2011 BMW X5 Reliability ReportCommon Problems, Repair Costs & Expert Verdict
Quick Facts · 2011 BMW X5
- Has 14 NHTSA recalls on record — the most notable involves the air bags:frontal:passenger side:inflator module.
- Scores 10 points below the strongest nearby year — the 2013 BMW X5 earns a 72.
- The system most likely to surface first: engine (n63 v8) (critical severity).
Should You Buy the 2011 BMW X5?
The 2011 BMW X5 offers a compelling blend of luxury and driving dynamics, but don't let its premium badge fool you into complacency. This model year, particularly with the N63 V8 engine, carries a significant risk of expensive failures that demand a robust maintenance budget and diligent pre-purchase inspection. Proceed with caution and a healthy emergency fund, as neglecting known issues will lead to swift and costly repairs.
Biggest Strengths
- Robust chassis and suspension feel (when new)
- Strong performance from both N55 (I6) and N63 (V8) engines
- High-quality interior materials and design
Top Risk Areas
The systems that break first on the 2011 BMW X5. Mileage windows, repair costs, and fix-before-you-buy notes are in the full report.
NHTSA Recalls
14 recalls on record from NHTSA. Check your VIN atnhtsa.gov to see if the repair was performed.
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2007-2013 X5 xDrive30i, X5 xDrive35i, X5 xDrive48i, X5 xDrive50i and X5 M vehicles, 2008-2014 X6 xDrive35i, X6 xDrive50i and X6 M vehicles, 2009-2013 X5 xDrive35d vehicles and 2010-2011 X6 ActiveHybrid vehicles. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger frontal air bag, these inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE:TURBO/SUPERCHARGER
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2011-2012 BMW 550i, 550i xDrive, 550i Gran Turismo, 550i Gran Turismo xDrive, 750i, 750Li, 750i xDrive, 750Li xDrive, 760Li, X5 xDrive50i, X5 M, X6 xDrive50i, X6 M, ActiveHybrid7, MINI Cooper S Convertible, John Cooper Works (JCW) Convertible, Cooper S Countryman, Cooper S Countryman ALL4, Cooper S, JCW, Cooper S Clubman, JCW Clubman, Cooper S Roadster, JCW Roadster, Cooper S Coupe, JCW Coupe and Rolls-Royce Ghost, 2011 BMW X6 Hybrid and 2012 BMW 650i Coupe, 650i xDrive Coupe, 650i Convertible and 650i xDrive Convertible vehicles. The electric auxiliary water pump may fail and cause the circuit board to overheat.
What breaks on the 2011 BMW X5?
Full reliability breakdown — engine, transmission, rust, electrical. With repair costs and mileage danger zones.
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BMW X5 by Year
Compare KeepScores across nearby years of the BMW X5. Click any year for its full report.
If You're Considering This, Also Look At
Similar class, similar year range — ranked by KeepScore.
Relevant Products for Your 2011 BMW X5
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Frequently Asked Questions
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