Exaclty...embarassing first..pisses me off second.

below 35, i get intermittent rattle from lower windshield line, sounds like pelting of heavy rainfall. checked the wipers but it isn't the culprit.

primetime,
temp. gauge pegged to the right and heater not blowing hot air after 10 mins of driving could be either oil seperator issue as you said or it is about 90% sure of the failing thermostats which gets stuck close/open so the coolant doesn't get heated which makes the heater gives no heat. about 6 out of 10 e53 in the cold area experience this. replace your thermostats and housing, so the coolant dont get stuck cold. and for your information, a failing oil seperator doesn't show any signs before you see a big cloud of smoke.

to tysonkim and op, you have a failing battery, failing thermostats. replace both of them, you should be ok. replace your oil more often in winter it will eliminate the water in the oil that could cause the failing of the oil seperator and make a longer trip, short trips in winter kill the oil seperator faster.

^*&(%!

Here's #8....

This morning I checked the oil during a gas stop on the way to my ski area and found some brownish-white creamy engine jizz on the dipstick and inside the oilcap. I turned around and went home (60 miles) rather than risk breaking down in the middle of nowhere.

No noticable performance probs yet, and it starts and drives perfectly fine for now.

Taking it to my indy mechanic when he opens shop this morning. I wonder which kidney I'm gonna have to sell....


*updated*
7 codes come up on the ODB:
- Thermotat stuck open
- Misfire cylinder 2
- Misfire cylinder 4
- Fuel running lean
- yada yada brake lamp
- yada yada gas cap loose
- and a minor one I can't remember


*update #2 - 2/15/08*
Thermostat stuck open, engine not heating up = moisture buildup and fuel running lean.

The electronic t-stat was replaced; All O2 sensors inspected and cleaned (which were all covered in dirt). $75 for the electronic t-stat, $20 for the BMW coolant, and $150 for labor, total $245. Problem solved. :D

Donovan, I'm having all the same problems as you friend. It's really annoying, just moved to Chicago from AZ and my X5 hates the cold obviously as much as me. It's in my service center right now being repaired (I hope). I printed your posts for the thread and gave it to my service writer as I'm having 100% all the same issues are you are. Lets just hope they fix it correctly and try not to bend me over.

This is also a sad day for me as it's the first time I've ever had to pay someone to work on any of my BMW's...Big city....no garage space.... :( Thanks for this thread guys!

Problems:

-milky substance on dipstick and oil fill cap.

-temp needle stays on blue or after 10 minutes shoots straight to red

-minimal hot air w/ the heater on blast.

-minimal coolant loss

-SES light on

Resolution:

-$284.00, replaced t-stat housing and all my problems are gone.

Now if I could just stop my damn drivers side door from freezing!

Yeah that door handle will continue to freeze and it'll get worse... Moisture gets trapped inside the door handle carrier and freezes. I finally had enough of it last year and had the dealer replace the part with the updated version. 500 bucks..

I have an even more effective fix than that. I just need to move my ass back to Arizona from Chicago. My Nickle and I would both be happier...

:rofl: ..thats true.

it's going to be stuck again. I had my replace last winter with the updated version too. And it already stuck on me last week.