E70- need help..
 

Hi guys- need help and direction. My wife drove her 09 X5 through a very deep puddle during a torrential downpour in a poorly lit area- no visibility. Upon doing so, the motor died. Without fully knowing the dangers, she tried to restart the engine, to no avail. Eventually it did start, and was able to drive to safety -coughing and sputtering the whole way. The longer the vehicle sat, it seemed to slowly clear itself of the coughing and became more normal.
When I got to the scene, and saw that it was running, I assumed that if water had been ingested into the intake, the engine would've likely been locked, or would've been "blown".. But it clearly was running, no warning lights, and no appearant engine damage.
Now a day later, we started it, let it run for a while, and the coughing and sputtering has dissipated, and was showing signs of normal operation. Again with no warning lights.
Here's my question- what do I need to look at at this point to be certain all is well with her Beamer? Also- an engineer friend of mine suggested that I need to change all fluids in the vehicle- oil, trans, diff, and radiator. My thoughts- if it shows signs of no damage and normal running, then that would be less likely/impossible for any of the fluids to be compromised by rain water, or that any rainwater would've seeped in. Am I correct in this? Should I change any of the fluids? And as for the fluids, how can I check the integrity of the fluids with no dipsticks?
Any help or direction you guys have will be greatly appreciated!!
Thank you!

Hmmm...let's first thank the Lord above that she made it home safe. When these storms occur...all to frequently we get news of motorist that get swept away trying to drive thru "deep puddles".

PLEASE reiterate to her to NEVER drive thru water that you can't tell the depth...or if it is flowing across the road etc.

As you can see in the video below...t h e X5 can normally drive thru water about a foot high with no problems...so if this was truly just a "puddle"...the engine shouldn't have cut off. Since it did...I would venture that it was more than a deep puddle.

Thank you! My wife would never drive across a road buried by water intentionally. Her visibility was poor due to streetlights being off (lightning), and the downpour. Trust me- she wouldn't jeopardize her beamer or do something to cause us to have to pay $$ for repairs. I believe it was 12" of standing water, but she hit it at about 20 mph-again not suspecting the road she drive every week was now pitch black and flooded, and unable to seethe impending water problem.
Just had the computer checked- because the check engine light came on, and some light sputtering. I assumed a misfire based on what it was doing. Scanner confirmed cylinders 4,5,6 misfire.
..and yes- the GOOD LORD was thanked the whole time! ;)

My guess you are looking at some electrical malfunction rather than water getting into engine.
Changing fluids would guaranty this when you flush them.
With exception of Transfer Case breather hose on top of the Transfer Case I don't know any of these systems to be opened to outside.

How deep was the puddle?

That's what I am assuming as well.. The puddle was only about 8-10" deep. The only thing I do not like about these is the fact there is no dipsticks.. That's my concern.. An oil change is easy and not too expensive. The transmission, t-case, diffs, ouch!

BTW - my daughter lives in La Porte. We are having the same heavy rain in Indy with flash flood warnings.

You don't mention what engine you have in your X5, but can you easily remove the coil packs and plugs from cylinders 3,4 and 5 and visually inspect them? (Pretty easy on my 3.0 N52 engine) Can you sit a small fan in the engine bay and try to dry everything out?

We started it this morning, drove it down the road, and check engine light came on, and some sputtering ensued. My wife is going to take it to shop close by us, as she filed an insurance claim the next day just in case this wasn't en easy quick fix. If they determine it to be just coils and plugs, simple enough to fix myself.. If its extensive, then that's when I throw in the towel.

Here's another question to add to the many I have: when she went into the water, and the engine died, she tried putting it into neutral to no avail. How can someone put this in neutral if it needs to be pushed, or even towed for that matter? Could've helped a little that night.

Page 72 of the owners's manual has the instructions

Thank you so much!! That was such a big help!

So now we have some fear about the status of the engine.. We did find a wet air filter.. Grrr...
Now- according to the fine folks at auto zone, the computer shows fault codes for misfire- cylinders 4,5,6. Now- could it be possible that not enough water got into the engine to cause damage?
Is it possible that it could ONLY be bad coils? If it had hydrolocked when she first tried to start it, wouldn't she have positively knkwn it? Wouldn't the engine make a knocking sound from a bent connecting rod? The engine sounds smooth when it runs. In addition this, are there any tangible signs of a bent rod? Would a bent rod show in the computer as a misfire? Or is a misfire genuinely that-a misfire?

If that checks out OK, I understand too that the MAF is also wet, and with The air filter alone being wet gets the MAF wet it will cause some of the identical operational symptoms. But will this also cause the misfires posted by the computer?

Look, if you desire is to validate reasons for sticking your head in the sand and not looking for issues, why ask????

You seem to be picking issues and positing that these are proof that nothing catastrophic happened. IT MAY HAVE. You may have an engine with bent conrods. It is entirely possible there is nothing wrong. But saying it is "likely a coil" does not equate with 'therefore there can be no other damage'


This whole thread is such an odd testament to self-delusion and wishful thinking....

You want to go 4-5 months until something happens? Only THEN have to deal with insurance? After youve tried a half dozen half a$$ed things?

You have insurance, right? Take it to the BMW dealer and have a proper diagnosis done. Instead of pissing around with 'a little bit of this and a little bit of that'. Having a fully qualified mechanic deal with it from the beginning would have been a FAR better plan then pulling some codes.... taking out wet filters in a car part store parking lot..., etc, etc

Park it
Tow it
Get it diagnosed

IMO

ard- as much as I do appreciate the words of "wisdom", I do not however find your oipnion on " sticking my head in the sand" as valid here. The plan was since this happened was to have it towed to a repair facility to have a qualified mechanic look at it. I am a person who will look for immediate simple solutions first, and eliminate those variables. Its logic, and not putting a head in sand-but thank you just the same ;-)
If the entire thread would've been thoroughally read, you would see where I stated our insurance was called the very next morning to start the claim process. If this turns out to be something simple-then I could fix myself and save the cost of having to pay deductible on insurance. Simple. This is my wifes truck. She drives our chikd around in this truck. I will not take any chances of having her get stranded with this. As i did say, i am only taking a logical first step, in looking to eliminate simple variables first. Simple. Not self delusion and wishful thinking, merely logical. Sad that this is lacking here. Everyone else who kindly responded has been very helpful, seems as though your reply is a testament to how you can (attempt) to make someone else's issues and how they deal with them- a joke to you.
As for park it-tow it-get it diagnosed... Already there, sadly enough long before your insightful input. This is a forum intended to help others -keep that in mind before you decide to give your much unneeded opinion as to whether someone is delusional, or just merely trying to eliminate the simple first. Good day.

Pastor,

I hope this works out for you. I do want to come to ard's aid a bit here- I don't believe his post and language was intended as personal. He's been around the board for a long time and has helped many- 4000+ posts. It is frustrating to read repetitive posts regarding issues that folks have (not your case, but many) and they are looking for an inexpensive quick fix to what is almost universally a bigger issue. Some of us become jaded and its easy to post something in a tone that may not be appropriate for the situation.

There are triggers- for example scanning for codes at a parts store. The scanners they have only give you the required federal codes. If you had your car scanned at a BMW independent or dealer you would have obtained much more detail as to the nature of the failure. There's a huge difference between a federal "P" code and the HEX codes that come from using the proper software.

Maybe his language and delivery could be softer but the point is the same- these cars are complex and expensive to repair. You can't get good advice from the guy who "might be able to get some struts from the warehouse"

If you really want to begin to understand your BMW- this is a great place to hang out. You will find that there is help available- many times from experts- and you will be able to do things you never thought possible.

Again- good luck with your car- I hope it turns out to be an easy fix.

Mackskibum- I appreciate that, and as I stated I do appreciate the help everyone here has shared. I didn't mean in any intend to rekindle some pre existing chaos.
I am a toolmaker by trade, and every single vehicle I have owned, I have been able to fix 90% of any issues myself- every vehicle I've owned I've been able to find a corresponding "Haynes" manual, to help me see what I should be looking at. This is the first one I have owned that I have not found anything on hard copy to reference from. So needless to say I am a newbie to this forum, and as such working on newer BMW's. I am no stranger to getting my hands dirty. I am way more daring on a vehicle that I drive daily than I am on a vehicle my wife drives, which is why I joined this site. I will take as much technical advice and direction as I can get my hands on (plus if there is a manual available, please let me know).

My language was intended to get your attention, not abuse you.

I do TOTALLY understand the 'DIY ethos', and the desire to try and self identify the issues. Indeed, even if you WILL use a dealer (for say warranty repairs) I like to know what is wrong first. Before I even bring it in.

Having said that, I still believe that within minutes of driving through the puddle, the car should have been parked and towed- and the next person to look at the car should have been following a forensic process- insurance adjuster, BMW shop, etc. Driving it; changing filters; drying out the airbox- all may (MAY) interfere with diagnosis and claims. Thats all.

Finally, there is a paucity of manuals for BMWs. They used to be available as CDs, but now BMW has them all on line. There are ways to get pieces. access, etc, but it really isnt as satisfying as he old days of watching TV and perusing the manual. ;)

Try BMW Workshop Manuals

I missed it- what motor?

Ard- thank you.. Well understood, and appreciated. In a sense its difficult to ascertain someone's true intentions through written words.
All this being said- our truck is currently at a local mechanics shop-whom we've used for 15 years, and they work on a lot of European vehicles. So far, nothing catastrophic. The closest BMW dealer is 45 min from my house. I've already talked to service manager, and it this local guy sees anything outside of simple, then the BMW dealer will tow it out there. As such, I am much more confident knowing that BMW will come and get it- which was a huge concern for us.
As for your advice- I am thankful in spite of misunderstood beginnings- for your advice. I am an eager learner, and since I've been doing most of my repairs, I've learned a tremendous amount, thanks for guys who are willing to share what they have learned as well. This X5 though- a different animal... Love the truck, but wow..
As for engine- its the 3.0 inline 6.

which one?

...not sure how to tell the exact model # of the engine. I know its the inline 6, .. How can I determine this?

So got the X5 back already. The mechanic said no water in the oil, and no abnormal engine noises. He said the MAF was wet, and was faulting out, and the air filter being wet, it was starving the engine from oxygen, causing misfire. Now, this was an ASE certified mechanic, licensed to deal with engine issues. However at this point our insurance will keep the claim in a "paused" status for up to a couple years, for any related issues. Should there be any more issues with this, we will have the BMW dealer come and tow it..

Should be an N52K since it is an 09.

Put the last 7 digits of your VIN number here to get a complete build sheet on your X5:
bimmer.work : VIN Decoder for BMW

Vin No thing doesn't work


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Sometimes the VIN decoding sites have issues...that's why I keep several of them bookmarked...if one doesn't work try the other.

Here's my top 3:

1. https://www.bmwvin.com/
2. BMW vin decoder online
3. bimmer.work : VIN Decoder for BMW