2005 BMW X5 Engine cooling Problems
- Complaints
- 5about this part
- Share
- 6%of 82 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 83,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 5 complaints about the engine cooling of the 2005 BMW X5, 6% of the 82 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 83,000 miles.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“I just got my X5 out of the shop two weeks ago due to a engine oil leak which cost 1700 to repair and now the brake booster system has went out which is another 1200 to repair. This vehicle has had two recalls for this same problem however the 2005 was not included in the recall the first recall was for 2000-2002 and the second recall which was just in february of this year was for 2007-2010 obviously the fix did not work and they need to include all vehicles from 2000 until 2010. When I called Bmw all the girl on the phone could say is your X5 was not included in the recall.”
NHTSA complaint #10519479, filed 2013-06, 140,000 miles“Started my Bmw X5 year 2005 (now with 59,500 miles)in cold weather (milwaukee, wi). Upon acceleration on expressway ramp a large cloud of white smoke blew out tailpipes. This occurred on two separate occasions recently. Prior to this, in february 2010 (with 50,000 miles), oil separator was replaced for $ 2000 cost. This time dealer replaced the same parts and system at no charge. Same part failed twice in one year, in a span of 10,000 miles.”
NHTSA complaint #10390249, filed 2011-03, 59,460 miles“The contact owns a 2005 Bmw X5. The contact stated that while driving approximately 55 MPH, the vehicle would stall without warning. The vehicle was towed to the dealer who informed the contact that the failure was caused by the oil separator. The vehicle was repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 83,000. Updated 02/10/11 updated 04/21/11”
NHTSA complaint #10373855, filed 2011-01, 83,000 miles“The contact owns a 2005 Bmw X5. The contact stated that while driving approximately 30 MPH, the vehicle started to shutter and then it suddenly stalled. The vehicle was towed to a dealer who informed the contact that she needed to replace the crankcase vent/oil separator the manufacturer was contacted and offered her a discount on the parts and for the labor. The vehicle had not been repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 70,000. Updated 03/28/12 updated 05/10/12”
NHTSA complaint #10379347, filed 2011-01, 70,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10247567Dec 20, 2023Engine will crank but not start. There is no communication with the integrated fuel module (TFE) whendiagnosing with ISTA. The following two fault codes will be stored in the…
- 10225107Sep 1, 2022Coolant is leaking from under the car which is equipped with the S63 engine. A low coolant warning might also be displayed (CC Message ID166).
- 10053585Sep 1, 2013Bmw: oil leaks from the air hose on turbocharger. This is designated for e70, and e90 models with m57y diesel engines. Service engine soon lamp may be illuminated.
- 10040852Jul 1, 2011Bmw: the service engine soon light is on. There are trouble codes stored for the crankshaft sensor. No driveability issues.
- 10028370Nov 1, 2010Bmw: check engine lamp illuminated and/or vehicle overheats. Models e83, e85, e86, e70, e90, e91, e92, e93, e60 and e61. *pe updated 5/24/11.
- 10037010Jul 1, 2010Bmw: six different models equipped with the m54 engine could have valve covers break in cold weather and ruin the engine. This is due to moisture accumulation.
- 10036985Jun 1, 2010Bmw: a service engine soon light comes on. The engine will only operate to 1500 rpms and lacks power. There is a software application error.
- 10036982Jun 1, 2010Bmw: there is a rough engine idle and "service engine soon light" when driving downhill in high altitudes during cold weather. There may be six different fault codes.
- 10036981Jun 1, 2010Bmw: warning message on about low diesel exhaust fuel level and that the engine will not restart within 999 miles. The light comes on a few thousand miles earlier than a…
- 10032646Oct 1, 2009Bmw vehicles: edk throttle potentiometer faults-diagnosis. Models e60, e63, e64, e65, e66, and e70. The service engine soon and dsc/dtc warning lamps are illuminated. The engine…
Engine cooling: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 1 | 2% |
| 2022 | 3 | 4% |
| 2021 | 7 | 6% |
| 2020 | 15 | 13% |
| 2019 | 12 | 6% |
| 2018 | 9 | 12% |
| 2017 | 4 | 5% |
| 2016 | 7 | 9% |
| 2015 | 9 | 6% |
| 2014 | 5 | 5% |
| 2013 | 6 | 4% |
| 2012 | 12 | 4% |
| 2011 | 10 | 4% |
| 2010 | 13 | 10% |
| 2009 | 6 | 4% |
| 2008 | 16 | 7% |
| 2007 | 3 | 4% |
| 2006 | 7 | 4% |
| 2005 | 5 | 6% |
| 2004 | 2 | 3% |
| 2003 | 24 | 24% |
| 2002 | 21 | 21% |
| 2001 | 31 | 19% |
Other parts of the 2005 BMW X5
16 complaintsBrakes
15 complaintsElectrical system
15 complaintsEngine
12 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
9 complaintsFuel system
8 complaintsSeats
7 complaintsExterior lighting
5 complaintsBody and structure
5 complaintsOther or unknown
4 complaintsTires
3 complaintsSuspension
2 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2005 BMW X5
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology