2006 BMW X5 Fuel system Problems
- Complaints
- 5about this part
- Share
- 3%of 168 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 106,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 5 complaints about the fuel system of the 2006 BMW X5, 3% of the 168 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 106,000 miles. 1 a fire, according to the filers.
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.
“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“Approximately 1 month after having our Bmw serviced for an oil change at our local dealer, the check engine oil level light illuminated. We immediately called the dealer, and upon them looking at it, it was determined that the crankcase vent valve (oil separator), needs to be replaced, at a cost of $1,300. We have been having this light come on numerous times over the past couple of years, and always call the dealer when it does. Every time we call, they either tell me to top the oil off myself, or we bring it to the dealer for them to top off. …”
NHTSA complaint #10461250, filed 2012-06, 110,000 miles“While driving on interstate in high speed lane engine suddenly lost power creating danger of rear end collision. In moving to break down lane engine continued to run but would not propel the vehicle over 5 MPH. This problem had occurred two weeks previously when the vehicle was towed to Bmw dealer for service. At that time the vehicle was electronically diagnosed and no faults were found or repairs made.the vehicle was again towed to the Bmw dealer and no electronic faults were found. …”
NHTSA complaint #10916165, filed 2016-10, 106,000 miles“The contact owns a 2006 Bmw X5. While the vehicle was idling, there was smoke coming from the passenger exhaust pipe. The vehicle was taken to both a dealer and independent mechanic, who diagnosed that the valve stem had a leak. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 90,000.”
NHTSA complaint #10701807, filed 2015-03, 90,000 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…
- 10218412Jul 1, 2022The fuel gauge may indicate the incorrect fuel level (full and reserve).
- 10051419Dec 1, 2012Bmw: service action: replace the left and right fuel level sensor. Due to high proportion of ethanol in the fuel, the internal mechanisms of the fuel level sensors may swell…
- 10039765Jan 1, 2012Bmw: the service engine soon light is on while driving. This is a programming issue. *rm updated 1/4/12. *pe updated 4/24/12.
- 10036984Jun 1, 2010Bmw: it is now possible to perform a fuel quality detection test on vehicles with an n54 engine.
- 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…
- 10033130Dec 1, 2009Bmw vehicles: fuel level sensor repairs. Where it is necessary to replace the right or the left side fuel level sensor due to a failure, the entire pump and housing or delivery…
- 10030613May 1, 2009Bmw vehicles: program control units (dme-dmtl diagnosis). An incorrect tank leakage diagnosis may occur due to a software error. The service engine soon (mil) lamp may be…
- 10030612May 1, 2009Bmw vehicles: service engine soon lamp or check gas cap warning illuminated while driving. Software error in the dme for the tank leak diagnostic system. Models e60, e61 (5…
- 10029684May 1, 2009Bmw: service engine soon lamp or the check gas cap warnings are illuminated while driving. When diagnosed, the dme has stored faults for small leak, micro leak, super fine leak…
Fuel system: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 2 | 7% |
| 2025 | 1 | 2% |
| 2024 | 4 | 3% |
| 2023 | 1 | 3% |
| 2022 | 3 | 4% |
| 2021 | 3 | 3% |
| 2020 | 2 | 2% |
| 2019 | 5 | 3% |
| 2018 | 18 | 25% |
| 2017 | 20 | 27% |
| 2016 | 12 | 16% |
| 2015 | 50 | 33% |
| 2014 | 32 | 32% |
| 2013 | 9 | 6% |
| 2012 | 29 | 11% |
| 2011 | 43 | 16% |
| 2010 | 29 | 23% |
| 2009 | 42 | 30% |
| 2008 | 41 | 19% |
| 2007 | 28 | 39% |
| 2006 | 5 | 3% |
| 2005 | 8 | 10% |
| 2004 | 2 | 3% |
| 2003 | 5 | 5% |
| 2002 | 1 | 1% |
| 2001 | 7 | 4% |
Other parts of the 2006 BMW X5
83 complaintsBrakes
29 complaintsSeats
25 complaintsElectrical system
20 complaintsSeat belts
8 complaintsEngine
7 complaintsEngine cooling
7 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
7 complaintsOther or unknown
6 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 30, 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