2009 X5 35D Diesel Exhaust Urea Reservoir Problem

For those who had refilled the DEF on their own using non-bmw bottles, did you need any additional tools to refill it like say a funnel? Also how much stuff do you have to remove to get access to the Passive Tank?

a funnel works great...........air intake needs to be removed to access fill point for passive tank...............easy peasy

Originally Posted by Scot

That's because only the Mafia bought the town car..........and even Ford was smart enough not to mess with that customer base........... I wonder if there is a Town Car forum? I can only imagine the threads........"have any of youz guyz had da problem wit da Map thingy not been able to understand you voiczes?

I can only imagine what their posting names would be................. any suggestions ??

Well, sounds like you need to "recruit" some of deez guyz into buying 35ds to beef up our ranks. You're in Boston...go to the North End with some good cigars and make it happen. Capiche? (Don't wear a wire)

I spoke to a service rep today and he explained a couple things. The DEF is 66% ionized water and 33% urea, so it the passive tank/supply lines can freeze, causing the warning. Also, both tanks are filled at factory and you "should" get 10K miles before a refill. The front tank can be filled by a DIY, the passive tank port is located in rear and requires more time by using a hand operated transfer pump that you can get at a hardware store. Lastly, he said once the vehicle is driven the sensors drop to 66% and continue to fall from there per the mileage...a way for BMW to be extra conservative on the level so the customer does not run out. So, there's actually more DEF than indicated. He had no issues to report and the diesel has been trouble free so far. Anyone else have the same info??? We have one on order...hope this works out.

So when you motor up Green Lantern with your 35d.......you'll be amazed at the torque getting you up the hill..........and everyone at the Chart House will be impressed that you drive a truley green car with style.......not a Prius like everyone else in the parking lot................ I was in the North End the other evening.....even the valet on Hanover street was impressed with the Diesel.........

Originally Posted by Engine66

I spoke to a service rep today and he explained a couple things. ... The front tank can be filled by a DIY, the passive tank port is located in rear and requires more time by using a hand operated transfer pump that you can get at a hardware store....

The passive tank on a 335d is in the rear fender well as described by your service rep. BUT...

The passive tank on a X5 is located under the left front seat. The passive tank filler fitting is in the engine compartment partially obscured by the corrugated plastic air tube, which can be easily removed without tools. So you can easily fill it (DIY) since it has the same filler fitting as the small tank.

Funf Dresig

Originally Posted by Funf Dreisig

The passive tank on a 335d is in the rear fender well as described by your service rep. BUT...

The passive tank on a X5 is located under the left front seat. The passive tank filler fitting is in the engine compartment partially obscured by the corrugated plastic air tube, which can be easily removed without tools. So you can easily fill it (DIY) since it has the same filler fitting as the small tank.

Funf Dresig

Thanks for clarifying...I was given the wrong info...this is good really, since it seems to be fairly easy to access this port and refill the passive tank to it's capacity if needed. However, how easy is it to access the active/primary port for the emergency fill?

Originally Posted by Scot

So when you motor up Green Lantern with your 35d.......you'll be amazed at the torque getting you up the hill..........and everyone at the Chart House will be impressed that you drive a truley green car with style.......not a Prius like everyone else in the parking lot................ I was in the North End the other evening.....even the valet on Hanover street was impressed with the Diesel.........

So you have played in my backyard...I am LMAF right now! I make it to yours as often as possible whenever I fly into Logan and stop in Regina's, Mike's Pastry's, the Daily Catch (on Hanover), the Barking Crab, and few other places I can't recall the names...just can't get that authentic stuff here. Don't forget those cigars next time you go...Cheers Scot!

grew up in Tustin.....USC alum......... Barking Crab.....our favorite out of town guest spot in the summer......forget Mike's ............go across the street to Modern Pastry........Daily Catch is good...........

Originally Posted by Engine66

Thanks for clarifying...I was given the wrong info...this is good really, since it seems to be fairly easy to access this port and refill the passive tank to it's capacity if needed. However, how easy is it to access the active/primary port for the emergency fill?

The active tank fill port is extremely easy to access. But it is not labeled - duh? It's the black thing in the middle of the attached picture. In theory you need to use the red handled tool (stored under the cargo bay floor boards) to open the cap. But I can open mine with my fingers.

The passive fill port is identical. But it is on the other side of the engine tucked under the air intake tube.

Funf Dreisig

Originally Posted by Funf Dreisig

The active tank fill port is extremely easy to access. But it is not labeled - duh? It's the black thing in the middle of the attached picture. In theory you need to use the red handled tool (stored under the cargo bay floor boards) to open the cap. But I can open mine with my fingers.

The passive fill port is identical. But it is on the other side of the engine tucked under the air intake tube.

Funf Dreisig

Wunderbar...Thank you Funf!

No but a problem exists with diesels passing emissions .... Anyone know anything regarding this snafu?

Originally Posted by rubyrock

I just bought a 2010 X5 35d, took delivery a couple of weeks ago, and I just received the same message with only 900 miles on my car! Thank you for the helpful comments; I'll post the results of my service experience. I can hardly wait.

I also got the message when accelerating hard around a corner at 1100 miles. Well, I now have 3000 miles and haven't seen another warning. I did buy a few gallons of DEF just in case, but I think it was an anomaly.

Yes, I've had the problem 3 times and the dealer had to work with BMW to fix the problem. It had to be towed today with engine malfunction...power reduced issues. Have you experienced this problem?

Originally Posted by dtanner

Yes, I've had the problem 3 times and the dealer had to work with BMW to fix the problem. It had to be towed today with engine malfunction...power reduced issues. Have you experienced this problem?

I haven't. I did get the DEF warning again today. It still said 999 miles to "no start." I've got enough stored in the car to FILL the small tank, so I'm not worried...

I've actually had zero issues (knock on wood) with the car and I'm coming up on 4k miles. Also, I've now left the car sitting in the garage for two week and it started instantly when I returned...

New GT - I don't think you should be getting recurring Low DEF warnings, especially not at 4000 miles. I went over 11,000 miles before getting the warning after a top off at oil change. I don't imagine you are still freezing the tank this time of year. Just some thoughts.

The longer I wait for the 2011 X5 35d and the more I read here and Xoutpost I can't help but question what is it that I'm doing. Exhaust urea, battery, comfort access, window, Nav, and a host of others all for the low low price of $70,000.00. This is my first BMW and while I like adventures I like them fun and exciting. The folks that run BMW act as if they doing me a favor and that doesn't sit well with me at all. I guess I will find out what all the fuss is about owning a bimmer, if I don't walk while waiting.

Originally Posted by georgejm

The longer I wait for the 2011 X5 35d and the more I read here and Xoutpost I can't help but question what is it that I'm doing. Exhaust urea, battery, comfort access, window, Nav, and a host of others all for the low low price of $70,000.00. This is my first BMW and while I like adventures I like them fun and exciting. The folks that run BMW act as if they doing me a favor and that doesn't sit well with me at all. I guess I will find out what all the fuss is about owning a bimmer, if I don't walk while waiting.

I was going to say Welcome to the club.... but you know what I mean !!!!
Yes, BMW are an arrogant bunch of Assh@#es that build great cars.....
Maybe that gives them the right ????........But we all want to drive one don't we !

Your waiting must be almost over, and soon you will truely be one of the BMW Club members.

PS. i don't like calling it a Bimmer, it sounds like something you plug into your computer

Originally Posted by Marlbro

I was going to say Welcome to the club.... but you know what I mean !!!!
Yes, BMW are an arrogant bunch of Assh@#es that build great cars.....
Maybe that gives them the right ????........But we all want to drive one don't we !

Your waiting must be almost over, and soon you will truely be one of the BMW Club members.

PS. i don't like calling it a Bimmer, it sounds like something you plug into your computer

I strongly believe BMW's are pure driving machines and that's what I'm willing to pay for. The more they try to add creature comforts the more problems they create, they are not good at that so it seems (although I loaded mine up, lol). I have a 08 4 x 4 Chevy (diesel) for hauling, 09 LS460, and a 08 Porsche Cayman which is a blast to drive and all three only see the service dept. when the mileage dictates. My goal is not to spend seventy grand so I can experience misery, I enjoy life too much. I just sold an 07 Infiniti M Sport, another fun machine with no service problems so my expectations have a high mark and I will not except being bullied and BS by a BMW SA's or it will be a quick ownership.

Originally Posted by georgejm

The longer I wait for the 2011 X5 35d and the more I read here and Xoutpost I can't help but question what is it that I'm doing. Exhaust urea, battery, comfort access, window, Nav, and a host of others all for the low low price of $70,000.00. This is my first BMW and while I like adventures I like them fun and exciting. The folks that run BMW act as if they doing me a favor and that doesn't sit well with me at all. I guess I will find out what all the fuss is about owning a bimmer, if I don't walk while waiting.

My 2009 X5 3.0 has been the best of the seven BMWs I've had. One problem with NAV; fixed.

Originally Posted by WDC330i

My 2009 X5 3.0 has been the best of the seven BMWs I've had. One problem with NAV; fixed.

Hey, as long as the pleasure makes the pain go away...... it's good
Best of seven huh, well..

My 2009 X5 35d was the worst BMW I've owned. It will be my last. I was in the shop over ten times in one year, 6000 miles. I waited 3 months for an air temp. sensor to fix a check engine light. I drove around 3 months in a new car waiting on a part. I waited another 5 weeks for a heated fuel filter. Boht times, I had to call BMWNA and complain. I also own a Lexus LS 460 and now own a 2010 Lexus GX 4
Premium. If I knew then what I know now, I wouldn't have purchased the X5 diesel. My local dealer also tried to charge me 200.00 for the diesel exhaust fluid flush and fill that should be done once a year, or every 11,000 miles. That was the last straw.

BTW, this was my 4th BMW and my last...

I also forgot to mention, my battery wouldn't stay charged. The dealer and BMW say I didn't drive it enough. I had to keep a battery charger on it every night.

Good luck with your decision,

Craig

Originally Posted by Craig B

My 2009 X5 35d was the worst BMW I've owned. It will be my last. I was in the shop over ten times in one year, 6000 miles. I waited 3 months for an air temp. sensor to fix a check engine light. I drove around 3 months in a new car waiting on a part. I waited another 5 weeks for a heated fuel filter. Boht times, I had to call BMWNA and complain. I also own a Lexus LS 460 and now own a 2010 Lexus GX 4
Premium. If I knew then what I know now, I wouldn't have purchased the X5 diesel. My local dealer also tried to charge me 200.00 for the diesel exhaust fluid flush and fill that should be done once a year, or every 11,000 miles. That was the last straw.

BTW, this was my 4th BMW and my last...

Good luck with your decision,

Craig

Wow, I see, buying one could be like playing Russian roulette I suppose. Too bad the MDX is sooo butt ugly.

Originally Posted by Craig B

My 2009 X5 35d was the worst BMW I've owned. It will be my last. I was in the shop over ten times in one year, 6000 miles. I waited 3 months for an air temp. sensor to fix a check engine light. I drove around 3 months in a new car waiting on a part. I waited another 5 weeks for a heated fuel filter. Boht times, I had to call BMWNA and complain. I also own a Lexus LS 460 and now own a 2010 Lexus GX 4
Premium. If I knew then what I know now, I wouldn't have purchased the X5 diesel. My local dealer also tried to charge me 200.00 for the diesel exhaust fluid flush and fill that should be done once a year, or every 11,000 miles. That was the last straw.

BTW, this was my 4th BMW and my last...

Good luck with your decision,

Craig

The woes of being an early adopter. I passed on the diesel, even though it was just coming out as I ordered my gas burner. I wanted them to work the kinks out first.

Originally Posted by WDC330i

The woes of being an early adopter. I passed on the diesel, even though it was just coming out as I ordered my gas burner. I wanted them to work the kinks out first.

I think I had most of the kinks worked out by the time I got rid of mine. I'm glad it's gone, I was spending too much of my time at the dealership...

Craig