Ten problems related to engine and engine cooling have been reported for the 2003 BMW X5. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
The car started losing power while on the road. It got slower and slower, till it finally came to a complete stop. It had to be towed the rest of the way to the house. The engine would start up, but it would not engage any of the gears.
Tl the contact owns a 2003 BMW X5. While attempting to drive the vehicle, the contact noticed smoke under the hood. When he opened the hood, he noticed flames around the motor. The contact quickly extinguished the fire. There were no warning indicators illuminated. The contact called BMW of dallas (6200 lemmon Ave, dallas, TX 75209, (972) 763-5528) and was informed that the vehicle was out of warranty. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer and was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 180,000.
Driving slowly down street, saw smoke coming from front right under hood, puled over to side, flames visible coming from hood, within 15 minutes, entire front on fire, fire department came within 5-10 minutes, major fire, total loss. All this took about 30 minutes. Fortunately, no injuries.
I was driving the vehicle in stop and go traffic, the vehicle lost all power forcing me to come to complete stop in the middle of the highway. This occurred 3 other times in the past 4 months , the other incidents were in the parking lot. The car starts up and runs perfectly before and after. I am concerned about my safety. Searching for a solution, I found that BMW has service bulletin to address this issue. I am surprised that there is no recall on this since it is a huge safety concern.
The contact owns a 2003 BMW X5. The contact stated that the timing change fractured. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who stated that the timing change needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 90,000.
The contact owns a 2003 BMW X5. The contact stated that the front passenger side tire caught fire while parked in a residential garage. The manufacturer investigated the failure and concluded that cause of the fire was not due a manufacturing defect. A police report was filed of the incident. The VIN was not available. The contact stated that the battery was replaced several times and the computer system was reprogrammed prior to the fire. The vehicle was destroyed. The approximate failure and current mileage was 150,000. The VIN was not available.
The contact owns a 2003 BMW X5. The contact stated that while driving 30 mph smoke starting coming through the vents without any warnings. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who diagnosed that the ccv valve froze causing an oil spillage. The manufacturer was not contacted. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure and current mileages were 58,076. Updated 3/14/11.
Oil separator malfunctioned in cold temperatures. When driving experienced smoke under the hood and was forced to pull over. Drove slowly with hazards to nearest mechanic and incurred $1,955 in repair charge. Mechanic informed me that this was becoming a popular defect with the oem oil separator on this make and model.
Cold weather (new york winter). 2003 BMW X5, 3. 0 engine seized without warning. Oil separator and valve cover gasket faulty. The crank case valve freezes, causing oil to spill into the engine. This problem occurred three times. 1. Feb 13 2008 2. Jan 28 2009 and 3. Jan 2011. Total cost for used engine $6,000 this year and $3000 in 2008/2009 to repair. Spark plugs needed to be replaced, engine needed to be cleaned 2008 and defective disa valve replaced 2009.
The contact stated while driving the engine temperature raised all the way to the red without any warning. There wasn't any smoke or any other indicators of problems with the vehicle. She contacted her dealer, and was advised to have the vehicle towed to the dealership.