New 2008 X5 owner

JCDillon · #1 04-13-2016, 07:19 PM

Hello Xoutpost! I am the recent owner of a 2008 X5 4.8. Not completely new to Bimmers, I also have an 1989 635 CSi, Black on Black 5 speed.
Love the X5 so far, great power, nothing like the V8 burble! I've read about the crazy maintenance costs of some of these and I am hopeful that with good maintenance (previous owners kept great records) I can avoid some of the high cost while expecting to maintain the vehicle as well, if not better, than was previously done.
Anyway, In the month I've had the SAV, I've not experienced anything horrible. I did have to replace one coil pack(dealer did it at their cost) but so far, all is well. Will do all 8 very soon along with new plugs. Any recommendations?
A few niggling issues such as a non-working rain sensor for the wipers. Its weird. When I activate the button on the stalk, they wipe once, but the rain doesn't do anything to move them along. Green LED comes on, but they don't wipe when it rains.
Another is the front ciggy socket doesn't work. Checked all the fuses in the rear (111, 113, 115, 118) and all checked out OK. Any ideas?

Well, apologies for the longish first post! I hope to find great advice and camaraderie on here.
I'll post up picks as soon as I wash it again.

Thanks in advance!

JC Dillon

jdbretz · #2 04-13-2016, 07:58 PM

JC,

I'm pretty sure that fuse if located in the front panel if you haven't checked there. Here is a video that show its location.

On the wipers, can you confirm the windshield is a BMW windshield not an aftermarket replacement? If it was replaced with an aftermarket one, the rain sensing wipers won't work. I don't know the exact reason behind it, but it's something to do with the infrared rain sensor not reading through non OEM glass.

JCDillon · #3 04-13-2016, 08:08 PM

Thanks for the reply. I did see that vid ( luckily I speak Spanish...even though its pretty self explanatory). I will check that and re-examine the card by the back fuse bank.
I had no idea about the BMW Windshield... I'll look to see if its OEM. Doesn't the sensor have a fuse also?

jdbretz · #4 04-13-2016, 08:15 PM

I didn't even realize the video I posted was in Spanish, but I do speak it as well. I just watched the beginning of it to confirm it was an E70 in the video lol. I had my laptop muted when I pulled it up. There may be a fuse for the rain sensor in the front panel as well, but I'm not seeing one that is dedicated to it.

jfoj · #5 04-13-2016, 09:27 PM

Below I have a few links to share.

First one is a Rain Sensing Wiper thread that may help. If the windshield was replaced, this may be part of the problem.

You WILL never know if there is a charging system problem. This is a "feature" of the E70, possibly only the N62 V8 engines?? You should consider a UltraGauge to monitor the charging system.

You should also consider getting on OBDII tool NOW before you need it.
You want the OBDFusion App and interface for $30 or less. Order the interface NOW! Trust me.

Android $3.99 App, interface around $12 for a total of about $16

http://www.amazon.com/Veepeak-Blueto...peak+bluetooth

iProducts $9.99 App, interface around $18 for a total of about $28

Amazon.com: Veepeak Mini WiFi OBD2 OBDII OBD II Scanner Scan Tool Adapter Check Engine Light Diagnostic Trouble Code Reader for iOS iPhone iPad and Android: Automotive

Water pump will leak and you will also want to install the Bimmerfix coolant stent.

http://www.xoutpost.com/bmw-sav-foru...dont-work.html

http://www.xoutpost.com/bmw-sav-foru...tem-issue.html

http://www.xoutpost.com/bmw-sav-foru...sfer-pipe.html

http://www.xoutpost.com/bmw-sav-foru...waterpump.html

JCDillon · #6 04-15-2016, 02:32 PM

Thanks, jfoj. Sounds like you've been through a lot with your X5. I read through some of your other posts and all I can think of is "Yikes!" Getting stranded is never fun, especially in crappy weather. Anyway, I will look into your suggestions. I'm pretty uneducated when it comes to vehicle diagnostics the way you've described them, but I can pick up on stuff pretty quick. The idea you shared about the LED at Low Charge would be a really useful thing. Let me know how that progresses.

jfoj · #7 04-15-2016, 05:15 PM

I have not been through too much.

Mostly normal failures. Luckily I really did not get stranded.

Seems that the water pumps and alternators are just kind of short lived in these vehicles.

Not sure I am going to get on the LED charge indicator too soon, too much else going on and I have my UltraGauge to monitor the charging Voltage for now.