You can also look up other complaints and be astonished by the number of the same type of complaints directed to BMW fuel pumps.

http://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/cars/problems/complain/complaintsearch.cfm

We had the stalling/limp mode happen to us 3 times. The first was on an interstate in Pennsylvania. Engine gave a warning light and then died while driving at speed. Used the BMW emergency road side service to call for help. However, about 2 hours later and just before a tow truck arrived, the car re-started on its own. Since the car seemed to work fine afterwards, we chalked up the engine failure to a computer glitch.

The second time the car again re-started after sitting awhile. We drove the car to BMW and explained what had happened and left the car with them for service. Two days later, BMW said they could not replicate the problem and sent us on our merry way without performing any repairs.

The third and last time, the engine died again while driving at speed and would not start again. We then had the car towed to BMW. This time BMW was obviously able to replicate the problem.

The shop technicians diagnosed the issue as a loss of engine compression. They were vague on details but told me that the compression problem was fixed. However, the next day they told me that there was a problem with the fuel injectors. The following day, BMW then told me that the fuel injectors were fixed but that there was now a problem with the starter. Later, BMW called me back and told me that they finally discovered the source of the problem. The service technician said that there was sugar in my engine!

For the next 10 minutes, the service technician tried to convince me that “dirty gas” or “bad gas” from gas stations contaminated with sugar was the root cause. He assured me that sugar in gas from gas stations was a common occurrence and oftentimes caused engine failure. I asked him how he knew it was sugar in my gas tank. He told me that their garage has a machine that can measure the sugar content in gasoline. He then dropped the bombshell that because the problem was due to “dirty gas” that none of the repairs were under warranty. About 2 minutes later, he calls me back and told me that it was not sugar in the gas tank, but alcohol. Using the same reasoning, he told me that because there was alcohol in the gas tank, none of the repairs were covered under warranty.

I filed a lemon law action last week. This is a 2011 X5.

I’ve had the car in 6 times and will have it in for #7 on thursday. When I first purchased the car I had to take it directly back for a active headlight malfunction. The next 4 times consisted of normal service, and also strange idle and constant low speed squeak coming from the wheel wells. They replaced the front brakes after some complaining but it came back in the rear and I’m not waiting for the rear brakes to get low enough to replace. The only way for me to stop the loud, embarrassing wagon noise it ride the brakes with one foot while getting on the gas…not safe but I’ve learned to get used to it.

With that said I now how fuel delivery problems. The last time I took it in, it was because the power cut off on the freeway and the car went into limp mode. Felt like the car was having a stroke. Completely unresponsive. Smoke was billowing out of the back and I smelt unburnt fuel and also oil burning. I was able to get it to the shop and they replaced 3 fuel injectors last week. But ALSO they had to keep it for an extra 3 days because the tech noticed an oil leak that they were not able to isolate after putting dye in the system. Their solution was to come back in a couple weeks!

One week has passed and now my car goes back into limp mode on the freeway. Same symptoms. I have an appointment to pick up another loaner and wait for them to fix it again.

After looking at the previous owners records I noticed the car was in for 3 HFP replacements, braket steering problems, fuel pressure sensor permanent failure, parking lamp permanent failure, EKP control unit failure, and misfires.

So I clearly have a problem car and now its causing me major headaches. Do I have a case here? The crazy thing is I’d be happy with a buyback and lease on new 335 instead. (yeah I love the driving experience that much – when its working).

Just took it in today for oil change and my service adviser says:

- You have oil leak on head gasket = $ 1,100
- You have oil leak by oil filter housing = $ 900
- You have leak at transmission seal = $ 1000
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Total = $3,000

So never had any issues before when I brought in for service under warranty and now all of a sudden I have leaks all over. Really not happy right now.

Was in Palm Springs for vacation and was blessed with the issue of loss of power. Took it in to the local dealer, who I must say was the most helpful. He informed me that it was only a sensor issue and should not be the fuel pump, as it should have been repaired prior to the car being placed on the pre-owned lot.

Lastly, I experinced the episode with the stupid-run flats which BMW reports are BMW suggested. Did not know until I found myself stranded with a tire on the side of the freeway that the tire had clearly separated from the inner side-the car does not come with a spare. Car towed to BMW..was somewhat confident that the repair would be no cost since I purchased the rim and tire warranty. Not so, I was informed that the tire was beyond the tread wear required for me to take advantage of the warranty. That visit for a tire cost 777.00. for a tire and a four wheel allignment that they reported was NOT covered under my warranty, as it is a regular wear and tear. I argued that a tire wearing from the inner area is NOT NORMAL wear and tear. The staff quickly redirected me to the dealer the car was purchased from if I should find the need to dispute the tire issue. ….Brake pads are are a normal wear and tear, yet they are covered……no sense!!!

Sadly enough, I am realizing that simple is best. The more bells and whisltes..the more potential for mechanical repairs that will be costly to the buyer in the end.

BMW sprinkled yat a bit more salt in the wound by reporting that the addtional warranty for 2100.00 ONLY covers certain items as well.

This site has been helpful as I am going to inquire about the injector issue as I have reported power loss to the staff in the past as well. Of course all checks out according to BMW.

My real question is…….are they really changing out the parts and performimg the work they report is under warranty? Who governs the ethical issues? Hopefully it’s not one of their own. I mean whose to say that when we take these cars in for warranty covered items- the work is actually being done?

It seems very aparent that BMW is aware of a major problem with the fuel filter and refuses to take any corrective actions.

Best of luck to everyone else who shares this similar problem

Although its pretty clear the engine is flawed, I have been told its the gas, however my other cars seem to run perfectly on the same gas, so obviously they are selling us cars in the USA that are not made to run on USA spec 91oct.

Service advisers continue to play dumb, its pretty funny.

Not sure how they keep winning awards for the engine.

Good luck all.

Got the last pump replace under the so called recall campaign a few months ago. So much for the fixed fuel pump and as for bad gas, my other cars seem to work fine with the same exact gas. So if you cant make your engine work with gas that meets CA standards etc… dont sell the car to that market.

Where do I go from here…?