Reviving a flood damage E70

Water and electronics dont mix... You might get it running now, but over time rust will spread within electrical components and start causing issues all over the place (with a possibility of electrical fire!). So theoretically yes it is possible, practically you need to replace every single electrical component, including insulated ones.

Take it from a person who was involved (directly and indirectly) in post-Sandy recovery efforts...

Originally Posted by tribecaX5

You don't know what you're talking about. Most of us don't change our own oil. Hell, I don't know a single BMW owner that changes their own oil and I know a ton of BMW owners. Who changes their own oil nowadays? It's not even worth doing anything like that. Whoever can afford an X5 does not change their own oil.

You're telling an amateur (the OP) who has zero experience with BMW to revive a flooded BMW X5 with a ton of electrical components that sometimes even BMW dealers themselves have problems figuring them out? Why give the OP any hope? He's not asking how to change a bulb. I am telling you my X5 was flooded during Sandy and had similar symptoms as OP's car, so just out of curiosity I asked a few local shops if the car can be fixed and they all laughed at me and said they would not pay $50 for it, and they fix cars for a living.

You sir are an idiot...

I'd enlighten you as to why I do all my own maintenance and repair (out of warranty), its not because I can't afford to pay for it that's for sure, but you are not worth my time.

Kindly remove yourself from this and any other enthusiast thread.

Jay

Looks like most are missing the point, from his comments sound like this is his thing. Everyone has their "thing" so this maybe therapeutic for him or has nothing else to do with his time etc, etc....money was meant to be spend and if this is his crack well..go it for it man! GL put pics up when you get a chance. Subscribed!

I change my oil even when its covered under 4 year warranty because I know what most of them do.
If I have to take a mercedes for oil change, fill out all paperwork, sit or take a loaner and politely refuse brake pad change, etc, I can do it in 5 minutes with mityvac without even taking my tie off.

Back to topic! Whats the best way to determine whether a particular module is shot or not. Best way to check power going in and power going out? I have ordered INPA/Ediabas K+D-CAN USB Interface OBD2 cable for future use.

Originally Posted by jashearer

You sir are an idiot...

I'd enlighten you as to why I do all my own maintenance and repair (out of warranty), its not because I can't afford to pay for it that's for sure, but you are not worth my time.

Kindly remove yourself from this and any other enthusiast thread.

Jay

Tsk tsk tsk. Relax man. Did I hurt your feelings? What are you, 15? You certainly sound like one.


I am actually quite interested to see what the OP will achieve. So I will stick around. Subscribed!

Originally Posted by tribecaX5

Tsk tsk tsk. Relax man. Did I hurt your feelings? What are you, 15? I certainly am, considering I post random thoughts that make no sense then try to be an Internet tough guy.

Yup, still not worth my time. Fixed it for you though.

OP a good multi meter will be your best friend, you'll need to measure voltage and resistance, of course your going to need to figure out what those readings should be. My set of C5 service manuals gave commanded voltage as well as resistance values for sensors, which helped in diagnosing failed electronics.

Does BMW print their service manuals for their techs?

Jay

Tribecax5 he is at least contributing to this thread. I read all your posts, they sure don't reflect much age related maturity except repeating same thing over and over. Stick around and keep doing it. If I fail you can stand on tallest building in town and scream "see I told you guys". World is full of such individuals. Some people don't do crazy things some do provided its crazy enough!!

And to sum up this thread

@ katanaplanet - good for you and the best of luck on your project. BTW, I change my own oil in between their oil changes too....unless someone is following their UOA very closely, they are potentially making a BIG mistake running their oil out as long as BMW allows.

@ tribecaX5 - I was going to say something about NOT changing your own oil along with the rest of your "crowd" that don't but I see you're from NY so anything anybody tries to tell you is not going to sink in. For you, I say you need a very large cup of STFU. It's like the old saying goes....anybody can fix cars, but nobody can fix stupid....you proved this point with your immature replies. People like you make me sick and it's people like you that give forums a bad reputation. I find it interesting that at 114 posts, you have an opinion that you think actually matters. You should keep your "random thoughts" to yourself.....better yet, sell your X and join the Maxima crowd....you ain't worthy of a BMW!

Oh yeah, offer several others a sip from your cup....alexmish, gresch, and anyone else on the naysayer train....it's HIS project and if you don't have any words of encouragement for him, then......um, you know what I was going to say!

Back off so I can get back down from my rant box!

Originally Posted by fleetman

@ tribecax5... I say you need a very large cup of stfu.

+1

fleet -- Hey, lighten up on the "Maxima crowd" -- if you have driven a new one those are impressive machines! Maybe the "Rio crowd" might be more appropriate.

Sounds like a fun project for somebody who's into that sort of thing. Keep us posted on the progress!

BTW, I'm kind of surprised it cost 15k. I would've thought much cheaper, but then you could probably part it out for that much I suppose.

you are correct UncleJ and I apologize for that remark and the remark about New Yorkers....there's only a few that I have a problem with....the rest are great!

C'mon back tribecaX5....let's hear some more.

As a wise man once said; "Better to remain silent and be thought a fool than to open your mouth and prove it". That said, let's have some proof tribby!

@ katanaplanet - you go guy....keep us posted and you DO have supporters in here!

Originally Posted by chiefneil

Sounds like a fun project for somebody who's into that sort of thing. Keep us posted on the progress!

BTW, I'm kind of surprised it cost 15k. I would've thought much cheaper, but then you could probably part it out for that much I suppose.

I think that's the point. If the project doesn't prove fruitful, he's got a boat load of parts that he can sell on eBay to recover his costs from. He'll also have learned quite a bit of the involved work on restoring a flooded car. The exterior and engine was in good shape so there's a lot of pretty pricey exterior parts that a shop can use.

And a doctor working on cars is a cool thing. I have an Audi as well and a cardiac surgeon enthusiast in our local group does his own work (aftermarket parts install, oil changes, minor engine work) just because it's relaxing.

Originally Posted by alexmish

Water and electronics dont mix... You might get it running now, but over time rust will spread within electrical components and start causing issues all over the place (with a possibility of electrical fire!). So theoretically yes it is possible, practically you need to replace every single electrical component, including insulated ones.

Take it from a person who was involved (directly and indirectly) in post-Sandy recovery efforts...

This....

Once water touches any electrical component it is toast.. corrosion sets in..
Unless all electrical components are completely replaced. You will only temporarily have it working if successful.

Good luck again!

Originally Posted by Kzang

This....

Once water touches any electrical component it is toast.. corrosion sets in..
Unless all electrical components are completely replaced. You will only temporarily have it working if successful.

Good luck again!

Yes it's true, but you would not believe that there some nice fluids exist which remove rust etc. it will not necessary kill it.
I restored 70% modules in e65 and it still runs.

Anything is possible, as I have mentioned in the other thread you had originally posted. INPA is a hit & miss situation. Since these are systems that rely on continuity of the system architecture, INPA may indicate which modules are working and which are not. However I feel like you`ll be left with the INPA either indicating alot of faulty modules (regardless of whether they are actually done for or not) since there gonna be a communications breakdown.

Whats the status, on acquiring some BMW terminal time for the X5?

Originally Posted by gresch

And to sum up this thread

Was this freshwater or saltwater? If the latter I don't think it will ever be right. If just freshwater it might.

looong time noooo seeeee folks!

Didn't have time to read through all the BS, I just read the OP's post and jumped straight to here:

A brand spanking new 2013 model got flooded and you are trying to salvage it yourself... hmmm, what happened to insurance?

Originally Posted by usaret

Was this freshwater or saltwater? If the latter I don't think it will ever be right. If just freshwater it might.

I think it was salt...I looked at the auction site where it was listed.

Originally Posted by usaret

Was this freshwater or saltwater? If the latter I don't think it will ever be right. If just freshwater it might.

Fresh water is never fresh btw, but definitely better than real salty ocean water!!
The problem is that if 12v is present, you get electrolysis very quick;( but I was still able to resurrect lots of modules!

Originally Posted by SFbay

Fresh water is never fresh btw, but definitely better than real salty ocean water!!
The problem is that if 12v is present, you get electrolysis very quick;( but I was still able to resurrect lots of modules!

I didn't ask if it was potable. Only if was salty or not.

Originally Posted by 0428

looong time noooo seeeee folks!

Didn't have time to read through all the BS, I just read the OP's post and jumped straight to here:

A brand spanking new 2013 model got flooded and you are trying to salvage it yourself... hmmm, what happened to insurance?

Welcome back.

BMWNA or the dealer had insurance.

Car got flooded, saltwater, in the lot- prior to new vehicle prep (car still had shipping wrap)>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Here: http://www.qcsadirect.com/Inventory....446db11439f695

"Primary damage: WATER- SALT"

insurance totaled the car, paid the total claim

Insurance then took the car, branded the title, sold it at auction

OP brought it at auction.