Service Engine Soon Light = $1330 repair? HELP!

[96ce]

I have a 2001 X5 4.4 that has been a pleasure to own and essentially trouble free. Recently the SES light came on so I took the car to our local BMW dealer. The codes were P1160 and P2190. On Friday the dealer advised me that "the PCV system needs to be replaced as hoses and systems became soft and collapse when engine is running. Appears to be be due to engine not being used enough to remove condensation in the engine oil system". The estimate to repair is $1,330!!. I am shocked. My X5 has 24,000 miles which I know is low for a 2001, but I never heard of such an issue. Can anyone shed some light on this topic? Is the estimate appropriate? I would greatly appreciate any insights / advice, and also would appreciate a recommendation of an independent BMW shop in the central NJ area ( I am in Princeton). Thanks folks.

Bruce
2001 X54.4

[Philly X5]

Originally Posted by 96ce

I have a 2001 X5 4.4 that has been a pleasure to own and essentially trouble free. Recently the SES light came on so I took the car to our local BMW dealer. The codes were P1160 and P2190. On Friday the dealer advised me that "the PCV system needs to be replaced as hoses and systems became soft and collapse when engine is running. Appears to be be due to engine not being used enough to remove condensation in the engine oil system". The estimate to repair is $1,330!!. I am shocked. My X5 has 24,000 miles which I know is low for a 2001, but I never heard of such an issue. Can anyone shed some light on this topic? Is the estimate appropriate? I would greatly appreciate any insights / advice, and also would appreciate a recommendation of an independent BMW shop in the central NJ area ( I am in Princeton). Thanks folks.

Bruce
2001 X54.4

Are you sure you need to replace the whole oil separator and not only the hoses?
I had the same problem with my 03 4.4
Oil separator hoses melted, collapsed from the heat. Mine had 64K miles...
You can DIY. There is a good DYI here for that problem. I think it took me around 1 hour to replace both hoses. Go to the dealer, purchase the parts (around $60) do it yourself and save. Good luck.

[vinuneuro]

Yea, it's a very common problem, esp in winter. Replace the separator now, don't wait till it gets cold. Engine failure is very possible if left unresolved.

[Bimmer360]

get a second opinion from an indy shop and im sure it will be lower and the general rule, dealer is last resort.

[youry]

could someone point on RealOEM.com those two hoses?

[sarnomel99]

I have a 2001 X5 4.4 and my ses light just came on as well. The code was 99162 and they said "I short tested the vehicle and found the fault was caused by the torque converter lockup, excessive slip. With a repair bill of $8,000 which I quickly denied. When I posted these results on here everyone told me to get a second opinion and one guy said he thought they were full of **** So I would be interested in your results and what you end up doing. I think everyone is right on here though.. Dealership is a last resort. I'm searching for a good Indie.. Good Luck

[rastaFarai]

Originally Posted by 96ce

I have a 2001 X5 4.4 that has been a pleasure to own and essentially trouble free. Recently the SES light came on so I took the car to our local BMW dealer. The codes were P1160 and P2190. On Friday the dealer advised me that "the PCV system needs to be replaced as hoses and systems became soft and collapse when engine is running. Appears to be be due to engine not being used enough to remove condensation in the engine oil system". The estimate to repair is $1,330!!. I am shocked. My X5 has 24,000 miles which I know is low for a 2001, but I never heard of such an issue. Can anyone shed some light on this topic? Is the estimate appropriate? I would greatly appreciate any insights / advice, and also would appreciate a recommendation of an independent BMW shop in the central NJ area ( I am in Princeton). Thanks folks.

Bruce
2001 X54.4

Rule #1, don't go to dealer. I just had this issue fixed from an indie. $40 per hose @ 2 hoses plus clips = $92.50. Labor was 1.5 hrs at $85/hr at a great BMW/Benz indie mechanic here in Long Island. A bit far for you so you can keep looking. But I would definitely recommend him if you can leave the car for a few days (he's reluctant to work on weekends LMAO).

[96ce]

My sincere thanks folks. I actually pulled the engine cover off to see if I would be able to do this as a DIY. The hose connections on the left side are easy to get to, but on the other end, the space looks really tight and I am not sure I'd be able to do this job. So, if anyone can recommend an independent mechanic in the NY / NJ / PA metro area, I would greatly appreciate it. Thanks again.

Bruce
2001 X5 4.4

[swissfrank]

that ducting work for the Hvac actually comes off with two nuts. slide it off and you'll have ample access to it! if you don't know what i'm talking about I'll post pics of what i mean.

[supersteve]

Come on Bruce you have two hands, just like the mechanic at the dealer. Why would he be able to reach it and not you???

I'm trying to get you to look at this like a puzzle. You can get the parts and do it!!! It may take you longer than the dealer; but, I'll bet your rates are cheaper.

A side note: I have done it. It is a pain in the A55; but, well worth it. Also, you want to do it first thing before you start the engine that day. Heat will be your enemy.