Engine Cooling System Failure
 

I am the second owner of a 2000 build 4.4L V8 X5, vehicle has travelled approx 126000 Km.

I am becoming very sceptical regarding BMWs ability to produce a vehicle that has longevity after the latest component failure.

It took me some time to analyse why the vehicle was requiring engine coolant top ups. Investigation found that the radiator overflow tank had failed. Longitudinal cracks were evident in the casing below the flange where the top of the tank is attached to the bottom section also hairline cracks were found in the top in close proximity to where the radiator cap is installed.

An attempt to repair the cracks using "Araldite" did not provide a positive outcome.

Replacement of the tank and a new cap have resolved the problem. The cap was replacd as a preventive measure in case high pressure had caused the tank failure.

Two issues evolved from this exercise;

1. The original level sensing switch could not be installed without increasing the clearances on the bayonet fitting,

2. The new radiator cap could not be tightened sufficiently to achieve a seal until the root diameter of the male thread on the tank was reduced.

Confidence level in BMWs replacement parts QA is now compromised and I wonder what other gremlins will become apparent during the life of the vehicle.

I raise this issue because I have owned numerous Japanese and Australian built vehicles, at 30% of the capital outlay, in the past and have not seen the gravity of failed components in vehicles of similar age.

i understand exactly how you feel about the quality of the parts
along the years this is pretty much my opinion on bmw parts: the ones that i had to replace most of the time they looked like they were designed not to last really, or so cheap made that its ridiculous. cooling system is a weak spot, lots of common water pump failure (premature) most due to "quality" of the plastic prop, expansion tank failure again must be quality of plastic, i mean i understand it's hot and all where it's located and etc. but there should last longer. considering how many problems e36 M3s for example had with stupid design and quality of cooling system in those cars, you'd think bmw would make it more of a priority, well even today look at the new 335i, whats first issue with that car? running too hot, that's while brand new what about down the road? lol

[quote=Gravy]I am the second owner of a 2000 build 4.4L V8 X5, vehicle has travelled approx 126000 Km.

[quote]

My expansion tank failed exactly at 126000Km together with the pipes gofrom the radiator to the tank.
I just bougth the pipe and expansion tank(not that expensive) and did the job myself. Didn´t take more than 15 min to do it withouth any special tool.

Anyway I agree with you, but BMW is not the only one trying to save some money in some fundamental parts like the colling system. My Boxster and also my Carrera have their expansion tank replaced at 60.000Km both(comun failure on these cars) my 850 Volvo at 103000Km needed also a new expansion tank :confused:

J.Seven

I've said it before: BMW = Bilt Mitt Wubbish

Unfortunately you are right. The quality of BMW parts and workmanship seems to be getting worse as opposed to better. This is my 5th BMW but it is likely to be my last. The phrase 'You get what you pay for' seems outdated these days. As much as I love the X5 I think I'll be looking at something else next time....Say a Hyundai Santa Fe. half the price but certainly not half the quality.

Don

Don you cant be serious a SANTA FE? oh jesus that thing looks like a camel.

We are planning on replacing theCEO's Honda CR-V this winter or, next
spring; we are looking at the large selection of smallish to med. sized
suv-like rides out there in consumer land, these days.

The Hyundai is on the medium long list these days. X3 is penciled in, but
way pricey for a grocery getter/daily beater, imo. The "niche" is chock full
of offerings...

I am going at it with no "brand" in mind; safety, warranty, reliability, price,
mpg, etc., are the key issues. We do no and will not, be autocrossing her
daily driver. Beauty is in the eye of beholder. For daily drivers, beauty often
is barely skin deep and of secondary concern.

Interesting...

Hijack over. :)
BR,mD

Here's what I have noticed in my 16 years of owning BMW's
1. Do not buy 1st model year vehicles! There are always bugs that need to be fixed and parts do not hold up.
2. BMW has increased the use of plastic parts in the cars. It reduces weight and cost, but decreases longevity.
3. BMW's will nickle and dime you in maintenance. However, the big items tend to last longer than most cars.

DVS, your right of course the Santa Fe can't touch the BMW X5 for looks, engine performance and drivability. But as I am currently driving around in a BMW X5 Lemon (as you guys say) and BMW arn't interested in exchanging the car, then why should be interested in increasing their profit margin. Go with the Santa Fe or something along those lines and save a fortune.

Don