Bulletins
| Bulletin | Bulletin date | Replacement Bulletin | Item no. | Summary | Added |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - COOLING SYSTEM - FAN | |||||
| SIB-12-09-08 | 02/01/2008 | 10032781 | Bmw vehicle: driveability complaints due to cooling fan relay failure. the customer may complain of intermittent driveability problems, described as-engine is lacking power when accelerating uphill; transmission will not upshift under hea | 05/21/2010 | |
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - ENGINE | |||||
| SIB-12-15-11 | 07/01/2011 | 10040852 | Bmw: the service engine soon light is on. there are trouble codes stored for the crankshaft sensor. no driveability issues. *rm | 09/13/2011 | |
| SIB-12-15-11 | 07/01/2011 | 10040852 | Ready | 09/13/2011 | |
| SIB-11-08-03 | 07/01/2010 | 10037010 | Ready | 04/27/2011 | |
| SIB-11-08-03 | 07/01/2010 | 10037010 | Bmw: six different models equipped with the m54 engine could have valve covers break in cold weather and ruin the engine. this is due to moisture accumulation. *rm | 04/27/2011 | |
| SIB-13-06-10 | 06/01/2010 | 10036985 | Ready | 04/25/2011 | |
| SIB-13-07-10 | 06/01/2010 | 10036982 | Ready | 04/25/2011 | |
| SIB-13-06-10 | 06/01/2010 | 10036985 | Bmw: a service engine soon light comes on. the engine will only operate to 1500 rpms and lacks power. there is a software application error. *rm | 04/25/2011 | |
| SIB-13-07-10 | 06/01/2010 | 10036982 | Bmw: there is a rough engine idle and service engine soon light when driving downhill in high altitudes during cold weather. there may be six different fault codes. *rm | 04/25/2011 | |
| SIB-12-23-07 | 11/01/2007 | 10032813 | Bmw vehicle: fc 2ef4 characteristic map thermostat. complaints that the service engine soon lamp is illuminated. fault code 2ef4 characteristic map thermostat is stored in dme fault memory. dme software calibration related to high heatin | 05/26/2010 | |
| SI-B-11-01-07 | 03/01/2009 | 10029025 | Bmw: small number of vehicles experience problems ranging from leaking oil filler caps, leaking or broken valve covers, to complete engine failure in extremely cold climate conditions. moisture accumulating in engine crankcase ventilation v | 06/12/2009 | |
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - ENGINE - DIESEL | |||||
| SIB-16-03-10 | 06/01/2010 | 10036981 | Bmw: warning message on about low diesel exhaust fuel level and that the engine will not restart within 999 miles. the light comes on a few thousand miles earlier than a recommended oil change. *rm | 04/25/2011 | |
| SIB-16-03-10 | 06/01/2010 | 10036981 | Ready | 04/25/2011 | |
| SIB-13-02-09 | 10/01/2009 | 10032642 | Bmw vehicles: diagnosis for low pressure fuel supply faults. the service engine soon lamp is illuminated (a fuel pump malfuction message is displayed in the cc), and a combination of the following fault codes may be stored in the dde cont | 04/21/2010 | |
| SI-B-11-01-07 | 03/01/2009 | 10029025 | Bmw: small number of vehicles experience problems ranging from leaking oil filler caps, leaking or broken valve covers, to complete engine failure in extremely cold climate conditions. moisture accumulating in engine crankcase ventilation v | 06/12/2009 | |
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - EXHAUST SYSTEM - EMISSION CONTROL - CRANKCASE (PCV) | |||||
| SI-B-11-01-07 | 03/01/2009 | 10029025 | Bmw: small number of vehicles experience problems ranging from leaking oil filler caps, leaking or broken valve covers, to complete engine failure in extremely cold climate conditions. moisture accumulating in engine crankcase ventilation v | 06/12/2009 | |
Consumer Complaints
| Fail date | miles | occurences | Purchase date |
|---|---|---|---|
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING | |||
| 01/05/2010 | 98000 | ||
| In january of 2010 during a cold weather spell, i started my car and started driving slowly. after about 5 minutes i noticed smoke coming from engine compartment and from exhaust pipes. i stopped the vehicle and had it towed to a certified mechanic. he diagnosed the issue as a failure of the separation valve that caused the increase pressure under the valve cover. fortunately, i was able to avoid extensive damage and my bill was only around $350 (plus towing). i did my research and found that bmw had known about that problem all along and did nothing. there was a tsb issued for canadian market but no recall was issued. later models of x5 were equipped with updated valve, it appears that many owners had their engines completely destroyed and the company did nothing to help them. i'm enjoying driving my x5 but believe that the company should have rectified the problem earlier and should have compensated the owners for out-of-pocket expenses for the problem that was well known one. | |||
| 07/09/2008 | 87905 | 1 | |
| I was sold a certified pre-owned vehicle with bad control arm bushings, and making noise under hood in engine compartment. i also purchased an extended warranty, that was not honored. the service engine light came on throughout the time of ownership. i took the vehicle back to dealer for repairs several times. the car vibrates when braking, and sometimes has no power. nothing was done to correct the problem to date. *tr | |||
| 12/24/2008 | 83615 | 1 | |
| On december 24, 2008, my wife was on her way to the bmw of darien dealership to have the windshield wipers replaced when our bmw x5 stalled in the middle of an intersection with her parents also in the car. she was nearly hit by another vehicle, but made it to the dealership. she spoke with saun, a service rep, and told him about the stalling incident. she scheduled a service appointment for december 30, 2008. we drove the car out of town for the holidays and the service engine light illuminated on december 26, 2008. it went off and we kept the appointment with bmw service department in darien, ct on december 30. they ran a diagnostic test and said we needed to update the computer software and replace the thermostat in the engine. we paid $657 for all suggested repairs and were assured this was why the engine stalled and the service light illuminated. we drove the car less than 6 miles before it stalled and stopped on the highway entrance ramp as three lanes merge on january 1, 2009 with my wife and me in it. bmw of darien was closed and the recording directed us to call bmw roadside assistance. after 45 minutes of unsuccessfully waiting for someone to pick up the phone, my wife hung up, because i had already contacted our insurance company and a tow truck. we sat on the highway for approximately two hours in 18 degree weather until the tow truck arrived. the tow truck took the x5 to the bmw of darien dealership. on january 2, 2009, a service rep, pat, told that the crankcase vent valve was broken due to the cold weather and that this problem is widespread and we were quoted $1,000 to repair it and the spark plugs. as we researched online, we found that this is a common problem across bmw models. additionally, bmw has redesigned this part and added insulation to fix this design flaw. this seems to be a faulty design and bmw refuses to inform the consumer. our car stopped twice and put my wife, her parents, and me in harm of bodily injury. *tr | |||
| 09/28/2008 | 73709 | ||
| Tl*the contact owns a 2002 bmw x5. while driving 70 mph, the vehicle stalled and then shut off. the vehicle also misfired. the contact managed to coast the vehicle off the road and it immediately restarted. the dealer could not find any failures. the failure and current mileages were 73,709. | |||
| 01/03/2008 | 86000 | 1 | |
| Bmw 4.4i x5. had second of two valve cover leaks due to oil separator blockage. both happened under cold weather conditions. the original oil separator design was prone to blockage and bmw had redesigned the separator to a heated part according to my dealer. in both instances of my car's failure, the valve cover gasket failed under pressure and oil leaked out onto the exhaust manifold. fortunately there was no fire. bmw dealerships acknowledged the common failure of the oil separator design. although bmw of north america would not respond to my inquiries. since my vehicle was not under warranty i paid for all repairs. i have updated the vehicle to the new heated part but have not had a full winter on the vehicle to state whether or not the re-design was successful. *tr | |||
| 09/16/2008 | 47000 | 1 | |
| My 2002 bmw x5's engine suddenly stalled on my wife few hours ago today, 09/16/08, while she was just passing through a stop light around where she work at. the mileage on the car is about 47000 miles. i'd to thank god she was not driving on a highway when it stalled. now the car with my mechanic for diagnosis. about two months ago, the car's front fan that cools the engine failed to work all of a sudden while i was driving it on a highway with the ac on. i had to pull over on side of the road as the temp gauge went straight into the red zone. i had to get it replaced with a new one. then, about a month ago, the car's fan motor that distributes the ac/heat into the car stopped working. i'd to had it replaced also with a new one. that's all & thanks. *tr | |||
| 02/17/2008 | 143553 | 2 | 07/19/2006 |
| On 2/11/08 cold day vehicle failed to start showing same signs as recalls on 2004 and 2007 models that are recalls. vehicle sent to shop returned 2 days later while traveling on major expressway vehicle stalls out with out any advance warning as in 2004 and 2007 models sent back to shop vehicles oil and coolant mixing causing total engine failure. bmw's response not a recall for this year but aware of problem. *tr | |||
| 01/01/1901 | 1 | ||
| 2002 bmw x5 with oil separator safety issues. consumer states that the oil separator failed. consumer was shown that water was mixing with the oil creating a foamy sludge. luckily the problem did not affect the engine. *kb the consumer also stated the door locks did not work on one of the doors and the window fell inside the door. the window mechanism needed to be replaced. the windshield wiper inserts were replaced. *jb | |||
| 01/23/2004 | 5500 | 1 | 08/29/2002 |
| My wife was driving her x5 on a very cold day in january. she heard a loud bang as if she had hit something. she stopped the car but saw nothing so she drove another 1/4 mile home. as soon as she stopped the car fumes started billowing from the engine. on opening the hood we found a shattered valve cover. she took the vehicle to the dealer who was very good about explaining what had happened and fixing the problem. apparently, bmw decided not to insulate part of the oil separator valve for some of the x5 engines. in cold weather the valve can stick open or closed causing either engine failure or, as in my wife's case, a high crankcase pressure which explodes the valve cover. the vehicle was about 17 months old and had about 5 thousand miles on it when this happened, so the repair with replacement of the inadequate part was done under warranty. bmw knew that this problem could occur, they had already sent a bulletin to every dealer letting them know about it but have decided against issuing a recall.*ak | |||
| 02/08/2004 | 1 | 12/01/2002 | |
| When driving in cold weather vehicle leaked oil into the engine. *ak in cold weather the oil separator cracked and caused oil to leak. the consumer heard that the new part is the same as the old part except the new part has a foam insulator. the manufacturer is only repairing vehicle's that are still under warranty. *nm | |||
| 10/21/2003 | 25500 | 4 | |
| Intermittently while making right turns dashboard lights came on, vehicle stalled. after a few seconds, vehicle restarted as if nothing ever happened. this occurred four times in the last three months. *ak | |||
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - ENGINE | |||
| 08/21/2010 | 59000 | ||
| In a 2002 bmw x5 while making a left hand turn, the vehicle stalls. it happens numerous times per day. my research indicates this problem exists in many bmw vehicles and it obviously presents a serious safety issue for drivers of the 2002 bmw x5. i hope a safety recall is ordered for these vehicles immediately. if you are to google this issue with bmw vehicles (1999-present) there is a laundry list of complaints. related to this submission, please see: http://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/archive/index.php/t-74517.html sincerely, geoffrey s. burke, esq. | |||
| 01/31/2010 | 40000 | ||
| Tl* the contact owns a 2002 bmw x5. the contact stated that while driving at 45 mph when slowing down he noticed that there was smoke coming from underneath the hood. he then turned off the engine and he raised the hood and there was oil all over the engine and the valve cover gasket was blown. the vehicle was towed to the dealer where they diagnosed it. they stated that it was the oil pump , cyclone separator that had failed. the vehicle was currently being repaired at the time of the complaint at the owners expense. the failure and current mileage was 40000. | |||
| 01/05/2010 | 145000 | 1 | |
| 2002 bmw x5;4.6is sav. check engine light appeared. went to authorized dealer, who said that the code inspired ra fault in the vanos, system, and reset obdii computer. in two days, the entire engine broke down. upon inspection, we were told that the timing chain and cam adjusters imploded possibly due to the formation of engine sludge. estimated cost of repair is $8000. the x5 was properly maintained according to the maintenance schedule with bmw approved oil. the formation of sludge might have been caused by a failure of the crankcase ventilation system. repair includes the installation of new cam sensors, actuators and new camshafts. also the removal of metal particles in the lubrication system. this expensive repair may have been avoided if bmw had recalled the oil separator they determined was defective years ago. there is no mentioning of a maintenance schedule for the timing chain, and associated parts. we have already endured the expense of transmission replacement. can you inspire a re-imbursement of damages incurred?? *tr | |||
| 03/16/2009 | 110000 | 1 | |
| The failure: the car will not at times reverse. when in reverse mode the car remains as if in neutral. i've taken the car to the shop a few times, after awhile the issue magically repairs itself. i've been told the transmission will need to be replaced or will need to be repaired. *tr | |||
| 12/20/2007 | 100000 | 1 | |
| Started car to warm up on cold winter morning. went outside five minutes later and the car had stalled. could not start. had towed to mechanic and total engine failure at 100,000 miles. bmw did not offer any assistance. *tr | |||
| 07/15/2007 | 63000 | 6 | 04/01/2002 |
| Tl*the contact owns a 2002 bmw x5. when making a turn at 10 mph, the engine stalled without warning. the vehicle restarted after it was shifted into park. the dealer reprogrammed the dme, however, the failure recurred. the dealer was unable to correct the failure. the failure mileage was 63,000 and current mileage was 65,000. | |||
| 05/29/2003 | 1 | ||
| While traveling on the highway and without prior warning vehicle was leaking oil from underneath the vehicle. dealer is aware of the problem.pleas efill in additional information. *ak | |||
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - ENGINE - GASOLINE | |||
| 05/13/2004 | 39000 | 2 | 09/20/2002 |
| Within 6 weeks of driving in hot weather, the vehicle (2002 bmw x5 3.0 liter) stalled when turning left. most recent was in traffic, nearly causing an accident as i was blocking oncoming traffic. vehicle rolled to a nearby restaurant where on board instrumentation was lit up with all warning lights. restarted engine in a few minutes of cooling. reported to bmw dealer on 5/18/2004 - dealer reports no trouble codes or any ability to replicate trouble. *ak | |||