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2011 BMW X5: stuck in gear or won't shift

6 of the 265 complaints about the 2011 BMW X5 describe stuck in gear or won't shift.

owner complaints
6
of this car's complaints
2%
typical mileage
49,000
recalls
2
Is there a fix? There are 2 recalls and 20 service bulletins for this area of the car. See below

Stuck in gear or won't shift by model year

  • 2024
    2
  • 2023
    1
  • 2020
    1
  • 2016
    2
  • 2015
    1
  • 2013
    1
  • 2012
    1
  • 2011
    6
  • 2009
    3
  • 2008
    3
  • 2007
    2
  • 2006
    1
  • 2004
    1
  • 2002
    1
  • 2001
    1

What owners say

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 Feb 28, 2019 · Fuel system · 63,000 miles · MT

High pressure fuel pump failure on n55 engine. 10/10 manufacture date used the exact hpfp as the one that bmw extended the warranty on the n54 engine. When you pull out in front of traffic the engine goes into limp mode and no acceleration causing a major safety issue. Also it can just die leaving you stranded in the middle of nowhere.

Filed Jun 13, 2018 · Engine · FL

Tl* the contact owns a 2011 bmw x5. While driving various speeds, the vehicle went into limp mode due to a failure with the auxiliary water pump. The failure caused the engine to overheat and prevented the vehicle from accelerating past 35 MPH. The dealer (germain bmw of naples, 11286 tamiami trail n, naples, fl 34110, (239) 302-3837) initially diagnosed and replaced the radiator, reservoir tank, reservoir cap, and thermostat; however, the failure recurred. The contact noticed that an unknown manufacturer recall campaign was issued. The dealer and manufacturer indicated that the vehicle was excluded and that the auxiliary water pump needed to be replaced, which was not correctly diagnosed when the failure first occurred. The vehicle was to be repaired by the dealer. The failure mileage was not available.

Filed May 6, 2016 · Engine · 49,000 miles · NC

Drive shaft failure... On highway driving 70 MPH and the car became uncontrollable. Pulled off the side of the road and stopped the vehicle. Car then would not go into drive only neutral. Car towed to performance bmw . I had previously complained about how loud the cabin was with engine noise and a slight vibration when stopping. Now the drive shaft is ruined as well as leah in oil housing, pan etc

Filed May 5, 2015 · Electrical, Engine · 40,375 miles · NY

My wife and a toddler were driving home getting off the bridge and about to get on the on ramp to highway in nyc (bqe). All the sudden the car overheated and went into limp mode. Luckily there were no car behind her otherwise would be rear ended. She was able to pull to the right from the left lane and got onto local street to wait for it to cool down. This car had many close calls for serious or fatal accident. This car only has a little ok 40k miles. This is too early for a water pump to fail. This car is out of warranty and the cost of fix will be over $1000. The worst is my wife uses this car for work and drive the kid to school. Can bmwna be contacted and put this failure into recall. Thanks

Filed Feb 2, 2012 · Engine, Fuel system · 6,000 miles · CA

Tl* the contact owns a 2011 bmw x5. The contact observed excessive rust and corrosion within the fuel tank, exhaust system and the attaching components. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer, who stated that the owner would be responsible for the repair expenses. The vehicle was not repaired. On a separate occasion, the contact stated that smoke emitted from underneath the hood while driving. The vehicle was maneuvered to the side of the road and stopped. The contact examined the vehicle and stated that there was a substantial amount of oil loss in the reservoir. The contact then added more oil accordingly. The vehicle was towed to an authorized dealer, who refused to measure the oil manually per the consumers request, the manufacturer was notified of the failure and reimbursed the consumer for two days of motel, food and towing costs. Unable to locate a failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 6,000. Updated 3/11/13 *cn bmw offered to buy the vehicle back, but later changed their mind. The case went to court, and the judge ruled the offer was not binding. The consumer also stated the vehicle would run hot, and the vehicle would not go into gear.

Service bulletins that may apply

Related recalls

Power train: driveline: driveshaftReported March 2, 2017 · 121,909 vehicles affected
What is wrong
BMW of North America, LLC, (BMW) is recalling certain 2011-2013 X5 xDrive35i, X5 xDrive50i, X5 M and X5 xDrive35d vehicles, 2011-2014 X6 xDrive35i, X6 xDrive50i and X6M vehicles, and 2011 x6 ActiveHybrid Vehicles. Water and debris may enter the front driveshaft's universal joint, causing excessive wear and possibly resulting in the joint's failure.
Risk
If the front universal joint fails, the front wheels would not be driven, affecting vehicle traction. Additionally, continued driving of the vehicle with a broken front universal joint may damage other components. Either condition may increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy
BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front driveshaft, free of charge. The recall began on April 18, 2017. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1‑800‑525‑7417.

Recall number 17V138000 · Recall details

Power train: driveline: driveshaftReported May 17, 2016 · 21,493 vehicles affected
What is wrong
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2011 X5 xDrive 35i, xDrive50i, X5 M, X6 xDrive35i, X6 xDrive50i, and X6 M vehicles manufactured April 5, 2010, to November 20, 2010, 2011 X5 xDrive35d diesel vehicles manufactured April 7, 2010, to November 20, 2010, and 2011 X6 Active Hybrid vehicles manufactured April 15, 2010, to November 17, 2010. The affected vehicles have a front driveshaft universal joint that may not seal out water and debris from getting in and damaging the joint, which could lead to its failure.
Risk
If the front universal joint fails, the front wheels would not be driven, affecting vehicle traction. Additionally, continued driving of the vehicle with a broken front universal joint may damage other components. Either condition may increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy
BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front driveshaft, free of charge. The recall began on July 8, 2016. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1‑800‑525‑7417.

Recall number 16V311000 · Recall details

Questions about the 2011 BMW X5 won't shift

Is stuck in gear or won't shift a common problem on the 2011 BMW X5?

6 of 265 owner complaints about the 2011 BMW X5 (2%) mention stuck in gear or won't shift. The model year with the most reports is 2011.

Is there a recall or service bulletin for this on the 2011 BMW X5?

There are 2 recalls and 20 service bulletins for the same area of the car. Check them below with your VIN.

Other symptoms on the 2011 BMW X5

Loss of power 27Check engine light 25Overheating 19Stalling 17Fire or smoke 13Fuel pump 13Engine failure 11Won't start 7Fuel smell 6Knocking 5Hesitation 5Jerking 5Oil consumption 5Power steering loss 5

All model years of the BMW X5

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