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2009 BMW X5

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By Research the Car 5 min read

The 2009 BMW X5 (E70) is a mid-size luxury SUV known for its performance and handling. Engine options for this model year included a 3.0-liter inline-6 (both naturally aspirated and turbocharged), a 4.8-liter V8, and a 3.0-liter diesel inline-6. Transmission options were primarily a 6-speed automatic. The 3.0L inline-6 produced around 260 horsepower and 225 lb-ft of torque, while the 4.8L V8 outputted around 350 horsepower and 350 lb-ft of torque. Many owners appreciated the X5’s sporty driving dynamics and luxurious interior, while common dislikes included high maintenance costs and the complexity of the vehicle’s electronics.

Engine

3.0L Inline-6 (N52)

  • Oil Filter Housing Gasket Leak
    • Description/Symptoms: Oil leak originating from the oil filter housing. Can result in a burning oil smell and low oil levels.
    • Solution: Replacement of the oil filter housing gasket.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $600
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Valve Cover Gasket Leak
    • Description/Symptoms: Oil leak originating from the valve cover gasket. Can result in a burning oil smell and low oil levels.
    • Solution: Replacement of the valve cover gasket.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $400 - $800
    • Recalls: None Found
  • VANOS Solenoid Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Rough idling, decreased performance, and possible check engine light.
    • Solution: Replacement of the faulty VANOS solenoid(s).
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400 per solenoid
    • Recalls: None Found

3.0L Turbo Inline-6 (N54)

  • High-Pressure Fuel Pump (HPFP) Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Long cranking times, rough idle, reduced power, and possible check engine light. A common issue with early N54 engines.
    • Solution: Replacement of the HPFP.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $1500
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Fuel Injector Issues
    • Description/Symptoms: Misfires, rough idling, and reduced performance.
    • Solution: Replacement of the faulty fuel injector(s).
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $600 per injector
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Turbocharger Wastegate Rattle
    • Description/Symptoms: Rattling noise from the engine, especially during acceleration.
    • Solution: Replacement of the turbochargers or repair of the wastegate mechanism.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1500 - $4000
    • Recalls: None Found

4.8L V8 (N62)

  • Valve Stem Seal Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Excessive oil consumption, blue smoke from the exhaust, especially on startup.
    • Solution: Replacement of the valve stem seals (requires significant engine disassembly).
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $3000 - $6000
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Coolant Transfer Pipe Leak (Valley Pan Leak)
    • Description/Symptoms: Coolant leak under the intake manifold (valley pan), leading to coolant loss and potential overheating.
    • Solution: Replacement of the coolant transfer pipe and valley pan gasket (requires intake manifold removal).
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1500 - $3000
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Alternator Bracket Gasket Leak
    • Description/Symptoms: Oil leak originating from the alternator bracket gasket, causing a mess on the engine.
    • Solution: Replacement of the alternator bracket gasket.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $1500
    • Recalls: None Found

3.0L Diesel Inline-6 (M57)

  • Swirl Flap Issues
    • Description/Symptoms: Swirl flaps inside the intake manifold can break and get ingested into the engine, causing significant damage.
    • Solution: Replacement of the intake manifold with a redesigned unit or installation of swirl flap delete kit.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $2000
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Glow Plug Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Hard starting, especially in cold weather.
    • Solution: Replacement of the faulty glow plug(s).
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $600
    • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

6-Speed Automatic (All Engine Options)

  • Mechatronic Unit Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Harsh shifting, slipping, erratic gear changes, or complete loss of gear engagement.
    • Solution: Replacement or reprogramming of the mechatronic unit.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1500 - $3000
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Transmission Fluid Leaks
    • Description/Symptoms: Leaks from the transmission pan gasket or seals.
    • Solution: Replacement of the pan gasket and/or seals.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $800
    • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

  • Air Suspension Compressor Failure (If Equipped)
    • Description/Symptoms: Rear of the vehicle sitting low, suspension malfunction warning lights.
    • Solution: Replacement of the air suspension compressor.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $1500
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Air Suspension Air Springs/Bags Leaks (If Equipped)
    • Description/Symptoms: Rear of the vehicle sitting low, hissing sound from the suspension, suspension malfunction warning lights.
    • Solution: Replacement of the leaking air spring(s)/bag(s).
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1000 per spring
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Control Arm Bushing Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Clunking noises from the front suspension, especially over bumps.
    • Solution: Replacement of the control arm bushings or entire control arms.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $400 - $1000
    • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

  • Battery Drain Issues
    • Description/Symptoms: Dead battery, difficulty starting the vehicle. Caused by various modules not shutting down properly.
    • Solution: Diagnose and repair the source of the battery drain (can be complex and time-consuming).
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $1000+
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Faulty Door Lock Actuators
    • Description/Symptoms: Door locks not working properly, difficulty locking or unlocking the vehicle.
    • Solution: Replacement of the faulty door lock actuator.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $600 per door
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Xenon Headlight Ballast Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Headlight not working, error message on the dashboard.
    • Solution: Replacement of the faulty headlight ballast.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $400 - $800
    • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

  • Panoramic Sunroof Issues
    • Description/Symptoms: Sunroof failing to open or close properly, binding, or leaking water.
    • Solution: Repair or replacement of the sunroof mechanism.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $2000+
    • Recalls: None Found

Interior

  • Navigation/iDrive System Malfunctions
    • Description/Symptoms: iDrive system freezing, rebooting, or not functioning correctly.
    • Solution: Software update or replacement of the iDrive control unit.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $1500
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Seat Motor Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Seat not adjusting properly.
    • Solution: Replacement of the faulty seat motor.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $800
    • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2009 BMW X5, while a luxurious and capable SUV, is prone to several common issues, particularly concerning the engine, transmission, and electrical systems. Engine issues, such as oil leaks, valve stem seal failures (especially in the V8), and HPFP problems (in the N54), can be expensive to address. Transmission issues like mechatronic unit failure can also lead to significant repair costs. Electrical problems, like battery drain issues, can be frustrating and difficult to diagnose. Potential buyers should be aware of these common problems and factor in the potential maintenance costs associated with owning a vehicle of this age and complexity. Pre-purchase inspections by a qualified BMW mechanic are highly recommended. The severity and cost of these repairs vary significantly, but owners should be prepared for potentially high maintenance expenses.

BMW, X5
BMW X5 2009
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