BMW X5 is among the most powerful and best performing mid-size luxury crossover SUVs on the market. Like most of its competitors, it comes with different engines that have powered different X5 variants over the years. But which BMW X5 engine is the most reliable?
Even though BMW X5 has multiple engines, the N62 V8 is the most reliable engine. However, there are also other exceptional BMW X5 engines such as the N63tu and B58 engines. Unlike the N55 and B52 engines, these engines have fewer issues, and that’s why their cars are some of the most reliable BMW X5 model years.
The N62 V8 engine is found in BMW X5 models made between 2001 and 2010. They happen to be some of the most reliable BMW X5 models of all time with the 2005 model year leading the way. This engine is also popular in the E53 X5, which was made between 1999 and 2006.
The BMW E53 model was developed after BMW acquired Land Rover. Therefore, it shares many parts and designs with both the Range Rover L322 model and the BMW E39 5-Series model. As a result, the E53 model can be upgraded with the latest BMW technologies.
Features of the BMW X5 N62 V8 engine
The BMW N62 is a naturally aspirated V8 petrol engine. On top of that, it comes with double-VANOS and double overhead camshafts with four valves per cylinder. Other notable features include an aluminum engine block, an aluminum cylinder head, and fracture-split forged powdered metal connecting rods.
It is also crucial to note that the N62 was the first engine in the world to use a continuously variable-length intake manifold, and BMW’s first V8 engine to utilize variable valve lift or Valvetronic. Besides, it also won the International Engine of the Year awards in 2002.
Common problems of the BMW X5 N62 engine
The N62 may be BMW X5’s most reliable engine, but it also has several issues that interested buyers should be aware of. But unlike other BMW X5 engines, the N62 has fewer issues, although they can be costly to fix. Besides, it is also important to note that even though these problems are common on the N62 engine, not all of them will take place.
Gasket oil leak
Gasket oil leak or the alternator bracket gasket oil leak is a common issue on the N62 V8 engine. This problem can be connected to a design fault and the utilization of a cheap gasket that degrades faster over time. Due to the high engine heat, the gasket becomes brittle causing cracks and oil leaks.
Faulty Valve stem seals
The main cause of this issue is the cheap valve stem seals that the N62 engine is made from. After some time, this low-quality material degrades and becomes brittle. Therefore, the valve stem seals develop crack; hence, allowing oil to enter the combustion chamber.
Some of the signs of worn-out valve stem seals are increased oil usage, smoke during cold-start, and smoke when accelerating. Replacing faulty valve stem seals is quite cumbersome and costly.
The valve cover and valve cover gasket oil leaks
This is a very common problem on almost all BMW engines. This is because the high heat wears down the valve cover gaskets leading to cracks and oil leakage. Note that this issue is not very common on the N62 engine, but it usually occurs when the valve stem issue has not taken place for a very long time.
Coolant transfer pipe leak
This is one of the most dreadful issues of the BMW X5 N62 engine. The leakage is normally caused by the front seal on the coolant transfer pipe. Even though you only have to replace the coolant transfer pipe, this process is very cumbersome and can take over 40 hours.
FAQ
What is the least reliable BMW X5 engine?
The N55 is among the least reliable BMW X5 engines. Even though all BMW X5 engines have issues, this engine has the most problems. Some of the common BMW X5 N55 issues include problems with the cooling system, oil leaks, water pump failure, high-pressure fuel pump failure, and VANOS Solenoid failure.
What is the most reliable BMW engine?
The S65, produced between 2007 and 2013 is the most reliable BMW engine. This engine is very powerful as it delivers a maximum of 414 hp. It is a V8 engine with 4 valves per cylinder. Besides, it also produces up to 295 lb-ft of torque, and its engine block material is made of aluminum.
Is BMW X5 a V8?
Not all BMW X5 models are V8. Some models have this engine, while other models are equipped with the 3.0-liter turbo inline-6 gas engine and the 3.0-liter turbo inline-6 hybrid engine. The BMW X5 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8 gas engine is only found on the M and M50i models.
The BMW M50i with the V-8 engine delivers up to 523 hp and 553 lb-ft of torque. It can also accelerate from 0 to 60 in 3.8 seconds. On top of that, it provides a top speed of 155 mph, making it one of the most powerful and fastest mid-size luxury crossover SUVs on the market.
Which year BMW X5 is the most reliable?
Aside from having the most reliable BMW X5 engine (N62), the 2001 to 2005 BMW models are the most reliable. They are followed closely by the 2016 and 2018 BMW models. The models report the fewest issues among BMW X5 models. However, they still have problems of their own, which are also costly to repair.
What is the most reliable engine in the BMW X5’s fourth generation?
The BMW X5’s fourth-generation has some exceptional engines. However, the most reliable engine in the BMW X5’s fourth generation is the N63tu 4.4-liter V8 twin-turbo engine. It is followed closely by the S63 4.4-liter V8 twin-turbo engine.
Summary
BMW X5 has a lot of reliable engines, such as the N63tu and B58, but the most reliable BMW X5 engine is the N62 V8. Unlike other BMW X5 engines, this engine has fewer issues and is fitted in the most reliable BMW X5 models of all time, which are the 2001 to 2005 model years.
Nonetheless, like other BMW X5 engines, the N62 V8 also has some common problems that include: coolant transfer pipe leak, faulty valve stem seals, gasket oil leak, and valve cover and valve cover gasket oil leak. Even though this engine has some issues, it is very reliable compared to other BMW X5 engines.
