xDrive35d / 40d (M57 / N57 twin-turbo)
2008–2013 · diesel · 2993cc · 286hp
Engine codes: M57, N57S
Reliability, common problems and owner reviews for the Bmw X5 xDrive35d / 40d (M57 / N57 twin-turbo). Check this before you buy used.
The twin-turbo 35d/40d six is seriously fast and torquey — the performance-diesel X5 — but the sequential twin-turbo setup adds cost and failure points on top of the standard six's EGR/DPF items: turbo actuators and the turbos themselves are expensive, and injection work isn't cheap. Mechanically the block is robust, but ownership cost is the real risk. Buy only with full history; the single-turbo 30d is the smarter long-term choice.
Same engine, other cars
This is the same physical engine (M57) sold under different names across brands. Reliability is broadly shared — cross-check these:
Known Issues
Sequential twin turbos and their actuators are expensive when they fail.
Fix / Workaround: Diagnose boost/actuator faults; specialist repair.
Repair cost: €600–€2500
Typically appears after: 150,000 km
Standard six diesel items: EGR cooler, DPF, injectors.
Fix / Workaround: Service EGR; motorway regens; injector test.
Repair cost: €300–€1600
Mileage Thresholds
After 180,000 km: Twin-turbo cost territory.
Pre-Purchase Checklist
- ☐Full history essential
- ☐Boost/actuator health on test drive
- ☐30d is the smarter buy long-term
Frequently asked questions
Is the Bmw X5 xDrive35d / 40d (M57 / N57 twin-turbo) reliable?
Expensive — The twin-turbo 35d/40d six is seriously fast and torquey — the performance-diesel X5 — but the sequential twin-turbo setup adds cost and failure points on top of the standard six's EGR/DPF items: turbo actuators and the turbos themselves are expensive, and injection work isn't cheap. Mechanically the block is robust, but ownership cost is the real risk. Buy only with full history; the single-turbo 30d is the smarter long-term choice.
What are the common problems and reviews for the Bmw X5 xDrive35d / 40d (M57 / N57 twin-turbo)?
The most commonly reported problems: Twin-turbo / actuators, EGR cooler / DPF / injection.
Is a used Bmw X5 xDrive35d / 40d (M57 / N57 twin-turbo) worth buying?
Won't fail catastrophically, but when things do go wrong the repairs cost a lot. Budget accordingly.