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#1
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Bad luck: punctured radiator on long trip
We were 140 miles away from Lubbock and upon inspection was horrified to see a large amount of coolant dripping off the bottom of the radiator/trans cooler. But, I could not see a ruptured hose...then I looked at the front of the radiator and saw a steady stream of coolant coming from a hole at the center of a dime size indention in the radiator. Seems my wife got hit by a projectile that made its way through the lower grille. Luckily, my wife had two gallons of water in the car (for my son's coffee maker). I topped off the coolant, took over the driving, monitored the coolant temperature (hidden service menu) and off we went toward Lubbock. Fifteen miles later and we get the low coolant warning again. Stop, cool down a bit to be able to slowly open expansion cap, refill with one gallon of water, and off we went. Repeat every 15 miles or so until we get to TTU stopping to buy/refill water jugs every so often. We made it to Lubbock and went through about 18 gallons of water. The engine seems fine. This was a Saturday and a radiator in Lubbock for a 4.8i was not to be found. My uncle is the general manage at Scoggin Dickey Buick/Chevrolet/etc and gave me a 2016 Enclave loaner to take back to Austin while he takes care of the X5. Should have a radiator in today or tomorrow and my wife will make the 750 mile round trip to retrieve her SAV later this week. What an ordeal! But, we will have a new radiator the hard and expensive way. Just felt like sharing. First car ever, in my lifetime, that had something puncture the radiator while on the road. Last edited by Davidf; 08-23-2016 at 09:46 AM. Reason: corrected spelling/grammar |
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#2
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that is bad luck indeed. i used to own an E46. their radiators failed for no apparent reason other than bad design. i also just had to replace the coolant expansion tank on my E70 over the weekend.
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discs 'n drums 'n body roll |
#3
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Was there pressure when you removed the cap? In some cases you can drive with the cap off and that will limit pressure and slow the leak.
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2009 35d, 2006 325i & 330i |
#4
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Way to self-rescue...
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#5
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These modern cars will run at temps anywhere from 190 to 230+ and at pressures up to 20psi. The coolant will boil in minutes if the car is cracked or open. I have driven with open cap million miles with the old BMWs, but cannot be done in a modern one.
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#6
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Yeah, friday morning around 4:30 I was on my way to Monterey when the low coolant level warning came off. All was good, but I figured that for whatever reason if I drive over 90mph for prolonged periods of time the low coolant warning will come off. Just goes away after few minutes and comes back during next sprint I may have been a smidge low on coolant, but still strange behaviour.
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#7
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you probably went so fast, you overcame gravity itself
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discs 'n drums 'n body roll |
#8
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How do you get to the " Hidden Service Menu "? This would be good to know!!
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2008 X5 3.0si Monaco Blue/Grey Tech Package Cold Weather Package Premium Package Build Date: 02/2008 |
#9
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Quote:
1. Press and hold trip mileage reset until you get into the service menu, release button. 2. Press button repeatedly until you get to test #19.__ 3. Enter summation of last 5 digits of VIN by pressing button repeatedly until you get to the number you calculated by adding up VIN. Menu is now unlocked. 4. Press button to get to menu item you want. Coolant temp is test #7. Ignition must be in run position (engine can be running). Button means trip reset button. There are additional nuances in making this work, so do a search. |
#10
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Scoggin Dickey dealer ordered the radiator on Saturday from BMW dealer, picked it up Monday, and completed the repair same day. Wife heads back to Lubbock Friday. Great service and Scoggin Dickey had a mechanic (service technician?) that was familiar with working on BMW's.
My wife will do a little driving around town in Lubbock on Friday/Saturday to ensure no problems arise before heading back to Austin. I am bit concerned that the coolant level sensor is not longer working. So, I will suggest to my wife that she stop every so often and look for leaking coolant on the ground. Fingers crossed. On a side note, while driving my son's 330i (E46), I could not believe how poorly it handled. Wondered all over the road and the steering simply seemed very loose. Not safe at all. So, next time he visits home, my plan is to change or the steering rack with a spare I have lying around. Will probably replace the steering shaft "rag" joint and control arm bushings as well. BTW: Sorry for all the typos on my initial post, since corrected. Update: Total bill is $999.13. About half parts and half labor. I am ok with the amount and grateful I knew someone who would take good care of the truck...err...SAV. Last edited by Davidf; 08-23-2016 at 04:28 PM. |
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