BMW TSB's (Technical Service Bulletin)
 

Greetings,
Can someone shed some light on this for me: my car is out of warranty and is experiencing the exact problem outlined in one of the BMW TSB's. Does this mean it's like a recall and BMW should fix it at no charge, or they can fix it, but on my dime?

Depends on what the TSB says, IMO.

A TSB is not a recall. It is simply a technical instruction on how to repair a problem that has been seen before. If a BMW document states that BMW will pay something towards a repair, great. If not, you can ask for assistance, but the dealer is not under an obligation to repair it for free.

What is the problem and can you post the relevant TSB?

Sure - Service Engine Soon light comes on - Connected to computer - Discovered Fault Code 2EF4. Service Bulletin located here states that onboard computer needs to be re-programmed.

Thing is, my 05 X5 is just out warranty. A month prior to warranty expiration, it overheated and per dealer, water pump replaced. I am going to contact the dealer tomorrow and try to connect 2&2 together and hopefully get them to take care of this. Otherwise, got a quote for thermostat replacement job at $220 at an indy shop... Thoughts?

It may be related to the overheating, but it also may be completely unconnected. You may know all this, but the characteristic map thermostat is a thermostat that has a heating element in it, and it adjusts its opening depending on engine load, and a few other things. It is designed to increase engine temperature in the partial load range. The fault code you are seeing may be related to the DME software, the thermostat, the heating element of the thermostat, or in the wiring harness. It may also be a symptom of another problem, and not the root cause. Sorting that out depends on the BMW test procedure. The code is simply a flag to start the proper diagnostic procedure.

Depends what your dealer says. Worth asking, but I would be asking politely if this could be related to your previous problem, and not blustering. Try and get them on your side. Just my $0.02.

I would be talking to the dealer (or an independent with the appropriate diagnostic tooling) before replacing a thermostat. Also, since the bulletin was several years ago, and it isn't clear what serial number range it applied to, your vehicle may already have the correct version of the software.

I had the same error in my 05. When I bought the car last month (warranty ran out in December when it was traded in) I ran diags and showed the stored code. I cleared it out, then about a week later it came back, tripping the SES light. I had the full BMW service history of the car, and this TSB was not referred to, so the software update may not have been performed on yours (like mine).

I updated the DME, EGS, DXC, and VTG last week. It hasn't come back so far.

Where in the Bay Area are you located?

that bulletin you linked to only applies to e70 4.8i vehicles.

So after speaking with a dealer today, I was offered a thermostat replace job for $375 out the door. Went and saw my indy mechanic friend, decided to do this: clear the code and watch for the SES light - if it comes back, will move forward with thermostat replacement going with indy for $220.
Did about 3 hrs of driving today after clearing the fault - no SES light *knock on wood*

Cegeste: I am in Foster City.

any update on this issue?

Bump

Question of the day
"Does he still own the vehicle in question?"