My 2001 BMW X5 3.0 is not producing heat.
Asked by corob Jan 29, 2014 at 10:26 AM about the 2001 BMW X5 3.0i AWD
Question type: Maintenance & Repair
Service engine light is off, temp gauge does not go above the blue section, but
it is super cold in NE Wisconsin. Blowers are fine, have the temp thumb gauge
in 3 red dot range, topped off coolant, just had oil changed. Where do I go from
here?
I'm widowed female, don't have knowledgeable person to guide me but I do
know in the past I have been terribly ripped off cuz of single female not knowing
anything and trusting mechanic. Driving a BMW says 'I have lots of $', but in my
case my savings are going into this car big time to keep it running so it's an
illusion of $$$$. the mechanics seem to charge me as much as possible and I
have to trust them as I know not what to look for. Any help or direction will be
greatly appreciated!!!
I was told sensors, what sensors?
Thanks!
8 Answers
try a heater core. little tuff to get to, but mostly labor. hope this helps.
Coolant level fine. So how do I check to see if I have a stuck open thermostat? The person that told me it's a sensor also mentioned stuck thermostat. Once in a while when I turn on car, the temp gauge goes into far right red, but then when I turn it off and start it again it goes into top of blue and stays there. Thanks everyone!
A scan of the car with software for scanning BMW cars will tell you if the thermostat is stuck open. I use BMW Scanner 1.4 to scan my X5 and one of the faults was a stuck open thermostat. You can also take your car to a Indy or the dealer to get it scan, but you can buy the software and cable with what it will cost you to get your car scan.
I like Tom's suggestion. A thermostat is relatively cheap, and they do wear out. Was always replacing them on cheapo Brit cars way back when. However ...as one widowed BMW owner to another: consider trading it in on a less costly car, like a Subaru Impreza lease, or a Forester if you need an SUV. A used X5 is going to need maintenance, and even when not ripping you off with phony repairs, a BMW dealer is a very expensive place to get a car repaired. Where I now live, it allegedly snows (not this winter), and I have my lovely 335i up for sale.
i have bmw x5 e53 not have cable sensor coolant level. who knows how to find the cable to connect the sensor.thnx
