X5 4.4 Sport - Engine Failsafe Program

[adamp]

Hi guys,

I bought X5 4.4 Sport from a dealer on Sunday - 54 reg, 81k miles with good service history and AA 5 star warranty. I've done just over 100 miles with no problems at all, amazing car.

Today, roughly 24 hours after my last drive, I started it and I got Engine Failsafe Program along with Check Engine light. I switched it on and off a few times and it either:

• Had the "Engine Failsafe Program", "Check Engine" light on and engine struggled at very low revs.
• No "Engine Failsafe Program" but the "Check Engine" light was still on, this time I was able to rev over 1k but again, didn't sound as good as when I bought it.

I did some research and it seems like it may be a battery related problem? I've checked it with switched off engine, it was just above 12.4V and 14.5 on charge. As far as I know, that's normal, right?

Does it sound like a common problem? Any idea what could it be?

I'm going to call the dealer tomorrow and as if they can do anything in this situation, next I'll phone the AA and make a claim it but with my negative experiences with these sort of warranties I will probably end up at my local Indy garage. So, if you have an idea on what sort of costs am I looking at please let me know

[kkx5]

Hi. Seems like battery is fine. Could be air flow meter or vvt issue. Need diagnostic, its very complicated engine.

[AW8]

The presence of a 3rd party warranty (do check small print as you are highly likely required to pay excess &/or betterment contribution &/or age/mileage related contribution), does not remove the onus on the trade seller to fulfil their obligations under the sale of goods act. Essentially any fault on the car found within 6 months from point of sale shall be deemed to have been present at point of sale - onus is on seller to prove otherwise.

You should not be having to concern yourself, make a claim or for that matter feel need to look into the reason for the issue/illumination of fault lamps.

Not suggesting any wrong by the seller who may be unaware of the faults (unaware does not mean the faults are not present).

Despite all above the technical advice it needs proper diagnostic is totally correct.

Good Luck

[adamp]

Thanks for the response guys.

I really like the car and I hope it's a minor issue which can be easily fixed.

I'll keep you updated.

[adamp]

I took it back to the dealer and they said it happened couple of times before because their cars are not being driven very frequently.

They checked the error codes, I saw some errors related to battery, misfire and something about vvt. They did a reset and the engine light is gone now but they told me to give them a call if this happens again.

Anyway, they reckon all those errors were causes because of the battery and that I may have to replace it, does it sound right to you guys? Do you think this could be the cause?

[AW8]

Car can light up like a Christmas tree if battery has gone flat but the lights reset after turning steering lock to lock a few times. If they say it needs a new battery then they are saying it was sold with a dud and thus I would expect them to replace yours f.oc.

You say "the dealer" . Probably best not to name the seller but perhaps clarify your interpretation of "dealer" . I ask because I consider the term to relate to a BMW main dealership. Your  mention of 3rd party warranty causes me to believe you have bought from an independent trader. I accept many refer to same as used/secondhand car dealer(s).

[kkx5]

[quote="adamp"]
I took it back to the dealer and they said it happened couple of times before because their cars are not being driven very frequently.

They checked the error codes, I saw some errors related to battery, misfire and something about vvt. They did a reset and the engine light is gone now but they told me to give them a call if this happens again.

Anyway, they reckon all those errors were causes because of the battery and that I may have to replace it, does it sound right to you guys? Do you think this could be the cause?
[/quote]

Keep us updated...

[AW8]

Oh and just too out context on what may appear my pedantic reference to the term "dealer" .....

Merely seeking clarification as there will typically (not always) be differences in the approach to after sales depending on who sold the car.

Not suggesting that main dealer experiences are always trouble free or inferring independents are lacking.

Bottom line you are a customer albeit a customer whose after sales issues may represent hassle or cost to the seller.

[adamp]

I should have clarified, by "dealer" I meant a trader, not a BMW main dealer.

The problem was gone for a day and it came back again just now. I drove to the petrol station and then back home and on the way back my car suddenly slowed down and "Engine Failsafe Program" showed up again. I switched off the engine and tried to start it again but nothing happened. After couple of attempts it finally started, this time with no error. I got back home, turned off the engine, turned it back on and the error appeared again?! 

Also, another strange thing happened on my way to the petrol station - I realised my jet washers didn't work (I could hear the engine but no water was sprayed) and I know it worked before. I tried it again couple of minutes later on my way back and it worked...

[kkx5]

I think it will be valvetronic issue. It could be just out of sync. We can easly rule out battery. If you go to the garage,  make sure they know what they dealing with.  Its not "just"  an engine in your x5. Make sure they do have bmw dis/ista or autologic, abrites. Proper diagnostic is essential.  As for jet wash..  its about headlight jets? It should spray every 5th time you wash screen...

[AW8]

Re the headlamp washers they also come on when special wash button is pressed in at end of stalk.

Ok - so now we know you are dealing with an independent trader or outfit. My money is they will tell you to contact the warranty company. Please refer to my earlier post.

The longer you leave it the more difficult it may be to get a satisfactory resolution.

Politely request a proper diagnostic and proper repair of any issues on basis you will otherwise reject the car as it is not fit for purpose. Confirm this by email - ideally with a read receipt.

Keep timed and dated notes of all conversations, emails etc.

Don't go in too heavy as they may dig heels in - keep it nice however frustrated you may feel.

I am confident I am giving the correct advice.

Keep us updated.

P.S. Don't be compromised by allowing emotional attachment to the car.

[adamp]

Thanks guys!

One clarification, I meant windscreen washer jets. They seem to work fine now though...

I had to pick up my brother from the airport last night (30 minutes after the "Engine Failsafe" incident) so I drove it for about 180 miles and had no problem at all.

[quote="AW8"]
P.S. Don't be compromised by allowing emotional attachment to the car.
[/quote]

This. I get emotionally attached to easily...

I'll contact the seller again today.

[AW8]

It's only me !



Update please

[adamp]

[quote="AW8"]
It's only me !



Update please
[/quote]

Can you explain the Harry Enfield in your reply, please? lol

I dropped my car to the dealer and they said they'll run proper diagnostics and get back to me. It's going to be fine...