Is it time?
 

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?

What engine do you have? The V8?

3.01 V6

Just a heads up, it's a straight 6, not V6. Which is relevant because it could be a head gasket (straight 6s only have one, V6s have two). Do you burn coolant? What codes are tripping the service engine soon light?

Either way, it sounds like DIY isn't your thing so this will probably be expensive.

How expensive, ball park? It just started drinking coolant I would say a month ago. With all things considered do you think it's time to let it go?

If it's a head gasket, a couple grand at least I'd imagine. You'd really have to do more diagnostics first to tell. As far as letting it go, thats a very subjective opinion.

Noticed oil in resevoir tank, SES light on for 2 years?? (Face Palm)

133k on 3.0i isn't that much but I guess at this point it's up to you. How much do you want to put back into it and keep driving it. Or simply dump the vehicle like most people do. Clearly did not stay on top of the maintenance and kept pushing it off. Now the repair bill piled too high putting you in this situation.

I would have the codes read, compression and leakdown test done to see if that pinpoints the problem and make your decision based on the results. The cooling system can be flushed. At this point any input is some level of educated guess. I would also suggest that you have the vehicle completely inspected so you have a good idea if there are other repairs, or components in hospice that will need to be addressed in the near future. Investing as much as $3,000 in a vehicle with 100,000 miles on it comes with risk. There is no way to be certain you have mitigated all the risk.

Personally, I would disclose the problem to a potential buyer and by doing so the value of your X5 will be terrible. That could make the repair the best decision especially since you still like the vehicle.

It's much much cheaper than a new one. and the insurance is cheaper…….:D

Depends how long you want to keep the car. At 160K miles I dropped $2K for a head gasket swap w/ associated labor on my 3.0i. The thing was overheating once in a while and oil was mixing with coolant. I'm at 229K miles now and it has run solid ever since - looking back, the $2K was worth it for (at least) another 4+ years and 70K miles...