Known faults for the BMW X5 (G05) / X6 (G06).

Engine / equipment

B47 and B57 diesel and B48 and B58 petrol modular engines (BMW from 2014–2015 and MINI from 2014)

Period mentioned

2014–2026

Symptoms

Coolant loss with a low-level warning, coolant or oil residue at the rear of the engine; on diesels, internal coolant loss with no visible leak (EGR cooler).

Possible cause described

On the B48 and B58 the water pump leaks (from its weep hole) and the oil filter housing with heat exchanger can crack; on 2017–2021 B58s the crankcase ventilation valve also fails. On the diesels the EGR cooler can leak internally and mix coolant with soot: BMW issued a recall over the risk of the intake manifold catching fire.

Check for the garage

Check the coolant level, look for leaks under the water pump and at the oil filter housing, and on diesels confirm by VIN whether the EGR cooler campaign was done.

Cost cited in the source

Water pump: relatively cheap to replace; oil filter housing: more labour-intensive; EGR cooler: free if covered by the campaignA rough figure from the original database, not an up-to-date quote.

Mileage cited in the database: 80,000–195,000 km. This is not a maintenance interval and does not predict a failure.

Sources from the original database

Engine / equipment

ZF 8HP automatic gearbox in rear-wheel-drive BMWs from 2009 (1 to 8 Series and X: F20, F30, F10, G20, G30, X3, X5…)

Period mentioned

2009–2026

Symptoms

Harsh shifts (especially engaging D and 1st to 2nd), slipping or jerking; oil leaks from the pan, the mechatronic connector sleeve or the seals.

Possible cause described

BMW's diagnostic guide says an incorrect oil level is a frequent cause of shift complaints and asks for it to be checked every time, even with no visible leaks; the pan can be damaged by impacts. The sealing sleeve between gearbox and mechatronic lets oil through to the connector. The oil, sold as lifetime, degrades.

Check for the garage

Check the oil level with the official procedure (correct temperature and engine running), look for leaks at the pan, connector sleeve and seals, inspect the pan for impact damage and review adaptation values with ISTA.

Cost cited in the source

Oil change with pan and filter: maintenance; sleeve or seals: minor repair; mechatronic: expensive repairA rough figure from the original database, not an up-to-date quote.

Sources from the original database

Engine / equipment

X3 (G01), X4 (G02), X5 (G05) and X7 (G07) built up to 31/3/2019

Period mentioned

2017–2019

Symptoms

Only in severe cold (−15 °C or below): a "top up coolant" warning and some fluid under the car. At normal temperatures it does not leak and the engine temperature is fine.

Possible cause described

The O-rings that seal the coolant pipes' quick connectors stop sealing at −15 °C or below. BMW describes it in bulletin SIB 17 03 20 (May 2020) and has the affected pipes replaced when a leak is confirmed. Codes from the charge-air cooling circuit may be stored (20A201, 20A209).

Check for the garage

Note the outside temperature when the warning appears and only check the level with the engine cold. At the garage, have them look for the leak at the coolant pipes' quick connectors, including the low-temperature circuit.

Cost cited in the source

No verified estimate; ask the garage for a quote.A rough figure from the original database, not an up-to-date quote.

Sources from the original database

Engine / equipment

BMW 3.0 petrol B58 48 V mild hybrid (B58B30M2)

Period mentioned

2024 (US model years)

Symptoms

With Start/Stop off and the car stationary, after about 30–50 seconds at idle there is a slight jolt or change in engine speed that feels like a misfire; no warning light and no fault codes.

Possible cause described

It is not a fault: while stationary, the engine is turned only by the crankshaft starter-generator, without combustion, until the 48 V battery drops to a certain charge; then combustion resumes with a slight jolt. BMW explains it in bulletin SIB 12 11 26.

Check for the garage

If there are no codes or warning lights, tell the garage BMW considers it normal operation (SIB 12 11 26) to avoid replacing coils, spark plugs or injectors.

Cost cited in the source

No verified estimate; ask the garage for a quote.A rough figure from the original database, not an up-to-date quote.

Sources from the original database

Engine / equipment

BMW 330e, 530e, X3 xDrive30e, X5 xDrive45e, 745e, i8 and MINI Countryman SE ALL4 plug-in hybrids

Period mentioned

2020–2021

Symptoms

Usually none before failure. In rare cases, a battery short-circuit with a fire risk, especially while charging.

Possible cause described

During cell production (supplier Samsung) welding debris got into some cells, which can cause a short-circuit. BMW recalled about 26,900 cars worldwide and, until a fix was ready, asked owners not to charge them.

Check for the garage

Confirm by VIN with BMW that the battery recall has been done; if not, do not charge the car until it is checked.

Cost cited in the source

Free under the recall: inspection and module replacement if neededA rough figure from the original database, not an up-to-date quote.

Sources from the original database

Engine / equipment

N63 4.4 V8 twin-turbo (550i, 650i, 750i, X5/X6 50i, M550i) and its M version, the S63 (M5, M6, M8, X5 M, X6 M)

Period mentioned

2008–2026 (most cases on 2008–2013 N63)

Symptoms

High oil consumption, blue or white smoke on start-up, misfires, chain rattle and a battery that drains.

Possible cause described

The turbos sit inside the engine's V and the heat hardens valve stem seals, hoses and plastic chain guides. In 2014 BMW launched the N63 “Customer Care Package” (injectors, chain, seals, battery). The 2012 N63TU reduced oil consumption without eliminating it. On the S63, rod bearings are also worth monitoring.

Check for the garage

Oil consumption test, confirm by VIN that the Customer Care Package was done and listen for the chain on a cold start.

Cost cited in the source

Valve stem seals: approx. €6,500–8,300 (converted from dollars); chain: several thousand eurosA rough figure from the original database, not an up-to-date quote.

Sources from the original database