2001 BMW X5: engine failure

Filed Aug 13, 2018 · Steering · 120,000 miles · MO

Tl* the contact owns a 2001 bmw x5. The contact stated that the steering wheel seized while driving at a low speed. The failure occurred without warning. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the failure was related to the federal safety agency campaign number: 01v173000 (steering). The contact was informed to take the vehicle to the dealer. The vehicle was taken to plaza bmw (11858 olive blvd, creve coeur, mo) where the failure was confirmed; however, the VIN had no open recalls. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and confirmed that there were no open recalls under the VIN. The failure mileage was approximately 120,000.

Filed Jan 26, 2009 · Engine · 109,000 miles · NY

On cold day, '01 bmw x5 3.0, started, briefly warmed and driven 8 miles b/f engine quits and will not restart. No warning lights, nor overheating involved. Mechanic indicates engine completely seized due to oil separator freezing from residual condensation in air as well as crankcase resulting in oil forced into cylinders, choking motor, and cracking connecting rods. Engine has now failed requiring a new or used motor - estimated at $7,500 replacement (not to mention significantly lowering resale value since new motor will not match VIN). Vehicle has been meticulously maintained beyond manufacturers recommended intervals (eg: oil change every 3k miles with bmw spec'd oil and filters). This is a very common problem with bmw, particularly the x5 - oil separator in subsequent years was redesigned to address issue. No warning from dealership who maintained car until 2 years ago. This is a well documented problem that has now caused catastrophic engine failure and could very well cause catastrophic injury or death of vehicle occupants if engine fails on highway, rather than on a neighborhood road driving @ 5 MPH.. Bmw should have made a recall on this part before this issue started occurring with regular frequency to anyone living in a cold climate. Old parts and motor are still available - at least for the current time. Will need to be disposed as a core charge in near future once new engine can be located.

Filed Jan 21, 2009 · Engine · 94,500 miles · MN

Tl*the contact owns a 2001 bmw x5. While driving 55 MPH in six degree weather, the vehicle suddenly began to lose power and the speed decreased. The contact pulled the vehicle over and noticed a lot of smoke coming out of the tail pipe. The vehicle was towed to the dealer and they stated that the failure was caused by an oil valve separator issue. The mechanic explained that the engine froze and shot out all of the oil from the vehicle. The contact attempted to have the failure covered by her aftermarket warranty, but they refused because it was not an internal engine failure; therefore, the manufacturer would have to assume responsibility. The dealer stated that they would replace the oil valve separator. The vehicle has not been repaired. Through research, she learned that numerous people with the same vehicle have experienced the failure and, after the repair is performed, the failure persists. She believes that this is a manufacturer defect. The current and failure mileages were 94,500.

Filed Jun 20, 2008 · Engine · 87,000 miles · NY · fire

Tl*the contact owns a 2001 bmw x5. While driving between 55-60 MPH, the vehicle began to overheat and smoke, and the engine failed. The vehicle had to be towed. The dealer stated that the VIN was not included in the federal safety agency campaign id numbers 01v206000 and 02v138000 (engine and engine cooling: cooling system:fan). The current and failure mileages were 87,000.

Filed Aug 26, 2007 · Engine · 63,000 miles · CA

Bmw x5 3.0l 2001 1) car lost power on the freeway requiring an emergency stop. Very dangerous situation but no one was injured. 2) a hole in the plastic cooling system caused the coolant to eject. The engine overheated causing total loss of engine. There were no audible or visible warnings. Apparently this vehicle does not have a coolant sensor and the engine temperature gauge can malfunction if the coolant has all leaked out. 3) entire engine replacement at 63,000 miles (out of warranty). Car has had all bmw recommended maintenance service.