Transfer Case and Valve Cover Gasket Leak... Out of Warranty. What to do?

[BOSBMW]

Hey there,

6-7 months ago, I came across a 2012 BMW X5 xdrive35i M Sport with approximatly 42k miles that was dealer imported from Canada. The car had/has a clean record, looked and ran great. So I test drove it, had it inspected and when everything checked out, I pulled the trigger on it.

Couple weeks later, an rear/surround view camera malfunction error message popped out. I read about the issue here on the forum and found that this was a common moisture infiltration cables issue on these cars. I had BMW Seattle look into it and they quoted over $3k to repair. While I was contemplating whether to repair or not, the error stopped coming up and hasn't reappeared since.

Last week I took the car in to BMW Seattle for an oil change, when I went to pick it up, I was told both Transfer Case $6.7k and Valve Cover gastket $1k were leaking... I did not know these two could go wrong on a 5 years old BMW with 45k miles. My SA encourage me to call BMW USA so I did. Since the vehicle originated from Canada, BMW USA asked I complete warranty validation form and send them vehicle ownership documents so they can get vehicle records from BMW CA. They also told me that a rep was going to get in touch with me regarding repairs. Today, I got a call from the rep who told me because my vehicle was a Canada car, BMW USA wasn't going to assist with any repairs.

After that I called BMW CA, who in turn told me since the car was legaly imported to the US and registered in WA state BMW USA would be one I should be dealing with.

At this point I am not sure what other avenues I should explore. Would appreciate any suggestions you guys may have for me.

[-c-]

Originally Posted by hfraj

Hey there,

6-7 months ago, I came across a 2012 BMW X5 xdrive35i M Sport with approximatly 42k miles that was dealer imported from Canada. The car had/has a clean record, looked and ran great. So I test drove it, had it inspected and when everything checked out, I pulled the trigger on it.

Couple weeks later, an rear/surround view camera malfunction error message popped out. I read about the issue here on the forum and found that this was a common moisture infiltration cables issue on these cars. I had BMW Seattle look into it and they quoted over $3k to repair. While I was contemplating whether to repair or not, the error stopped coming up and hasn't reappeared since.

Last week I took the car in to BMW Seattle for an oil change, when I went to pick it up, I was told both Transfer Case $6.7k and Valve Cover gastket $1k were leaking... I did not know these two could go wrong on a 5 years old BMW with 45k miles. My SA encourage me to call BMW USA so I did. Since the vehicle originated from Canada, BMW USA asked I complete warranty validation form and send them vehicle ownership documents so they can get vehicle records from BMW CA. They also told me that a rep was going to get in touch with me regarding repairs. Today, I got a call from the rep who told me because my vehicle was a Canada car, BMW USA wasn't going to assist with any repairs.

After that I called BMW CA, who in turn told me since the car was legaly imported to the US and registered in WA state BMW USA would be one I should be dealing with.

At this point I am not sure what other avenues I should explore. Would appreciate any suggestions you guys may have for me.

Call this guy for your transfer case,

http://www.tcbmwx5.com

Bought my transfer case from him and it's been flawless. Only 1k for a fully rebuilt one and he pays shipping to your door.

It was also a relatively easy swap, swapped mine in under 5 hours.

The valve cover gasket on the N55 is known to leak as mine did and the reason for the expense is they replace the whole valve cover as well as it's been known to crack plus it also replaces your pcv valve and such.

I used this time to replace the spark plugs as everything was very accessible.

Mines a 2012 model year so yes they do fail. But hopefully just once

If your not going to do the install find a reputable BMW mechanic and pay half the price of the dealer. Those parts are easy and you should not have to pay dealer prices to get them fixed. The gasket replacement should be no more than $500 bucks labor. Plus whatever parts you buy.

[Pierce330]

OP, you really need to find a reliable indy shop to service your X5.

[BOSBMW]

Appreciate you sharing your experience -C-. I was hoping BMW North America or Canada would stand behind their product and at the very least help pay for a portion of the repairs. I'd like to think that most BMW customers don't expect these components to fail at 45k miles. This is just disappointing to me.

I plan on replacing valve cover gasket myself. What all did you replace in addition to spark plugs? (Valve cover and PCV valve as well?). And have you run into any issues since?

[racermp]

Buy an extended warranty, wait the initial 30 days and take it in for service.

[-c-]

Originally Posted by BOSBMW

Appreciate you sharing your experience -C-. I was hoping BMW North America or Canada would stand behind their product and at the very least help pay for a portion of the repairs. I'd like to think that most BMW customers don't expect these components to fail at 45k miles. This is just disappointing to me.

I plan on replacing valve cover gasket myself. What all did you replace in addition to spark plugs? (Valve cover and PCV valve as well?). And have you run into any issues since?

Nope it was a one time change. The PCV is built into the valve cover. The fact is from all the cars I've had and experienced I've had parts fail from many brands within the first month of ownership so anythings possible...

I'll be honest though now that I'm driving an electric car, it's the first car I've had that the three years I've driven it has not given me one issue.... it's really amazing....

BMW North America has helped me in the past with my car that was out of warranty with mini as well so I know they do help but the fact it was from out of the country your in a pickle. As usa and Canada are run by different entities.

Like my company has USA and South America locations and the two are completely separate from one another.

[wmg/bmw]

I tell ya my 4.8 drove it 4k miles and started smelling burning oil...looked for a well documented indy who specialise in BMW found two
The problen
BOth valve covers leaking
Valley pan leaking
2 hoses leaking antifreeze
slight leak in the main seal
Both Front wheel bearings shot (i heard the noise it was getting loud)
Little Garage in Huntington NY quoted $5400
BMA in Deer Park NY quoted $2600
Both had highly recommended ratings, both are using BMW parts

Went to BMA took 5 days to complete have put 1500 miles on since the repair - so far perfect..........

THe reason I said something find a good Indy shop will go a long way in saving money