X5 35D Engine Faults

I've just read the latest Consumer Reports review on the 35d. For the 2011 prediction, it rates is as "Much worse than average. Based on the latest survey, we expect reliability of new models will be 68% below average"

I never expect BMW to be the most reliable vehicles out there, but 68% below average? The 3 items ranked at much worse than average are "fuel system, body hardware, audio system." Only time will tell if these predictions are accurate, but has anyone had fuel system issues yet?

I have had my 35d for about 34 days now. My X5 went into the shop today. My repair history:

First visit: Bad Instrument Cluster, repaired a flaw in leather door, lubricated rear passenger door (would not close on first try), and finally left me with a free door ding on the driver's door.

Second visit: Several warning lights (Parking Brake, ABS, xDRIVE, Chassis Stabilization) - for sure the AWD is not working. Did not hear anything back from dealer today. Is it asking too much for the SA to call the customer at the end of the day to provide some feedback?

If you want a loaner at my dealer you must set up your appt two weeks in advance. Not sure how you do that when your AWD craps out.

With all this, I must say I love my new X5 35d. As an owner of several BMWs now, I expect to make several visits per year (not per month though.) If you are looking for guaranteed reliability and do not have the patience or want to deal with dealer visits, I think BMW is the wrong brand unless you get lucky as some percentage of BMWs do provide trouble free driving. Just a smaller percentage than other brands I guess.

Usually posts complaining about reliability come from people who just joined a forum looking for answers or just to complain. From what I've seen so far on this and other X5 forums is a large number of owners who are regulars on the forum and have started to have problems with their X5 (35d in particular). Mine has flaked out a couple of times already. I started posting to this forum when I had ordered the vehicle. :-(

-- Lee
2011 X5 35d

Originally Posted by brenner88

I've just read the latest Consumer Reports review on the 35d. For the 2011 prediction, it rates is as "Much worse than average. Based on the latest survey, we expect reliability of new models will be 68% below average"

I never expect BMW to be the most reliable vehicles out there, but 68% below average? The 3 items ranked at much worse than average are "fuel system, body hardware, audio system." Only time will tell if these predictions are accurate, but has anyone had fuel system issues yet?

What does "68% below average mean"???????? Is average one visit every 5 years and 68% below is 1.68 vists per 5 years??

I think it all depends on how the owner is 'wired' about car issues, and how they manage their dealer and how good the dealer is.... some people are ready to commit suicide if the car has two issues in the first week. Disappointing, yes- but let them fix it and move on.

Having said that, I think BMW has an absolute disaster on their hands with the BS navigation/entertainment system... I expect wholesale changes to that software over time.

A

Originally Posted by LeeX5

Usually posts complaining about reliability come from people who just joined a forum looking for answers or just to complain. From what I've seen so far on this and other X5 forums is a large number of owners who are regulars on the forum and have started to have problems with their X5 (35d in particular). Mine has flaked out a couple of times already. I started posting to this forum when I had ordered the vehicle. :-(

-- Lee
2011 X5 35d

Lee, you completely misread my post. I'm asking if anyone has experienced any fuel system issues in reference to the CR article. I've owned 3 BMWs' and have not seen a review like this from CR (however subjective they may be). I do have a complaint about ass*** like you that make no contributions to the forum with senseless comments.

What are the fuel system issues of which you speak? High pressure fuel pumps? We know they were a mess on the E90 and E60 - have not heard of F10's or E70's having many (any?) problems yet. We also know folks who get all hot and bothered when they don't tighten the gas cap, throw a CEL and immediately want to find a lemon law attorney. I guess these are "fuel system issues", however trivial. Or has CR spotted something else that folks on this board haven't started carping about yet?

Originally Posted by brenner88

Lee, you completely misread my post. I'm asking if anyone has experienced any fuel system issues in reference to the CR article. I've owned 3 BMWs' and have not seen a review like this from CR (however subjective they may be). I do have a complaint about ass*** like you that make no contributions to the forum with senseless comments.

And your own contributions to this forum would be.....?

Originally Posted by brenner88

Lee, you completely misread my post. I'm asking if anyone has experienced any fuel system issues in reference to the CR article. I've owned 3 BMWs' and have not seen a review like this from CR (however subjective they may be). I do have a complaint about ass*** like you that make no contributions to the forum with senseless comments.

1. I don't know what "fuel system issues" the geniuses at CR are referencing.... The reports of 'fuel system issues' in the DIESEL are very low, just going from my memory here. Intake air temp faults? Yes, been there, recalled that. Fuel system? No, unless funky DEF (an exhaust fluid additive) is 'fuel system' at CR.

2. Don't pull out the ******* comments so quickly- I think you actually misread his post. Why don't you guys first figure out if one or the other is being an ******* before the names, no?

A

Originally Posted by quackbury

And your own contributions to this forum would be.....?

Originally Posted by ard

2. Don't pull out the ******* comments so quickly- I think you actually misread his post. Why don't you guys first figure out if one or the other is being an ******* before the names, no?

A

Agreed and agreed!

Originally Posted by brenner88

Lee, you completely misread my post. I'm asking if anyone has experienced any fuel system issues in reference to the CR article. I've owned 3 BMWs' and have not seen a review like this from CR (however subjective they may be). I do have a complaint about ass*** like you that make no contributions to the forum with senseless comments.

Wow... perhaps you should re-read my post again. My comment was directed that it seems that X5's _are_ having reliability problems.

I can only _dream_ of contributing to this forum as well as you did with your eloquent post.

-- Lee

Originally Posted by ard

Fuel system? No, unless funky DEF (an exhaust fluid additive) is 'fuel system' at CR.

That might be an explanation. While technically incorrect, I could see how they might consider DEF as part of the "fuel" system, or at least the survey repondents could. And it would be yet another example of BMW NA ineptly shooting themselves in the foot -- I am sure people responding to the CR survey with a 35D would consider it a "problem" if they got an early DEF warning due to partially-filled DEF tanks from the factory, particularly if BMW charged them $$$ for the DEF refill as part of the "free" BMW maintenance they advertise so widely.

Originally Posted by brenner88

I ordered mine today and is expected to arrive in March.

Okay I figured out the OP's contributions - he doesn't even own an X5. Not sure why he feels entitled to flame folks who replied (thoughtfully) to his question. But I guess nothing should surprise me any more.

Originally Posted by quackbury

Okay I figured out the OP's contributions - he doesn't even own an X5. Not sure why he feels entitled to flame folks who replied (thoughtfully) to his question. But I guess nothing should surprise me any more.

Huh? Do I need to own an e70 right now to join the forum and ask something about its reliability? I never stated my e70 ownership status (nor would it matter?), but I guess that makes me inferior to you in addition to not having "entitlement" to a reply.

Oh, wait a minute, this is a waste of everyone's time and I'm not here to make any enemies. I enjoy the forum and am a BMW enthusiast like many here. If you want to take this outside, I’ll meet you at the baseball field by your house after work.

Ownership is absolutely not needed to ask questions. But when you start calling people who respond to your questions ass*****s, you cross a line. Sorry if you don't get that or like it, but it's not going to endear you to anyone here.

7000 miles on my 10 x5d no problems at all.

Originally Posted by gjnockie

7000 miles on my 10 x5d no problems at all.

man that is good to hear, i was getting really worried.

I've had a DEF malfunction issue (1 week to fix...part needed from the Fatherland) and my alternator died (1 week...part from Deutchland) in 19 months and 22K miles.Much worse that my two Infinities (7 years,80K miles...no malfunction visits).But my "d" is far more exciting than either of the Nissans (although they were fine cars).

11,000 miles on my '11 35d. Zero issues. 1st service next Monday.

23,000 kms on my 2010 X5 30d. No fuel related issues I have niggles in other areas, but in all, at the moment, 9 months in, I'm still relatively pleased, and my Dealer is very fair, professional, and helpful.

The only thing I am starting to see overall on this Forum is how we take our vehicles in for a problem, some small, and the dealer has to order the part.

I needed a replacement horn - 1 week order.
replace both front fender repeater lamps - 3 day order.
Front seat cover needs repalcing - now that, I expect that they need to order.
Spare wheel kit - 1 week order
I hope one of my head lamps, or tail lamps doesn't need replacing, otherwise the vehicle will be off the road wiating for the part.


My point is, don't these places keep relatively low price, regularly required parts in stock any more

I guess it's a sign of the times that everyone keeps bare minimum, or no stock to save money.

My experience with an '08 535 taught me that BMW is actually German for "check engine light." Which leads to an inconvenient trip to the dealership (or as many as three trips in a 27 day period) that results in yet another reset of the software. You can get BMW NA involved and speak to a very considerate and empathetic customer care rep. Sometimes they can even convince the dealer to actually look under the hood where they will find spark plugs saturated with fuel, misbehaving fuel injectors, in addition to a bad HPFP ... Never have I had a worse ownership experience.

But, here I am, considering another BMW, even with all the grief, aggravation and of loss of good will. My wife wants an X35d, so I'm checking on the forums so we approach this purchase with our eyes open.

All that said, my colleague has not had a single problem with his '11 X35d in 10k miles (although had a hell of a time with his '04 530i). My sister-in-law has not had a minute's issue with her '08 335 in 110k miles. Many customers have very happy ownership experiences with their BMWs.

If you want assurance of a dependable, reliable car, a BMW (or any German make) is probably not your best choice. Japanese and (horrors!) American badges should be higher on your consideration list. My company leases me a new Ford every two or three years for business use. Every one has been dull, uninspiring, boring and been rock solid dependable and reliable.

You buy a BMW for that little tingle you get at the base of your brain stem when you nail the accelerator or take that S-curve faster than you really should. Just don't expect a trouble-free ownership experience. If you are lucky enough to have one, Great! You will be even more hooked. If that BMW (German, meaning "check engine light") comes on, you won't be surprised. Even after the 3rd or 4th time in a month.

When it comes to the diesel version, keep in mind that these are the engines that the engineers and designers in Munich are driving in their daily lives. Although not common or popular in the USA, 70% of the passenger fleet in Europe are diesels. These engines probably have more fleet miles on them than BMW's gasoline variants have.

These are my experiences and opinions. My best wishes for safe and happy driving.

Originally Posted by kef207

My experience with an '08 535 taught me that BMW is actually German for "check engine light." Which leads to an inconvenient trip to the dealership (or as many as three trips in a 27 day period) that results in yet another reset of the software. You can get BMW NA involved and speak to a very considerate and empathetic customer care rep. Sometimes they can even convince the dealer to actually look under the hood where they will find spark plugs saturated with fuel, misbehaving fuel injectors, in addition to a bad HPFP ... Never have I had a worse ownership experience.

But, here I am, considering another BMW, even with all the grief, aggravation and of loss of good will. My wife wants an X35d, so I'm checking on the forums so we approach this purchase with our eyes open.

All that said, my colleague has not had a single problem with his '11 X35d in 10k miles (although had a hell of a time with his '04 530i). My sister-in-law has not had a minute's issue with her '08 335 in 110k miles. Many customers have very happy ownership experiences with their BMWs.

If you want assurance of a dependable, reliable car, a BMW (or any German make) is probably not your best choice. Japanese and (horrors!) American badges should be higher on your consideration list. My company leases me a new Ford every two or three years for business use. Every one has been dull, uninspiring, boring and been rock solid dependable and reliable.

You buy a BMW for that little tingle you get at the base of your brain stem when you nail the accelerator or take that S-curve faster than you really should. Just don't expect a trouble-free ownership experience. If you are lucky enough to have one, Great! You will be even more hooked. If that BMW (German, meaning "check engine light") comes on, you won't be surprised. Even after the 3rd or 4th time in a month.

When it comes to the diesel version, keep in mind that these are the engines that the engineers and designers in Munich are driving in their daily lives. Although not common or popular in the USA, 70% of the passenger fleet in Europe are diesels. These engines probably have more fleet miles on them than BMW's gasoline variants have.

These are my experiences and opinions. My best wishes for safe and happy driving.

You are correct in noting that the 530 is a "German make." The X5 is an American make which probably explains the better reliability.

That said if your dealer ever pops the hood on your X5D and finds fouled sparkles you have got a real problem.

Sent from my Desire HD using Bimmer App

Originally Posted by quackbury

You are correct in noting that the 530 is a "German make." The X5 is an American make which probably explains the better reliability.
p

The issues with the diesel seem to have been software/design/component issues...not that pesky "sloppy american assembly" which you allude to.

Originally Posted by quackbury

The X5 is an American make which probably explains the better reliability.

Not sure if that automatically follows. I believe the original Z4 was one of the most reliable, of not the most reliable, models in BMW's product line in the past few years. The only problem with my Z4 was the German-made ignition coils and the European CD player.

My first BMW ... Just bought it 2 weeks ago, last night the check engine light/engine malfunction came on.. I was driving moderately (50-70kms/h) and suddenly the engine sputters and dies... We rolled to a full stop in the middle of a busy street... Had to call the BMW assist & they connected me to roadside assist... Sat in my car for 15-20 min until the tow truck and towed her away... I have 600 km on this thing, brand spankin new , 22kms off the lot!
Now I've read some threads that indicate the fuel pump issues... Sounds like that's an easy fix... I hope that that's the problem and I'll get back into my x5 in a few days... Ill be heading to the service dep today to pick up a loaner & hopefully get sone answers! I'll keep everyone posted.
Cheers

Got a loaner pretty quickly ... exceptional service! Was 1of 2 fuel sensors ... So they changed both... Got me x5 back in 2business days ...