2013 BMW X5: engine overheating

Filed Nov 24, 2025 · Engine · NJ

Component or system that failed/malfunctioned N63 4.4L twin-turbo V8 engine – excessive oil consumption (1 quart every 300–400 miles) caused by failed valve-stem seals and leaking turbocharger coolant feed/return lines. Parts are still on the vehicle and available for inspection. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? Sudden loss of engine oil can lead to catastrophic engine failure, bearing damage, or fire. Leaking coolant onto hot turbochargers creates risk and sudden coolant loss/overheating while driving. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer/independent service center? Yes – confirmed by Paul Miller BMW Wayne, NJ on June 30, 2025 (invoice #524818). Codes: EN79 (engine oil leak diagnosis), CS001 (turbo coolant lines leaking), DE001 (changeover valve cracked/coolant leak). Dealer quoted $12,487 to repair. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance, or others? Inspected by Paul Miller BMW (authorized BMW dealer) on June 30, 2025. No police or insurance involvement. Warning lamps, messages, or other symptoms prior to the failure? Low engine oil warning lamp repeatedly illuminates Visible coolant "steam" around hood and under vehicle after parking. Strong coolant smell from engine bay. Symptoms began approximately 18-24 months ago and have steadily worsened. Additional notes (optional but helpful) Called BMW corporate, refused (said no information) to perform known Customer Care Package B001314 (March 2025 supersession) despite documented symptoms and no mileage limitation in the bulletin. Vehicle is available for immediate the federal safety agency or BMW inspection.

Filed Aug 20, 2024 · Electrical, Engine · VA

2013 X5 Xdrive35i overheating temperature icon appears drive moderately to red hot temperature icon but doesn’t overflow. Possible water pump and electrical issues. Smell something burning.

Filed Mar 15, 2020 · Body, Electrical · 92,530 miles · OH

The care was off overnight in the garage unlocked. In the am, in the garage, there was a smell of burnt electronics. Noticed something on the behind the driver's door handle and the same thing dripped down the door and some on the floor. Looking closer at it, it appears that something overheated in the door handle and melted a hole in the backside of the handle which caused some melted material, plastic or rubber to spray on the door panel and drip down the door. I checked the fuse that corresponds to the door handle, specifically the comfort access feature and found the fuse to be blown. This all happened overnight with the car not running or otherwise occupied. I am concerned that this could have resulted in a fire and suspect that the fuse doing it's job prevented a fire from occuring.

Filed Jan 27, 2019 · Engine, Transmission · 44,000 miles · NJ

Engine overheat due to water pump failure, car automatically slow down on highway. The car only has 44k mile. Also oil filer housing leaking.

Filed Dec 1, 2017 · Engine · 8 miles · MN

Engine overheating warning. Searched online and found many bmw x5 owners are experiencing the same issue, the likely cause is a bad water pump. If this is happening to many users, it should be recalled. Also I found there was a recall on water pump for 2008-2011 models. Https://www.consumerreports.org/cro/news/2011/10/recall-32-000-bmw-vehicles-mdash-bad-water-pumps/index.htm

Filed Nov 2, 2017 · Transmission · 69,125 miles · GA

Vehicle was in motion on county road when overheat warning came on advising to slow down. Within 10 seconds vehicle overheated warning came on and car shut down forcing vehicle off the road. No apparent other warning, no symptons such as steam from blown hose or hole in radiator. Vehicle 4 years old w/69k miles; water pump & thermostat went bad. $1500 repair. Apparently bmw knowingly manufactured x5 with inferior water pump w/50k warranty. This is only coming to light to customers now since x5's are overheating after warranty. Very dangerous and scary with vehicle just shutting down enroute in the middle of road. For a luxury vehicle manufacturer this is a major fail and should be corrected.

Filed Oct 17, 2017 · Engine · 31,610 miles · MA

Suffered an engine kill at 65mph during highway driving. We received a warning that the engine was overheating approximately 10-15 seconds before the engine shut down and there was no power to the accelerator. Very fortunate to be alive. Car towed and problem per bmw service was the water pump.

Filed Dec 20, 2016 · Engine · 81,000 miles · KY

Engine is heating up and coolant pump stays on to keep engine from overheating. Vehicle was in motion when problem started. When vehicle is driven over 70mph coolant pump comes on and stays on.