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.
BMW X5 fuel smell problems
25 of the 3,181 owner complaints about the BMW X5 describe gas smell in the cabin, most of them for the 2011 model year.
- owner complaints
- 25
- worst model year
- 2011
- typical mileage
- 76,000
By model year
- 20173
- 20151
- 20131
- 20123
- 20116
- 20104
- 20091
- 20083
- 20072
- 20021
Often reported together
Check engine light 5Loss of power 3Fuel pump 3Stalling 2Fire or smoke 2Engine failure 2Won't start 1
What owners say
Dear Sir/Madam, I am writing to you today to report a potential issue with my 2012 BMW X5 3.5i, VIN [XXX] . My vehicle appears to be experiencing fuel wire problems , along with the smell of gas, consistent with those described in recall number 16V-746000. I would appreciate it if you would investigate this matter further and advise on the appropriate course of action to address this concern. I have spent too much money on having the car towed around town.. Thank you for your time and attention to this matter. Sincerely, [XXX] [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
I was driving approximately 30 mph. As I continued to accelerate the fuel system light came on and the car shut off in the road. I had to have it towed to the dealership as it would not start. Gas fumes could also be smelled coming from the car. Once looked at by BMW service center I was told “ EKPS and the fuel pump are intermittently failing. I was able to able to verify the concern briefly. Vehicle may lose fuel pressure randomly. Upon removing rear seats and inspecting harness, I found the wires going into the EKPS to be burnt. The wires from the EKPS to the low pressure fuel pump will also need to be replaced.” I did research and saw that this was recall on other years of this model. Also the middle back seatbelt does not work. Also even after multiple alignments my car still pulls aggressively to the right causing near collisions and off roaring.
The vehicle’s gas tank has a leak on top the cabin fills with the smell of gasoline. After a smoke test was done, the test showed a leak coming from the top of the tank between the tank and the inlet for gasoline refill.
Fuel Tank Ventilation failed in my 2017 BMW X5 XDrive 40E at around 93k miles (ODO). The problem has been confirmed by the dealer and this is creating fuel odor and undesired gases to be leaked out of the system
The contact owns a 2008 BMW X5. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, she smelled a strong burning plastic odor coming through the A/C vents. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact later received notification of the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 22V119000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who informed the contact that she would be responsible for the cost of the diagnostic test. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. Additionally, the contact stated while driving 15 MPH, the engine emitted abnormal loud knocking sounds and the vehicle started shuddering. The check engine warning light illuminated. The contact drove to her residence and turned the vehicle off. Upon restarting the vehicle, the vehicle stalled. Additionally, the contact stated that oil was leaking from the vehicle onto the ground. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 75,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available. Consumer did reach out to BMW USA and they took the information and have asked the consumer to wait a week while they do their investigation. Consumer has reached out several times now since then and they have stated that there is nothing they can do at the moment. They say that it should be okay to drive the car until they are able to fix it. The car is not safe to drive and when turned on is very shaky, the engine is loud and gives off strong gas fumes.
The DPF exhaust emissions system failed. BMW dealership refused to replace only replaced a holding tank. That code was not shown. The x5 left shop with a engine light and emissions failure. Independent shop scanned car explained diesel dpf system has failed and is under warranty.. dealership refused to fix. Car runs sluggish, engine warning keeps coming on and take to service. ... The egr cooler failed. The independent shop confirmed codes. Exhaust smell in cabin, reduced power, sluggish, and car goes into LIMP mode while I was driving on the freeway. The shut down of power caused me to almost crash into on coming lane of vehicles at highway speed. Engine light on and warning of engine failure and car stuck in limp mode . System says to take to dealer. . Please help as the dealer will not warranty or recall repair, even though I am under 100,000 miles and there are multiple recall and manufacturer extension warranty for these specific repairs. [XXX] INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
Tl* the contact owns a 2011 bmw x5. The contact stated that the check engine light illumunated. The vehicle would roughly turn off and had a sound of the engine still running when the vehicle was turned off and parked. The dealer checkered flag bmw 5225 virginia beach blvd, virginia beach, va 23462 (866) 414-7820 stated that the extended warranty did not cover the issue.the egr cooler that cools the exhaust fumes was diagnosed as the issue and needed to be replaced and there were no recalls. The manufacturer had not been contacted yet. The failure mileage was 81,719.
My car started leaking gasoline from back under rear passenger tire, after I was running for more than one hour, I experienced gasoline smell and I checked it out and I saw a gasoline dripping from the area, the car was on and running but when I stopped the car I smelled gasoline so I fallowed the smell and I saw the dripping, I turned off and waited for the car to cool down, and I started after and the leak stopped, now I'm worried about it, because I can't drive the car to far or for to long because I might get bigger issues, because the leak is right before the muffler and the muffler gets hot , and maybe if a drip gets to the muffler something bad can happen, I just need some help with this issue, thank you
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.
Related recalls
Fuel system, diesel
- What is wrong
- BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2013-2018 328d, 328d xDrive, 2014-2018 328d Sports Wagon, 328d xDrive Sports Wagon, 2014-2016 535d, 535d xDrive, 2015 740Ld xDrive, 2015-2017 X3 xDrive28d SAV, and 2014-2017 X5 xDrive35d SAV diesel vehicles equipped with an Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) module with an integrated cooler. The EGR cooler may leak internally, causing coolant to mix with diesel engine soot, which could result in smoldering particles and a melting intake manifold.
- Risk
- A melting intake manifold increases the risk of a fire.
- Remedy
- Dealers will replace the EGR cooler and inspect the intake manifold, replacing it as necessary, free of charge. This recall includes all vehicles previously recalled under 18V‑755. Vehicles previously recalled under 18V‑755 will need to have the new remedy performed for this recall. An interim owner notification letter was mailed on January 18, 2022. The remedy is expected to be available in June 2022. Owner notification letters were mailed on July 6, 2022. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1‑800‑525‑7417.
Recall number 21V907000 · Recall details
Fuel system, diesel: delivery: fuel pump
- What is wrong
- BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2014-2018 328d, 328d xDrive, X5 xDrive35d, 2014-2016 535d, 535d xDrive, 2015 740Ld xDrive, and 2015-2017 X3 xDrive28d vehicles. The high-pressure fuel pump may fail.
- Risk
- Fuel pump failure can cause an engine stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Dealers will replace the high-pressure fuel pump, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on January 14, 2022. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1‑800‑525‑7417.
Recall number 21V586000 · Recall details
Fuel system, gasoline: delivery: fuel pump
- What is wrong
- BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2007-2011 BMW X5 3.0si, X5 4.8i, X5 M, X5 xDrive30i, X5 xDrive35i, X5 xDrive48i and X5 xDrive50i, 2008-2011 X6 x Drive35i, X6 xDrive50i and X6 M, 2010-2011 X6 ActiveHybrid, 535i xDrive Gran Turismo, 535i Gran Turismo, 550i xDrive Gran Turismo and 550i Gran Turismo, 2011-2012 528i, 535i, 535i xDrive, 550i and 550i xDrive and 2012 535i ActiveHybrid, 640i Convertible, 650i Convertible, 650i xDrive Convertible, 650i Coupe and 650i Coupe xDrive vehicles. The affected vehicles have in-tank fuel pumps that may have insufficiently crimped wire contacts.
- Risk
- The loose wires may cause the connector to melt, resulting in a fuel leak. Additionally, the fuel pump may stop working, possibly causing an engine stall and increase the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel pump module, free of charge. The recall began February 2017. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1‑800‑525‑7417.
Recall number 16V746000 · Recall details
Fuel system, diesel: pre-heater
- What is wrong
- BMW is recalling certain model year 2009-2010 X5 xDrive35d vehicles equipped with a diesel engine and manufactured from June 13, 2009, through November 9, 2009. The fuel filter heater, which is used for warming up the diesel fuel during vehicle operation at low outside temperatures, could experience an electrical overload condition and become permanently activated.
- Risk
- The fuel filter heater could remain activated even when the ignition is off and lead to a dead battery. The unit could also overheat, possibly resulting in a vehicle fire.
- Remedy
- BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel filter heater, free of charge. The safety recall began on September 26, 2013. Owners may contact BMW customer relations at 1‑800‑525‑7417.
Recall number 13V339000 · Recall details
Fuel system, diesel: pre-heater
- What is wrong
- Bmw is recalling certain model year 2009 x5 xdrive35d vehicles equipped with a diesel engine and manufactured from october 1, 2008, through june 12, 2009. The fuel filter heater, which is used for warming up the diesel fuel during vehicle operation at low outside temperatures, could experience an electrical overload condition and become permanently activated.
- Risk
- The fuel filter heater could remain activated even when the ignition is off and lead to a dead battery. The unit could also overheat, possibly leading to a vehicle fire.
- Remedy
- Bmw will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel filter heater free of charge. The safety recall began on october 11, 2011. Owners may contact bmw customer relations and services at 1‑800‑525‑7417.
Recall number 11V441000 · Recall details
Fuel system, gasoline: delivery: fuel pump
- What is wrong
- Bmw is recalling certain model year 2008 x5 savs vehicles with 6-cylinder engines manufactured from november 1, 2007 through august 31, 2008. Due to a manufacturing process fault, the fuel pump was not produced to specifications. Under specific vehicle operating conditions, the fuel pump's commutator could experience an increase in wear.
- Risk
- This wear could lead to fuel pump malfunction and engine stalling. Engine stalling could create a potential for a crash resulting in injury or death.
- Remedy
- Dealers will replace the in-tank fuel pump free of charge. The safety recall began on january 11, 2011. Owners may contact bmw at 1‑800‑525‑7417.
Recall number 10V518000 · Recall details
Fuel system, gasoline: delivery: fuel pump
- What is wrong
- On certain sport utility vehicles, the in-tank fuel line may have been attached incorrectly.
- Risk
- Engine stalling could occur, even though the vehicle's fuel gauge indicates that fuel is present in the tank. Depending upon traffic and road conditions, this could result in a crash.
- Remedy
- Dealers will inspect the in-tank suction jet pump fuel line and if necessary, reattach according to specifications. This recall began september 9, 2004. Owners should contact bmw at 1‑800‑831‑1117.
Recall number 04V402000 · Recall details
Questions about the BMW X5 fuel smell
Which BMW X5 years have gas smell in the cabin problems?
The model years with the most reports are 2011 (6 complaints), 2010 (4 complaints) and 2008 (3 complaints).
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