2011 BMW X5 Diesel Sav: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 2011 BMW X5 Diesel Sav: 2 recalls, 44 owner complaints.

Recalls
2 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Engine & cooling Vehicle recall #11V332000 · 2011 · 923 vehicles
What's wrong: Due to a component manufacturing error at the supplier, the welds in the belt tensioner could have incipient cracks. Over time, this could lead a malfunction of the belt tensioner.
Why it matters: If the belt tensioner fails, there could be a sudden loss of power steering assistance, if power steering assist is lost, manual steering capability is still retained and could increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the engine belt tensioner free of charge. The safety recall is expected to begin during August 2011.
Transmission & drivetrain Vehicle recall #16V311000 · 2016 · 21,493 vehicles
What's wrong: The affected vehicles have a front driveshaft universal joint that May not seal out water and debris from getting in and damaging the joint, which could lead to its failure.
Why it matters: If the front universal joint fails, the front wheels would not be driven, affecting vehicle traction. Additionally, continued driving of the vehicle with a broken front universal joint May damage other components. Either condition May increase the risk of a crash.
The fix: Bmw will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front driveshaft, free of charge. The recall began on July 8, 2016.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 0 mention a fire, 2 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Engine (18): the most common themes are warning light on (3), leaks (3), stalls / loses power (2).
- Airbags (10): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
- Fuel & propulsion (9): the most common themes are fire / smoke (2).
- Transmission & drivetrain (5): the most common themes are noise or vibration (2).
Complaints peaked in 2017 (13 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 6 years old, at a median of 89,500 miles.
Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.
Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 2011 BMW X5 Diesel Sav.
Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.
Most $25–$78, one-timePro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.
From $19.99/mo · $39.99/yrOEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.
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FAQ
Does the 2011 BMW X5 Diesel Sav have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 2 vehicle recalls for the 2011 BMW X5 Diesel Sav. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common 2011 BMW X5 Diesel Sav problems?
Owners have filed 44 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are engine (18), airbags (10), fuel & propulsion (9).
Where can I get a 2011 BMW X5 Diesel Sav repair manual?
eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.