2002 BMW X5: engine stalls while driving

Filed Feb 17, 2012 · Engine · 105,000 miles · IA · fire

Tl* the contact owns a 2002 bmw x5. While driving approximately 45 MPH, the vehicle suddenly stalled and smoke was emitting from under the hood. The vehicle was towed to the dealer for diagnostic testing where the technicians stated that the oil separator was frozen. The vehicle was not repaired. The VIN was unavailable. The approximate failure mileage was 105,000.

Filed Aug 22, 2010 · Engine · 59,000 miles · VA

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 [xxx] information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6).

Filed Jul 7, 2010 · Engine · 80,750 miles · MA · fire

My son was driving my 2002 bmw x5 SUV for approximately 30 minutes (mostly highway) when the "fail safe" light came on. He began to pull into the breakdown lane when the car stalled and "system failure" light came on. When he got out of the car, there were flames shooting out from beneath the engine on the passenger side. He and his fiance quickly ran down the road and the car was fully engulfed in flames with black smoke filling the sky within moments. The car is totaled with all windows melted as well as the entire engine compartment. Both front tires exploded. I have gone online and there are many x5's that have spontaneously caught on fire for no apparent reason.

Filed Apr 7, 2010 · Electrical · 87,500 miles · GA

Tl*the contact owns a 2002 bmw x5. While driving approximately 25 MPH approaching a traffic signal, the brake warning indicator illuminated on the instrument panel. The engine stalled within seven to ten minutes after the brake warning illuminated. The failure didn't prevent the contact from opening the door remotely. The defective battery was replaced with a new battery. The vehicle was driven for twenty minutes with the new battery which functioned normally. The following morning the battery was inoperable. The original battery was recharged and installed in the vehicle. The vehicle was in operation for approximately 45 minutes and the engine stalled without warning. The dealer was notified for service repairs. The current mileage was 87,525. The failure mileage was 87,500.

Filed Jan 5, 2009 · Engine · 83,615 miles · CT

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.

Filed Oct 28, 2008 · Engine · 73,709 miles · CA

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.

Filed Sep 16, 2008 · Engine · 47,000 miles · VA

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.

Filed May 12, 2008 · Engine · 100,000 miles · MA

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.

Filed Feb 19, 2008 · Engine · 143,553 miles · NY · 2 injuries

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.

Filed Sep 26, 2007 · Engine · 63,000 miles · TN

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.

Filed May 19, 2004 · Engine · 39,000 miles · CA

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.

Filed Mar 9, 2004 · Acceleration, Brakes · 12,958 miles · VA

Stalling problem due to loss of brake performance, and sudden acceleration which damaged other parts. (nar) *ph