X5 and Cold Weather Headaches

[StanF18]

Seems quite ironic that BMW's premier flagship for handling cold weather driving and snow would have so many cold weather issues....

I liked the other thread about silicone spray for the door-lock mechanism. Will have to keep some on-hand, as that was DEFINITELY an issue this morning with 11 DEGREES outside. I actually got it opened no problem, but then could not slam the door shut. The latch was not locking... PITA

The other issue this morning (and yesterday) was the windshield washer nozzle jets were all frozen up. There was nothing physically blocking them, and the reservoir is half-full. But I got zilch coming out. I know some newer vehicles address this with active heating on the windshield washer nozzles. Is there a way to solve this?? I tried spraying the jets at several points during my 50-minute commute.....NADA

[motordavid]

Stan,
Try running full strength washer fluid in winter and unless your car is pristine and just washed, give it a squirt
when parking for the night; that line full of full strength stuff shouldn't freeze over night.

When my co. cars' lines froze up, I always tried to park in the sun at work and hoped they thawed, though the
drive to work or airport usually thawed them out.

I agree that these Xs have their share of problems exacerbated by any weather colder than "poifect", .
GL,mD

[primetime]

Frozen door locks...Valve cover gaskets...and Oil seperators threads will be all over this forum this winter...I've had each of those replaced last winter and it was not fun...

Generally speaking...The X's just don't do well in cold weather...They don't start up nice when they've been sitting in freezing temps.. Its always a rough start, and you're always wondering "What was that noise? Does it keep making that sound? Or is it going to stop once the car is warm? Should i shut the engine off and try again?" I'm always wondering that. I've had probably 4 or 5 questionable starts of the vehicle this winter (all on extremely cold weather days, when the car has been sitting) Every time there was a noise or something that isn't normal.. Then after driving to my destination (going to a store or something) I come out after a few hours (car is still warm) and it starts like normal, no noise, no wierd sounds... This shit drives me crazy. When sitting in sub freezing temps and the car has been sitting, the X's just don't start up nice.. its like you're wondering if something broke when you started it because of the strange noise or sound, or rattle..And thats if you can even get into your car depending on if your door handle is frozen...

[booninety]

why isn't the door freezing problem not a candidate for recall? it's clearly a flaw in design. I'm tired of having this ultimate driving machine leaving me in the cold! not to mention the safety hazard it poses. I was driving my son to school and it appeard the door was shut but when I turned a corner, the door swung open!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! isn't there anything we can do to get BMW to fix this problem? I have a 2001 and a colleague of mine has a 2006 that ALSO has this problem. is BMW waiting for a lawsuit?

[cmyX6go]

I got in OK, started a little slow, washers worked OK. The cold weather creaks are giving me a headache though.

[Bimmer Ese]

Not to stray off topic too much, but my 01 330i is the same way. I hardly take her out of the garage, yet alone use her as a daily driver. If I do not start and drive her around at least once a week, she'll have a rough start (misfiring, power steering noise). After a min of warm up, the misfiring will go away. Maybe I should buy a space heater so she'll stop giving me #$%# when I take her for a drive.

[youry]

This morning, when I attempted to open the driver door, the door handle just snapped and it stays in almost full open position. I probably broke the carrier. I was lucky to be able to open the door from inside. Some people say if you want performance then you have to pay. Problems like this one have nothing to do with performance.
Btw: I've had many cars in my life but never had such problem.

[jpnut]

I am starting to feel the cold weather issues with the X5 as well, what gives? I am leasing from now on, this stinks.

[primetime]

Our cars = great in nice weather and all cleaned up, no real problems....

BUT...also.

Our Cars = crap in the winter, and a constant Pain in the ass...

[RichiRich]

LOL!!! Stan!! Whats up my man!

Happy Holiday!

Yeah! I opened my passenger door to throw my laptop and Gym Bag in...and boom! I could not shut the door........I ran in the house...boiled a cup of hot water..........ran back out freezing my arse off and poured the hot water in the mechanism area.....and bam....the door caught.....whew! quick fix since I did not have the goods to do it the right way.

All's I can say is that as long as it is below 32 deg. I will be extra cautious and aware with how I drive and I how I treat the ol' girl!!

Happy Holidays!

Rich