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Tinii

Problems with overheating and engine indicator light on BMW X5 from 2011

Overheating

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Check engine light on

Hello everyone, I have a problem with my BMW X5 from 2011 (gasoline engine, 258,412 km run). It has recently started to overheat and the check engine light is also on. I suspect it might be the coolant thermostat. Last time at the mechanic it cost me a small fortune though. Have any of you had similar problems and how much did you leave at the mechanic? I am grateful for any advice! LG

(Translated from German)

11 comment(s)


Best Answer

Tinii (Author)

Hello everyone, great that you have all replied! It's reassuring to hear that the problem is probably with the coolant thermostat and that others have had similar experiences. About 250€ seems to be the normal for this repair, as you describe it. So I went to the mechanic. Luckily he had time for me and was able to look at the BMW straight away. As you suspected, the problem was indeed the thermostat. He was able to fix it the same day and in the end everything, including the labor and the new thermostat, cost me €235. I have to say, everything worked great! Since then the engine has been running well again and hasn't caused any more problems. So thank you again for your help and advice! It was incredibly valuable. All the best for you and your little darlings! Best regards!

(Translated from German)

Tinamotion

Hello, I actually had a similar problem with my 2014 BMW X3. My car also overheated frequently and the engine indicator light was on. In my case it was also due to the coolant thermostat. So it doesn't seem to be anything serious, although it was quite nerve-wracking at first. A trip to the mechanic was necessary, but it wasn't too much trouble to fix. So don't worry too much for now. Good luck and I hope this helps you! Greetings

(Translated from German)

Tinii (Author)

Hey, great of you to write to me! I was hoping it was the thermostat and nothing too complicated. Can you remember how much you paid for the repair? And did you experience the problem again afterwards or was that the complete solution? Thank you and best regards!

(Translated from German)

DomBend

Hi, I've been reading here and know the subject. I had exactly the problem you mentioned, the malfunction of the coolant thermostat. However, after the thermostat was checked by the mechanic, the fault was gone and has not returned since, so it really seems to have been the complete solution. As for the cost, it was around €222. The problem was oxidation in the thermostat plug. The coolant was being forced through the plug. So I also paid a bit, but after that everything was fine again. By the way, I drive a Commodore. Not a BMW, but it does the job. Hope this helps you, good luck with your X5! Best regards!

(Translated from German)

NadineWheels

Hi, interesting discussion here. I also have to say that I had a similar problem with my Audi A4 B8, which now has 242,000 km on the clock. In my case, it turned out that the coolant thermostat was the cause. Now, in relation to the mileage, my mechanic said that it can be quite normal for the thermostat to fail or malfunction with high mileage. It's one of those parts to keep an eye on, especially when the car gets into the six-figure mileage range. And as for the price, I was lucky because a good buddy of mine is a mechanic and did it for me at a friends price. But normally the labor and part would have cost me about €250, close to what the other fellow sufferer here had to pay. It fixed the problem and I haven't had any problems since. Hope this helps you a bit and good luck with your X5! Best regards!

(Translated from German)

Fabrieg

Hello, I also had almost exactly the same problem on my 2010 7 Series, but in my case the map thermostat was leaking internally and was forcing coolant into the connector on the engine wiring harness. I noticed it relatively quickly so that the coolant was not yet in the engine control unit. I replaced the thermostat itself and part of the wiring harness. Since then everything fits again.

(Translated from German)

Seref

Hello, my vehicle 2009 x5 water pump and bearings have just changed in my vehicle and now when I use it for a while, the engine heating problem continued at medium speed, if the problem persists, go to the service center, it warned 2 times saying how to solve this and what should we do?

(Translated from Turkish)

Kchev

Drove home just now, and reversed in my driveway to empty groceries went back to start the car and it won't start, the battery is strong it sound like my start is stick. 2007 e60 525i

CarlyMechanic

@Kchev

Drove home just now, and reversed in my driveway to empty groceries went back to start the car and it won't start, the battery is strong it sound like my start is stick. 2007 e60 525i

It sounds like your starter motor might be the issue. Try tapping the starter motor lightly with a tool, then try to start the car again. If it starts, it's likely the starter motor is failing and needs to be replaced. However, it's also possible that there's an issue with the ignition switch or a blown fuse. If the problem persists, I recommend having a mechanic inspect it to avoid causing any further damage. Let me know how it goes and if you have any other questions.

CarlyAdminNik

@Seref

Hello, my vehicle 2009 x5 water pump and bearings have just changed in my vehicle and now when I use it for a while, the engine heating problem continued at medium speed, if the problem persists, go to the service center, it warned 2 times saying how to solve this and what should we do?

Hello Seref, If your 2009 BMW X5 continues to overheat after replacing the water pump and bearings, you should check the coolant level and condition, inspect for leaks throughout the cooling system, and ensure that the radiator, thermostat, and cooling fan are functioning properly. Verify the installation of the new water pump and make sure the cooling system is properly bled of air pockets. Utilize an OBD-II scanner to check for any diagnostic trouble codes. If the issue remains unresolved, it's best to consult a qualified mechanic or service center to prevent potential engine damage. Let us know how it goes and if you have any other questions. Best regards, CarlyAdminNik.

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