Engine - Blue Smoke/Misfire/Oil Loss In Extreme Cold
SI B11 01 04Engine
March 2004
Service Engineering
SUBJECT
Heated Wrap for Crankcase Vent System
MODEL
E53 X5 with M62 engine from start of production through 9/2003.
SITUATION
During periods of driving in extreme cold weather conditions, certain X5 vehicles may experience misfiring, blue smoke from the exhaust, high oil consumption/oil loss or engine damage.
CAUSE
Condensation in the crankcase vent system could freeze, causing higher than normal crankcase pressures. In extreme cases, this could cause engine oil to be introduced into the intake manifold and then into the combustion chambers. Should sufficient oil quantities enter the cylinders, engine damage could result.
CORRECTION
Install a heated wrap kit around the crankcase vent hoses.
PROCEDURE
Loosen the locks on the acoustic engine cover by turning them counterclockwise 90 degrees. Remove the cover.
Open the right side (cylinders 1-4) wiring distribution box (1).
Mark and center punch the position in the distribution box (1) as shown in the illustration.
Dimension A = 30 mm
Dimension B = 25 mm
With a piece of wood (1) positioned under the distribution box (3), drill a 9.5 mm hole (2) in the area previously marked. Afterward, remove any burrs from the hole.
Feed the connector cable (1) through the hole in the distribution box (2) until it locks in position.
Remove the tape and expose the cable harness (1). Note the red/blue (2) and brown (3) connector branches. The red/blue is terminal 87 while the brown is ground.
Identify and separate one wire from each branch away from the others. Cut them approximately 30 mm away from the crimp connection (located under the plastic cap). Strip these wire ends (1) 4 mm. Slide the supplied shrink wrap over each wire in the kit cable harness (3). Crimp the kit cable harness to the distribution box wiring (2) ensuring that the wire colors match. Slide the shrink wrap over the crimp and heat until the wrap has shrunk tightly over the connection.
Rewrap the connector branches and the new connection points with electrical tape (1) and place them back in the wire distribution box. Close the wire distribution box (2).
Using a multimeter, ensure that there is battery voltage and ground at the connector by switching on the ignition.
Pull the heated wrap (1) in the manner indicated under the vent hoses (2) until the black thread marking (3) can be seen. Fold the wrap tightly around the hoses and close with the Velcro strip.
Secure the heating wrap and wiring with cable ties as shown (1&2). Connect the wiring from the wrap to the connector from the wire distribution box (3).
Reassemble the vehicle.
PARTS INFORMATION
WARRANTY INFORMATION
Covered under the terms of the BMW New Vehicle Limited Warranty.
Main Work:
Use this labor operation number when the only repair performed is the listed warranty repair.
OR
+Associated Work:
Use this labor operation number when other repairs or services are performed along with the listed warranty repair.
Under no circumstances should both labor operation numbers be claimed.
Attempts to claim both times will result in an unnecessary delay in claim processing and payment.
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