CEL came on, code P203a. Active tank replaced. **77k mile update, Passive Tank bad!

[scollins]

***6/10/15 Update at bottom of post!!***

Mostly just venting......

2010 X535D with 65,000 miles.

Over the past 2 months, our CEL has come on a few times, and gone away. I've scanned the code each time, and it comes back "P203A" on my Creader VI. This last time, it didn't go away (I never tried to clear the code with the Creader VI), so I figured it was time to get it to the dealer for a look-see.

Finally got the X5 into the dealer today to look at it, as we are approaching 70,000 miles, and the code appears to be related to the emission system. WA cars are required to have CA emissions, so we also get BMW CA Emission warranty of 7/70.

Dealer calls today, and says the problem appears to be coming from the fuel filter heater. This is odd, because every time I search for P203A, it comes back as a DEF related issue. Anyway, they have the "special" computer that reads things better, and that is what they found after hours of looking.

Of course, they are telling me this isn't covered under the CA 7/70 emission warranty. First she tells me that we are in WA not CA, so the CA warranty doesn't apply. I have a copy of the BMW warranty, downloaded from BMW's website, that says otherwise.

Quote is for $637 plus tax, and the part is not in stock. I say that is unacceptable, and this needs to be elevated to BMW NA for resolution. Additionally, I learned that this part was subject to a recall, but only for vehicles made up to 11/2009. Our is a mid-2010 build, the last of the MY2010 to roll off the assembly line. My experience tells me they didn't quite get the fix right....

The SA asks if I considered the Extended Warranty on this vehicle. At $5,000 (WA State adds 9.8% sales tax onto it), I said if the X5 costs me even half of that out of pocket in repairs before 100,000 miles, it will be gone. I've already had to fight with them to replace a battery that died after 2.5 years (we were past the 50,000 mile mark), and I can't help but wonder if this fuel filter heater didn't help kill the battery too.

So, now I'm waiting to hear back from the dealer about next steps. I think beyond that, I may be done with the X5 and looking at the next vehicle. Might even consider leasing, just so that I dump these modern lemons before issues start cropping up.

Hell, even my Toyota Tacoma hasn't been the role-model of reliability that they were once known for. I swear I'm not that old, so it pains me to say "I guess they just don't make them like they used......"



OH! And we just dumped $1,400 into new tires for it last month! And of course, earlier this week the wife drives over a nail and we get a leak! Caught soon enough to be repaired, even though I have Discount Tire certificates for replacement. I guess if I go to trade in/sell the X5, I will have to point out the brand new tires.....



Update on 6/10/15 and 77,000 miles, the Passive DEF tank sensors are now bad and need to be replaced!

The X5 has been throwing a new code over the past 2 months, P281A. I've cleared it a few times with my Creader VI, and it has mostly gone away for extended periods if I top off both DEF tanks.

The last time it threw the code, I noticed a lot of urea crystals around the filler spout for the active tank. Topped it off and cleaned it up. Shortly afterwards, I was in at BMW Seattle for an oil change, and I mentioned the error codes. They did a scan and came back with this:
"Confirmed SES light on. SCR Passive Tank sensor fault. 4 times. Performed test module. Accessed connector. wiring and signal voltage ok. sensors in tank failed. recommend replace."

Estimate? $2,200 plus tax. OUCH!!!!! And great timing, as we were shopping for a new X5 to replace this one (I called it a ticking time bomb, I waited too long.....)

Well, in working with both BMW Seattle and BMW NA, I got the repair covered at 100%, and promptly placed an order for a 2015 X5 35i. I'm done with the diesel because of the emissions crap that is required to be on it. About the only way I'd consider a diesel again is on a lease that ends before the 4/50k warranty is up.

Naturally the part is not in stock ANYWHERE in the US right now, so it will be a few weeks. I'm guessing it will arrive about the time I go to pick up the new X5.