2002 BMW X5: windshield wiper failure

Filed Mar 31, 2021 · Electrical, Lights · 230,000 miles · TN · fire

Car was parked. I tried to unlock my car with the key fob and nothing happened. I unlocked the door with the key and after getting in the central locking system would not work. After researching the problem I found that the gmiii controls the central locking as well as other items like the windshield wipers, interior lights, sun roof, and rear upper and lower hatch. I orders a new one and when I took the old one out to replace it I found that it had caught on fire and blew fuse 14. It appears a thyristor or tiac got to hot and set the board and case on fire. I had smelt a plastic smell earlier while driving so it may have been burning before I parked. I am attaching photos.

Filed Dec 29, 2014 · Body, Electrical · 86,000 miles · CO

I've had to replace all 4 window regulators, my rear hatch seems to open for no reason, my rear window wiper is working with the switch in the off position, LED's are going out again and now the dreaded apparent oil separator with tons of grey smoke billowing out the back of the car after being left in an airport parking lot for 4 days whilst it snowed outside. Seems I've had every typical problem other than the car catching fire for no apparent reason. I have owned bmws in germany and the us for a long time, however, I think I'll be switching brands with my next vehicle. Bmw doesn't seem to be proactive enough for my liking with some of these way too common issues. This is a very low mile vehicle for it's age and it's acting like a model t.

Filed May 22, 2012 · Brakes · 100,000 miles · NC

Window bust out for no reason, coolant container light on, brake lining, windshield wiper motor quit without notice..motor hot and froze up, lights on dash coming on and off. Sensor had to be replaced. These things happened without notice. Wheels that have to be aligned and still tires have to be replaced often.

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 Feb 8, 2008 · Engine, Locks · MA

2002 bmw x5 with oil separator safety issues. Consumer states that the oil separator failed. Consumer was shown that water was mixing with the oil creating a foamy sludge. Luckily the problem did not affect the engine. *kb the consumer also stated the door locks did not work on one of the doors and the window fell inside the door. The window mechanism needed to be replaced. The windshield wiper inserts were replaced.

Filed Mar 17, 2004 · Visibility · 36,000 miles · GA

While driving during inclement weather the windshield wipers stopped operating and resulted in poor visibility to the driver. The cause of the problem has not been determined. *nm

Filed Sep 4, 2003 · Visibility · GA

While traveling in inclement weather the windshield wipers stopped working . *ak this occurred as the consumer was driving on the highway in the rain and sleet. *scc