oil separator changed, though questions open

[djbock]

Zoomie-

Actually it took me about 15 minutes to change my separator. Not really that bad. It was the valve cover gasket that took some time.

[primetime]

Originally Posted by Zoomie

Thanks for the reply Primetime.

I have done a little more research on here using the search function and figure I have two options.

I can replace the Oil Separator as it is - get new hoses, etc and clean up the oil mess and possible blown gaskets - all for relatively cheap.

or

I can get the special winter kit that BMW is selling for the X5 that has a heated Separator and insulated hoses - thus increasing the parts costs and the labour.

From what I have read - the separator is not the easiest thing to replace - the 3/8" return line being a PITA. I have a call in to the local Midas, who has all the technical manuals and have worked on BMWs before - we'll see if they want to take on the challenge.

Right now my X5 is sitting in my garage, slowly leaking off the chasis the 6 liters of oil it has vented overboard (yes I have replaced it, just not cleaned up underneath.) My biggest issue with not getting under the hood and doing it myself is that the ambient air outside is about -15F with the garage hovering around freezing.

Zoomie, You can buy the updated part from BMW that has the insulated seperator. Then have that shop change it. Given your cold climate i would definitely get the updated part. Otherwise you may be doing this every other winter.

Also, If you change it in your garage I know the temperature is hovering around freezing but you could still do it. If it bothers you that much, I would just buy a little space heater and put it in the garage a few hours before you start with the car parked there. That way your garage will be at comfortable temps when doing the job...

If you opt to just get the seperator replaced and not get the updated insulated seperator, i would reccomend you switching to 0w-40 oil during the cold months up there. This oil is more cold friendly on your engine..

[Zoomie]

Thanks again guys for the good information.

I contacted BMW parts and got this in reply:

A COLD WEATHER KIT FOR AN X5 IS $729.00. IT INCLUDES NEW INSULATED HOSES,
INSULATED SEPARATOR, AND DIPSTICK TUBE.

It doesn't mention the "heated wrap with cable" (Part # 11610390846) which other SIB's specify. I wonder if it is the insulated hoses that they quoted above. I remember reading one of the many posts on here about someone changing out the stock hoses and separator for these insulated ones - I will have to dig that up.

[JCL]

If you have had the vehicle from new, then it went seven years before freezing up. It is your call, but I wouldn't worry very much about the cold weather kit. If you are doing the separator, it is just as easy to do the cold weather (insulated) parts, but it isn't critical. If you do a lot of short trips and the engine doesn't get warmed up properly, you should plan on cleaning out the hoses every couple of years, as a preventative maintenance step.

I would have an independent shop do it given the price the dealer is quoting. Your buddy is right that the separator (which is like a PCV valve) is not hard to replace. It is the number of hoses, and the tight working space, that makes it a challenge. Not technically difficult, just a PITA.

Recommend you stay with the oil that BMW recommends. A thinner oil (0-40) is no less likely to build up condensation from short trips, and that is the root cause of the failure.

[vinnie64]

I just fell head long into this issue yesterday. I use my X5 4.8is for business travel and as such, all expenses are covered, so the lucky BMW dealer gets all of my service on this unit.

Being a believer in the long term ownership benefits of OEM service and following recommended PM to the letter (exceeding it in this case), my opinion is that BMW knew this was going to occur and after bringing up cold climate issues that I read about here at X5 World and inquiring about block heaters or any additional maintenance to mitigate the big repairs - nothing extra was recommend or done. So now its repair time and the quote is $1,800.00, of course.

I am not going to do it myself and will have the dealer do the job. My question is, has anyone been successful in lodging a claim with BMW head quarters? I have every angle documented and to me, the issue is air-tight negligence. I paid a ton for the X5, and she is under warranty for 2 more years.

Feedback is appreciated - Thanks.

[Best4x4xFAR]

Originally Posted by vinnie64

I just fell head long into this issue yesterday. I use my X5 4.8is for business travel and as such, all expenses are covered, so the lucky BMW dealer gets all of my service on this unit.

Being a believer in the long term ownership benefits of OEM service and following recommended PM to the letter (exceeding it in this case), my opinion is that BMW knew this was going to occur and after bringing up cold climate issues that I read about here at X5 World and inquiring about block heaters or any additional maintenance to mitigate the big repairs - nothing extra was recommend or done. So now its repair time and the quote is $1,800.00, of course.

I am not going to do it myself and will have the dealer do the job. My question is, has anyone been successful in lodging a claim with BMW head quarters? I have every angle documented and to me, the issue is air-tight negligence. I paid a ton for the X5, and she is under warranty for 2 more years.

Feedback is appreciated - Thanks.

Its not covered under the Warranty?!?

[PJ1R1]

come on, do you think they would warranty something that breaks , they dont call him stealer for nothing . i can only say that you warranty is good for 2 more years

[primetime]

It should be covered under warranty.. I'll bet that it is. There's no way that it shouldn't be. Check again.

[bcb1]

When I bought my '05 model back in September, I asked the salesman if the CPO warranty would cover the oil seperator failure, since I heard they were prone to problems.

For what it's worth...he said "yes", the CPO warranty would cover it. I didn't ask the service manager, which I probably should

[vinnie64]

I am going to send the claim up the ranks and will let you know how it goes...