X5 35d 2009,10, 11 Recall #11E-A03

New Recall: Certain emissions componenets including the SCR catalyst, DEF mixer and EGR valve may not be robust enough over increasing vehicle mileage. Result, the NOx emission standard could be exceeded, along with the the illumination of the "Service Engine Soon Lamp".

Last April at 26,000 milies my 2009 X535d (June production) Service Engine "On". I had a total emission system failure. BMW replaced sensors, catalyst converter, other componets and a reprogramming.
Now, Yesterday, I recieved a 11E-A03 - Recall Campaign SCR Catalyst, EGR Valve and/or DEF and ECU Software Flash notice.
My local BMW dealer does not have the parts in stock. Parts on order for a future all day service visit.

Note: After the above repairs the car performs better prior to the repairs. Car does well hauling my 3300lbs popup RV at 70mph getting 19.8 mpg and 29+mpg with no RV at highway speeds with plenty of passing power. I don't expect any performance improvement after the recall parts are installed. Just better engine emission system life.

.

Engine is OK and proven. The 50 State emission control system "hang on" design/parts/electionics/programming is the issue IMHO!

I just got that Recall too. I just have some questions:

Did they just admit their emission components are not "robust"?
So they are only replacing the mentioned components or what they think needs to be replaced?
They already replaced my leaking EGR cooler are they going to replace it again?
How will changing the ECU software make the components more robust?

I also recall reading in the maintenance book that there is a 7yr warranty on emissions related components but my state is not included in the states mentioned -This does not sit well with me.

Originally Posted by chip4

I just got that Recall too. I just have some questions:

Did they just admit their emission components are not "robust"?
So they are only replacing the mentioned components or what they think needs to be replaced?
They already replaced my leaking EGR cooler are they going to replace it again?
How will changing the ECU software make the components more robust?

I also recall reading in the maintenance book that there is a 7yr warranty on emissions related components but my state is not included in the states mentioned -This does not sit well with me.

Received my letter on Tuesday, have an appointment this Monday, I just recently had my EGR cooler replaced also, I assume the ECU update is similiar to the campaign with the
HPFP pumps, pumps were replaced and software was updated.

1. The language in the recall notice is not artful, and a bit tortured... the mfg is legally required to give notice as to what is wrong. They are attempting, even in this notice, to spin this...'not robust enough as the miles increase'...as if 'it was good when designed, solid and all that...but just not robust enough as you customers kept on driving them'.

2. Spoke to a tech today that did much, much work on this failure a year ago- sounds like BMW is finally paying for a VERY expensive lesson on these diesels. The SCR cat alone is $2800 as I recall, an EGR valve, and 3-4+ hours of labor. Dealers just LOVE this, BTW. Ka-ching.

3. There is a FEDERAL warranty on the SCR cat. What this means is that BMW (or any mfgr) is required under FEDERAL law to warrant specific parts. The parts list is in the booklet. CAT is listed as is the DME/DDE. I'd argue that programming of that component is absolutely covered.

Here is my official Recall notice. I thought this vehicle was going to be a long term keeper -sigh.

Originally Posted by chip4

I thought this vehicle was going to be a long term keeper -sigh.

Really?!?!

Or are we just being dramatic.

Originally Posted by ard

Really?!?!

Or are we just being dramatic.

yes really!

Don't worry Chip the diesels are bulletproof according to some of our residents here in our forum community. Take their word for it!

I too got this recall on my 2010 X5 Deisel. I have 42k miles on mine and am facing an extended warranty decision If I am to keep the vehicle. Just got off the phone with a service rep. They tell me that they need to inspect the car before they can order the parts. Doesn't make much sense since BMW knows the vin and my car has only been serviced by my dealer. I am quickly getting to the point where this X5 Deisel is more of a pain in the ass to own than it is worth. Reliability is sketchy at best and I use this vehicle for long trips. I have the vision of being in the middle of New Mexico with a check engine light and having it towed for 300 miles. My basic criteria for a vehicle is that it starts and gets me from point a to point b without breaking down. From a $70 k vehicle I expect that and more.

I have owned all the luxury brands over the past 20 years and find that BMW has the absolute worst customer service. I have owned several BMW vehicles over the past 10 years with good experience on reliability but feel that this Diesel technology is not proven or reliable. I am also tired of bringing my car in and having the dealer keep it for a week for basic stuff because BMW makes them prove everything to the last detail before they can order parts. Lexus, Acura and Honda make the Germans look like the Gestopo.

Sorry for my venting but this recall is the last straw for me. What assurance do we have that even after they replace these "non-robust" parts that this will not happen again in another 20k to 40k miles when the car is out of warranty. The short answer is none as BMW never tells what the hell is going on.

To make matters worse, a friend of mine bought a 2011 X535d on my recommendation . After his engine grenaded at 42k miles BMW tried to weasel out of fixing it claiming he caused the problem by getting water in the turbos. He was driving down the highway on a sunny day. He lost his car for three months and is still getting check engine lights and is required to take his car in for extended periods as they try to diagnose and then fix. I am beginning to believe there are complex engineering design issues with With the X5 diesel and BMW knows it.

Goodby BMW and hello Lexus or Acura.

Originally Posted by MRoaadster2000

Goodby BMW and hello Lexus or Acura.

I guess if you want to drive a couch (Lexus) or drive a Honda+, it's ok

I guess I would rather Drive a couch than Sit alongside the road I my over engineered BMW that doesn't run. What else could I expect from a devoted Bimmerfest X5 forum member?

Originally Posted by MRoaadster2000

I guess I would rather Drive a couch than Sit alongside the road I my over engineered BMW that doesn't run. What else could I expect from a devoted Bimmerfest X5 forum member?

If it's a POS, dump it. It's not a big deal. Just because it got recalled for an issue, doesn't mean BMWs are crap. Hell, have you seen the number of recalled Toyotas and Lexii recently? It's ridiculous. The fact here is that BMW is admitting their problems and working at it. It's not rocket science that they are struggling with reliability, but even with those issues, BMW is #1 in sales, so buyers really don't seem to care.

Latest JDPower put Mercedes higher than Honda and Acura for dependability. Lexus is obviously at the top, but you make it sound like they make 100% trouble free cars. Go read up on ClubLexus.

They're not as bulletproof as people make out out to be. Rattles galore, electrics. Sure, they have less instances of problems, but its not like Lexus is really problem-free.

Originally Posted by Kzang

Don't worry Chip the diesels are bulletproof according to some of our residents here in our forum community. Take their word for it!

So we're going to ignore all the N55 injector issues, carbon build up issues, HPFP issues right?

Originally Posted by MRoaadster2000

I guess I would rather Drive a couch than Sit alongside the road I my over engineered BMW that doesn't run. What else could I expect from a devoted Bimmerfest X5 forum member?

LoL!! Tell him a dozen times and he will still think you are crazy

Originally Posted by AutoUnion

So we're going to ignore all the N55 injector issues, carbon build up issues, HPFP issues right?

Who said anything about the gas engines on this thread? We are talking about diesels your "bulletproof" X5!

Originally Posted by AutoUnion

I guess if you want to drive a couch (Lexus) or drive a Honda+, it's ok

Awesome comeback!!

Originally Posted by Kzang

Who said anything about the gas engines on this thread? We are talking about diesels your "bulletproof" X5!

I understand you will ignore all the facts and proclaim the N55 beats all. It's alright. Not all of us are as misinformed as you. I guess that's what happens when you're from Jersey.

Originally Posted by Kzang

Don't worry Chip the diesels are bulletproof according to some of our residents here in our forum community. Take their word for it!

I think we need to have a voodoo doll of your gasser

Originally Posted by AutoUnion

I understand you will ignore all the facts and proclaim the N55 beats all. It's alright. Not all of us are as misinformed as you. I guess that's what happens when you're from Jersey.

Especially near the GW Bridge, we all understand now

Originally Posted by AutoUnion

I understand you will ignore all the facts and proclaim the N55 beats all. It's alright. Not all of us are as misinformed as you. I guess that's what happens when you're from Jersey.

ROFL... I have never said the N55 beats all, actually it is the other way around. You are the one who claims diesels are "bulletproof" compared to the N55.

Running out of things to say to insult me by commenting where I am from now??? I live in NJ, I'm not from NJ!

By the way, remind yourself to make a call to your dealer / SA to schedule an appointment to get your bulletproof X5 fixed!!!!! this goes for you too Ductman

Originally Posted by Kzang

By the way, remind yourself to make a call to your dealer / SA to schedule an appointment to get your bulletproof X5 fixed!!!!! this goes for you too Ductman

Be sure to add ductman and I on speed dial, so we can pick you up when your "fixed" HPFP goes out

First off I did not say all BMW's are a POS (your words not mine). Also this is not my first X5. I previously owned a 2007 4.8 X5. Great car! Drove it for 65k miles and three years without a hitch. Just trying to relate my experience with my diesel and express my strong disappointment with BMW's engineering of the diesel technology. I bought this car loaded with the idea that I would drive it for many years. Further, I regards to BMW stepping up to fix things, they really had no choice in this case as the X5D was failingn state emissions regulations around the country. In addition,my friend, who is a senior executive in a company and had his X5d as his company car, only got BMW to step up after two months of back and forth and getting the company legal department involved.

Also, I am a long time car guy and have buying performance cars since before you were a twinkle in your mom's eye. In short, I am a senior citizen with true love of performance vehicles and lots mechanical experience.

So if you love you X535D, good for you. However, not everyone that has a different opinion than you has their head you know where. My thoughts are based on my personal experience with this vehicle, and my deep disappointment with my decision to purchase this particular diesel.

I sincerely hope that everyone here has a different experience with their X5 diesel, and or decides to live with it because of the performance. In my case I was looking for a luxury SUV that could reliably be taken across country on occasion . If I really want to get my performance kicks I take my M Roadster for drive.

Just trying to inform and offer my opinion about what I see as a potential engineering flaw in the diesel in the X5 35d. I think this is meant to be a forum not a BMW lovefest.

I didn't get a recall notice on my 2012... So they must at leat think they have a fix.

Everyone realizes that n/a was the testbed for scr and higher emissions standards right?

To assume they wouldn't have some issues during the first couple years is naive in my opinion. Now the base engine and transmission on the other hand should be relatively bulletproof as many miles/vehicles there are in the global population.

Jay