2006 BMW X5 Engine cooling Problems
- Complaints
- 7about this part
- Share
- 4%of 168 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 86,800miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 7 complaints about the engine cooling of the 2006 BMW X5, 4% of the 168 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 86,800 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 already filed complaints for a failed brake booster, master cylinder pump, water pump leaking coolant, power steering pump leaking oil. I failed to mention that the valve gasket cover also needed to be replaced as oil was spewing all over the engine. At this point, this vehicle should be recalled in its entirety.”
NHTSA complaint #10654616, filed 2014-11, 108,000 miles“Oil separator problem with 2006 Bmw X5, caused engine to shut down in the middle of the highway. I'm told that this is a problem when driving in cold weather and there is nothing I can do to fix it. $1500 repair and still no assurance it won't happen again.”
NHTSA complaint #10384723, filed 2011-02, 73,000 miles“The engine light went on and stayed on therefore made an appointment with the dealer. I did not notice any changes on the car except the fuel consumption where it consumed more than usual. When I took it to the dealer, they told me that the oil vapor separator needs to be replaced, that I was lucky that the car did not die on me. They are charging 1400 to fix the problem. As I researched on the internet, this part has been failing for people that do not drive their car far enough. The condensation coagulates in the oil passages. …”
NHTSA complaint #10379866, filed 2011-02, 85,000 miles“While driving my truck on a very cold day (0 degrees) in chicago, white smoke began emitting from the exhaust and the truck totally stopped running in the middle of heavy traffic. It would not restart and it had to be towed. It was determined that the cranckcase breather box/oil separator stopped working causing oil to spew everywhere within my exhaust. This also ruined my spark plugs. This is a well documented defect in the X5, and there should be a recall related to this. It seems to occur as soon as the manufacturer or extended warranty expires and it is related to cold weather.”
NHTSA complaint #10449703, filed 2012-02, 88,601 miles“The contact stated the transmission would not downshift properly. The vehicle was taken to the dealership and the transmission was replaced, but the problem persisted. Also, the engine revved while at a stop. The dealership was unable to determine a problem. The vehicle was a 2006 Bmw X5. Updated 01/10/07.”
NHTSA complaint #10173657, filed 2006-11, 4,900 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.
- 10032779Nov 1, 2012Bmw vehicle: the service engine soon (mil) lamp is illuminated and a power reduction is clearly perceptible. This situation may occur after driving for some time with the engine…
- 10040852Jul 1, 2011Bmw: the service engine soon light is on. There are trouble codes stored for the crankshaft sensor. No driveability issues.
- 10030624May 1, 2011Bmw vehicle: water has entered electronics box because the lid is not properly fitted. Once it is verified that water has indeed entered the electronics box, it will be necessary…
- 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.
- 10033132Oct 1, 2010Bmw vehicles: n63 turbocharger auxiliary water pump faults. The service engine soon lamp is illuminated with the following fault codes stored in the dme control module…
- 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.
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 2006 BMW X5
83 complaintsBrakes
29 complaintsSeats
25 complaintsElectrical system
20 complaintsSeat belts
8 complaintsEngine
7 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
7 complaintsOther or unknown
6 complaintsFuel system
5 complaintsExterior lighting
4 complaintsBody and structure
4 complaintsVehicle speed control
3 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2006 BMW X5
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 28, 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