2010-2012 x5 35d

[warminwisco]

If you keep topping off yur DEF don't you worry it will get old? Think it has a 2 year shelf life or something.

[Flying Ace]

Originally Posted by JGard

The reason the X5 doesn't have the CBU problem is because it utilizes a two-part EGR system, one low pressure and one high pressure. The 335D only uses one-part (I believe the high pressure) and this is the main reason for the difference in CBU.

As for the X5, I've had my '11 for exactly one year now. I LOVE the car, it's comfortable, good size, performs well, looks good, etc. I dislike how often I've been to my local BMW dealer. Between scheduled service (car had the extended maintenance plan on it when I bought it, so I have another year still of free service) and Check engine lights, it's been annoying.

Within a few months of ownership I had a NOx sensor fail. My aftermarket warranty covered it, but it was a $700 job.

Then I replaced my thermostat because I identified that it had failed open and I didn't want any of the other potential problems that can come from that. However, once I replaced it, within 1,000 miles (coincidence, maybe?) the EGR cooler cracked. My aftermarket warranty did not cover that, so I bought the part for $500 and did it myself.

Recently the check engine light has come and gone a few times and it's the dreaded DEF level sensor in the active tank. Someone has developed a "fix" using resistors wired in-line with the sensor and its harness, which fools the car into thinking everything is fine. As long as you keep your DEF full, there should be no harm to the operation of the car and it's a $10 fix.

geez, it sounds like you've had quite a bit of issues with yours. I have owned my '12 D for a year and a half now. I have zero issues (knock on wood) thus far. I have extended warranty and I am still under the CA 7/70 mandated emissions warranty, so I'll definitely look to BMW to fix it under the mandated warranty first before making me pay a deductible.

I check my thermostat temps about once a week now, and mine is holding strong.

Have you seen 2011's having more issues than 2012? I don't recall seeing much 2012 or 2013 owners posting issues. Based on MY coverage of some of the SIBs, it appears BMW made some emissions equipment changes to the D around 2010 MY. How many miles do you have on your car?

[JGard]

Car only has 73k miles on it. I bought it with 61k. I'd like to keep this thing at least until it hits 100, but who knows.

[gixxerboy63]

Mine is a 2010 That I updated with LCI headlights and taillights, painted the body trim in M-sport fashion, lowered on H&R 1.2s and 22" 599M style wheels, so appearance wise, I am very pleased with it.

Maintenance wise, I have serviced the DEF tank, replaced cracked egr cooler and main thermostat, but I have a check engine light that doesn't seem to want to go away... Keeps pointing to emissions EGR cooler, but this has already been replaced withing the last 2000 miles...Arrrrrgggh!

Still, the vehicle runs great and can't find anything else wrong with it other than that stupid annoying check engine light!

[JGard]

I'm tempted to do some lowering springs on mine, too, I think it would help the look, especially since I have the 20" X5M wheels on it. I also REALLY want to retrofit the NBT entertainment system, but I'm having a very tough time justifying spending that kind of money, when really all I would be getting is a higher resolution screen. I never really need Navigation (and my car now does not have it)

[gixxerboy63]

Originally Posted by JGard

I'm tempted to do some lowering springs on mine, too, I think it would help the look, especially since I have the 20" X5M wheels on it. I also REALLY want to retrofit the NBT entertainment system, but I'm having a very tough time justifying spending that kind of money, when really all I would be getting is a higher resolution screen. I never really need Navigation (and my car now does not have it)

Lowering it a little (I used H&R 1.2s) will definitely help the appearance, especially if you are running 299M wheels.

Here's mine on 22" 599M style wheels:
It's also a 2010, so I accomplished my own LCI and Msport upgrades.

[JMX5D]

Originally Posted by gixxerboy63

Lowering it a little (I used H&R 1.2s) will definitely help the appearance, especially if you are running 299M wheels.

Here's mine on 22" 599M style wheels:
It's also a 2010, so I accomplished my own LCI and Msport upgrades.

Looks great, Love it,