Check Coolant

[X5SHARMA]

Hello All SAV owners

This is my first time joining this blog.

I have just recently purchased a 2004 X5 E53 3.0i in May. Mileage: 44500 at purchase; currently at 46000. The car is in great condition but minor things that are popping up and also this is my first BMW so a lot to learn.

My check coolant sign came on about 1-2 weeks after purchase. The mechanic filled it to the brim so that the dip stick was out and all seemed fine until the light came back on the following week. Now I know we have had some hot days but I don't think that should have such dramatic changes. I found a small drip drip leak right in the front: first top hose out of the radiator slowly dropping when the car is heated. I used super glue hose repair tape but have to change that hose. It seems the hose wraps under the air intake and some other parts. Do you suggest taking this to the mechanic or just do it myself? Also is there any specific way to find out if it's leaking else where?

The second sign that pinged was Check engine oil. I dropped a quart of synthetic 5w30 and the sign has been gone. I still have to take it in for an oil change haven't had the chance since the purchase. It was not purchased at a BMW dealer so I'm hoping I can do as much myself as possible.

All in all the perfect truck so far.

Thanks

[TwinTurboGTR]

Congrats. Please place your information of your whip in your signature, this way everyone knows what you have and how we can help.
Ok, so on to the Coolant.

We need some more information. Since the tech filled it with coolant, how much time has passed till the light came on again? Not only do you have a leaking hose, but you may need a cooling system overhaul. Check around the motor carefully. Smell anything sickly sweet? Look under the X and check for leakage there.

As for the Oil, with a X that year with only those many miles, it maybe the the CCV. Oil pressure has no where to go and just blows out. Look towards the back of the motor and check for any leakage. Also look under to see if you can find a source. It may also be your valve cover gaskets that are leaking.

Congrats, we need more pictures!!!

[X5SHARMA]

Thanks for the intro.

The coolant sign came on approximately a week after he had filled the coolant tank. It was bone dry when I checked it. I can also smell coolant as I open the hood. After observing carefully I saw one location where the pipe was dripping slowly drip by drip. I have not seen the temperature change in the gauge its been right in the middle. I am hoping it would be only the hose but could you explain what I would need to do as an overhaul and could I do it myself? I am not a mechanic but I've done a few projects of my own successfully. I will check around the motor again for that smell you described but the only thing I smell is the coolant. The tape seemed to work fine for the moment but now after dabbing underneath it its still leaking from the same location.

As with the oil I will get a better look at it at the shop when I get an oil change. I will definitely check the valve cover gaskets.

I love the fact that its low mileage but then its also the matter that this vehicle has sat around for some time and may need some things to be changed immediately.

So far I have changed only the cabin filter.

[TwinTurboGTR]

Ok, Check around your expansion tank. See if there is any coolant around the seams. If there is, there is a good chance you Expansion tank is toast and needs to be replaced. Yes you can do this yourself. As for the hoses, those you can do yourself as well, depending where they are. If they go to the back firewall, then it might be a bit of a PITA to get to, but can be done.

If coolant is draining that fast, then you have a serious leak. When I saw overhaul, I mean the water pump, radiator, expansion tank, and all hoses. If you could do this yourself, then the cost isn't that bad, take it to an Indy, its going to be just over a $1K.

And the oil, check when you can.

[X5SHARMA]

Will check those items and get back -- thanks alot!

[Isambard]

Welcome to the forum.

Here is a comprehensive list of how to's to get you under way.. Xoutpost.com - Xoutpost.com x5tips.htm

[X5SHARMA]

This is the leak

2004 X5 E53 HOSE LEAK - YouTube

[northfork]

Originally Posted by X5SHARMA

Hello All SAV owners

This is my first time joining this blog.

I have just recently purchased a 2004 X5 E53 3.0i in May. Mileage: 44500 at purchase; currently at 46000. The car is in great condition but minor things that are popping up and also this is my first BMW so a lot to learn.

My check coolant sign came on about 1-2 weeks after purchase. The mechanic filled it to the brim so that the dip stick was out and all seemed fine until the light came back on the following week. Now I know we have had some hot days but I don't think that should have such dramatic changes. I found a small drip drip leak right in the front: first top hose out of the radiator slowly dropping when the car is heated. I used super glue hose repair tape but have to change that hose. It seems the hose wraps under the air intake and some other parts. Do you suggest taking this to the mechanic or just do it myself? Also is there any specific way to find out if it's leaking else where?

The second sign that pinged was Check engine oil. I dropped a quart of synthetic 5w30 and the sign has been gone. I still have to take it in for an oil change haven't had the chance since the purchase. It was not purchased at a BMW dealer so I'm hoping I can do as much myself as possible.

All in all the perfect truck so far.

Thanks
Attachment 55343

Welcome Sharma,

If the cooling water expansion tank looks like this....replace it ASAP.

[ylwjacket]

When my expansion tank went, it dumped all the coolant in a out 2 minutes. At that point, I was stranded and had to get a tow.

The house is pretty simple to change. Tank would be too, but I had to pay dealer prices for that.

[X5SHARMA]

So I just came back from the shop the dealer suggested to get a better idea of what's going on. I asked the guy how much for the parts upfront but he ordered them anyway. He gave me a total of $400 for coolant expansion tank, top heater hose, and lower small hose, cap, and coolant. I contacted another well known spot and they gave me a total of $140 oem tank and hoses. Guess I'll be doing this myself will keep you guys posted on this. I appreciate everyone's help, first time on a blog and very helpful. Got some pics the hoses are pretty shot and so is the tank so you were right on the money.

By the way I realized I was taping the power steering hose when Infact the heater hose was the one spraying.

Thanks
Darshan