2011 BMW X5 Engine Malfunction: Reduced Power

[P416]

Hey guys,

I have a 2011 BMW X5 35i. So I was getting off work yesterday and there was a flood on the street. I had no choice but to go thru it. I've seen some vehicles go thru it with no problem. A message came up (Engine Malfunction Reduced Power). I parked right away, turned off the car and waited 20 minutes. I turned on the car and it was blowing white smoke and the RPM was at 1k. I turned it off again and waited 15 minutes and it was sitting at 600 fine. I drove home with no problems but the power was reduced, the engine light was on and I couldn't hear the turbo whistle. If I really messed up my engine I don't think I would've made it out the flood. I am letting the car dry out til tomorrow morning and take it to the mechanic after work. What do you guys think? Thanks!

[Poppyboy]

You may have caused hydrolock damage, in which case you’re in for a significant repair.

[P416]

Originally Posted by Poppyboy

If you were foolish enough to cause hydro lock damage, you’re in for a significant repair.

How do I know if it's hydro locked?

[Poppyboy]

Check this out. A mechanic would likely need to confirm. https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hydrolock
How high up did the water come?

[TwinSnailz]

Originally Posted by P416

How do I know if it's hydro locked?

When you engine sucks in water instead of air. During compression stroke, water can not be compressed, resulting in a bent rod, crack cylinder, broken piston , locking up your motor. Unable to turn over, done , goodbye etc.

But you drove home just fine. Do a quick oil change just in case water seeps through any seals during your boat launch.
Otherwise it could just be water in the sensor or connections.

[P416]

Originally Posted by TwinSnailz

When you engine sucks in water instead of air. During compression stroke, water can not be compressed, resulting in a bent rod, crack cylinder, broken piston , locking up your motor. Unable to turn over, done , goodbye etc.

But you drove home just fine. Do a quick oil change just in case water seeps through any seals during your boat launch.
Otherwise it could just be water in the sensor or connections.

Thanks. I will do an oil change right away.

[P416]

Originally Posted by TwinSnailz

When you engine sucks in water instead of air. During compression stroke, water can not be compressed, resulting in a bent rod, crack cylinder, broken piston , locking up your motor. Unable to turn over, done , goodbye etc.

But you drove home just fine. Do a quick oil change just in case water seeps through any seals during your boat launch.
Otherwise it could just be water in the sensor or connections.

And if it's water in the connections/sensors. Do I just let it dry it for a day? I have not driven my car since I got home yesterday.

[TwinSnailz]

Wire connection are usually moisture and light water splash proof which have rubber grommets in each pin. Submerging half of your engine is hard to pinpoint which connection. But if the car runs fine after the oil change , i would take it on a easy throttle cruise and have the wind and heat of the engine dry everything up.
The check engine light may or may not turn off because of the circuit that was tripped and needs to be reset manually.

Why I suggest an oil change is because bmw have high crankcase vacuum. Crank seal is at the lowest spot. If it got a little slightest leak it will pull in water.

[P416]

Originally Posted by TwinSnailz

Wire connection are usually moisture and light water splash proof which have rubber grommets in each pin. Submerging half of your engine is hard to pinpoint which connection. But if the car runs fine after the oil change , i would take it on a easy throttle cruise and have the wind and heat of the engine dry everything up.
The check engine light may or may not turn off because of the circuit that was tripped and needs to be reset manually.

Why I suggest an oil change is because bmw have high crankcase vacuum. Crank seal is at the lowest spot. If it got a little slightest leak it will pull in water.

Thanks. Will give an update once oil change is done. Btw I checked the air fiilter and it was just a little wet. It wasn't soaked.

[P416]

Originally Posted by TwinSnailz

Wire connection are usually moisture and light water splash proof which have rubber grommets in each pin. Submerging half of your engine is hard to pinpoint which connection. But if the car runs fine after the oil change , i would take it on a easy throttle cruise and have the wind and heat of the engine dry everything up.
The check engine light may or may not turn off because of the circuit that was tripped and needs to be reset manually.

Why I suggest an oil change is because bmw have high crankcase vacuum. Crank seal is at the lowest spot. If it got a little slightest leak it will pull in water.

Ok so I did an oil change. The engine light is still on, I still cant hear the turbo. I just called my insurance company to claim it and all I have to pay is the deductible and everything will be covered if repairable. Hopefully it's repairable.

[Lviv777]

I had similar issue, turned out to be bad boost solenoid!

[P416]

Originally Posted by Lviv777

I had similar issue, turned out to be bad boost solenoid!

I just got a call today, they said it is repairable. They will have it towed to bmw tomorrow. I didnt get the chance to ask what the damage was. Thank god everything is covered.

[Lviv777]

Originally Posted by P416

I just got a call today, they said it is repairable. They will have it towed to bmw tomorrow. I didnt get the chance to ask what the damage was. Thank god everything is covered.

You got lucky with it! Hope it isnt too bad