Bulletins
| Bulletin | Bulletin date | Replacement Bulletin | Item no. | Summary | Added |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING | |||||
| 1220404 | 10/22/2004 | 1220404 | 10010945 | Poor throttle response from a stop. this service measure supersedes smm1220404 dated 04/07/2004. *eh | 12/17/2004 |
| 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 | 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-11-08-03 | 07/01/2010 | 10037010 | Ready | 04/27/2011 | |
| SIB-13-07-10 | 06/01/2010 | 10036982 | Ready | 04/25/2011 | |
| SIB-13-06-10 | 06/01/2010 | 10036985 | 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 | |
| SI B12 04 08 | 04/01/2008 | 10025583 | E53 with m54 and gm5 - reprogram dme. e53 (x5) with m54 engine and gm5 transmission produced 9/3003 - 10/2004. *pe | 08/22/2008 | |
| 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 | |||
| 01/20/2011 | 56790 | ||
| Oil seperator malfunctioned in cold temperatures. when driving experienced smoke under the hood and was forced to pull over. drove slowly with hazards to nearest mechanic and incurred $1,955 in repair charge. mechanic informed me that this was becoming a popular defect witht he oem oil sperator on this make and model. | |||
| 12/09/2011 | 90000 | ||
| Tl* the contact owns a 2003 bmw x5. the contact stated that the timing change fractured. the vehicle was taken to the dealer who stated that the timing change needed to be replaced. the manufacturer was not notified of the failure. the vehicle was not repaired. the failure mileage was 90,000. | |||
| 12/09/2011 | 90000 | ||
| Tl- the contact owns a 2003 bmw x5. the contact stated that the timing change fractured. the vehicle was taken to the dealer who stated that the timing change needed to be replaced. the manufacturer was not notified of the failure. the vehicle was not repaired. the failure mileage was 90,000. kmj | |||
| 12/09/2011 | 90000 | ||
| Tl-the contact owns a 2003 bmw x5. the contact stated the timing change broke. the vehicle was taken to the dealer who stated the timing change need to be replaced at the owners expense of $7600. the manufacturer was not notified. the failure mileage was 90,000. mw | |||
| 02/13/2010 | 85000 | ||
| While traveling in the middle lane of traffic at 55 mph my bmw x5 started pouring smoke from the exhaust and completely shut down leaving me helpless with no power on a major highway. | |||
| 02/13/2008 | 64000 | ||
| Cold weather (new york winter). 2003 bmw x5, 3.0 engine seized without warning. oil separator and valve cover gasket faulty. the crank case valve freezes, causing oil to spill into the engine. this problem occurred three times. 1. feb 13 2008 2. jan 28 2009 and 3. jan 2011. total cost for used engine $6,000 this year and $3000 in 2008/2009 to repair. spark plugs needed to be replaced, engine needed to be cleaned 2008 and defective disa valve replaced 2009. | |||
| 10/19/2009 | 70000 | 1 | |
| Bmw 2003 x5 stalled 3x. abs, engine failed safe turned on. irvine bmw repaired the problem. last monday oct. 19, 2009 i picked up my vehicle after driving in the freeway for about 10 miles it stalled again for the 3rd time. *tr | |||
| 03/08/2003 | 48000 | 1 | |
| The engine seized without warning. at the time the engine stalled; light, white smoke came from the exhaust. the car and engine seemed to operate fine for about 20 minutes prior. no warning lights came up or smoke came from the exhaust during the 20 minutes of driving. regular engine and oil changes were previously done. the mechanic is saying a new engine is required. *tr | |||
| 02/07/2009 | 83000 | ||
| Tl*the contact owns a 2003 bmw x5. while driving 10 mph, the vehicle stalled and then completely shut off, losing all power and electricity. there were no warning indicators illuminated prior to the failure. the vehicle was towed to the dealer and they stated that the oil separator was the cause of the failure. the vehicle is currently being repaired. the manufacturer has not been notified. the current and failure mileages were approximately 83,000. | |||
| 01/24/2008 | 54000 | 6 | 04/09/2006 |
| Without prior warning, the car (2003 bmw x5) will stall. the stalling has occurred in traffic and in parking lots. *tr | |||
| 12/15/2005 | 22200 | 1 | 08/18/2003 |
| Dt: the contact stated while driving the engine temperature raised all the way to the red without any warning. there wasn't any smoke or any other indicators of problems with the vehicle. she contacted her dealer, and was advised to have the vehicle towed to the dealership.*ak | |||
| 12/15/2004 | 2 | ||
| Consumer was traveling 45 mph and vehicle surged forward, and drove roughly. a loud grinding noise was heard coming from the front. consumer noticed that the check engine light flashed on then off. consumer drove it to the dealer, and mechanic determined that two ignition coil springs needed to be replaced inside of the engine. *ak | |||
| 01/06/2004 | 3451 | 1 | 09/24/2003 |
| I have a new bmw 3.0 x5 with 3,500 miles and had my vehicle die and requiring towing to the dealer with a crank case valve freeze up draining oil all thru the engine and requiring a non original designed replacement valve that no serice tech feels with be reliable below 10 degrees above zero. i live in minnesota and this is not acceptable for a new vehicle in this weather. now my vehicle is no longer reliable and it presents a safety issue because this could happen on the highway or any where. no guarantees of it not happening again. i purchased the vehicle from the dealer new only five months ago. *ak | |||
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - COOLING SYSTEM | |||
| 02/14/2010 | |||
| 2003 bmw x5 radiator cracked during driving and water spilled. car was idling and smoky smell and oil press, stop engine problems. had 2 children in the car while driving and seems like connection/hose problems which do not allow the engine to work properly. do not feel safe driving the car, won't hold the coolant water in. a car this expensive should not be so defective. | |||
| 01/21/2011 | 58076 | ||
| Tl - the contact owns a 2003 bmw x5 - 3.0i . the contact stated that while driving 30 mph smoke starting coming through the vents without any warnings. the vehicle was taken to the dealer who diagnosed that the ccv valve froze causing an oil spillage. the manufacturer was not contacted. the vehicle was not repaired. the failure and current mileage were 58,076. pm | |||
| 09/25/2009 | 40000 | 1 | |
| The drain valve in 2003 bmw x5 disintegrates due to manufacturing defect, it is inherently defective and is a source of leaks and if not replaced would case the radiator to drain out, causing overheating and ruining the engine. this problem has been noted on bmw owner websites. http://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/showthread.php?t=154553 http://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/showthread.php?t=287894. *tr | |||
| 01/15/2009 | 68000 | 1 | |
| On 01/15/2009, the extremely chilly day, my wife drove the x5 on route 2 east bound around exit 58 in arlington, ma, the exhaust system suddenly emitted heavy white smoke, but the oil warning light did not turned on at all. my wife pulled over the car and turned off the engine immediately. 15 minutes later, she found the engine was disabled when she tried to restart it. after the car was towed to bmw service center ,i was informed the car needs the following replacements | |||
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - ENGINE | |||
| 01/10/2011 | 100000 | ||
| 1. the weather outside was -10 degrees celcius. 2. i own a 2003 bmw x5, 4.4 litre engine, v8. the crank case valve froze shut, causing oil to spill into the engine. this problem has occurred twice - once last winter (2010) and this winter (2011). it has cost me a total of $1,600 this year and $3,000 last year to repair. 3. spark plugs needed to be replaced, engined needs to be cleaned, and a new heater blanket was installed last year, but failed to keep the valve from freezing shut again this year! | |||
| 02/24/2010 | 70000 | ||
| 2003 bmw x5 ccv oil separator valve has issues in cold weather and is known to fail. the problem relates to a non proper design where the valve can freeze. the engine block can then blow oil and cause fire. before it blows the block the engine will have hard starts which will push frozen oil through the separator. if the ccv fails it will completely blow your engine gaskets. this is a known issue and their is a bmw x5 service bulletin that this should be looked at. bmw will not address the issue until it blows. it is a major malfunction that is not only expensive to fix well over the 3000 but very dangerous. i think an investigation into the bmw problem should be looked closely. | |||
| 03/08/2003 | 48000 | 1 | |
| The engine seized without warning. at the time the engine stalled; light, white smoke came from the exhaust. the car and engine seemed to operate fine for about 20 minutes prior. no warning lights came up or smoke came from the exhaust during the 20 minutes of driving. regular engine and oil changes were previously done. the mechanic is saying a new engine is required. *tr | |||
| 01/21/2009 | 82500 | 1 | |
| This past week connecticut hit a very cold spell. 0*f. crank case vent valve froze. as a result, tremendous pressure built inside the crank case, the oil cap blew off and the engine stopped working properly. have been told by the dealer that they have seen this problem before in the 2003 model year and that it is not an uncommon problem in very cold weather. we have also learnt the 2003 model has a design flaw where the valve is not insulated and newer models have changed the design to correct the problem. part replaced by dealer. we were lucky our engine did not fail completely. since this problem is known by bmw, and is a clear design defect. shouldn't it be the subject of a recall? *tr | |||
| 03/20/2007 | 46355 | 1 | 08/21/2003 |
| Crankcase vent valve froze & blew off oil cap. oil all over engine. replaced crankcase vent value, w/ non original, & all hoses. removed & cleaned out dipstick tube, distribution piece. removed lower engine splash pan & stiffening plate. de-greased top & bottom of engine compartment. there is a service bulletin about this propensity for the crankcase to freeze. this is unacceptable in cold weather states. the auto is sold in the cold weather states regardless. *tr | |||
| 06/08/2006 | 40454 | 2 | 03/31/2003 |
| Dt*: the contact stated while making a slow left hand turn, the vehicle stalled without warning, but restarted each time. the dealership reprogrammed the dme with version 43 and set the minimum idle to 750, this has corrected the problem. updated 06/27/06 *jb the consumers wife experienced the same problem. | |||
| 1 | 04/30/2003 | ||
| Model x5 rpm's increased rapidly with no pressure on the accelerator.*mr *ts *jb | |||
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - EXHAUST SYSTEM | |||
| 02/03/2011 | 74200 | ||
| Tl-the contact owns a 2003 bmw x5. the contact stated the oil separator leaks in cold weather and drain onto the exhaust pipe and engine. while driving 35 mph there was smoke coming fronm under the hood and exhaust pipe causing driving to be hazardous. the vehicle was taken to the dealer who repaired the oil separator at a cost of $2000 which was not under warranty or any recalls. the manufacturer was contacted who stated the vehicle was out of warranty and offered no other assistance. the failure mileage was 74,200...mw | |||
| 01/22/2011 | 77390 | ||
| Drive one mile one 1 in 22 degree weather bmw 2003 x5 begin to blow thick white smoke from exhaust pipes and engine shut down. there were no indicator lights that warn there was a problem | |||