Three problems related to timing tensioner have been reported for the 2010 BMW X5. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
Lost power steering as car was driving approx 50 mph on garden state parkway at top of bridge over the raritan river. Battery warning came on dash, car lost power and then stopped. No collision or injury. Car was towed and repaired by c&t towing and auto repair, rahway NJ. Damage observed was partially melted idler pulley and shredded drive belt. Repair included replacement of drive belt, a. C. Stretch belt, idler pulley, drive belt tensioner and serpentine tensioner.
This car has an excessive oil consumption issue that the manufacturer was aware of which explains why they no longer make this engine. In a 30 day period I put about 2 additional quarts of oil in the vehicle. The tail pipe is smoking and liquid is coming out of it when the vehicle is running for a long period of time and is idle. The cost to repair it at a BMW dealer is $6,000. I have already paid $2,500 to replace the vaccum pump and o rings due to an oil leak. Also have also experienced a total engine shut down which cost me $3,300 to replace the belt tensioner and deflection pulley and ribbed v belt and air compressor. The car gave no warnings and it the engine just started stalling and then it just died and at that point a coolant light came on but it would not drive anymore at that point. This issue should be covered by the manufacturer. The entire engine needs to be replaced.
In Feb 2016 during driving on the highway, lost power steering and battery light come on. Car was towed to the garage to determinate cause and fix the problem. Bolt that hold pulley tensioner was broken and belt fell off. There was no easy way to remove bronek head bolt off from engine block. Car was at mechanic for a week, replacement bolt was around $6 but the labor was almost $700.