2003 X5 4.4i 55k Overheating or calling WOLF?

[Kierre]

Sup folks! Maybe I have a wierd one for the forum. Recently my upper radiator hose busted while I was on my way home. It did over heat, and it did go into the red zone for maybe 5 minutes. It was pretty hot that day 75/80F. Once I got home and noticed the busted hose, I left the car parked and ordered the part. Here's where it got wierd for me... I replaced the part and went into the bleeding procedure, and the car wasn't on for 2 minutes and the temp gauge went straight to red. I stopped everything and let the car "cool down" for another 3 hours and I tried to start it... it started, but again, straight to red. I put the car in the garage and about 5 hours and later turned the ignition to the on position without actually starting hte car, and guess what.... straight to red. So, while I realize that I could have a major problem in the background, I believe a sensor or something is bad preventing me from getting actual readings and negatin my troubleshooting methods.

Any ideas?

Thanks.

[HPIA4v2]

Originally Posted by Kierre

Sup folks! Maybe I have a wierd one for the forum. Recently my upper radiator hose busted while I was on my way home. It did over heat, and it did go into the red zone for maybe 5 minutes. It was pretty hot that day 75/80F. Once I got home and noticed the busted hose, I left the car parked and ordered the part. Here's where it got wierd for me... I replaced the part and went into the bleeding procedure, and the car wasn't on for 2 minutes and the temp gauge went straight to red. I stopped everything and let the car "cool down" for another 3 hours and I tried to start it... it started, but again, straight to red. I put the car in the garage and about 5 hours and later turned the ignition to the on position without actually starting hte car, and guess what.... straight to red. So, while I realize that I could have a major problem in the background, I believe a sensor or something is bad preventing me from getting actual readings and negatin my troubleshooting methods.

Any ideas?

Thanks.

With engine off and reading out of wack like that, you may want to replace the temp-switch (by the thermostat) and temp-sensor (in the lower radiator hose). I don't know how to test these to see if they are still good; maybe Weasel can tell you how.

[imola38]

'In the red zone for 5 minutes" is an eternity for an aluminum block and head engine. Hope for the best on that one.

Not sure about the gauge problem. Could be a sensor issue or a CAN issue. I would get the DME scanned for faults.

Let us know what happens.

-Ben

[Kierre]

Thanks guys. At this point I won't risk driving it and I'll have it towed to the closest service center at let them evaluate. More to follow soon.

Thanks again.

[Weasel]

I'd expect needint a new thermostat and some temp sensors at the least, and have your fingers crossed it isn't much worse as 5 minutes is a looong time for an overheating engine. Your lucky you have the 4.4i over the 3.0i as they are prone to pulling headbolts threads when overheated too long.