Three problems related to engine failure have been reported for the 2011 BMW X5. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
I would like to report a vanos issue the camshaft bolts loosen and break and it could be catastrophic. My bolts loosened and I caught it in time but if I didn't know any better I could've had a complete engine failure. My code originally came up as camshaft sticking. When the problem originated I was traveling on a main city road and my car went into reduced power mode.
This vehicle has numerous complaints about the vanos system. As I was driving on the highway with full traffic, my engine failed at 70 mph causing to me almost get killed in traffic as I fought my way the the shoulder. The car would not start, I took the car to the dealer and it seems that the vanos bolt backed out of the camshaft and caused catastrophic damage to the engine. I went to my warranty and they would not cover the damage due to it being the bolt that backed out. As they do not cover bolts. Now I am paying for a car that I cant drive and is currently sitting at BMW of mt. Laurel in new jersey with an 18k bill. This can happen to alot of people in these vehicles. That vanos unit is dangerous and should be recalled again with the correct bolts reinforced.
Previous vanos recall campain / fix has not worked and has caused catastrophic engine failure. After one year from recall work the turbo failed resulting in loss of engine power. Upon replacing turbo dealer noticed metal shavings in oil. Less than one year later and multiple engine issues there is loud engine knocking. Dealer claims again there is metal shavings in then oil and the engine and turbo need to be replaced. BMW na is refusing to cover work even though the vanos bolt issue is a well known and documented problem. These vanos bolts shear and drop into the timing chain causing metal shaving contamination to engine oil. Engine will eventuality loose power and shut down as metal works its way throughout the engine resulting in complete failure and necsitating replacement. BMW na knows this is a problem and they are refusing to do anything about this serious safety issue.