BMW E70 X5 (2006–2013) — History, Engines, Weak Points, Fuel Consumption

The BMW E70 is the second generation of the X5, produced from 2006 to 2013. It built on the idea of the original X5 (E53) — a "Sports Activity Vehicle" that drove like a BMW sedan — by adding an optional third row of seats and, in 2009, the model's first-ever X5 M with a twin-turbo V8.

History

The E70 replaced the E53 in 2006, growing in size and offering an optional third seating row for the first time on an X5. In 2009, the lineup gained the X5 M with the S63 engine (555 hp) — the fastest and most powerful X5 to date — alongside a more efficient diesel option, the twin-turbo M57-powered xDrive35d.

A 2010 facelift (LCI) updated the headlights and bumpers and, more significantly, moved most petrol versions from the naturally aspirated N62 to the turbocharged N63, and diesels from the M57 to the newer N57. This noticeably improved output and efficiency across the range, but also introduced a new set of turbo-specific issues.

E70 production ended in 2013 with the arrival of the third generation, the F15. The E70 remains one of the most common full-size BMW SUVs on the used market.

Engines

Petrol — inline-six:

• N52 — naturally aspirated 3.0 L in the xDrive30si/48i (early markets); deservedly regarded as one of the most reliable engines of this generation.

Petrol — V8:

• N62 — naturally aspirated 4.8 L in the 48i, pre-facelift.
• N63 — twin-turbo 4.4 L in the 50i, post-2010 facelift; noticeably more powerful and torquey, but demanding to maintain.

Diesel:

• M57 — 3.0 L inline-six (30d, later twin-turbo 35d).
• N57 — M57's successor after the facelift, cleaner and more efficient at comparable output.

X5 M:

• S63 — twin-turbo 4.4 L V8, 555 hp; the most powerful engine in E70 history.

Weak Points

• N63 elevated oil consumption. A well-known issue on the early N63 (2009–2013): the turbochargers sit inside the V of the block, complicating serviceability and contributing to increased oil burn-off. BMW extended warranty coverage in several markets with a dedicated service package to address it.
• N62/N63 timing chain guides. Wear sooner than one would like, particularly on the N63 — worth checking service history closely at purchase.
• Rear air suspension. On air-strut versions, a typical slow air leak develops over time, as with most BMWs of this class.
• Electric water pump and thermostat. A characteristic ailment of N62/N63/N57 engines from this era — electrically driven plastic-bodied pumps fail sooner than the metal units of earlier generations.
• N62 coolant transfer pipe in the block's V — the same design flaw seen on the E65/E38-generation N62, relevant to early pre-facelift X5s.
• N63 high-pressure fuel pump — a known failure point on higher-mileage cars.

Fuel Consumption

Average combined-cycle figures — expect higher real-world numbers, especially with all-wheel drive in city driving:

Engine	Model	Consumption, L/100km
N52	xDrive30si	~11–12
M57 (diesel)	xDrive30d	~8–9
N62	xDrive48i	~14–15
N63 (twin-turbo)	xDrive50i	~13–14
S63	X5 M	~15–16 (spirited driving — noticeably more)

Owner Feedback

Recurring themes from reviews and enthusiast forums, without quoting specific owners:

Owners near-unanimously praise the N52 as the range's most trouble-free engine — naturally aspirated, simple, and predictable to maintain. Feedback on the diesel versions (M57/N57) is consistently positive too: torque and efficiency make them the favorite for owners who cover a lot of highway miles. Attitudes toward the N63 are more cautious — owners recommend checking oil consumption and turbo service history carefully before buying, and ideally finding a car that's already had BMW's service package performed. The X5 M is singled out as one of the most underrated fast SUVs of its era — its performance rivals many sports cars, but it demands even closer attention to the fuel pump and lubrication system.

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