BMW X5 "Overheating"

ARHODESAKINS

MEMBER
2007 BMW X5
6 CYL
2WD
AUTOMATIC
106,000 MILES

My 2007 BMW X5 with 106,000 miles on it died the other night after telling me that the engine was overheated. The fan was blowing when I turned on the ignition, and at first the computer said to "drive moderately" to keep the temperature down. Within minutes, though, the engine began shutting down. Now, it can be cranked at it will drive for about 10 miles before the same thing happens. The engine itself is not actually hot. The mechanic who looked at it thought maybe it was a faulty thermostat, but he is not sure that replacing it will do the trick. I am just not sure what to do next, as every part replacement is quite expensive. Any advice would be so helpful! Thanks, Avery Rhodes
arhodesakins@gmail. Com

1 Reply

DOCHAGERTY

MECHANIC
9,601 POSTS

The feature that shuts down the engine due to possible overheating is influenced by the output from the coolant temperature sensor, it is also possible the engine control software has a "bug" in there somewhere. To start with, you may well need to seek out a shop that has the proprietary BMW diagnostic software to get to the root cause. If the mechanic you are entrusting the care of your car to is going to do anything, the thing I recommend doing is to inspect the wiring to the coolant temperature sender and the sender itself. Beyond that, I do not think there is much to do without the aforementioned software package. I commend his caution and agree that more harm than good could come of that interaction. I will be standing by for your response.