2016 BMW X5 M Problems: 6 Known Issues

On the 2015-2018 BMW X5 M S63, owners on F85 X5 M and F86 X6 M forums report connecting-rod bearing failures on the S63 twin-turbo V8. An owner-run failure registry includes an X5 M with under 55,000 miles whose rods were found fused to the crankshaft, and an X6 M with seized rod bearings. Another owner rebuilt a 2015 X5 M engine after two spun bearings. Some owners have had the bearings replaced as a precaution and report visible wear. Owners and enthusiast publications disagree on how often this happens, and BMW has not published a bulletin about it. Applies to: BMW X5 M (F85) with the S63 twin-turbo V8, based on owner discussions. 2016 is shown as a representative year. This is not a recall.

On the 2015-2018 BMW X5 M S63, owners on X5 M forums describe external oil leaks on the twin-turbo V8. On one 2016 X5 M, owners in the thread pointed to the crankcase-vent oil separators as the likely source of a passenger-side leak. They also warn that leaking turbo oil return lines and valve-cover gaskets can look like a rear-main-seal leak, because oil from the engine valley drains out near the back of the block. Owners who have replaced S63/N63 valve-cover gaskets describe very tight access and brittle plastic vent hoses that often break during the job. Applies to: BMW X5 M (F85) with the S63 twin-turbo V8, based on owner discussions. 2016 is shown as a representative year. This is not a recall. Leak sources vary from car to car.

On the 2015-2018 BMW X5 M S63, owners on F85 X5 M forums describe a metallic rattle from the turbo wastegates of the S63 twin-turbo V8. Owners say there is usually no fault code, though some notice inconsistent performance. Owners say the play is in the wastegate at the turbo housing, not just at the actuator arm. The stock catalytic converters muffle the sound, and owners say it is much more noticeable with catless downpipes. Applies to: BMW X5 M (F85) with the S63 twin-turbo V8, based on owner discussions. 2016 is shown as a representative year. This is not a recall.

On the 2015-2018 BMW X5 M, owners on X5 M forums report xDrive transfer-case problems: a skipping, shuddering or misfire-like feel under load, sometimes with no warning light, and in some cases a transfer case replaced under warranty. One owner describes a failure from low fluid after a missed leak, and one X5 M owner says the dealer blamed a transfer-case fault on wheels and tires that differed slightly from BMW sizes. The electric actuator motor on the transfer case can also fail. A parts specialist that lists it for the F85 says a failed actuator can bring up a drivetrain-malfunction warning and stop xDrive engaging properly. Other owners say these transfer cases rarely fail. Applies to: BMW X5 M (F85) with xDrive, based on owner discussions and a specialist parts listing. 2016 is shown as a representative year. This is not a recall.

On the 2016 BMW X5 M, bMW identifies failed sealant at the joint between the central differential housing and its side gear housings as a cause of oil leakage on the F85 X5 M. A technician must trace the leak to those side-housing joints before applying this repair; a noise complaint or old fluid alone does not establish the condition. Applies to: BMW X5 M (F85) with an oil leak traced to the joints between the rear differential's central housing and its side housings. BMW's service information lists no model years or VINs; 2016 is shown as a representative year. This is not a recall.

On the 2015-2018 BMW X5 M, owners on F85 X5 M forums say this heavy, powerful SUV goes through brakes quickly. One owner of a 2018 X5 M was told by the dealer at about 30,000 miles that the front rotors were out of specification, and also reported loud brake squeal. Other owners complain about dust from the factory front pads and post high dealer quotes for brake jobs. Owners describe this as wear, and replies note that it depends heavily on driving style and pad type. It is not a known defect. Applies to: BMW X5 M (F85), based on owner discussions of 2015-2018 models. 2016 is shown as a representative year. This is not a recall or a BMW service bulletin.