Dreaded N62 (4.8i)Coolant Leak - Merry Christmas

[slowlanemcvane]

It's shocking to me that a car that cost $60,000+ new could be as poorly engineered as these BMWs are. I've owned 3 (E46, E53, E70), and all of them have been mechanical nightmares that would have broken me if I wasn't a semi-competent mechanic. After owning two Ford Focuses (Foci?), one of which was purchased new for $15,000, and the other that was used for $6,000, I never had to do major work on them. Just brake jobs, shock and strut replacement, and replace a thermostat and other maintenance items. These BMWs, however, for all of their sticker price and crazy over-engineered German-ness, they can't manage to make a cooling system that has any sort of integrity? It's only mildly pressurized hot liquid, and cars have been liquid cooled for the bulk of their history. But no, these things require constant attention and love, as if they were a woman.

Maybe that's the ticket. A BMW, like a woman, will periodically have a melt down and leave you scratching your head and spending hundreds (if not thousands of dollars) to fix it. A Ford is more like a man. Turn him on and touch the stick once in a while and he'll be happy.

[fepat55]

I have the dreaded cooling pipe leak .This is on a 2008 x5 4.8i. This is after 156,000 miles. I have been rigorous about changing the coolant. Changing it at 2yrs or less since the vehicle was new. Regardless of whatever anyone tells you, i think it is just fate.

[BMWjason]

What type of coolant cap are you using on your coolant recovery tank? Is it OEM, has it ever been replaced. Has your coolant recovery tank ever developed a leak or crack, these are all signs of over pressurization. 150000 miles aint nothin to complain about either.

[gregg3gs]

Originally Posted by fepat55

I have the dreaded cooling pipe leak .This is on a 2008 x5 4.8i. This is after 156,000 miles. I have been rigorous about changing the coolant. Changing it at 2yrs or less since the vehicle was new. Regardless of whatever anyone tells you, i think it is just fate.

Are you sure you have the leak?

Is it coming from the weeping hole in front of the engine or the cover under the intake manifold?

[jfoj]

Might want to consider this as an option - Bimmer Fix | Coolant Pipe Repair System

My water pump bearings went at 78k on my 2008 so I am doing this while I have my water pump off.

Also suggest anyone with a 4.8l to PM the water pump by 75-80k just to be on the safe side.

Replace the stub pipe from the rear of the water pump and the plastic pump pulley as well.

[gregg3gs]

Since you will have the pump out consider the thermostat.
My failed soon after I did the pump, and is not that expensive.

[jfoj]

I have been running the 90C thermostat for the past 6 months anyway.

Overall the thermostat is very easy to change, draining and refilling the coolant it more difficult than the thermostat replacement.

[95wildtt]

Now at 88k and have another oil leak... Haven't checked out the source yet, but have drops on the garage floor under the access hole for the filter.

From 2 years ago. 2/8/14
Had my coolant leak at 75k, 15 months ago... Fixed.
Had the oil leak from the valve cover gasket on drivers side which leaked into the alternator and caused it to fail. In addition, had oil leaking from the vacuum pump... All caused by a plugged/faulty crank case vent... Also replace the gasket on the drivers side at same time. All fixed/replaced.

Never ends...

[Davidf]

Originally Posted by 95wildtt

Now at 88k and have another oil leak... Haven't checked out the source yet, but have drops on the garage floor under the access hole for the filter.

Never ends...

Probably the oil cooler piping assembly to engine block seal. I think I am in the same boat with my '08 with about 80k miles.

[95wildtt]

Having it looked at on Friday. Will let you know...

Thanks,
John