35D DEF Tank Level Sensor Issue

[bawareca]

We are good, no worries here Even better with the patch for the temp sensor coming.
From what I read here the failures at colder climates are much higher, probably related to the fluid in the tanks freezing at some point.
Replacement of the active tank is actually not a big deal. A few bolts have to be removed, a few rivets and a few clips popped out to remove the bumper. Once the bumper is out there are 2 screws, few electrical connectors and a few quick disconnect hoses. I need to check the exact work hours in the KSD, but shouldnt be much.

[Ozer]

Originally Posted by bawareca

We are good, no worries here Even better with the patch for the temp sensor coming.

Are you working on this patch?

[jfoj]

A patch/hack/mod may be helpful, however, at the end of the day BMW clearly has problems with the reliably of the DEF system and BMW really needs to step up and address this issue.

[Ozer]

Originally Posted by jfoj

A patch/hack/mod may be helpful, however, at the end of the day BMW clearly has problems with the reliably of the DEF system and BMW really needs to step up and address this issue.

Amen to that, maybe we should let the EPA know. They may be interested in this, now that VW is in trouble BMW may act quickly
Anyone know the procedure to report such thing? I looked into it yesterday but didnt really see anything helpful on their site.

[Doug Huffman]

Originally Posted by Ozer

Amen to that, maybe we should let the EPA know. They may be interested in this, now that VW is in trouble BMW may act quickly
Anyone know the procedure to report such thing? I looked into it yesterday but didnt really see anything helpful on their site.

"Use this page to report what appears to you as a possible violation of environmental laws and regulations. Information you submit will be forwarded to EPA environmental enforcement personnel or to the appropriate regulatory authority."

Report Environmental Violations | Enforcement | US EPA

[jfoj]

I have one question of curiosity because I do not and will not likely have a Diesel anytime in the near future. I see people say you can get a message like 500 miles to "No Start". Does this mean if the DEF tank runs low, OR there is some level related error that the engine will not start and is locked out due to a lack of DEF?

If this is the case I could clearly see how people would be concerned and upset with the entire DEF system in these cars.

I also wonder if Mercedes or other manufacturers are having similar high rates of failures in the DEF systems or if this is mainly a BMW thing?

Just not a lot of Diesels in my area and I am just trying to understand what the down side of a failed DEF system can be other than increased NOX emissions from the vehicle.

[Ozer]

Never experienced it myself but i read that if it runs out of DEF or thinks that it has run out, the car will not start because running it w/o the DEF would pollute the environment so they programmed it to not start w/o DEF. That could be a headache if it senses no DEF on the tanks :x

I just sent some info to EPA about this issue, hopefully someone looks into it.

[bawareca]

It can happen to any car to not start and it usually happens without warning. In my mind warning "xxx miles to no start" is a very comforting piece of mind.

[jfoj]

I have a real problem with the fact that the DEF being low or having a erroneous warning can cause the car not to start. I assume this is the case due to the warning?

I realize there are a number of other situations that could cause a no start situation like running out of fuel, running your battery down or any of a number of other failures, but come on, DEF being low is going to leave you stranded. Just one more reliability problem.

I would love to read the EPA requirements that dictates that the vehicle needs to be disabled until the DEF tank is filled. If this is stated, the government again looking out of the consumers best interest, NOT!

With the high failure rate of the sensors in these tanks and the high tank cost due to the sensors not to being serviceable, I can see many people looking for a work around that in the end will probably cause these vehicles to put out excessive emissions. Not going to be a pretty long term situation for BMW or other manufacturers that have these high failure rates.

I mean one of the members is in need of the 3rd replacement tank?? Not very encouraging.

[Ozer]

Originally Posted by jfoj

I have a real problem with the fact that the DEF being low or having a erroneous warning can cause the car not to start. I assume this is the case due to the warning?

I realize there are a number of other situations that could cause a no start situation like running out of fuel, running your battery down or any of a number of other failures, but come on, DEF being low is going to leave you stranded. Just one more reliability problem.

I would love to read the EPA requirements that dictates that the vehicle needs to be disabled until the DEF tank is filled. If this is stated, the government again looking out of the consumers best interest, NOT!

With the high failure rate of the sensors in these tanks and the high tank cost due to the sensors not to being serviceable, I can see many people looking for a work around that in the end will probably cause these vehicles to put out excessive emissions. Not going to be a pretty long term situation for BMW or other manufacturers that have these high failure rates.

I mean one of the members is in need of the 3rd replacement tank?? Not very encouraging.

That is basically what i said in the EPA report i sent few minutes ago. Said people are and will be finding a work around and in long term, cause more damage to the environment and human health, sort of like VW has been doing.