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BMW X5 Cold Temp Problems

78 messages,  Last post on Feb 24, 2011 at 7:52 PM

You are in the BMW X3 & X5 Forum.

What is this discussion about? BMW X5, Auto Repair, Engine, Oil, Transmission, SUV

Messages Page 1 of 8

#1 of 78 Recent cold temps problems by dhr48864

Feb 06, 2007 (3:42 pm)

My "oil separator" cracked the gasket in the engine yesterday. Today, it is a $1200+ repair bill. Has anyone else experienced this before? Something about moisture in the oil... Any chance of warranty (I'm post 50k miles)

#2 of 78 Re: Recent cold temps problems [dhr48864] by tidester

Feb 06, 2007 (11:45 pm)

Replying to: dhr48864 (Feb 06, 2007 3:42 pm)
Ouch! I thought German cars could handle cold weather?
 
A separator should be able to handle a little water so it sounds like a serious malfunction.
 
tidester, host

#3 of 78 Re: Recent cold temps problems [tidester] by dhr48864

Feb 07, 2007 (8:01 am)

Replying to: tidester (Feb 06, 2007 11:45 pm)
have you heard of this before? Can you tell me more? There were three cars yesterday suffering the same symptoms at the dealership.

#4 of 78 Re: Recent cold temps problems [dhr48864] by tidester

Feb 07, 2007 (11:49 am)

Replying to: dhr48864 (Feb 07, 2007 8:01 am)
I've heard of separators becoming blocked due to low temperatures. We'll need to hear from other X3 and X5 owners to know whether anyone else has experienced this.
 
tidester, host

#5 of 78 Re: Recent cold temps problems [tidester] by stolze

Feb 09, 2007 (10:28 am)

Replying to: tidester (Feb 07, 2007 11:49 am)
A similar problem just occured in my car, but it is the 330ci, and we are now looking at a $2400 bill. We were told that the moisture value froze, caused a back up and then blew out and now they are cleaning oil out of every nook and crany of my engine. The dealer indicated that they had treated about 15 other cars with simiar problems due to the cold temps in the past 10 days and they are trying to determine driving habits that could have caused. But it seems to me that this was a mfg defect, especially now that the replacement part is insulated to prevent in the future.

#6 of 78 Re: Recent cold temps problems [stolze] by tidester

Feb 09, 2007 (12:58 pm)

Replying to: stolze (Feb 09, 2007 10:28 am)
they are trying to determine driving habits that could have caused
 
Driving habits? Such as driving in cold weather? Wow!
 
tidester, host

#7 of 78 Re: Recent cold temps problems [tidester] by dhr48864

Feb 09, 2007 (2:19 pm)

Replying to: tidester (Feb 09, 2007 12:58 pm)
The driving habits...hmmm. I remember the mechanic at the dealership referring to how few miles I drove my X5. I told him it was around 6 miles round trip to work everyday. He suggested that city driving was not condusive to cleaning/burning/circulating the oil properly and it thus accumulating moisture. I think that falls into the driving habit category. Does that make sense to anyone?

#8 of 78 Re: Recent cold temps problems [dhr48864] by tidester

Feb 09, 2007 (3:14 pm)

Replying to: dhr48864 (Feb 09, 2007 2:19 pm)
I think that falls into the driving habit category.
 
Sure it does. But it also falls into the category of "normal driving" and I would not reasonably expect a separator to fail in such a catastrophic manner under normal driving conditions. Just a thought!
 
tidester, host

#9 of 78 X-5 Oil Separator Problem by cat3126

Feb 09, 2007 (3:40 pm)

1. What is an oil separator on BMW's? Have never heard the term before.
I'm looking at a 07 x-5 v-8 and got concerned looking at the postings.I spend a lot of time driving in northern WI,MI and MN. Thinking I should order something else.

#10 of 78 What is an oil separator on BMW's by dhr48864

Feb 09, 2007 (3:59 pm)

The host seems to do an excellent job of explaining things, so I'll defer to that person.

Messages Page 1 of 8

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