MotorDeets

2011 BMW X5 Diesel Sav: Recalls, Problems & MPG

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

2vehicle recalls
44owner complaints
1mention a crash
–best combined mpg
2011 BMW X5 Diesel Sav
Photo: SortedDisplay · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Wikimedia Commons. Representative photo of this generation; trim may differ.

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.

Engine18
Airbags10
Fuel & propulsion9
Transmission & drivetrain5
Other / unknown5
Steering3
Wheels2
Body & structure2

What owners describe

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.

eManualOnline Download (PDF), keep forever

Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.

Most $25–$78, one-time
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Mitchell 1 DIY Online access, factory-level data

Pro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.

From $19.99/mo · $39.99/yr
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ALLDATAdiy Online access, factory OEM info

OEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.

From $19.99/mo · $59.99/yr
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Haynes Print book or AllAccess online

Step-by-step photos written from a real teardown. Great for first-timers.

Books ~$30–$40 · AllAccess $34.99/mo
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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.

Other X5 Diesel Sav years

2011