Need a used BMW X5 camshaft? Request a free quote from UK vehicle dismantlers and compare offers direct.
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Fitment on a used camshaft varies by vehicle, so a bit of detail goes a long way. Our request form covers what breakers need to know, so every quote you get back is for the correct part:
Yes, every BMW X5 has camshafts — they are a fundamental part of any petrol or diesel internal combustion engine, so all variants across all generations (E53 from 1999, E70 from 2006, F15 from 2013, and G05 from 2018) are fitted with them. The number of camshafts varies by engine: most modern BMW engines use a twin-cam (DOHC) layout, while some older or simpler units may differ, so the exact camshaft you need depends entirely on which engine is fitted to your vehicle. Your engine code — found on your V5 or via a VIN check — is the single most important detail when searching for a used camshaft.
The 2008 and 2012 X5 are both E70-generation models (2006–2013), which is a promising starting point, but fitment depends on the engine code, not the build year alone — the E70 was offered with multiple petrol and diesel engines and a mid-production facelift arrived in 2010 that brought some engine changes. Match the engine code from your V5 to the donor vehicle's engine code before assuming the camshaft is interchangeable. Confirm the specific part will fit your registration with the breaker before purchasing.
The E70 (2006–2013) and F15 (2013–2018) are entirely different generations with different engine families, so a camshaft from an E70 will not simply cross over to an F15 even if the engine displacement and fuel type appear similar. Engine codes changed significantly between generations, and the camshaft is machined precisely to its engine's specifications. Always match by engine code, and confirm with the breaker against your exact registration.
No — trim levels like xLine, M Sport, SE, or Sport do not affect which camshaft is fitted; these are cosmetic and equipment packages that do not alter the engine. What matters is the engine code, which is the same across all trims that share that powertrain. Focus on matching the engine code rather than the trim badge when sourcing a used camshaft from a breaker.
Yes, absolutely — petrol and diesel engines are entirely different units with different camshaft profiles, dimensions, and timing requirements, so a camshaft from a diesel X5 cannot be used in a petrol X5 and vice versa. Even within the same fuel type, different engine variants (for example the 3.0d versus the 4.0d, or the 3.0i versus the 4.8i) will have their own specific camshafts. Always supply your engine code to the breaker to ensure the correct camshaft is identified.
The F15 generation ran from 2013 to 2018 with a facelift introduced in 2016 that was primarily cosmetic and focused on equipment and exterior updates rather than fundamental engine redesigns. However, whether any mid-production engine or ancillary changes affect camshaft interchangeability between early and late F15 cars is something you should confirm with the breaker against your specific registration and engine code, rather than assume. Providing your engine code gives the breaker the clearest basis for matching the right part.