Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (engine, cooling system, oil leaks, timing chain, exhaust).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2009 BMW X5 owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The contact owns a 2009 BMW X5. The contact stated that upon turning the heater on, there was a strong burning odor coming from the A/C vents. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the failure was diagnosed as a burning oil odor. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where the intake gasket was replaced; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken back to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the failure was related to the fan relay. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact later received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V119000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact contacted the local dealer and a second dealer, Hansel BMW of Santa Rosa (2925 Corby Ave, Santa Rosa, CA 95407), and was informed that parts were not yet available. …
The contact owns a 2009 BMW X5. The contact stated that after pulling into a parking space there was white smoke coming from underneath the hood of the vehicle and the engine started overheating. The contact added coolant immediately. There were no warning lights illuminated. The failure had occurred twice. The vehicle was taken to a certified mechanic who diagnosed that the water pump, thermostat, and heater hoses had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The contact stated that the coolant had leaked out and the engine started overheating. The contact added more coolant to the coolant reservoir; however, the failure recurred 20 miles later. After parking the vehicle, the contact became aware that oil was leaking underneath the vehicle. The vehicle had not been returned to the mechanic. The vehicle had not been taken to the dealer. …
The contact owns a 2009 BMW X5. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, several unknown warning lights illuminated, and the engine seized. The vehicle failed to restart. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic who was a certified BMW mechanic, where it was diagnosed with VANOS bolts failure. The contact was informed that the VANOS bolts needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The contact referenced NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V707000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. In addition, the contact stated that the dealer confirmed the failure and declined to perform a diagnostic test due to the age of the vehicle. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. …
The contact owns a 2009 BMW X5. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V119000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer and manufacturer were made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
My engine is being effected by the recall. There is smoke and a burning smell coming from my engine. The Recall was issued March 2 2002 and today is January 11, 2022. My truck is driving worse daily and I can not get it inspected because it will not read my system.
Tl* the contact owns a 2009 BMW X5. The contact stated that when starting the vehicle to drive, a burning odor emitted into the vehicle vent. The vehicle was taken to lauderdale BMW of pembroke pines dealer, located on 14800 sheridan pines, fl 33028, phone: [phone], where it was rejected to be serviced due to the remedy part for the recall repair was not available. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: (fuel system, gasoline) and 17V683000 (engine and engine cooling) however, the part needed for the repair was not available. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was contacted and made aware of the failure and informed that the part was not available for the repair. The approximate failure mileage was 100,000. Part distribution disconnect and VIN tool confirms part not available.
Tl* the contact owns a 2009 BMW X5. While driving, the contact smelled something burning from the air conditioning vents and smoke began to fill the vehicle. There were no warning indicators illuminated prior to the failure. The failure occurred numerous times, which resulted in a crash. A police report was filed. There were no injuries. The contact received a notice for NHTSA campaign number: 17V683000 (engine and engine cooling). The vehicle was taken to the dealer (BMW of south atlanta, 4171 jonesboro rd, union city, ga 3029[phone]). The vehicle was not repaired. The contact was informed that parts were not available. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The VIN was unknown. The failure mileage was 160,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Tl* the contact owns a 2009 BMW X5. While driving, an odor of fuel emitted into the vehicle. While in traffic, smoke appeared under the hood. The contact coasted over to the side of the road and noticed antifreeze leaking into the engine. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, but was not diagnosed or repaired. The VIN was included in NHTSA campaign number: 16V746000 (fuel system, gasoline). The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 145,000. - (recall related incident) ts
I own a 2009 BMW X5 diesel. BMW has recognized an issue with a sensor in the selective catalytic reduction (scr) active tank. The tank stores diesel fluid. Diesel fluid is added into diesel to reduce the amount of emissions that is released from the vehicle. BMW extended the warranty for this part but it is unknown how they determine the amount of this extension. My vehicle is over the extended warranty by 4 months but under the mileage limit by 40,000 miles. This issue should be a recall call and not an extended warranty with limited time to repair the issue. I attempted to resolve this with sean s. At BMW customer relations by informing him that this is my commuter vehicle and I have to drive this car every day. I also informed him that if not resolved this will lead to a large amount of pollution released to the environment. Sean s. …
Vehicle is subject to recall 12V550000 due to idler pulley bolt which can break, causing accessory drive bet to dislodge and loss of power steering, alternator, etc. This vehicle's idler pulley and bolt were replaced as part of the recall 2.5 years and 35,000 miles ago, but experienced the exact same failure, again, last month. BMW USA and the local dealer were contacted, both refused to fix the issue, stating that the repair is only valid for two years. The new idler pulley bolt that was installed sheared off at its mounting point, just as the original bolt that was subject to recall did. It is clear that the replacement bolt is subject to the same failure as the original - worse, as this failure occurred in under 3 years and 40,000 miles, it appears that the "fix" is worse and more dangerous than the originally recalled part. …
Related recalls
Engine and engine cooling › Exhaust system › Emission control › Crankcase (pcv)
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2008-2013 1 Series Coupe (128i); 2007-2013 3 Series Coupe (328i, 328xi, 328i xDrive); 2007-2010 X3 SAV (X3 3.0si, X3 xDrive30i); 2008-2013 1 Series Convertible (128i); 2006-2011 3 Series Sedan (325i, 325xi, 328i, 328xi, 328i xDrive, 330i, 330xi); 2006-2012 3 Series Wagon…
Remedy: This recall supersedes and expands previous NHTSA recalls 17V-683 and 19V-273. Dealers will install an electrical wiring harness with fuse protection for the PCV Valve heater in potentially affected vehicles, free of…
Engine and engine cooling › Engine
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2009-2013 X5 xDrive 35d diesel vehicles. The engine idler pulley bolt may loosen over time and break.
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the idler pulley bolt with an improved part, free of charge. The recall began March 11, 2019. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Engine and engine cooling › Exhaust system › Emission control › Crankcase (pcv)
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2008-2011 128i and 2007-2011 328i, 328xi, 328i xDrive, 525i, 525xi, 528i, 528xi, 530i, 530xi, X3 3.0si, X3 xDrive30i, X5 xDrive30i, Z4 3.0i, Z4 3.0si and Z4 sDrive30i vehicles. The heater for the positive crankcase ventilation (PCV) valve may short circuit.
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the PCV valve heater, free of charge. Interim letters were mailed on November 27, 2017. Owners will receive a second notification by the end of October 2018.
Engine and engine cooling › Engine › Diesel
BMW is recalling certain model year 2009-2012 X5 xDrive 35d SAV diesel vehicles manufactured September 1, 2008, through November 15, 2012. The engine belt idler pulley bolt could loosen and break over time.
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace and tighten the idler pulley bolt. The recall began on January 15, 2013. Owners may call BMW at 1-800-525-7417 or email BMW at CustomerRelations@bmwusa.com.
Engine complaints in other X5 years
Frequently asked questions
How common are engine problems on the 2009 BMW X5?
NHTSA has 40 complaints about the engine & cooling of the 2009 BMW X5, 25% of the model year's 157 complaints. The component named most often is exhaust system › emission control › crankcase (pcv) (1 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2009 BMW X5 engine problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 22V-119 (crankcase (pcv), Mar 2, 2022); NHTSA recall 18V-336 (engine, May 23, 2018); NHTSA recall 17V-683 (crankcase (pcv), Oct 30, 2017). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 2009 BMW X5 engine problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 86,000 miles, and 7% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 4 fires and 0 injuries to engine & cooling problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.