arrived, the mechanic could not disengage the electronic parking brake and had to cut the cable. The vehicle was towed to bmw of arlington in arlington, texas where it was diagnosed that the transmission, front drive shaft, and electronic parking brake failed. The contact was advised that the drive shaft and transmission were going to be repaired per an unknown recall, but the electronic parking brake was not going to be repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failures. The approximate failure mileage was 50,000.

Filed Mar 11, 2017 · Engine · 81,100 miles · FL

When driving down the road, I heard a loud fan noise coming from the engine. I did a quick systems check to see if all systems were ok- they were. About 1/10 of a mile later, my car indicated that it was overheating and that I had reduced power. I couldn't drive over 35 miles per hour. Within the next 45 seconds, as I'm getting onto an interstate, my engine shuts off completely and I lose all power. I never had any warning and there is no way to tell engine temperature on this car. After having my vehicle towed and diagnosed by a certified dealer, I was told that the thermostat, water pump and expansion tank all needed to be replaced. I was informed that one of these items failed and caused the other two to break with extended use. This cost me $1990. There was no way I could have prevented this from happening. I've always had my car serviced at the recommended intervals.