Freeze Up Kit???

alano · #1 03-14-2009, 02:08 PM

Has anyone ever heard of a 'Freeze Up Kit' for their X5?

I have a 2004 4.8is, all winter long it randomly won't start, it chokes a bit then just keeps cranking. If I leave it for about 4 hours, it starts up perfectly. This happens about once a week. It's not related to temperature as it always seems to happen when stored in a heated garage.
I've taken it to the dealer a few times and they've never been able to find the problem or even replicate it. So this time there telling me I need to install a Freeze Up kit. It's something to do with the PCV valve on the 4.8 engine being located in a spot that doesn't get enough heat from the engine thus can freeze up in really cold climates causing oil problems and condensation. The cost will be $2500 to $3000 and is not covered by warranty.

Obviously, I complained and they told me that the 4.8is is not a good engine for very cold climates....Nice!

Any thoughts? I'm not convinced this is the issue, I think it may be due to condensation though, my wife drives it (very gently) to and from work, heated garage to heated garage, with -25c weather in the middle. What led the dealer to believe it's this freeze up issue is they noticed the oil was a bit 'milky'.

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alano · #2 03-16-2009, 10:34 AM

Anyone?

flatlander · #3 03-16-2009, 11:05 AM

Search through the threads for the terms "oil separator" or "crankcase vent" and you'll find a lot of info. There is a DIY also.

Quote:

Originally Posted by alano

Anyone?

alano · #4 03-16-2009, 11:07 AM

That's generally where most of my searches led too....no real reference linking it cold weather though. Also, I thought the oil seperator issue was resolved on 2004 and newer engines?

flatlander · #5 03-16-2009, 11:19 AM

I think there is a strong correlation with cold weather. The milky oil is trapped condensation. There are some suggestions on the forum on how to rid your engine of the milky oil. One is to let it burn off with a long trip. Another is to perform an oil change or two.

There was a redesigned system beginning with the 2004's. However, it can still fall prey to freezing up. If you've got milky oil then I suggest an oil change to get rid of it.

Good luck!

Quote:

Originally Posted by alano

That's generally where most of my searches led too....no real reference linking it cold weather though. Also, I thought the oil seperator issue was resolved on 2004 and newer engines?

TwinsPoppa · #6 03-16-2009, 11:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by alano

That's generally where most of my searches led too....no real reference linking it cold weather though. Also, I thought the oil seperator issue was resolved on 2004 and newer engines?

Then you must not have read the threads, as the main cause is condensation build-up in cold temps. If you drive short trips, this will not allow the engine to get up to temps enough to burn the condensation - which then freezes and clogs the system.

BMW made a cold temp kit that has insulating wraps for the hoses.

Search again .. you missed it.