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BMW X5 Reliability Concerns

61 messages,  Last post on Feb 10, 2013 at 1:50 PM

You are in the BMW X3 & X5 Forum.

What is this discussion about? BMW X5, SUV

Messages Page 6 of 7

#47 of 61 Re: trans.failsafe error BMW X5 2004 4.4 [t1l0u] by cartrouble13

Jun 10, 2010 (5:40 am)

Replying to: t1l0u (Jun 09, 2010 7:22 pm)
Yes! The problem was the regulator in the alternator. The problem was intermittent so when I had the car checked they said the alternator was fine. The problem kept recurring every few weeks. Finally a new mechanic said it had to be the alternator (which I had replaced less than a year before). I had the company that supplied the alternator test it - they had it on the bench running at max output for almost 2 days before the problem showed up. Since it has been replaced about 8 months ago there has been no recurrence. Hope this helps.

#48 of 61 Ultimate piece of S...T! by ih8bmw

Sep 04, 2010 (9:33 am)

60000 dollar garbage! My first ever X5, V8 still has 12000 MLS on it since purchased in 2008. Why? Because it spends more time at BMW service than I can get my hands on it!!!
Do yourself a favor and research before buying it!!!

#49 of 61 Re: Ultimate piece of S...T! [ih8bmw] by roadburner

Sep 04, 2010 (10:21 am)

Replying to: ih8bmw (Sep 04, 2010 9:33 am)
Hmmm...
Will this be another one hit wonder???

#50 of 61 Re: trans.failsafe error BMW X5 2004 4.4 [cartrouble13] by 2005_x5_44

Sep 06, 2010 (8:01 am)

Replying to: cartrouble13 (Jun 10, 2010 5:40 am)
I had the trans failsafe message appear before. Shutdown and restart cleared it. That was over a year ago. Recently it started doing it more frequently. I read a thread about the alternator/regulator causing a similar problem so I hooked up a scan guage to the OBD port that displays voltage. It read 10.9-11.4 volts while driving. That seemed low. I hooked a regular volt meter to the battery post under hood, it read 13.5 volts with engine running and 12 with engine off. That seemed right. I rechecked the guage connected to the OBD again and it now read 13.4 volts with engine running. That is a definate inconsistency which needs further investigation. Also, I've had an intermittent problem with trans initiating a shift or a disengage then re-engage( can't determine which because it doesn't complete a shift and it happens very quickly, like a hiccup). This happens around 30-40 mph when the automatic trans is in 5th gear. The last time the trans failsafe message appeared, it would not restart. It acted like a dead battery. A few minutes later it started, but the clock lost its program. The service engine light came on, but the car ran great and no more transmission hiccup. I checked code, it was P1890 trans control. I think the symtoms are related. A year ago, dealer had told me the hiccup problem was the trans valve body. They said $5500. I don't believe them. I will post results after looking into regulator and connections.

#51 of 61 Re: Battery problems [steubenville] by chansen194

Dec 12, 2010 (6:02 pm)

Replying to: steubenville (Jan 21, 2010 1:33 pm)
Hi I am having similar problems with my 04 X5 its going to the dealer on tues. Did you get your issue solved?

#53 of 61 Re: Battery problems [chansen194] by 2005_x5_44

Dec 12, 2010 (7:48 pm)

Replying to: chansen194 (Dec 12, 2010 6:02 pm)

#54 of 61 Re: Battery problems [chansen194] by cartrouble13

Dec 13, 2010 (5:33 pm)

Replying to: chansen194 (Dec 12, 2010 6:02 pm)
Yes - no recurrence in over a year since the alternator was changed

#55 of 61 Terrible Build Quality by franklin433

Dec 27, 2010 (5:08 pm)

My '07 X5 is my 5th BMW. The other 4, including my current '02 330 CI that I also bought new, were great. This X5 drives wonderfully, but the build quality is lousy. It has 64,000 miles on it, has been maintained by the dealer to schedule, but has cost me $5,600 in "unusal" expenses over the past six months. Now the radio must be replaced ($1,600). Fuel system problems, body hardware breakdowns, windshield wiper motor issues, etc. All problems I've never before had on any car. Has anyone else experienced such concerning build quality issues?

#56 of 61 Re: Ultimate piece of S...T! [ih8bmw] by franklin433

Dec 27, 2010 (6:53 pm)

Replying to: ih8bmw (Sep 04, 2010 9:33 am)
I couldn't agree with you more. BMW used to be a quality vehicle; no more. Quality sucks!

Messages Page 6 of 7

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