2013 BMW X5 Engine Problems

The EGR system in my 2013 BMW x5d has failed. There is a recall notice for the EGR system on the 2014 BMW x5d with the same engine and exhaust system related to a fire warning. It would seem to make sense to include the my car in the recall under the circumstances.

The primary component that has malfunctioned is the engine's valve stem seals, which are available for inspection upon request. This defect has led to excessive oil consumption, which has now escalated to a critical safety issue. The vehicle is emitting a huge amount of thick smoke from the exhaust with a strong smell of burnt oil, and multiple engine warning lights are illuminated. I have stopped driving the vehicle, as the excessive smoke creates a significant visibility hazard for myself and others, and the underlying issue presents a risk of sudden engine failure. The problem has not been formally confirmed by a dealer, as the General Manager at BMW of Rockville dismissed the repair as not "worth fixing." It is important to note that BMW has been aware of this N63 engine issue and created a Customer Care Package (CCP) to address it, yet I was never notified, despite regular service at authorized centers. The vehicle has not been inspected for this specific safety concern by the manufacturer or others. The initial symptom was excessive oil consumption, which has been ongoing for some time and has now worsened to the current safety-critical state.

Component or system that failed/malfunctioned N63 4.4L twin-turbo V8 engine – excessive oil consumption (1 quart every 300–400 miles) caused by failed valve-stem seals and leaking turbocharger coolant feed/return lines. Parts are still on the vehicle and available for inspection. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? Sudden loss of engine oil can lead to catastrophic engine failure, bearing damage, or fire. Leaking coolant onto hot turbochargers creates risk and sudden coolant loss/overheating while driving. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer/independent service center? Yes – confirmed by Paul Miller BMW Wayne, NJ on June 30, 2025 (invoice #524818). Codes: EN79 (engine oil leak diagnosis), CS001 (turbo coolant lines leaking), DE001 (changeover valve cracked/coolant leak). Dealer quoted $12,487 to repair. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance, or others? Inspected by Paul Miller BMW (authorized BMW dealer) on June 30, 2025. No police or insurance involvement. Warning lamps, messages, or other symptoms prior to the failure? Low engine oil warning lamp repeatedly illuminates Visible coolant "steam" around hood and under vehicle after parking. Strong coolant smell from engine bay. Symptoms began approximately 18-24 months ago and have steadily worsened. Additional notes (optional but helpful) Called BMW corporate, refused (said no information) to perform known Customer Care Package B001314 (March 2025 supersession) despite documented symptoms and no mileage limitation in the bulletin. Vehicle is available for immediate NHTSA or BMW inspection.

Check engine light indicated on the dash, immediately took it to an nearby auto mechanic Tuffy in Fort Myers Florida, off of Daniel's parkway. The said the diagnostic said it was valve cover and gasket replacement. Got a second opinion at Apex Auto in Tire in Fort Myers. Had them install a new valve cover and gasket cover. Check engine light was still visible. Probing a further diagnostic. They indicated that this vehicle should be fixed under recall 23V-707. And would suggest a local BMW dealership to perform that service. The mechanic said this was a known problem, this engine is a N55 and under the model list as E70 X5. I retrieved the vehicle and spoke with BMW Fort Myers which indicated that there not an open recall that they will not do a recall claim. because of the symptoms of the vehicle smoking and rattle I'm afraid of a potential engine compartment fire from a broken bolt.

I noticed smoke comes from engine compartment while I was driving. It has been going on for a few months and I found out the BMW Water Pump Electrical Connector related recall (No 24V-608) for Year 2012-2018 including X5. 'What could happen' in their recall is exactly what I'm experiencing but my VIN number is not part of their recall even though the year and model matches. I called BMW and they said it goes by specific VIN and didn't provide details of why my car is not included. I don't feel safe driving and would like it to be checked by BMW if it is related with the recall. They couldn't help at this point and refer me to NHTSA.

After driving for an hour I noticed smoke coming from under the hood of the car, I opened the hood to and noticed the smoke coming from under the plastic cover which covers the turbo and catalytic converter In That area. After removing the cover I saw a bright flame coming from under the hood.

There is an open recall on BMW X5D and other BMW diesel models due to a fire hazard, the recall warns of an EGR code warning on the vehicle. My 2013 BMW X5D 3.5 has that warning code, however BMW claims that there isn’t a recall on it. My VIN is [XXX], and for the last 5 or 6 years I was told by the guy who was my rep at the dealership there was a possible recall, but BMW was having issues keeping up with demand for the parts. Now I have this warning, the dealership is denying the warranty. Yet I’m still at risk. INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

1) The power steering completely failed without any warning as a result of the serpentine belt failing catastrophically. 2) The failure happened in rush hour traffic right as the light turned green to turn left on an extremely busy intersection. I couldn’t turn the wheel and was a few inches from a head on collision with several large trucks which were also turning to the opposite direction. 3) The service center explained that this issue is the most common that they see on bmws with the same engine. They alleged that BMW used a faulty power steering bolt that would leak fluid onto the belt, eventually leading to catastrophic engine failure due to the shredded belt being sucked into the crankshaft seal. 4) Yes. 5) The steering was heavy but the bmw dealer assured me the vehicle was in excellent shape just a few weeks prior to this incident.

The contact owns a 2013 BMW X5. The contact stated that while pulling into his garage, he smelled an abnormal odor. Additionally, he noticed smoke coming from the tail pipes. The contact referenced the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V119000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 105,000.

I have been trying to have my car repaired last year. I have expressed to BMW USA that none of their certified dealers want to touch a diesel and/or work on one that another dealership had done poor work on. They have asked me to continue reaching out to this dealership even though I have mentioned I do not feel comfortable about it as I have slipped thru the cracks multiple times with them which they wont admit to. They are understaffed and have employees that are broken from being overworked, are constantly rude, careless, forgetting things and will never admit to error even when you show them mistakes that have even been documented in writing that are a liability. Their mechanics do rushed inspections and the last 2 times I have brought my car in to be scanned they completely disregard all concerns brought up prior. NO ONE WANTS TO TAKE ON A CAR WORKED BY CENTURY WEST BMW and/or A DIESEL. BMW USA is aware of this and its in their favor as its allowed this matter to drag on past my warranty period in their favor. BMW USA is aware there are odometer stamps that confirm codes appeared within coverage yet neglect to acknowledge it from me and only will from a dealer that is a mess, cannot find all my records which I have expressed I have copies of diagnostic scans yet they wont take my word or documents. These delays have resulted not only in exhausting and upsetting me but also further wear and damages to my car with every day this drags on which I pray everyday my car does not break down. This is my only car, I am not in the position to buy a new car or pay for a 5k+ repair and/or anymore emission repairs due to faulty diesel parts, repairs or emission technology which has resulted in many lawsuits against BMW. Its saddening to have to go thru this considering I have been loyal to the brand for many years, this is my second time purchasing a BMW and hoping these experiences wont make it my last. I need help at this time instead of being brushed off.

When the engine cooling system fails (which is common) the vehicle shuts down wherever it is....the occupants of the vehicle are in high traffic areas and are subject to being injured and/or killed as a result of the vehicle being undrivable at the time. It is VITAL that BMW be held responsible for the cooling system(s) optimal operation regardless of the age or mileage of the vehicle due to the safety of occupants when there is a major or catastrophic failure. If this agency does it's due diligence, it will find a mulitude of such failures

The contact owns a 2013 BMW X5. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and diagnosed with Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) passive reservoir failure. The SCR passive reservoir was replaced; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer and diagnosed with EGR module failure. The contact was informed that the EGR module needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but informed the contact that there was no recall associated with the VIN. The failure mileage was 104,370.

The EGR Cooler has gone bad and I have been driving around with carbon monoxide in my car causing extreme headaches and nausea. I did not know that was the problem and it took 2 visits to the dealer to figure it out. The EGR cooler was dirty and blocked before we purchased the vehicle and there have been a couple other indicators that this was an issue. Also the car did NOT have an engine light on to show there were any issues. I could have passed out if I wasn't driving with the windows open for the last couple months! I took to an other mechanic before taking it to the dealer which told me to take to the dealer because they thought there was a major issue. There may be other issues with the manifold that haven't been exposed yet either. There are other vehicles made during this time that had a recall but not my 2013 X5 d35! There are many others out on sites complaining of the same issues. Seems like this make and year got MISSED and could have caused major health issues and/or death!

The contact owns a 2013 BMW X5. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, there was smoke coming from the engine compartment. The odor of smoke was present inside the cabin of the vehicle. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The local dealer was contacted regarding the failure. The manufacturer was not yet contacted. The failure mileage was 65,000.

After driving, sometimes while driving the engine smokes

CAR HAS ONLY 37,777 MILES AND THE MOTOR/ENGINE IS LOUD KNOCKING. ALWAYS ON TIME THE MAINTENANCE HAS BEEN SUPPLIED BY THE BMW DEALER SINCE CAR WAS NEW. I HEARD THAT THIS PROBLEM IS AFFECTING SIMILAR VEHICLES. CAR IS NOW OUT OF WARRANTY.

As I was exiting a public Starbucks parking lot near my home with my foot on the brake slowly releasing it (as I had a car in front and behind me) my 2013 BWM X5 accelerated on it's own. I quickly glanced at the pedals thinking I might have stepped on the accelerator instead of the brake, but no. My foot was on the brake. I stomped on the brake as hard as I could while the vehicle was jerking and stalling. The car in front of me exited the parking lot and luckily I didn't crash into it. This kept going for about a minute it was as if I had been stepping on the accelerator and brake at the same time. I tried turning off the vehicle, but nothing happened. Finally, after about a minute (or maybe a little more) the engine turned off and the car stopped moving. There was an ATM the right of me with a few people making line. They offered to help me push the vehicle out of the way as I was blocking a very tight parking lot exit, but I was unable to put the car on neutral, drive or anything. I was in shock and very scared of what had just happened. I had my car towed to the nearest auto repair shop where I explained the situation the the auto repair people. I was advised to call BWM as the repair shop was unwilling to give me a diagnosis due to the nature of the incident. I called BMW of North America, reported the incident and after about 2 weeks BWM had my vehicle towed to BMW of San Diego where an investigation was going to be done. After 3-4 weeks I received the results. Since the engine did not start they could not find the cause of what made the vehicle accelerate on it's own in such a way. They did have other irrelevant findings like an after market oil filter and debris in the oil. The final report was that the engine had to be replaced. I asked for an estimate from BMW and they came back with $20,993.50 (which is more than what I paid for the car). Even if I was to replace the engine, I don't trust the car anymore. BMW of San Diego is holding my car as a courtesy.

AFTER DROPPING OFF MY BMW X5M FOR SERVICE AT A BMW DEALERSHIP ON 01/27/2021, (THEY HAD THE VEHICLE FOR TWO DAYS), BMW CALLED US, TO INFORM US THAT THE VEHICLE WAS READY TO BE PICKED UP. MY WIFE DROVE THE CAR DIRECTLY HOME, WITHOUT STOPPING, (20 MILES), PARKED THE VEHICLE IN OUR GARAGE, TURNED THE CAR OFF, AND TEN MINUTES LATER, THE ENGINE CAUGHT ON FIRE AND BURNED THROUGHOUT AND ALSO BURNING HALF OUR GARAGE. THE VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY AND NOT IN MOTION AND COMPLETELY TURNED OFF.

I HAVE TO ADD COOLANT, I HAVE CHECKED WITH DEALER AND SAID PRESSURE TANK IS LEAKING, REPLACE THE TANK , STILL PROBLEM IS THERE, I TOLD THEM WHEN I TURN ON HEAT, MY EYES ARE BURNING TOO, THEY ASK ME TO REPLACE THE TANK, SO I DID, COOLANT STILL LEAK, SO DIAGNOSIS IS NOT WRIGHT. EYES BURNING WAS HAPPENING SINCE LONG TIME, BUT I NOTICE IN DECEMBER, I WAS GOING TO EYE DOCTOR,

ENGINE FAILED BECAUSE THE CRANKSHAFT GOT SO HOT IT FUSED THE CRANKSHAFT AND THE BEARINGS CAUSING THE COMPLETE FAILURE AND REPLACEMENT OF THE ENGINE. BMW HAS HAD NUMEROUS CLAIMS OF ENGINE FAILURES IN THE X5 BUT THEY WILL NOT DO ANYTHING TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE. THE ENGINE ONLY HAD 84K MILES AND THEN WITHOUT WARNING, NO OIL LEAKS, NO HOT ENGINE RED LIGHTS, NOTHING AT ALL TO SPEAK OF IN THE MIDDLE OF TRAVEL, THE ENGINE COMPLETELY SHUT OFF AND I HAVE TO DO EVERYTHING TO GET TO THE SHOULDER OF THE ROAD. THE BMW DEALERSHIP IN BAY SHORE NY HAD THE VEHICLE FOR THREE WEEKS AND REALLY DIDN'T OPEN THE ENGINE UP TO FIND THE CAUSE. AFTER BMWUSA SAID THEY WOULD DO NOTHING TO RESOLVE THEIR LATENT DEFECT IN THE ENGINE OBVIOUSLY METAL PARTS WHICH WE CAME TO THE CONCLUSION WERE INFERIOR, I HAD THE ENGINE TAKEN OUT BY A CERTIFIED TRAINED A MECHANIC. HE STATED HE HAS NEVER SEE A MELTDOWN OF PARTS WHICH WELDED TOGETHER FROM THE EXTREME HEAT OF THE ENGINE. NO LEAK WERE DETECTED FOR EITHER COOLANT OR OIL YET THE ENGINE SEIZED SIMPLY FOR THE FACT, THE METAL USED INTERNALLY IS INFERIOR. FOR THE PRICE YOU PAID FOR THE "ULTIMATE DRIVING MACHINE", BMWUSA NEEDS TO STEP UP AND BE HONEST ABOVE THE PROBLEMS THAT HAVE PLAGUED THEIR ENGINES AND THEIR COOLING SYSTEM. I HAVE SPEND OVER $15,000 TO GET THIS VEHICLE REPAIRED AND BMWUSA SHOULD REIMBURSE ME BECAUSE OF IT'S KNOWN HISTORY. I HAVE OWNED BMWS SINCE 1992 AND THE VEHICLES LASTED PASSED 175K MILES. TO HAVE A MAJOR ENGINE FAIL AT 84K SPEAKS VOLUMES TO THE LACK OF INTEGRITY FOR THE ENGINE. BMW IS USING STEEL AND METAL THAT HAVE SIGNIFICANT STRENGTH PROBLEMS AS DOCUMENTED BY ALL THE COMPLAINTS I HAVE READ ABOVE. TO HAVE THE ENGINE SEIZED LIKE THIS IS THE MIDDLE OF TRAFFIC ENDANGERED ME AND MY PASSENGERS AND TOTALLY UNCONSCIONABLE.*DT*AS