MAF, Tstat housing, disa valve, transfer fluid, electric issues. Happy Christmas 2 me
 

Welp - Sooner or later I was gonna get hit with something nasty and it happened to be at the worst time.

I took the X5 in for a oil change and to check the Service Engine Soon light and was thrown a whole bunch of crap thats really expensive to fix. Im wondering if anything can be done myself or if these prices are decent for some of these.

1 - Mass Airflow Sensor failing - $469 (if its just replacing the sensor I could do it at cost)
2 - Thermostat housing cracked - $439
3 - Disa Valve and PCV (?) valve and hoses - $899 + $399
4 - Transfer Fluid Flush - $124
5 - Front windshield washer pump is busted - $99 (pretty sure I can do this)
6 - Unkown low voltage errors being thrown - $?

Number 3 was the biggest wtf moment. Im not sure if he said pcv or not but definitely disa. I have to check with him again. They werent sure what electrical issues I was having but I did notice my computer was complaining about checking the brake lights but I replaced them and it still said the same thing. When I went to press the brakes in my garage I noticed some slight flickering in the lights whenever I press on the brake pedal :dunno:

Edit: Vehicle is an E53 3.0L with 109K miles

Any recommendations?

MAF, Tstat housing, disa valve, transfer fluid, electric issues. Happy Christmas 2 me
 

One step at a time. If you are handy you can fix any of those.

DISA Repair kit for $75 bears the crap out of a new one that has the same design defect add the one that just died. Be extremely careful to not lose track of the pin that holds the flap (part of the weak design of the original)

1. Start with cleaning the MAF sensor
2. Just replaced wife's thermostat with OE brand for $55 Amazon
3. DISA covered, ccv kits are under $200
4. very very young for transfer case but it will throw a specific code when the fluid wears out. The OE fluid is expensive but takes like a quart and it's not a Difficult process
5. Easy and also you can get by switching pumps I think the rear pump is similar and uses a compatible connector. Switch the hoses and the electric and make the front work until you get the replacement
6. Almost always voltage regulator or alternator, especially if oil gets into the alternator. I rebuilt mine for $20 vs replace for $325.

Hi.

I'm a DIY beginner, but found these easy enough:

3. Disa is easy to remove and check/clean
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c-jstMRxTes

5. You can switch pumps as andrewwynn suggested very quickly. Not difficult when i did it on my 3.0.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aOFiChnWQB4

- DISA...I use the G.A.S. kit, about $65.

- The other issues: MAF use VDO. The rest, search for DIYs that I wrote a while back.

- CCV, don't bother with stick. Search forum for CCV Mod.

The only thing that's difficult at all on the list there is the CCV (BMW's version of a PCV system).

But general advice on the list there - I would not be surprised if your car is not running well, and the mechanic is not really sure what the problem is, so suggests replacing everything in sight basically. He knows if he does all 6, he's sure to hit the right one or two that really needed it, and if you don't mind spending the $$, you'll probably be happy with the car running well again.

So I would prioritize the list with that in mind, as well as the ease and cost of each item. Re-consider every item in the diagnosis as you go.

Actually reading your first post again, there's nothing in there at all about it not running well. Maybe nothing at all is wrong other than that the mechanic is a little short on $$ for Christmas gifts? Consider that too.

Of that $899 I guarantee he is charging $500+ JUST for a new DISA valve. That thing has two screws and can be replaced in about 10-15 min. Hardest part is if the torx screws give you trouble coming out. FWIW, the DISA fails on all these motors eventually. It will likely break again someday unless you go with the repair, which is highly recommended. see https://www.germanautosolutions.com/...repair_kit.php

The cracked t-stat housing assessment is interesting if not a little suspect. Is it leaking coolant at all? Like oldskewel said, makes me think this indie might be looking for his Christmas bonus, but begs the question as to his Grinchly savvy given that anyone suggesting all that to you, in conjunction with a t-stat change, if REALLY wanting to stuff that stocking, would have also suggested the water pump, belts, pulleys etc which would garner another hefty markup and about ZERO additional labor.

The disa valve I can purchase for about $300 and I can pop in myself and save myself 100 bucks if thats all it takes... Same with the Mass Airflow Sensor (which is 400$ part from BMW!). I asked if that $829 included the disa valve and he said no thats just to replace the entire PCV system.

I dont think I can do the pcv system after watching a detailed 3 part video on youtube. Seems like a lot of things to get wrong. Same with the thermostat :(

I got my MAF from FCP Euro. Siemens/VDO for $143. I have the same 3.0L M54 engine. Perfect replacement.

https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/bmw...em-13627567451

If the disa vacuum motor is still working replace the plastic flap with titanium/aluminum. Far far better solution


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