BMW X5? Cooling system?

[MRR]

Anyone on this forum ever owned an X5? My parents have one and whoever designed the coolant circulation system did not have longevity or stopping leaks in mind. So far since we bought it 6 years ago it has sprung a leak everywhere with regards to coolant. First it was just some random line between the reservoir and the radiator, then it was the valley pan gasket b/t the two banks of cylinders (its a V8) and another line, then it was a screw on top of the reservoir that was cheap plastic and blew, and now its the connection b/t a line for coolant overflow at the top and its leaking.

Is this a known problem with the X5 or BMWs in general? We used to have a 325is (E36) that ran like charm for 140,000 miles but this X5 is the most unreliable car we have ever owned. Any similar experiences?

[#1 Mustang Fan]

Originally Posted by MRR

Anyone on this forum ever owned an X5? My parents have one and whoever designed the coolant circulation system did not have longevity or stopping leaks in mind. So far since we bought it 6 years ago it has sprung a leak everywhere with regards to coolant. First it was just some random line between the reservoir and the radiator, then it was the valley pan gasket b/t the two banks of cylinders (its a V8) and another line, then it was a screw on top of the reservoir that was cheap plastic and blew, and now its the connection b/t a line for coolant overflow at the top and its leaking.

Is this a known problem with the X5 or BMWs in general? We used to have a 325is (E36) that ran like charm for 140,000 miles but this X5 is the most unreliable car we have ever owned. Any similar experiences?

What year is it? Friend used to own one, had a few troubles with the bleed valve which its sounds like what your problem is at the moment. He recently sold it but hasn't had any problems with it after valve was replaced turns out the rubber had just perished.

[MadMax13]

Bugger, my sister just bought one...

[NicFromLA]

The X5s from the first couple years had a lot of problems. Ours was far from the worst but it did go in for quite a few things. However it is the best driving SUV ever; the new X5 is wonderful but too big, the Cayenne Turbo is fast but a bit heavy footed.

[DFH]

the first gen X5 were having some problems but the facelift version dindn't really have any problems were drove one for about 25000 miles and no problem whatoever

[MRR]

2003 4.6is so a bit over 5 years now. One was the bleeder screw that was a a month ago. My parents called the dealer but I guess they didn't make it very clear to me what needed to be replaced (said "tank" which translated to me as coolant reservoir needs to be replaced because it was cracked like I thought!!).

[MRR]

Originally Posted by #1 Mustang Fan

What year is it? Friend used to own one, had a few troubles with the bleed valve which its sounds like what your problem is at the moment. He recently sold it but hasn't had any problems with it after valve was replaced turns out the rubber had just perished.

Dunno about the valve but there was a bleeder screw that had to be replaced a month ago. It could be the valve this time. It doesn't seem like the system was designed to withstand the pressure it is under.