35d Air Temp. Sensor failure thread

FunfDreisig · #1 12-13-2009, 08:54 PM

Current Status --
By my count three forum members who own an X5 35d have already reported having an Air Temp. Sensor replaced (Craig, 02fireman and Mike75). Another 35d owner recently reported (on bimmerfest) having a 'sensor' replaced. In every case there was a delay in sourcing the part: anywhere from 1 day to several months. Some of the longer delays were due to the dealer getting the wrong or a broken part the first time.

My engine warning light came on a few days ago. I have an appointment for service Wed AM. In the interim I checked the DTC code P007B which roughly translates to a TurboCharger Inter-cooler Air Temp. Sensor problem. I guessing I'll me adding my 35d to the list soon

What we know --
We know there are three temp sensors in that general vicinity of the TurboCharger Inter-cooler on a 35d:
* Air Temp Sensor part # 13627812741 -- low temp between the inter-cooler and the intake manifold -- approx $25
* Air Temp Sensor part # 13627811913 -- high temp between the turbos and the intercooler -- apporx $100
* Exhaust Temp Sensor part # 13628506995 -- high temp? part of the EGR system -- approx $100

What we don't know --
We don't know whether all of the sensors that have been replaced are the same one. IOW this is common problem that merits every 35d owner's attention.

What we need to know --
We need every 35d owner who has (or has had) a sensor replaced to post the part number(s).

Why --
Even though every 35d is still under warranty and these sensors are being replaced at no cost, the delays sourcing the correct part make the fix a hassle. Craig B waited several months to get the right part! If we had this info., we could determine whether there is a pattern of failure that would help 35d owners get the correct part(s) STOCKED by the dealer's parts dept..

Funf Dreisig

jamesr219 · #2 12-13-2009, 10:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FunfDreisig

Current Status --
By my count three forum members who own an X5 35d have already reported having an Air Temp. Sensor replaced (Craig, 02fireman and Mike75). Another 35d owner recently reported (on bimmerfest) having a 'sensor' replaced. In every case there was a delay in sourcing the part: anywhere from 1 day to several months. Some of the longer delays were due to the dealer getting the wrong or a broken part the first time.

My engine warning light came on a few days ago. I have an appointment for service Wed AM. In the interim I checked the DTC code P007B which roughly translates to a TurboCharger Inter-cooler Air Temp. Sensor problem. I guessing I'll me adding my 35d to the list soon

What we know --
We know there are three temp sensors in that general vicinity of the TurboCharger Inter-cooler on a 35d:
* Air Temp Sensor part # 13627812741
* Air Temp Sensor part # 13627811913
* Exhaust Temp Sensor part # 13628506995

What we don't know --
We don't know whether all of the sensors that have been replaced are the same one. IOW this is common problem that merits every 35d owner's attention.

What we need to know --
We need every 35d owner who has (or has had) a sensor replaced to post the part number(s).

Why --
Even though every 35d is still under warranty and these sensors are being replaced at no cost, the delays sourcing the correct part make the fix a hassle. Craig B waited several months to get the right part! If we had this info., we could determine whether there is a pattern of failure that would help 35d owners get the correct part(s) STOCKED by the dealer's parts dept..

Funf Dreisig

If my new car was out of service for a few months, I'd just Lemon Law the thing and get rid of it. The 3.5d is an awesome car to drive, but a couple of months to source a part is unacceptable.

-jr

FunfDreisig · #3 12-13-2009, 11:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jamesr219

If my new car was out of service for a few months, I'd just Lemon Law the thing and get rid of it....

I don't think anyone's 35d has been "out of service" for more than a few days while it was in the shop. IIRC the dealers have simply cleared the codes an told the owners to continue driving the X5 with the CEL (check engine light) illuminated until they could source the part.

That is why I started this thread. If there is a problem with a particular part (e.g. an Air Temp. Sensor), EVERY dealer in the US should have that part in stock so that 35d owners can get their X5's fixed in no more than a day or two.

Funf Dreisig

Armand · #4 12-14-2009, 01:50 AM

Funf, Most of us don't have an OBD reader. Is there a message that comes up with the warning light? Want to know what I should be looking for.

By the way, I think what you are doing is a great idea. It would be nice to extend this to other major issues such as the HP fuel pump problem which has also been reported a few times. As owners we need to be vigilant and do our part to help expedite problem resolution. BMW is standing by their product with a 4 year warranty. That's a lot more than MB, Lexus, Audio and Porsche are doing.

The last major safety/reliability issue I found wasn't BMW's. It was the gas pedal on many Lexus (even 2010's) reportedly causing hundreds of crashes and at least three deaths. BMW needs to do a better job on Quality but right now, I sure am happy to be a BMW owner and not a Lexus one.

FunfDreisig · #5 12-14-2009, 09:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Armand

Funf, Most of us don't have an OBD reader. Is there a message that comes up with the warning light? Want to know what I should be looking for. ....

AFAIK there is no further info available besides the engine warning light* without an OBD II code reader. In my case, the iDrive service screens say all systems are OK. But...

Several members have posted that AutoZone will read the OBD II code(s) for you for FREE. Just don't let them "clear the codes" or "reset the warning light".

FWIW I bought my own generic OBD II code reader because the closest AutoZone in nearly a 40mi round trip. Besides one of my hobbies is working on cars, etc. So I'd rather be able to check the codes ASAP.

Funf Dreisig

* this light is variously called an 'engine warning light', a 'Service Engine Soon light' (SEL) in the trade, or an "Exhaust-gas values" light in the 2009 35d manual. Depending on when you 35d was manufactured it could be a light with the words SERVICE ENGINE SOON or an yellow engine shaped symbol at the top center of the warning lights.

Penguin · #6 12-14-2009, 10:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FunfDreisig

* this light is variously called an 'engine warning light', a 'Service Engine Soon light' (SEL) in the trade, or an "Exhaust-gas values" light in the 2009 35d manual.

And in the trade, it is also sometimes referred to as a MIL (Malfunction Indicator Light) or a CEL (Check Engine Light).

Craig · #7 12-14-2009, 02:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FunfDreisig

I don't think anyone's 35d has been "out of service" for more than a few days while it was in the shop. IIRC the dealers have simply cleared the codes an told the owners to continue driving the X5 with the SEL (service engine light) illuminated until they could source the part.

That is why I started this thread. If there is a problem with a particular part (e.g. an Air Temp. Sensor), EVERY dealer in the US should have that part in stock so that 35d owners can get their X5's fixed in no more than a day or two.

Funf Dreisig

Let us know how long it takes them to get the part to your dealer. I'm really ticked off at BMW...

Craig

Craig · #8 12-14-2009, 02:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jamesr219

If my new car was out of service for a few months, I'd just Lemon Law the thing and get rid of it. The 3.5d is an awesome car to drive, but a couple of months to source a part is unacceptable.

-jr

I asked BMW to buy mine back. I waited 3 months for the air temp sensor to arrive at my dealer. I drove around with a new vehicle for 3 months with a check engine light. BMW doesn't want to purchase my vehicle. I'm still in contact with someone from BMWNA. I also waited 5 weeks for a heated fuel filter. Both times, I had to get BMWNA involved to receive my parts. This is totally unacceptable in my opinion for a new vehicle.

Craig

Retired Profile · #9 12-14-2009, 10:17 AM

My X5 experienced an Engine Warning light this weekend, I am headed to dealer today and I will let you know what it is. We had a weekend of near -30c weather, so maybe something related to that.

Retired Profile · #10 12-14-2009, 02:31 PM

Update on Engine warning light. Well, I went out to start the X in -32c weather this morning, and it started without a problem, AND the Engine Warning Light was now off (after being on for 2 days).

I went to the dealership anyway and asked them what I should do, and they said no need to bring car in now, as long as car was running properly (which is was and is).

We have made a note and put it down to the extremely cold temps this weekend.

I will update if there is anything new to add.