Driving Through Water

[fangbosun]

Greetings from Australia, this is my first post and excuse me if this subject has been covered before. I live on a property which has access via a causeway (which is a concrete ramp used to cross a creek). When we have flooding rain the water level can rise from the usual 4 inches to more than 6 feet (and at considerable velocity!). I have crossed it in our Suzuki Vitara with the water over the bonnet, but that was pretty gutsy (I had to steer into the current). What depth would members advise my recently acquired 2003 3.0D could handle? Are the diffs in X5s open?

p.s Great site!!!!!!

[X5Sport]

The manual for my 2005 X5 3.0D auto says do not drive through water deeper than 50cm (19.7inches). If you have two-axle self levelling suspension, select the 'Off Road' position before entering the water. Lower the suspension and test the brakes on exit.

If it helps, it's on Owners Handbook, Page 142 - referred to as 'Water on Roads' in the main index.

The engine air intakes are at the top of the kidney grills, so you need to watch the bow wave, drive slowly, and don't stop!!

The diffs are exposed but sealed if that makes sense.

[MDEF]

I Drove Over A Very Small River And Water Got To The Electronics Of The Transmission, Under The Car, After A Week The Message Came " Fail Safe Prog", And The Car When On 5th Gear And Stayed There. The Cost Of Changing The Part Was 2000 Euros. Bmw Claimed That Some Previous Mechanic Had Not Closed Propperly The Electronic Box And Water Got In . Water Was Not Higher Than 50cm !!!

[statdoc]

Originally Posted by MDEF

I Drove Over A Very Small River And Water Got To The Electronics Of The Transmission, Under The Car, After A Week The Message Came " Fail Safe Prog", And The Car When On 5th Gear And Stayed There. The Cost Of Changing The Part Was 2000 Euros. Bmw Claimed That Some Previous Mechanic Had Not Closed Propperly The Electronic Box And Water Got In . Water Was Not Higher Than 50cm !!!

That is horrible! Are you the original owner? If so, I would be talking with that first mechanic!

[X5Sport]

There have been reports in the UK of X5's drowning in water as shallow as 20cm, but what was not clear was how fast the driver had entered the water at.

Excess speed will drive water into all sorts of places it shoudn't, but of course an improperly closed cover will have just as devasting effect, even if driven through a shallow puddle.

Diesels will go just about anywhere wet or dry, but electrics won't. I think it is this part of the equation that is the most critical - as you found out, regrettably to your cost.

If you are the first owner, and if you hadn't had any transmission work done I certainly would be asking very searching questions of both the dealer and BMW.

[YankeeBimmer]

Welcome

[mrkbbd]

can all X5s go through that deep of water (close to 2 feet) or is it only the 3.0d?