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Quote:

Originally Posted by Scott ZHP (Post 1094079)

Oil in coolant could also mean a failed trans cooler. We've seen a couple of those over the years.

True, but he's been driving it for 2+ years after noticing oil in the coolant... and the indy didn't seem optimistic. I think if the owner wanted to keep the X, the problem would have been addressed at the onset. After 2 years, he probably has oil everywhere in the coolant system.

Quote:

Originally Posted by crystalworks (Post 1094087)

It might have started as a minor leak two years ago, but if you have to add coolant every three days that minor leak has manifest to a large leak.

Quote:

Originally Posted by jagarundi (Post 1093955)

Hello everyone, ok here's the deal:

2003 X5 with 133k miles on it. Started noticing oil in the coolant recovery tank. This has been going on for at least 2 years. Service engine light stays on. Engine never overheats. Recently had to start pouring coolant in about every 3rd day because it gets low. Car cranks right up, idles smooth as a cats purr. Took it to a mechanic and asked for their honest opinion. He told me that there is oil in the water pump as well as the radiator and that in his humble opinion I should get rid of it because the repairs would be extensive.

I'd like to get a second opinion from the community. I'm prepared to spend maybe up to 3k for repairs. The truck still looks good and I would hate to give it up without a second opinion. What say you 'ol wise community?

My final say so on this "Dump the X".

Quote:

Originally Posted by crystalworks (Post 1094074)

As much as I "enjoy" upallnight's particular brand of negativity when it comes to BMW's... I'm usually in agreeance with his diagnoses. If you have oil in the coolant... your head gasket is toast, not your oil filter housing gasket.

I'd suggest doing a compression/leak down test to verify, but I suspect that is beyond the DIY scope in this case. Seems like it's time to sell... or pony up serious cash to have someone else do the work. $3k will go a long ways on these in SOME cases though, so if you REALLY like the vehicle... repairs may be viable. As others said, it's definitely cheaper than a new vehicle.

If the OP is honest with any potential buyer, as bcredliner suggested and I would expect him to be, then he is eating this cost one way or another...either in a direct repair cost or indirectly through a lower selling price.

Quote:

Originally Posted by sunny5280 (Post 1094098)

That depends on lots of factors. What he prices it at, how much the buyer wants it, etc. I think he would probably lose less selling it (especially if he's already had many years driving it) than repairing it.

Just my $0.02 though. Obviously the OP will have to decide how much they like the X. :dunno:

i had an 03 from 03-13, from 08-13 i had to change the batt/alternator several times, oil leaking issue (head gasket had to be repaired), basically for me, although i loved the handling (still miss it to this day) and the overall performance, i was thinking of just trading it in because i was putting so much in it, tires werent cheap (for the sport package tires) and each time it went in for service it was a whole other story, but mine met its fate in a bad way (totaled)

When my X was under BMW warranty and after it expired and I went in to get it aligned, the service rep always came out with a list of stuff that should be done. Never was less than $1,000 and usually $2,500 plus.

It's much much harder to justify owning a 10+ year old X5 unless the highest priority is performance, fun and you can DIY, which also opens up the further opportunity to buy OEM aftermarket parts.

That is unless ones view is the comparison of further potential investment in the X5 you own to the total or monthly expenditure to purchase a vehicle that is not near the point that normal wear parts are dying. That and if the expense to buy something else taxes the budget too much making it a wiser decision to take the risk part failure may or may not happen.