2011 BMW X5 fuel system problems

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 29, 2026 · Fuel system · 193,000 miles · NJ

The contact owns a 2011 BMW X5. The contact stated that while driving 30 MPH, the vehicle unexpectedly stalled, and the fuel pump message was displayed. The vehicle was able to restart. The contact stated that there was an abnormal gasoline odor coming from the vehicle after the failure. The contact stated that the vehicle had taken longer than normal to start before the failure had occurred. After the failure, the vehicle failed to start. Several service technicians went to the residence and diagnosed the vehicle with a failed fuel pump connector at the intake, which caused the wiring harness to burn out and the fuel pump to fail. The contact was informed that the fuel pump and wiring harness had failed and needed to be replaced. The fuel pump was replaced, and a replacement wiring harness was ordered. The failure mileage was 193,000.

Filed Aug 6, 2024 · Fuel system · NY

Was driving vehicle home from work and during the drive the engine without warning died while driving and vehicle put in neutral. Vehicle stopped in the middle of parkway on right lane, tried to restart vehicle multiple times and unsuccessful. Pulled codes and found that fuel pressure codes present and fuel pressure while cranking is 2.5-4 bar. Spec 600-800 bar while starting. Vehicle was towed to a safe place.

Filed Jan 24, 2024 · Engine, Fuel system · WV

I own a 2011 BMW x5. the federal safety agency shows 15 recalls for my vehicle type; however, the federal safety agency must be relying upon BMW for the VIN numbers as: 1.) my vehicle doesn't show up for recalls; 2.) I have never been contacted by BMW for many of those recalls - in fact, I have not received a letter from BMW in many many years, and among the 15 recalls above, I have never received any notification of for at least October 20, 2023 the federal safety agency CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 23V707000 Camshaft Timing Bolts May Loosen Causing Stall Loose or broken VANOS unit bolts can result in an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash. April 18, 2018 the federal safety agency CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 18V248000 Electric Auxiliary Water Pump Failure October 30, 2017 the federal safety agency CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 17V683000 PCV Heater may Short Circuit March 2, 2017 the federal safety agency CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 17V138000 Front Driveshaft Universal Joint may Fail May 17, 2016 the federal safety agency CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V311000 Front Driveshaft Universal Joint may Fail. When I call BMW, they say there are no recalls outstanding on my vehicle and this the federal safety agency states there are recalls, but does not associate my VIN with the recalls, so say there are no recalls outstanding. The most prominent recent issue was that when my BMW dealership diagnosed a check engine light in my vehicle, they wanted to replace a SCR DEF active tank for $3,000, but it turned out that BMW had an almost 100% failure rate for the same part and issued an extended warranty for this part under their technical bulletin SI B01 23 16. They denied replacing the parts under the warranty stating that it was limited to 10 years/120,000 miles. I had only 101,600 miles on my car, but they stated the 10 year limited out the warranty from the in-service date. However, my car had many emission system related issues including just a few years previous.

Filed Jun 24, 2022 · Engine, Fuel system · IL · fire

Our car get on fire from begin low on oil, we stopped on the side and went on another car to get oil at the gas station and Suddenly star on fire and our entire car truck burned. Luckily we were able to get out off the car on time.

Filed Feb 1, 2022 · Engine, Fuel system · NV

The SUVs drive belt has come loose and was ingested through the front crankshaft seal, causing engine issues such as oil starvation leading to engine damage and unknown check engine codes. The SUV has been confirmed to have belt fragments inside the engine. I have video documentation.

Filed Apr 23, 2021 · Engine, Fuel system · 166,000 miles · CA

Tl* the contact owns a 2011 bmw x5. The contact stated while driving at 62 MPH, the passive tank level sensor failed. The contact that stated that the vehicle then went into limp mode not allowing him to exceed 50 MPH while driving. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to valley bmw (4725 mchenry ave, modesto, ca 95356) where it was diagnosed with the passive tank level sensor needing to be replaced. The contact wanted a second opinion and took the vehicle to an independent mechanic where the mechanic confirmed the first result. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and informed the contact that the failure was a well known issue. The failure mileage was approximately 166,000.

Filed Apr 10, 2021 · Engine, Fuel system · 128,000 miles · CA

Vehicle's engine, being a diesel, requires nox trap system and scr systems in order to reduce harmful emissions per epa standards. In order for the scr system to work properly, the engine must inject def (diesel-exhaust fluid) into the scr system. In the bmw x5 35d, the def system is comprised of two tanks: the active tank and the passive tank. A common problem with this system is the primary sensor of the passive tank failing. The sensor itself fails, but the entire tank has to be replaced as a result of the sensor's issues, resulting in several thousands of dollars being spent due to the sensor itself not being able to be replaced in the original tank. Recall is recommended for bmw to replace these sensors as the failure of these sensors results in the scr catalyst system failing to operate, which in turn significantly decreases engine performance, increases exhaust emissions, and results in the engine not knowing the capacity on which to operate. This can be dangerous.

Filed Aug 31, 2020 · Fuel system · 120,000 miles · ME

Cabin has one odor of gasoline - especially noticeable on initial starting, when stopped with the engine idling, and upon accelerating from a complete stop. I noticed that bmw has a recall for this problem, but my VIN is not included in the recall. I have spent several hundred dollars havin a mechanic isolate the leak, but it has not been found. Please help!

Filed Jun 12, 2020 · Airbags, Engine · 190,000 miles · TN · fire

Tl* the contact owns a 2011 bmw x5. The contact stated the vehicle was emitting a burning odor coming from both inside and outside of the vehicle when driving. The contact stated that after stopping then attempting to accelerate the vehicle, the vehicle would hesitate. In addition, the vehicle jerked when turning or decelerating. On a separate occasion, the air bag warning light flashed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer (roadshow bmw, address: 405 n germantown pkwy #6207, cordova, tn 38018, phone: (901) 365-2584) who informed the contact that the VIN was not included in the federal safety agency campaign numbers: 16v746000 (fuel system, gasoline), as well as, the recalls for the air bags and engine (the federal safety agency campaign numbers unknown). The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure who referred the contact to the federal safety agency to file a complaint. The approximate failure mileage 190,000.