New Owner 2011 X5 XDrive - Coolant Leaked on Driveway after idling

[Steepcreeker]

Hello members,
I am new BMW X5 forum member and owner of a 2011 X5 with 117,500 miles.

The car was idling in driveway with a baby sleeping in it. Idled for about 20-30 min. before I noticed coolant puddle under vehicle.

Thoughts on where leak is most likely from? No codes or errors, except now, Low Coolant.

Thanks - Philthy

[Sophisticated Redneck]

Originally Posted by Steepcreeker

Hello members,
I am new BMW X5 forum member and owner of a 2011 X5 with 117,500 miles.

The car was idling in driveway with a baby sleeping in it. Idled for about 20-30 min. before I noticed coolant puddle under vehicle.

Thoughts on where leak is most likely from? No codes or errors, except now, Low Coolant.

Thanks - Philthy

Depends quite a bit on which engine you have in it. Give us details on that. But probably the most common on alot of engines is the coolant sensor located on the passenger side of the Radiator down low next to the lower Radiator inlet hose, it has a o-ring that goes all the time and is known to leak. Very easy to replace if that is it

[skvitt5]

Originally Posted by Sophisticated Redneck

Depends quite a bit on which engine you have in it. Give us details on that. But probably the most common on alot of engines is the coolant sensor located on the passenger side of the Radiator down low next to the lower Radiator inlet hose, it has a o-ring that goes all the time and is known to leak. Very easy to replace if that is it

While fixing that sensor leak on my vehicle I found one more leak in almost the same area. The intercooler hose. Upper clamp is crimp on style and it leaks right there. Haven't got a chance to replace it with worm drive clam yet.

[Steepcreeker]

Originally Posted by Sophisticated Redneck

Depends quite a bit on which engine you have in it. Give us details on that. But probably the most common on alot of engines is the coolant sensor located on the passenger side of the Radiator down low next to the lower Radiator inlet hose, it has a o-ring that goes all the time and is known to leak. Very easy to replace if that is it

Thanks, I have the 4.4 TT V8 motor.

Just had to replace that sensor as it started dripping on the passenger side.

However this leak is a lot more substantial and on the drivers side. It also looks like some fluid was sprayed on the top of the motor area.

[Sophisticated Redneck]

Most likely the turbo coolant lines, if you pop off your engine cover (and LEAVE IT OFF). You will see the lines that run to turbos, they go out all the time as well as the plastic T-fittings. Easy enough to replace. There are many other hoses buried in there but I would start with those, you should see coolant residue around the ones leaking. Heat build-up is a serious issue with the N63 engines, that spiffy looking engine cover plays a direct role in this so leave it off, it is not needed. If the turbo coolant lines check out then look and follow the link as they go down to the water pumps (your car has three water pumps), I doubt is the intercooler lines though as they are usually not under much pressure. Your reservoir tank is usually the next week spot so check under it too for any evidence

[TwinSnailz]

I vote for coolant reservoir tank. They are made from recycled milk cartons and glued together with Elmers cow glue.

[Sophisticated Redneck]

Originally Posted by TwinSnailz

I vote for coolant reservoir tank. They are made from recycled milk cartons and glued together with Elmers cow glue.

Bwhahahah!!!

[Steepcreeker]

Originally Posted by Sophisticated Redneck

Most likely the turbo coolant lines, if you pop off your engine cover (and LEAVE IT OFF). You will see the lines that run to turbos, they go out all the time as well as the plastic T-fittings. Easy enough to replace. There are many other hoses buried in there but I would start with those, you should see coolant residue around the ones leaking. Heat build-up is a serious issue with the N63 engines, that spiffy looking engine cover plays a direct role in this so leave it off, it is not needed. If the turbo coolant lines check out then look and follow the link as they go down to the water pumps (your car has three water pumps), I doubt is the intercooler lines though as they are usually not under much pressure. Your reservoir tank is usually the next week spot so check under it too for any evidence

Thanks for this info. I think I'll start at the res. tank as it is easier. Hopefully I'll find my leak.

I'll inspect the turbo lines next. Thanks for your time.

[Steepcreeker]

Bottom clip of expansion tank is a bear. I'll need a few more tries and a few more bloody knuckles. Tricks to getting this off?

[TwinSnailz]

Originally Posted by Steepcreeker

Bottom clip of expansion tank is a bear. I'll need a few more tries and a few more bloody knuckles. Tricks to getting this off?

When you remover the 2 bolts up top you can only pull up enough so you can turn the hose clip towards the engine so you can access it with a pick.

[Laguna Seca Blue]

Originally Posted by TwinSnailz

When you remover the 2 bolts up top you can only pull up enough so you can turn the hose clip towards the engine so you can access it with a pick.

+1 on the coolant reservoir tank. If you had coolant on top of the engine cover that's likely where it sprayed from under pressure. The N55 powered E70 LCI we just bought for stock had the same issue. Massive puddle under the drivers side front wheel well and coolant clearly visible in engine bay. Swapped out the tank and no more leak

Good luck getting it out. I learnt a long time ago that trying to do mechanical work myself results in broken plastic bits, and a gut wrenching sense of doom. haha.

[Steepcreeker]

I did end up getting the clip off with the use of some small picks. Took a few tries and a few different ideas to get there.

[Steepcreeker]

I am about to order parts from BMW of S. ATL. Thoughts? Other online vendors for OEM parts?

Thanks - P

[9vapors]

Originally Posted by Steepcreeker

I am about to order parts from BMW of S. ATL. Thoughts? Other online vendors for OEM parts?

Thanks - P

I bought my expansion tank from Turner... it comes with a new sensor and cap. The one with the yellow arrow is the updated version that is made of some better materials.
https://www.turnermotorsport.com/p-2...uine-bmw-part/

[pdX5M]

Originally Posted by Steepcreeker

I am about to order parts from BMW of S. ATL. Thoughts? Other online vendors for OEM parts?

Thanks - P

Other OEM retailers in addition to Turner Motorsport are ECS Tuning and FCP Euro. I've ordered parts from all vendors and can't say anything bad about any of them...other than FCP forgetting to pack a couple items in my shipment one time. They were quick to fix the issue though.

[Steepcreeker]

Twinsnailz for the win.

Replacing the Res Tank was very easy. Topped off with less than one gallon of fluid. Seems to be ready to roll.

Thanks to those who reached out. Very happy with this forum!

Ordered from FCP Euro, no problems. About $150 shipped with the tank and cap.

[Alex Ander]

Originally Posted by Steepcreeker

Twinsnailz for the win.

Replacing the Res Tank was very easy. Topped off with less than one gallon of fluid. Seems to be ready to roll.

Thanks to those who reached out. Very happy with this forum!

Ordered from FCP Euro, no problems. About $150 shipped with the tank and cap.

I do not know if you did it but after reinstalling and refilling, you need to burp the system to remove air bubbles.
There is a procedure that you can find on youtube.