G05
BMW X5
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04-01-2026LAST POST
03-02-2026
There's an oil leak in my front axel (not entirely if that's what it's called) picture is attached.

I’m going to take it to dealership this week. Can someone guide how much would this repair cost and what exactly is happening here?

This is my first post I have 2020 X5.

Thanks in advance guys.
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03-02-2026
This is tension strut. The top issue of G05. Dealer cost is $3500+. BMW extended warranty does not cover it. BMW think this is wear and tear. FCP euro ha a video show you how to replace it. Just did mine during the weekend. Attached is what my leaking tension strut looks like.
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03-02-2026
dublin_ice wrote
This is tension strut. The top issue of G05. Dealer cost is $3500+. BMW extended warranty does not cover it. BMW think this is wear and tear. FCP euro ha a video show you how to replace it. Just did mine during the weekend.
Thanks very much mate. Is it hydraulic fluid that’s leaking? My dealership is saying to keep driving it until the problem becomes worse and then have both arms replaced. My concern with that is wouldn’t it just drain all the fluid or is it isolated cavity with fluid in it?
I wonder if it’s wiser to just get the dodgy one replaced now. I am not very handy with tools so I’ll have to get it done by a mechanic
03-02-2026
It’s fluid leaking. Mine was leaking from one side but I found the other side is about to leak because it has a crack on it after I removed both. When replacing, you have to replace both side at the same time.
03-02-2026
You dealer is honest and correct. Suspension bushing is a wear item. All will need to be replace at some point. Same for all brands of car. And I agree don’t bother unless you have issue, then replace both sides
03-05-2026
You may want to have a look at what PowerFlex offers. I run Powerflex control arm bushings on my 2 e46 cars and I have been very happy with their long Jevity and performance. On the e46 they also use oil filled bushings that wear out about every 30K miles or so. I have had the PowerFlex for over 120K miles with no problems.

Powerflex refers to them as Radius Arm Bushings, they do not require replacing the entire arm, just the worn out leaky bushings. And Yes always replace both sides regardless if only one is leaking.
03-05-2026
21X3M40 wrote
You may want to have a look at what PowerFlex offers. I run Powerflex control arm bushings on my 2 e46 cars and I have been very happy with their long Jevity and performance. On the e46 they also use oil filled bushings that wear out about every 30K miles or so. I have had the PowerFlex for over 120K miles with no problems.

Powerflex refers to them as Radius Arm Bushings, they do not require replacing the entire arm, just the worn out leaky bushings. And Yes always replace both sides regardless if only one is leaking.
Thanks very much mate. Appreciate the advise. I’ve gone to BMW dealership and they’ve put in the claim for this to be done as goodwill. They might not cover the whole cost but I’ll see what they come back with.
03-08-2026
21X3M40 wrote
You may want to have a look at what PowerFlex offers. I run Powerflex control arm bushings on my 2 e46 cars and I have been very happy with their long Jevity and performance. On the e46 they also use oil filled bushings that wear out about every 30K miles or so. I have had the PowerFlex for over 120K miles with no problems.

Powerflex refers to them as Radius Arm Bushings, they do not require replacing the entire arm, just the worn out leaky bushings. And Yes always replace both sides regardless if only one is leaking.
I don?t understand the e46 oem bushing last 30k comments. I have a e46 today since new, 22 years 200k miles. I use it on track too. Bushing last much longer than 30k. Easily 2x. E46 is a much lighter weight car than today?s bmw, much easier on suspension soft parts

Now to Power flex. They are polyurethane bushing. Yes they last longer. Yes they offer more precision handing because they are a lot firmer, the catch is harsee ride. They also tend to be noisy. I have use them mainly for their handling characteristics. Not I care less about it and back to oem. Just want to point out they are not free of catch upgrade.
04-01-2026
That's fluid leaking from the thrust arm bushing. We had the same issue on my wife's 2023 X7. CPO didn't cover the replacement, and it was $1900 for the dealer to replace both + alignment.