No Crank, oil leak, belt came off: BMW X3

It is general knowledge that aging BMWs can turn into bottomless money pits...but this one takes the cake.
The owner called me for a second opinion, since he thought the dealership quote of $1500 was a bit steep.
I gave him my honest second opinion.
Enjoy!
Ivan

[@elcheapo5302]

A $1500 repair on a 10 year old BMW at the dealership? I'd call that "getting off cheap".

[@PineHollowAutoDiagnostics]

haha that's what I thought!

[@johnaclark1]

You got to know when to hold 'em, know when to fold 'em. Know when to walk away, know when to run!

[@ivorbiggun8404]

Years ago when I was an apprentice tech, the guy I worked for said the time will come where the only way to make good money in the motor trade will be to specialise. That time is here now. So many special tools required for the simplest of tasks, components designed to be unserviceable without them....it's madness. I work with Landrover Jaguar, which certainly have a reputation, but compared to this German stuff they are straightforward..... When struggling with something I frequently think back to how we used to moan about cars back in the day, but really, they were so easy!!!!!

[@heyitschinoable]

ivor biggun THIS ☝️☝️☝️

[@jt8280]

Yea, slant 6 and small blocks you fix them with your eyes closed.

[@wyattoneable]

A great lesson in knowing when to move on. My injectors failed on my truck and there was no way I wanted to get into that. I had a diesel guy do the work. 😊

[@KillJD]

Seriously. This is key. I hate turning away work. I take it personally. I had a 2010 XC60 that I called the fuel pump module on because it exhibited a hard to start symptom if it sits overnight. I checked for TSBs and there was one for the module leaking back fuel into the tank. I checked with the scan tool and I could see the fuel pressure dropping if you turn the ignition on and the pump primes. Easy I thought. The customer brought the car in. Screw me. You have to drop the exhaust. No problem. Driveshaft. Easy. Then tank. Pffftt. Except no lol. The bolts on the exhaust were seized. Ok, I can get around that, but the design of the exhaust pipe would require me to drop the rear subframe and suspension! I didn't have an actual problem with this but the customer already fainted at the cost of the module itself. So I called him up, explained the situation, and told him if he turned the ignition on and off twice before he started the car in the morning he'd have no problems. He was more than happy to do that lol. It works BTW. Sometimes I wish I were an engineer . I've seen some shit on cars that make me scratch my head and ask "Why?"

[@PineHollowAutoDiagnostics]

Cars with no fuel pump access cover piss me off too lol

[@friguy4444]

@@PineHollowAutoDiagnostics We're looking at you Chevy! LOL.

[@MrCJF75]

Starter lives under the intake, apparently it dies under the intake as well lol

[@PineHollowAutoDiagnostics]

lmao!

[@fire7765]

I would like to thank you for helping everybody out with your videos May God Bless You.

[@robinsonsmotorcycleandauto3929]

Great to see you making lots of videos I have some catching up to do on watching them all.

[@12volttech5]

Much respect to you Ivan but you missed a major check, good ground at the starter motor! I have come across several no crank situations with BMW's because of a broken ground strap. The older BMW's carried a braided ground strap that was known to rot & break off. More than likely it will need a starter but still best to be 100% sure. Autel's more recent update has active test for starter Relay on BMW. Video & diagnoses is still a thumbs up.

[@jeffcamera5387]

Yes! I performed the same checks on my '08 X3 and replaced the starter (not a trivial job) and it still wouldn't start. Felt like I was losing my mind because even the ground check passed on the multimeter. The key word from your comment is a GOOD ground! My braided engine ground strap was still semi-intact (had continuity but couldn't carry enough current for the starter). Attached a jumper cable from a strut tower bolt to a bracket on the engine and the thing fired right up. A lesson I'll never forget.

[@petar443]

Always enjoying watching your videos.

[@PineHollowAutoDiagnostics]

Thanks Petar!

[@billneu9520]

you are so right need 100's of dollars of tools to do maintenance job. always another good video thanks for your time.

[@djambrosia]

Same crap on a Porsche RMS. I spent hours in DIY shops looking for a suitable plastic end cap to install the bloody thing as the special tool was crazy money. I'll stick to Honda's and classic cars from now on thank you very much!

[@williegillie5712]

It would have been fun watching you tackle that front engine seal. I’m sure everyone is asking,”who puts a starter under the intake manifold?!?”

[@zoidberg444]

See an X3 in the video thumbnail. Oh no. Here we go. You made the right call. A bloke i work with got one of these. Thought he got a great deal until 2 weeks later when he was driving home one evening and it started clattering and knocking. Parked up noticed some oil on the ground under the back. The rear diff had basically exploded and the rear CV axles were flopping around. I'm just amazed he actually got it home. Its still there now and that was 2 years ago. He wants me to replace it with a used rear end but I'm not sure if I'm brave enough to get into it with one of these kraut wagons. He got sensible and drives a Hyundai now.

[@Anonymous-it5jw]

Know when to hold ‘em, know when to fold ‘em. Good call, Ivan!

[@theadventuresofjavier8698]

LMAO. When I saw the notification opening title I thought to myself "it must be a BMW".low and behold....

[@fredflintstone8048]

Wise decision. Good catch on the trouble shooting and yes, I did notice you didn't test the integrity of the starter connection to battery ground.

[@AndykSuper2]

Eric O brought me here. 1st video I'm gonna watch of Ivan's.

[@BigDog50001]

Excellent job Ivan. Take the second opinion fee and move on to the next job!

[@jackwood8307]

Man those bmers are a real joy to own. And Ivan we don’t want to see you suffer so that was a good call on your part!

[@JeanEstel]

Chuck Iringtwice lol it's like one giant computer and after owning mine for 3 years you get to sound smart when it comes to car problems. You become proud of all the things you've fixed. Lmao

[@jackwood8307]

Jean Estel / you sound like a competent diyer but I would have to take it to someone. If Ivan doesn’t want to try it then its way beyond most of us. Mechanics like Ivan are rare as hens teeth!

[@JeanEstel]

True, some things just arent worth it and best left to professionals.

[@nutz4gunz457]

It's kind of surprising to see the power steering fluid reservoir leaking on a BMW... Said no one EVER!

[@Pablo_Automotive]

Great again Ivan =)

[@johneaston4963]

Lucky escape Ivan,don't walk away,RUN AWAY,,,LOL

[@PineHollowAutoDiagnostics]

I'll jump on my bike and pedal as fast as I can!!!

[@KarateSensei71]

I hate working on Eurotrash, sometimes they are very straightforward, other times like this simple front seal it is not. Good call as usual Ivan! I would love to see Eric O. get into one of these to hear him make up new words....not a sponsor!

[@baxrok2.]

Wow, starter under the intake. Nice job Ivan. Thanks!

[@raigen123456]

Baxrok2 Honda’s k series engines are like that too

[@baxrok2.]

Bummer!

[@PineHollowAutoDiagnostics]

At least Honda starters don't go bad at 150k miles, and are probably not a 4-hour job to change?

[@raigen123456]

4 hours to do a starter on a bmw inline 6? You taking a 3 hour nap during the job? lol. I had the intake manifold off in less than 30 mins when I needed to walnut blast the intake valves on my 335i. I'd say 150k miles on an original starter is not too bad! I went through two OEM starters on my tsx with the k24 at 120k before I traded it in. And it's not just a tsx thing, at our dealer, we stock tons of r18 civic starters and k24 crv, accord starters since they go bad so often.

[@PineHollowAutoDiagnostics]

I guess Honda starters aren't as good as they used to be...my vehicles all have the original starters with over a quarter million miles each. Never seen walnut blasting done...is that a direct injection thing?

[@jonphipps1262]

When the belt comes off of those it usually get wrapped around behind the crank pulley and destroys the front seal.

[@alward9901]

Hi Ivan , I remember about two years ago Mumble mechanic , and Eric the car guy , discussing German cars and saying you need a hole pile of special tools to do some of the more simple jobs , I think Eric said he's not keen on working on them .

[@bigmac965]

And with the presentation of a small amount of bonus footage, Ivan has convinced me that I do not want to own a new-ish BMW. No sir. Not me! Spasiba(?), Ivan! I'll keep my money (or lack of it) in my pocket!

[@robertweir9034]

Thanks for sharing.

[@atrahasis3899]

Common wire colors; German: Schwarz: black Weiss: white Grun: green Gelb: yellow Blau: blue Braun: brown Lila: purple Useful phrases: "Ach! Mein camschaft ist pokin' through ze valvecoverin!" "Send ein Towtruck, mein i-drive ist stuckken in reverse againen!" "How can zhere be ein Chevrolet transmission in mein 100Keuro automobeilen??"

[@bigmac965]

Bwahahahahahahahaha!

[@francismartinez6049]

Atra Hasis how do you say “money pit” in German?

[@atrahasis3899]

"Geshstorming Daniels"

[@MrBugsier5]

BMW.

[@mostwantedmotor]

LoL

[@coolklr]

What a great video

[@ouch1011]

The only time I've ever seen BMW blow out crank seals like that is when the crankcase vent fails. Oil filter housing and oil cooler gaskets are also ridiculously common. Basically just about any BMW 6 cylinder from like year 2000 forward will be leaking oil from either the valve cover gasket, oil filter housing gasket, oil cooler gaskets (if it has one) or the oil pan gasket.

[@1hlyGOD]

Good call

[@AP9311]

Hahaha, diagnose it and run away lol. That's classic catch, lol. Good thing you mentioned that malarkey crap about that special tool times 3 or 4, lol. I'm staying away lol. Sensible move, Ivan lol

[@Diagnosedan]

Ha ha stay away from Bmw's that's advise I'm not going to follow Ivan! The special tools make life easier when you have them but I'm pretty sure you are very capable to replace a crankshaft seal without special tools. I guess you replaced a lot before! Sw=Swartz=Black. And EWS is the immobilizer.

[@PineHollowAutoDiagnostics]

Haha Dan! It seems that 90% of the cars in your shop are BMWs, so you would go out of business if you sent them all away!! I have much respect for your skill and patience with these vehicles :)

[@Diagnosedan]

Pine Hollow Auto Diagnostics 🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@stihltech206]

If its what you know... Keep on truckin! BMWs give me a headache, the last one (actually was a mini) that i worked on may have gotten me a restraining order from my neighbor... I went over the security footage and I was a sight to be seen!

[@Diagnosedan]

Samuel Michelson 🤣🤣🤣

[@josephvilla7359]

Ivan well done well-said theses days married too more than one is very expensive regardless thanks for your research and advice

[@arrow251]

I never understand the over engineering of German cars, it is as if they can't help themselves.

[@peto22]

I never understand the ancient crap americans call cars.

[@mikechiodetti6737]

Compared to BMW's my Nissan is a joy to work on!

[@volvo09]

I agree, stay away unless you know you can do it. The owners of these cars bought into the expensive as Hell repair ecosystem when they bought these cars, so I wouldn't go too far trying to help them out. (unless you know you can do it without the special tools and can safely pocket some cash while also saving the owner $.)

[@nutz4gunz457]

You dodged a .50 cal to the face by turning down that job.

[@daveogarf]

Seconded! Good intuition, Ivan!

[@Peter-pv8xx]

I worked on my neighbors 2005 x3, it had 5 separate oil leaks including the transmission, I fixed the main ones that leaving puddles when he parked, the transmission mount needed replacing which I found out needed a special tool, his son is a service writer manager at the dealer so I thought he could borrow it, no dice, it requires not only a tool to install it but one to remove it, just for one mount and the tool was like $220 on eBay, I managed to use my air chisel to remove it and told him that I either need the tool or had have to tow it to the dealer to have it installed, I did manage to do it using a large c clamp and a lot of bad words, stay away from those things especially older ones.

[@AdamAus85]

I had a similar problem on my first E39. Was an engine management (if I remember right) fuse in the engine bay.

[@phoenixautodiagnostics4209]

Stay away? for me, maybe on the mechanical side of things, I would ,but on the electrical side, hell NO I wouldn't stay away. I commend you for knowing when to move on.

[@Leesherwood]

you made the right call....

[@robertdavis6708]

You're right Ivan. BMW's are toilets after 75,000 miles. We ( bought a 2007 X3) and had a shit pot of trouble with it. After a complete tear out, and doner engine ( 2014 Ford Escape 2.0 EB ) took it's place. Now she gets reliable transportation for a little of nothing. Germans try to overthink everything. jmo.

[@nandor690]

Those are known for sucking the serp belt up into the engine when they slide of like that due to oil leaks

[@piotrzambrzycki3322]

Check ground under engine is very often issue and will have the same problem with starter .

[@jakeandrus690]

You made the right call turning that one down! Take the diag and run

[@aussiebloke609]

Time to polish up on your German. :-D Time for me, too - but I think S/W should stand for Schwartz/Weiss, or Black/White. Blue would be "blau", I think - which wouldn't fit with the W.

[@JoseSanchez-ud7iw]

There's an install and remove set at amazon for $230 and it's good for many bmw,s

[@brianw4brian]

Vanos goes bad on those. Usually rubber oring hose under the filter I think. They're known for the vanos issues.

[@HUBBABUBBADOOPYDOOP]

At the beginning of this video- I definitely heard a *garbage truck* emptying a dumpster; you should've asked if he had room for this turd.

[@HUBBABUBBADOOPYDOOP]

#TRUMPPUTIN2020

[@PineHollowAutoDiagnostics]

LOL well they did park it in the back lot next to the dumpster xDDD

[@stephenlawrence4362]

Great call. You would have been balls deep into the process,and then have to figure out how to proceed without needed specific tools. One smart cookie,knowing when to say no!............

[@PineHollowAutoDiagnostics]

I like a challenge, but after reading some service info, this one gave me really bad vibes haha

[@dzodaj]

I was so cheering for hammer...we crank those with hardwood stick up from above :)

[@18888888888888888886]

I am Amazed of this X3 its an 07 with an ignition key i dont think i have seen that maybe US spec are different...

[@cent31119]

if it's any help to you and others, on most of the straight 6 (M52, M54, etc.) there is a single pin connector with white wires just under and forward of the throttle body (behind the alternator) that is the signal wire to the starter.

[@PineHollowAutoDiagnostics]

Good tip!

[@ManicMechanic007]

Very risky for the DIY'er. Thanks for the bonus footage.

[@phoenixautodiagnostics4209]

lllooooool, risk you call it

[@opl500]

"Here's what it does. It does nothing."

[@MrBugsier5]

Thats why a BMW has a good back window heater, it will keep your hands warm in the winter when pushing it around the block to start it...

[@youbreakemwefixem7209]

Damn...the only way I'd have tackled that job is if I owned the vehicle! But then again...you never OWN a BMW. They own your wallet!

[@MrLionmain]

Pine Hollow great name

[@PistonShack]

I took me 5 minutes to remove/replace seal on my Ford F250 soon as I got to the seal. No Fuss! Done with two basic tools.

[@SuperM1687]

Oh no, he's in the BMW dealership parking lot!!! Send the security detail!!!

[@MrFreddywise1]

Maybe you need to Ask Mr Eric O for his Input as it seems you two make a good team when it comes to Diagnostics an Mechanical repairs just saying lol

[@kevinlogan2306]

Belt slips /breaks off If your unlucky it goes in the front crank seal and you have a major oil leak if your really unlucky it blocks oil pickup with pieces of belt or goes in timing chain and jumps the timing

[@Diagnosedan]

Kevin Logan, highly unlikely😉

[@brandonward2619]

I've seen it multiple times. Been able to save most engines with a lot of labor, had to trash one. This is a shit design.

[@ecwurban]

DiagnoseDan: Nah, it's actually very likely. We had two in the same week come in. One X3 and one 535i. The 535i was setting vanos codes as it was getting no top end oil pressure. The valve train was making one heck of a racket. The oil filter had a lot of fine belt debris in it. That's when we drained the pan and checked inside to find the pan full of crap. I wish I had taken a picture of the X3 oil pickup as the whole tube was completely full of belt.

[@brandonward2619]

Yep that was my final straw that turned me off of BMW for good. They don't make them like they used to. Were you guys able to clean the belt debris out of the crankcase, and timing chain and save those engines?

[@ecwurban]

Well we never had to scrap an engine... They all ran afterwards and seemed to run well. We'd always tell the customer there was no way to get everything out short of a full rebuild. We would just pull the oil pan, clean the pan, oil pump/pickup and the bottom of the engine the best we could. Fill it with fresh oil, drive for a few short miles then do an engine flush. For sure there's gotta still be some stuff floating around in there after you're all done. I'm sure damage was done to the idiot with the 535i as he kept driving it until the battery died... The valve train had been starved of oil for quite a while judging by how much racket it was making. I guess he was "too important" to get it towed in right when it threw the belt...

[@jacquesdaoud4263]

very good move run for your live you forgot one thing and that happened withe me tow times turn the engine may be its seized nice job

[@michaelszweda]

Great vid do you still have your new job and how is it going

[@jth1987leb]

I hate working on bmws. I often turn those jobs away. They are more hassle then they are worth.

[@satamanschmidt3428]

The definition of an aging BMW is any that is off lease. Thirty years ago among the best cars ever made currently among the worse. An infamous honor they now share with Mercedes-Benz.

[@PineHollowAutoDiagnostics]

It is a shame for sure.

[@rontiemens2553]

Wouldn't it also have been good, in addition to checking the block ground, to also check whether power was getting to the actual starter post where the white white connected to rule out a bad/corroded connector?

[@Italianracer724]

Before calling a bad starter you must check engine block grounds but wouldn't you have no power going at all to the starter or ignition switch? If the engine ground is bad

[@amerutoyot2481]

In the beginning of the video you said they may kick me out (bmw dealer) I agree with them ivan because you are dangerous you fix what they can't fix 😂

[@kevinshasteen5682]

I know this is an older post but.., My last job I chuckled that I nearly had two dozen tools out to fix one problem; longing for the old days, early 80's when I began wrenching. Yea they were carbureted and had their own issues but I didnt need 20 tools to do a front or rear seal, or remove a cylinder head. Regarding your "Stay Away From Beamers" comment; I like beamers. You simply have to be honest with yourself and [know] what you'r getting into. The older X3 and x5's are getting cheep. X3 is a perfect LSx candidate and the X5 is a perfect Ford Coyote swap; both would make these cars dependable. Unfortunately, you are on your own as there's very little info out there. The mechanics are easy while the difficult part is "just" wiring. Notice how I used the "just" word before wiring to imply wiring a BMW American V8 swap is easy!😂

[@viewmaster6949]

Greetings Ivan, I would like to know if the scanner you are using is a full system scanner with bidirectional control? Am in the market for a new bidirectional control scanner

[@MrBugsier5]

special tools, two drywall screws, a pair off pliers,A old rag, some oil, some sealant, a big socket fitting the outer rim off the new seal, and a hammer... check! oh, and a new crank seal.

[@PineHollowAutoDiagnostics]

I like it ;)

[@garysgarage3669]

I have a buddy at work who loves BMW. Not sure why, because he never gets to drive them, because he is always fixing them. And he is always buying special tools.

[@sharedknowledge6640]

Good advice. Most German cars made in the last 15 years are money pits once they're out of warranty. Your BMW X5 video with the failed $1000+ headlight and dozens of other codes is yet another example. The Germans somehow favor overly complex designs that are overly prone to failure and overly expensive to fix. It's why their resale value falls off a cliff when the warranty expires.

[@john7613]

Don't do it yet make sure the Engine turns over by hand..might be seized.......... I would from experiance lookat all bad chassis and engine block grounds they like to use talk about a Voltage drop waiting to happen EXHAUST POINTS FOR GROUNDS Keep that in mind. GOT ALOT OF GUTS DIAGNOSING ON THE DEALER SHIP PROPERTY NICE ,Great Tech

[@theGADGETSplaylist]

pull starter relay in fuse box...jump pins 30 and 87 (use remote switch)...if it turns, work back from there...doesn't turn? it's the starter.

[@PineHollowAutoDiagnostics]

Where did you see a "starter relay" in the "fuse box"? Remember, this isn't a Chevy lol!

[@theGADGETSplaylist]

+Pine Hollow Auto Diagnostics - Yvan, I was expecting your reply. I took a look on AllData sometime after my posting and noticed this POS BMW had no relay.

[@TheCowgirlNiamh]

SW is Swartz = black. BMW's are usually easy to work on but holy moly that looks like a nightmare! 😂

[@jomangeee9180]

LMAOL nice one

[@scuba422123]

wow I never did a front seal now I know not too!! the starter is not bad tho

[@PineHollowAutoDiagnostics]

Until you start breaking the fragile brittle PCV hoses during the intake manifold removal....I would have nightmares haha

[@ecwurban]

It's a good thing you did not take this job as this car also needs the oil pump pickup cleaned or a new oil pump!! I know it sounds weird but BMWs are NOTORIOUS for this. When they shred belts from oil leaks some of the pieces will get sucked past the front crank into the crankcase. This can even happen without the front crank seal pissing out oil. But ya, chances are that engine is FULL of belt pieces. A quick and easy check is to pull the cartridge filter off and inspect between the pleats. You will find little black rubber pieces. Then drain the oil and throw a borescope in the oil pan. You will probably see LOTS in there. And if you think changing the crank seal is ugly... the oil pan is an 8 hour job... :P

[@RotoRCol]

hahahaha I enjoy how you complaint at the end of the procedure to remove and install the seal, but it is true totally ridiculous

[@stigonutube]

outch big job just for the crank seal+special tools is insane..no bmw for me due to the complex nature of the beasts and being a diy will hurt my budget too much.

[@andrewvillanueva4222]

Exactly why i don't have a BMW and Mercedes vehicles.

[@ronaldanderson9263]

Ohhh, ok. I saw a beemer the other day and I thought hmm, never saw a bmw fix it video over at the SMA channel. I found this here. Ok now I see. - Run!

[@jaygames1980]

What program are you using?

[@WeedMan-yk9ob]

That's why i choose a Toyota for a reason...

[@heyitschinoable]

WeedMan 420 and HONDA!!!

[@marty0715yt]

Good Call Ivan. Run Away

[@josephwash109]

Step one for the starter replacement procedure is probably "Disconnect battery negative cable and remove engine".

[@vinmarz]

That is really scary.

[@maxw576]

I think I'll hug my chevy tonight. 8^)

[@ryguy57106]

Kenny Rogers said it best, You Gotta know when to hold them and know when to fold them ha ha ha ha

[@supercoupe6288]

i was thinking (SW) was for starter wire but what do i know

[@jamesfenton7338]

Eurotrash for sure. BMW seems to be real serious about dealership repairs. Keep the DIY guys out by making several very expensive tools a necessity. Lucky for me I don't see these horrible things out where I live. The ones that do exist have already been here for repairs, and I am an outspoken critic of Eurotrash "Engineering". They want customers to trade it in and get a newer more reliable vehicle, but we know how that goes.

[@scuba422123]

hey ivan you don't have to take the intake all the way off

[@mikhail6518]

Why did the starter go?

[@vincebauer4777]

I brought the u activate from aes great tool u got to get 1

[@PineHollowAutoDiagnostics]

I have one and it has been collecting dust for a couple years now. It's basically a bulky $200 fused jumper wire lol

[@bobflannagan7262]

Did "SW" turn out to mean: Shwarz / Weiss (translated: black / white)? And 2.5 the guage meaning 2.5mm?

[@throttlebottle5906]

seems like you got it! uh no wait, not a bmw guy, but other German junk was, Sw = black and Ws = white, if it was striped it would be separated by a slash "/" like Sw/Ws. which would be "black with white stripe" the 2.5 is for sure the size in millimeter. made me think too hard >_< and now after a search to make sure my brain was braining :)) autoenginediagrams.info/23358/bmw-wiring-diagram-color-codes-7c54z894-schematic-diagram/

[@throttlebottle5906]

also here.. bmwmotorcycletech.info/wires&codes.htm

[@MrBugsier5]

Jawohl! (yes)

[@Skandalos]

WS = weiss schwarz (white black), so mostly white with a thin black line

[@wilson713]

I feel bad for customers when they drop insane money on high-mileage or old German luxury cars. But I also feel bad for myself because then I have to work on a super high mileage German luxury car.

[@dam1041960]

BMW=Bring money with you