Factory specifications, fluid capacities, torque values, EPA fuel economy and the federal safety record for the 2016 X5.
The 2016 BMW X5 carries a passenger car classification and routes power through an eight-speed automatic transmission, returning EPA fuel economy of 14 mpg city and 19 mpg highway for a combined 16. The model has accumulated 70 owner complaints alongside five recalls, the largest complaint category being the broad "Unknown or Other" designation — figures that place this model year well below the X5's historical peak of 333 complaints in 2008 and within a broader downward trend spanning 1999 through 2026 that bottoms at just 10 complaints in 2026. That context suggests the 2016 represents a period of comparatively moderate owner dissatisfaction within the X5's reliability arc, though its five recalls indicate it is not free of documented issues.
Fluid capacities, tune-up values and fuel economy at a glance.
Replacement part sizes and factory part numbers — battery, bulbs, filters and belts.
From the factory this vehicle uses a BCI 94R · 800 CCA battery, OE oil filter 11428683168. Each part links to every other vehicle that shares it, so a part you already stock may fit more of your fleet than you'd expect.
| Engine oil filter | 11428683168 alt 11428637820 |
| Engine air filter | 13718626739 alt 13717850056 |
| Fuel filter | 13327822499 |
| Spark plug | 12120039664 alt 12120040581 |
| Battery | 61219364597 alt 61217604808 |
| Front wiper blades | 61610039697 |
| Thermostat | 11518512234 alt 11538632664 |
| Cabin air filter | 64319194098 alt 64119248294 |
Engine, drivetrain, dimensions and economy.
| Transmission | Automatic (S8) |
| Overall length | 192.5 in |
| Overall width | 76.4 in |
| Overall height | 69.3 in |
| Wheelbase | 115.4 in |
| Curb weight | 4930 lb |
| Track (front / rear) | 64.6 / 65 in |
| Weight distribution (front / rear) | 50/50 |
| EPA city / highway / combined | 14 / 19 / 16 mpg |
| Drivetrain | All-Wheel Drive |
| Recommended fuel | Premium Gasoline |
0–60 mph, quarter-mile, horsepower and torque from independent road tests.
Independent road tests for the X5 of this era, listed by trim and engine — this page spans more than one engine, so no single horsepower figure is shown.
| Year | Trim / engine | 0–60 | ¼ mile | HP | Drivetrain |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 | xDrive40e 2.0L Turbo I-4 + Elec 9.2-kWh | 6.20 sec | 14.70 sec | 308 hp | AWD |
| 2016 | xDrive40e 2.0L Turbo I-4 + Elec 9.2-kWh | 6.20 sec | 14.60 sec | 308 hp | AWD |
| 2016 | xDrive40e 2.0L Turbo I-4 + Elec 9.2-kWh | 6.50 sec | 14.80 sec | 308 hp | AWD |
| 2015 | M 4.4L Twin-Turbo V8 | 3.70 sec | 12.20 sec | 567 hp | AWD |
| 2015 | M 4.4L Twin-Turbo V8 | 3.80 sec | 12.30 sec | 567 hp | AWD |
| 2015 | M 4.4L Twin-Turbo V8 | 4.20 sec | 12.20 sec | 567 hp | AWD |
| 2015 | xDrive35i 3.0L Turbo I-6 | 5.80 sec | 14.50 sec | 300 hp | AWD |
| 2017 | M 4.4L Twin-Turbo V8 | 3.80 sec | 12.20 sec | 567 hp | AWD |
Capacities, torques and tune-up values from the factory service manual.
This engine Standard axle: Hypoid axle oil G1 in the differential, DOT 4 brake fluid. Torque the oil drain plug to M12 Bolts: 18.0, M22 Bolts: 44.0 ft-lbs. The firing order is 1-5-4-8-6-3-7-2. Note the cylinder-head bolts finish on a torque angle (torque-to-yield) — they stretch permanently and should be replaced, not reused, during any head service.
| Brake Fluid | DOT 4 |
| Clutch Fluid | DOT 4 |
| Differential Gear Oil | Standard axle: Hypoid axle oil G1 |
| Differential Gear Oil Capacity | 1.2-3.0 |
| Manual Transmission Fluid Capacity | 3.0-3.2 |
| Manual Transmission Fluid Capacity | 2.5-3.2 |
| Manual Transmission Fluid | BMW MTF-LT-5 |
| Manual Transmission Fluid Capacity | 2.5-3.0 |
| Intake Manifold to Engine Bolts | 11 |
| Exhaust Manifold to Cylinder Head Bolts | 9.5 |
| Engine Oil Pan Drain Plug | M12 Bolts: 18.0, M22 Bolts: 44.0 ft-lbs |
| Driveshaft Flange to Transmission | M8 Bolts: 33.0, M10: 58.0 ft-lbs |
| Front Wheel Hub | Install a new nut and torque to 310.0 ft-lbs |
| Rear Wheel Hub | Install a new nut and torque to 310.0 ft-lbs |
| Cylinder Firing Order | 1-3-4-2 |
| Cylinder Firing Order | 1-5-3-6-2-4 |
| Cylinder Firing Order | 1-5-4-8-6-3-7-2 |
| Spark Plug Manufacturer | BMW |
| Spark Plug Type | M14X1.25 |
| Spark Plug Gap | non-adjustable in |
| Spark Plug Torque | 20.0 - 24.3 ft-lbs |
| Refrigerant | R134a |
| Oil Group | PAG |
| Oil Type | 46 |
| Standard BCI Group Number | 94R |
| Standard BCI Cranking Performance | 800 cca |
| Standard BCI Group Number | 95R |
| Standard BCI Cranking Performance | 850 cca |
| Pressure Test | 21.7 psi |
| Radiator Cap Pressure Relief | 17-23 psi |
| Pressure Test | 21.7 psi |
| Radiator Cap Pressure Relief | 17-23 psi |
| Pressure Test | 29 psi |
| Radiator Cap Pressure Relief | 26-30 psi |
| Minimum Pad Thickness | Front: 0.145; Rear: 0.145 pads |
| Vented Rotor Minimum Thickness for Replacement | Stamped on rotor |
Prep Do not reuse old bolts
| 1 | 22.0 ft. lbs. | 22 ft. lbs |
| 2 | 90 degrees | 90 degrees |
| 3 | Bolts 1-10 90 degrees | 90 degrees |
| 4 | 45 degrees | 45 degrees |
Prep Do not reuse old bolts
| 1 | 22.0 ft. lbs. | 22 ft. lbs |
| 2 | 90 degrees | 90 degrees |
| 3 | Bolts 1-10 90 degrees | 90 degrees |
| 4 | 45 degrees | 45 degrees |
Prep Do not reuse old bolts
| 1 | 22.0 ft. lbs. | 22 ft. lbs |
| 2 | 90 degrees | 90 degrees |
| 3 | 90 degrees | 90 degrees |
Prep Do not reuse old bolts
| 1 | 22.0 ft. lbs. | 22 ft. lbs |
| 2 | 90 degrees | 90 degrees |
| 3 | 90 degrees | 90 degrees |
Owner-reported issues, recalls, investigations and service bulletins on record with NHTSA — an unfiltered look at what owners actually experience.
The 2016 BMW X5 marks a distinct statistical improvement in the nameplate's federal record, dropping to just 70 complaints and 5 recalls from a previous generation peak of 307 complaints and 15 recalls in 2011. Compared to the immediately following years, 2016 sits at the start of a relatively stable arc where complaints remained in the 70s and recalls in the single digits, though it ties 2017 and 2018 with 3 federal investigations. Despite this lower complaint volume, the 2016 model carries a substantial 363 Technical Service Bulletins, indicating recognized service complexities, with the top complaint area being "Unknown or Other" at 12 instances and the data not specifying a root cause. Because it avoids the high complaint and recall counts that plagued both the earlier generation and later spikes like 2019 (177 complaints), the 2016 model year sits in a favorable position within the generation's overall arc. Consequently, the 2016 X5 is a solid year to buy, offering relative stability compared to the model's more problematic vintages.
All 70 complaints on record, top 8 components.
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint database.
Showing 2 of 5 campaigns on record for this vehicle.
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2013-2018 BMW 328d and 328d xDrive, 2014-2018 328d Sports Wagon and 328d xDrive Sports Wagon, 2014-2016 535d and 535d xDrive, 2015 740Ld xDrive, 2015-2017 X3… Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the EGR cooler as necessary. If a leak has already occurred, the engine intake manifold will also be replaced. These…
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2013-2018 328d, 328d xDrive, 2014-2018 328d Sports Wagon, 328d xDrive Sports Wagon, 2014-2016 535d, 535d xDrive, 2015 740Ld xDrive, 2015-2017 X3 xDrive28d SAV, and… Remedy: Dealers will replace the EGR cooler and inspect the intake manifold, replacing it as necessary, free of charge. This recall includes all vehicles previously recalled under…
Showing 5 of 363 bulletins on record with NHTSA.
| Bulletin | Date | Component | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| B010122 | 2026-01-21 | Engine | N63TU1 CLASS ACTION SETTLEMENT SVC CAMPAIGN: OIL CONSUMPTION DIAGNOSIS/REPAIR |
| B011125 | 2025-08-08 | Engine | The Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) Cooler (with EGR Valve) and the Auxiliary Exhaust Gas… |
| B011025 | 2025-08-01 | Engine | The electric auxiliary heater assembly limited warranty for defects in materials and / or… |
| B010924 | 2025-03-13 | Fuel/Propulsion System | The High-Voltage (HV) Battery Assemblys Cell Modules Temperature Sensors (Internal NTC… |
| B010924 | 2024-11-27 | Engine | The High-Voltage (HV) Battery AssemblysCell Modules Temperature Sensors (Internal NTC… |
The most common OBD-II codes for this vehicle's emissions system. These are standardized SAE J2012 definitions, not vehicle-specific fault reports.
Decode factory build data for a specific vehicle by VIN.
Find every vehicle that shares this one's battery, bulbs, oil capacity, platform or parts.
Cross-vehicle references for the kinds of data on this page.
Refer to the appropriate Motologic service procedures for drain and refill procedure. of Use engine oil meeting BMW specification LL-01 or equivalent., per the factory manual.
NHTSA lists 5 recall campaign(s) for this model year. Check your specific vehicle by VIN.
EPA figures are 14 city / 19 highway / 16 combined mpg.