2010 x5 35d engine malfunction warning

[Craig]

Originally Posted by Penguin

Do you Premium diesel sellers guarantee a minimum cetane level?

Yes, 49-51 cetane...

I've spoken with their lab.

Craig

[Craig]

Originally Posted by kbp33

Is there a way to tell by reading on the pump whether it's regular or premium? I asked my local pump guy this question, he seemed clueless.

They don't post cetane levels on the pumps. Where I purchase my fuel, they have signs up stating premium diesel fuel...

Craig

[ranchhand]

In all states (except CA) look for the attached label if you have a 2007 or later diesel.
Until the end of next year the 500ppm can still be sold.
If your station sells bio-diesel blended fuel it has to be B5 or less for your 2007 and latter BMW.

Somewhere on this board I read BMW recommends SHELL premium.
I would think all major brands would offer premium.

[ABMW]

Same thing just happened to me. I have 290 miles on my X5 35d. Engine went in and out of stall mode and within seconds stalled in the middle of a busy 60 mph. intersection. I turned the car off, and then restarted it and it hobbled to safety.

I did refuel it for the first time, with 1/2 tank, but also drove a good 10 to 15 miles before parking it, on the newly topped off tank, and started it multiple times throughout the day before it acted up. The fuel I bought was premium and in Piedmont, CA one of the premier communities in the United States where Diesels are common, as are Ferraris for that matter, so I'm guessing their diesel is clean as can be, and it sure as hell is expensive.

When I started the engine (on a steep downslope hill) the engine malfunction light came on instantly, and "engine operating under reduced power" flashed on the GPS navigation display. I thought it odd, but having knowledge of automobile mechanics, I figured there was a chance to the Onboard Computer / OBD would correct itself.

The car was barely running. It seemed like an electrical glitch to me, but it could have been a fuel supply issue, as they both can replicate each other.

Anyway, Concord, BMW is again showing their true colors. First they told me they could see the car tomorrow, then they connected me to SOS and said it was BMW's responsibility, then SOS sent me back to Concord saying "why would they transfer you to us?," THEN AGAIN Concord transferred me back to SOS via a three way call telling me that SOS could diagnose the car from afar via the car's telemetry, at which point SOS sent me back to Concord. This took about 30-minutes in total, of back and forth B.S.

Now I'm on hold with them. This is turning out to be the worst experience I've ever had with any dealership. Quite frankly I had to speak to a "gum chewing" college kid, who said tough luck, and then to a manager, who finally agreed to give me a sacred appointment.

What a Joke. I told them that I'm leaving tomorrow for a 2,000 mile road trip, my wife has a major health appointment I promised I'd accompany her for (the big C word, is popping up at the age of 31 for her, NOT GOOD) and they could have cared less.

If one more material issue comes up with this dealer, the car's going back, period. I purchased two Hyundai's for a girlfriend in college, and not only did the cars operate in a flawless manner, but their service department was outstanding.

What in the heck is going on with BMW, or is it only the Bay Area Dealerships that are horrendous?

Quite frankly, I told them I had to be there for my wife's appointment tomorrow, it was our only car, and they said "Yeah, everyone needs their car serviced before the holidays. We're really busy."

WTF? DO NOT BUY FROM CONCORD BMW! I've spent 2-hours on this, just to get the to "look" at the X5 tomorrow.

[Craig]

Sorry, keep us posted... I would ask for a loaner and leave your car. I wouldn't risk taking a trip in your X5. It would suck to be stranded...

I asked BMWNA to buy mine back and they said no. I'm still waiting on some sort of compensation from BMWNA.

Craig

[ard]

Originally Posted by ABMW

the Bay Area Dealerships that are horrendous?

Yes.

[NewGTGuy]

Originally Posted by ABMW

What a Joke. I told them that I'm leaving tomorrow for a 2,000 mile road trip, my wife has a major health appointment I promised I'd accompany her for (the big C word, is popping up at the age of 31 for her, NOT GOOD) and they could have cared less.

If one more material issue comes up with this dealer, the car's going back, period. I purchased two Hyundai's for a girlfriend in college, and not only did the cars operate in a flawless manner, but their service department was outstanding.

Hello there ABMW. I just saw your not RE: your significant other's cancer.

I know you don't know me. But, I've had quite a bit of experience with this.

Let me know if you are interested in trying something non-conventional. My GF's mother had a CA125 of 5400 last May. As of yesterday it was 60 with no traditional radiation, chemo, or surgery.

After seeing this it's my new mission in life to save as many people from the cancer industry as possible.

Anyway, I'm available if you need to discuss.

Good luck man!

Brian

P.S. Sorry for the off topic everyone. Private Messages don't work for ABMW.

[Armand]

ABMW, Sorry to hear about your ordeal. BMW of Concord actually has one of the better reviews on Yelp - mind you they are all pretty bad in the bay area.

My case was similar to yours. 300 miles on the car, recent refuel (first time). I did a lot of research. Looks like BMW has some issues with the high pressure fuel pump. A lot of 3 series owners are running into the same problem but not many X5s. In my case the error was very brief and did not result in an actual loss of power. The dealer claimed no error had been logged. They cleared the OBD (why did they need to clear it if there was no error??) So I will not know unless it happens again. They gave the car a clean bill of health and suggested that it must have been a glitch.

The fuel pumps in BMWs use tremendous pressure. Plus all the software. The car picks up every little glitch. Hopefully yours was just a glitch too... The price we pay for the ultimate driving SAV...

[jeffrey yap]

I had the same problem on my 2009 X5 35d recently. Took into dealer who replaced the air temp. sensor and updated the latest software for the car from BMW.
Part had to be ordered but car is supposed to be in the shop for only 24 hours.

[jeffrey yap]

I had the same problem and took it in to myBMW SA. They say its the air temp. sensor that is faulty and needs to be replaced.
They are also looking to "upgrade" my cars software with the latest upgrades...dont know what that means but it is for some recall on ALL X5s from 2009....will keep you posted when I pick the car up tomorrow.