Before you go and retire your BMW manuals, you may want to rummage around and find your x5 guide because some of the common issues mechanics have dealt with from this model, just may, in fact, become problems of the past. Outside of normal wear of brakes and tires, other technical mechanisms that also take a beating while you parade around town.
You Can Use BMW Manuals or You Can Use a Mechanic
On average, the typical BMW x5 owner spends roughly $700 on maintenance and routine procedures like oil changes, tune-ups, and system checks. This is mere peanuts when you get into what is actually happening under the hood of this luxury SUV. It’s not uncommon to hear about certain brands and models having mechanical issues specific to that particular line or brand. BMW is no different and their x5 SUV has a few minor tweaks they are hoping to fully address with the new 2017 model. Here are the top five repairs performed on the BMW x5.
CV Axle/ Shaft Assembly Replacement
If you enjoy driving then you will notice yourself not getting far when this repair peaks up unexpectedly. Well, not entirely a stealthy problem, there are definitely signs and noises that can be heard before this assembly conks out on you. The axel is responsible for rotating the wheels in direct correlation to the transmission performance. The axel shaft is a thin rod that connects the wheel structure to the transmission. As the transmission spins, the wheels begin to rotate.
One of the biggest repairs in this area of the car for almost any model is the actual CV joint. This is where the wheel connects to the axle shaft and lubricity is critical. Over time the CV boots can become worn and torn, causing the viscous fluid to escape and the joint to become stale and overly worked. A clear sign this has happened will come from a popping sounds as you turn your wheel in a direction. If you turn to the left and you hear the popping or clicking coming from your tires, chances are the right CV joint needs attention. If you are skilled you can use your BMW manuals to fix the problem, but this may be better left to a professional mechanic.
Wheel Bearing Replacement
Where do you think the most common repairs on a car are? If you have half a brain, you’ll probably quickly spout out that a majority of problems stem from the wheel and axle areas. Obviously, this is due to these portions of your car constantly working. You wheels never get a break unless you are sitting still. They are what gets you from one area to the next. Which is why this next repair could leave you stuck in a driveway.
When your wheel bearings go out, you will feel shaking coming from the wheels and steering of the car. Wheel bearings are important and essential for any car, truck, or something that relies on motorized wheels to function. Wheel bearings help tires to freely spin and stay fastened to the car. There is a wheel bearing located at each wheel. If you feel you may have worn one of these out, you might want to call your mechanic or dig out your BMW manuals, because the more you drive on this the worse it will become.
Car Starter Repair
This particular repair is an obvious one. You wake up, prepare yourself for work and head to the driveway to leave. You stick your key in the ignition and turn…Nothing! Looks like you may be having starter problems. The role of a starter is to kick-start the engine (through pistons, crankshaft, etc.) into motion once you have turned the key in the ignition. Sometimes it can be a repair in the making. Maybe it will sputter a few times and then crank. Unbelievably your car will run like this and for quite some time. I use to have an old 88’ Acura Legend and the starter was going out. You won’t be taking your x5 car covers off when your starter goes out. Don’t let yourself be stranded.
In my case, I was able to have a friend turn my key while I beat my start from the outside with a hammer (never try this). It worked for me for almost a year doing this. Once I got around to fixing it, you would not believe the extra damage I caused to the surrounding area by banging on my engine. The best way to know if it is the start is by testing your car’s features. For instance, do the radio, lights, and windows work while the ignition is turned? If so, you can rule out your battery and move closer to your alternator or starter.
Strut Assembly Replacement
This repair is one of the most neglected repairs and it can be chalked up as simply overlooked. Your strut assembly provided the smooth comfortable drive you remember when you first bought your car. The struts essentially aid in absorbing the shock from your bumpy ride, making it less noticeable. This will certainly take a toll on the shocks and struts, constantly taking a pounding.
One of the biggest indicators of a worn strut will be bumpy rides, uneven tire wear, and your car can make noises and knocks when going over bumps. You can diagnose this by consulting BMW manuals, but taking it to a shop will be much quicker. The reason these go out is eventually they become worn and start to leak gas/hydraulic fluid, causing the whirlwind of driving problems.
Car Thermostat Replacement
Lastly and one of the most replaced items on most cars, not just the BMW x5 is the thermostat. Yes, this keeps your engine’s cooling system in check and is your direct indicator of the temperature of your engine. Thermostats work by keeping the engine cool by either allowing the coolant to freely flow in the engine, warming it up to a certain temperature Often times you will notice your temperature gauge on your dash going past its normal level. This is a sign you need to get it check. While BMW manuals have directions, you may want a professional for this job too.
When there are overheating issues with a car, sometimes these can lead to even large problems, so it is best to practice to get the cooling system checked when doing any repairs. It is kind of like Christmas lights. It works when they all work, but if one goes out; it can be a struggle to find which one it is. Be safe and keep your car’s maintenance up to date for the best possible driving experience.