intercooler reservoir empty - happen to anyone?

[stevehifi]

Originally Posted by TopJimmy

I would definitely get yo self to a BMW dealer to show them the pix and ask for them to tow it in through BMW Assist. I'd say "it's not safe to drive, the engine is drinking coolant".

Go the Cali Warranty route so if the engine is contaminated they replace it too. Be really nice, ask for help, and point to the Cali Warranty.

If you start swapping parts yourself they can deny coverage. Let the dealer work the case first.

That's the plan - I have appointment with dealer thursday morning and will wave the california emissions warranty in front of them. Hopefully they can see the legitimacy of this problem and take responsibility.

[stevehifi]

Originally Posted by tom @ eas

Just talked on the phone and gave some recommendations, let me know if you need additional help.

Thanks Tom, appreciate the time you spent with me talking about this issue. Your service and support as always are excellent.

[stevehifi]

Originally Posted by stevehifi

That's the plan - I have appointment with dealer thursday morning and will wave the california emissions warranty in front of them. Hopefully they can see the legitimacy of this problem and take responsibility.

BTW I don't think I will show them the pics since they might deny support since I removed it myself and maybe they'll blame me for the problem. Will just say that the reservoir is empty and that I highly suspect its leaking.

My guess is that they will have to rip it off anyways to investigate and once they see the coolant everywhere they will come to the same conclusion.

[TopJimmy]

They won't give you a hard time for looking yourself and taking pix. Lifting out a TMIC no matter how brutish would not make it leak internally. Showing the pix and asking if they can pull the manifold to check the head ports for buildup is also a good idea. If not then they might just wipe out the J and replace the TMIC.

[hellokitty]

Make sure they change the engine oil too since it is now contaminated with coolant.

[N1rve]

Originally Posted by TopJimmy

You need to tip forward the TMIC so you can look down the J-pipe. If there's coolant residue in the J then look to your BMW warranty for an engine replacement.

Has anyone actually got an engine replacement for this? I don't think I've read any post where someone got a new engine due to TMIC leaking into it.

[stevehifi]

UPDATE:

Brought car in today, dealer diagnosed issue by running a pressure test and identified TMIC as faulty (couldn't hold coolant pressure)

Replaced the IC under california emissions warranty at no charge.

Bottom line: If you live in california you can exercise the 7year/70k miles warranty for the items listed in the warranty manual. (which includes the TMIC)

[hellokitty]

Originally Posted by stevehifi

UPDATE:

Brought car in today, dealer diagnosed issue by running a pressure test and identified TMIC as faulty (couldn't hold coolant pressure)

Replaced the IC under california emissions warranty at no charge.

Bottom line: If you live in california you can exercise the 7year/70k miles warranty for the items listed in the warranty manual. (which includes the TMIC)

Thanks for the update. Looks like it's time to wipe down that fresh intercooler and get all of those paw prints off

[TopJimmy]

Good thing it was just the TMIC.

[Wanted_M]

Did dealer say what the pressure test holding pressure is 25psi, 100psi?

[fiveohwblow]

Originally Posted by hellokitty

Make sure they change the engine oil too since it is now contaminated with coolant.

I was just taking a quick trip down the road on Wednesday prior to leaving town for 4 days and got the drivetrain malfunction. Checked reservoir and codes and found it’s my TMIC. Was going to order a new one and would have completely forgotten about the oil. Thanks for this reminder.

Fortunately the car was running silky smooth and I felt the tmic and it was quite cold… I must have caught it right as it happened.