Models · BMW
BMW X5 E70 buying guide
The second BMW X5, built from 2007 to 2013 and facelifted in 2010, with the option of seven seats for the first time. Most UK cars are six-cylinder diesels, alongside straight-six and V8 petrols, all with xDrive four-wheel drive and an automatic gearbox.
The versions
- Diesel before the 2010 facelift: 3.0d (M57, 235PS) and twin-turbo 3.0sd (286PS)
- Diesel after the facelift: xDrive30d (N57, 245PS), xDrive40d (306PS) and, from 2012, the tri-turbo M50d (381PS)
- Petrol: 3.0si (N52, 272PS) and 4.8i (N62, 355PS), later xDrive35i (N55, 306PS) and xDrive50i (N63, 408PS)
- xDrive four-wheel drive on every car; five or seven seats
- Automatic only: six-speed at launch, eight-speed on the facelifted petrol models
- The X5 M of this generation has its own page
What to check on a E70 X5
3 model-specific things to look at when you view one. They're a starting point, not the full inspection.
The front propshaft recall
What to look for: Before you travel, give the chassis number to a BMW dealer and ask whether any recall is outstanding. On early cars, ask specifically about the front propshaft.
Why it matters: Early E70s were recalled because the front propshaft could break, damaging its joint and puncturing the engine sump. Most have been done by now, but it's worth confirming on the car in front of you.
Automatic gearbox behaviour
What to look for: On the drive, from warm, feel for smooth changes up and down at light throttle, no flare in revs between gears, no shudder as you pull away and no harsh engagement of Drive or Reverse.
Why it matters: The earlier six-speed automatic can develop torque converter, mechatronic unit and clutch pack problems, and the gearbox benefits from BMW software updates. A car with smooth changes and updates on record is a good sign.
Shudder on tight turns
What to look for: In a car park, drive slowly at full lock in both directions. The car should turn smoothly with no juddering, hopping or binding through the floor, and no 4x4 warning lamp.
Why it matters: Juddering at low speed on tight turns is the usual sign of a worn xDrive transfer box, and it's more likely where the fluid has never been changed. Mismatched tyres make it worse. A fluid change sometimes cures mild judder; otherwise the unit is replaced.
Also in the full guide
- Rear air suspension
- Swirl flaps on early diesels
- Cold-start rattle on facelift engines
- Diesel smoke and turbo noise
- The cold start, test drive and paperwork checks for the exact version you're viewing
The full guide to the E70 X5
The CrankSight guide walks you round the car on your phone at the viewing, with every check for the exact version you're looking at: what to look for, where to find it, and what anything you find is likely to cost. As you go it builds an assessment of that car, and if you view more than one, it lines them up side by side.
£29 for the model, used on as many cars as you like, delivered within 72 hours or your money back.
Other generations
General points for the model, last checked October 2026. Every car is different, so treat this as a guide to what to look at, not a verdict on any car. CrankSight is independent and has no connection with BMW.