Recall Alert: 2012 BMW X5

BMW is recalling just six model-year 2012 X5 SUVs to address a problem with the transmission's parking lock mechanism, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The lock may not engage when the vehicle is in Park and the SUV could roll away from the driver.

Only all-wheel-drive X5s manufactured from Dec. 19 through Dec. 21, 2011, are affected. The vehicle's build date is on a label affixed to the driver-side doorjamb. Concerned owners should override the transmission's park mode by using the parking brake as an added safety measure.

Dealers will replace the automatic transmission free of charge. BMW will start notifying owners this month. For more info, owners can call BMW at 800-525-7417 or NHTSA's vehicle safety hotline at 888-327-4236.

Cars.com Family Reviews the 2012 BMW X5

The 2012 BMW X5 helped to bridge the driving sensibility gap between Cars.com Family reviewer Carrie Kim and her husband, aka Mr. Driving Enthusiast. While he enjoys tiny cars that hug the road, she wants to ride in comfort in an SUV. With the X5 SUV, both Carrie and her husband were happy. With its precision handling, acute responsiveness and large backseat and cargo area, there were few complaints about this five-seater.
 
2012 BMW X5 Family Review

2012 BMW X5 and X5 M: Car Seat Check

This Car Seat Check was originally published in September 2011 on MotherProof.com.

BMW's 2012 X5 crossover provides lots of flexibility for families. It seats five in two rows of seats, but if you add the optional third row, seating capacity bumps up to seven. We tested the five-seater.

The X5 also has a choice of three engines: a 300-horsepower six-cylinder, a 400-hp, twin-turbo V-8 or a 265-hp, twin-turbo diesel six-cylinder and 425 pounds-feet of torque. If that's not enough, there's always the X5 M. The high-performance version can go from zero to 60 mph in 4.5 seconds with a 555-hp, twin-turbo V-8. The kids will never be late for school again if you're driving them in the X5 M.

For the Car Seat Check, we use a Graco SnugRide 30 rear-facing infant-safety seat, a Britax Roundabout convertible child-safety seat and Graco high-back TurboBooster seat.

Recall Alert: 2008-2011 BMW Vehicles

BMW is recalling 32,084 2008-11 model-year vehicles equipped with an eight- or 12-cylinder engine because of the potential for an engine fire, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The 2008-11 models included in the recall are the 5 Series, 5 Series Gran Turismo, 7 Series, X5 and X6.

In the affected vehicles, an auxiliary water pump, which supports cooling of the turbocharger, can malfunction because of a defective circuit board. In certain situations, this circuit board can overheat and smolder the water pump, which may lead to an engine compartment fire or vehicle fire.

The recall is expected to begin in November. BMW dealerships will replace the pump free of charge. Owners can call BMW at 800-525-7417 or NHTSA’s vehicle safety hotline at 888-327-4236 for more info.

Cars.com Reviews the 2012 BMW X5

The 2012 BMW X5 is a luxury SUV that’s hampered by some major problems and frustrations, according to Cars.com editor Kelsey Mays. On top of that, purchasing one might create some buyer’s remorse as there are strong indications that a redesigned X5 is coming to dealerships soon.

2012 BMW X5 Review

Cars.com Podcast: 2012 Hyundai Veloster, 2012 BMW X5

This week’s Cars.com podcast is a duality of sorts. First, we give an overview of the aging 2012 BMW X5, which is likely to be replaced with a new model soon. Afterward, we talk about something entirely different: the all-new 2012 Hyundai Velsoter. The three-door hatch opens up a completely new market for Hyundai, a carmaker that’s been making headwinds in the affordable-sedan category over the past few years. Talking about these polar opposites are Cars.com editors Joe Wiesenfelder, Mike Hanley and Kelsey Mays.

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MotherProof.com Car Seat Check Recap

The 2011 Land Rover LR4 is one of the few vehicles that can easily fit three child-safety seats in its second row. The SUV’s third row can hold another two car seats, easily making the LR4 the proverbial infant-mobile for large, young families. But how easy are those five safety seats to install? Continue reading at MotherProof.com to find out:

2011 Land Rover LR4: Car Seat Check
2012 BMW X5 and X5 M: Car Seat Check

2012 BMW X5 Video

Last year the BMW X5 received some modest updates that included up to 4,000 new parts, BMW says. Since the exterior and interior look pretty much unchanged since the SUV debuted in late 2006, most of those changes are underneath the hood. The new turbocharged six-cylinder feels punchy, but the eight-speed automatic transmission bungles acceleration, Cars.com editor Kelsey Mays says. Overall the luxury SUV is aging gracefully despite some design quirks.

Recall Alert: 2009 BMW X5

BMW is recalling 2,120 2009 BMW X5 xDrive35d (or X5 diesel) vehicles because of fuel filter issues that could lead to an engine fire, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

On some models — built between Oct. 1, 2008, and June 12, 2009 — the fuel filter heater, which heats up the diesel fuel during cold winter driving, can experience an electrical overload that can cause the heater to stay on permanently, even when the vehicle is parked and the ignition is off. If this happens, the vehicle’s battery could drain until it’s dead or, in rare cases, the unit could overheat and eventually cause a fire.

BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel filter heater for free. The recall will begin in October. Owners can call BMW at 800-525-7417 or NHTSA’s vehicle safety hotline at 888-327-4236 for more info.

Recall Alert: 2012 BMW X5

BMW is recalling 923 BMW X5 xDrive35d SUVs from the 2012 model year. These diesel-powered X5s have defective engine belt tensioners, and cracks could develop along the welds. If the belt tensioner fails, there could be a sudden loss of power-steering assist.

BMW will begin the recall this month, and dealers will replace the belt tensioners free of charge. Owners can call BMW at 800-525-7417 or the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s vehicle safety hotline at 888-327-4236.