[leogrrl]

I have a 2019 X3 with just 14,600 miles. This week the emissions warning light came on, so I took it into the dealer. It turned out to be a faulty NLVD pressure switch, which they replaced under warranty. All good now.

But when I picked up my X3 today, the service rep commented than the NLVD is a "known issue" with X3s, X5s, and especially X1s. My question is this: If the NLVD switch had failed after the warranty period, would BMW stand by it, since they know it is a potentially faulty part? Probably not, right? How is a known issue not a recall?

My biggest concern about buying the X3 was (is) the chance for costly repairs down the line... I put that aside as I've really loved my X3. But with such low mileage and this pretty random issue coming up, I'm feeling less optimistic.

[AlteBMW]

Washington State emission warranty is derived from California's which is basically an extended warranty on anything that affects emissions. I'm not familair with the details but if you got an emissions warning for the failed valve, it should have that extended warranty.

[freshxdough]

Originally Posted by leogrrl

I have a 2019 X3 with just 14,600 miles. This week the emissions warning light came on, so I took it into the dealer. It turned out to be a faulty NLVD pressure switch, which they replaced under warranty. All good now.

But when I picked up my X3 today, the service rep commented than the NLVD is a "known issue" with X3s, X5s, and especially X1s. My question is this: If the NLVD switch had failed after the warranty period, would BMW stand by it, since they know it is a potentially faulty part? Probably not, right? How is a known issue not a recall?

My biggest concern about buying the X3 was (is) the chance for costly repairs down the line... I put that aside as I've really loved my X3. But with such low mileage and this pretty random issue coming up, I'm feeling less optimistic.

NVLD pressure switch made before 09/2019 production was known to have issues. After replacing with a part from 09/2019 and forward should be far more reliable. NVLD pressure switch issues were fairly common in the last 5-7 years but typically only get replaced once.

Not every issue necessitates a recall. Something like this may have a warranty extension if it comes to that.

So for what it's worth, your new part is likely going to last the life of the car and not give you any further issues. Note- a loose gas cap can give the impression that you have a faulty NVLD due to the fault created from a loose gas cap. We must always rule out the gas cap as being the cause as well when diagnosing. It is surprising honestly how many times we see a car come in with this fault and the gas cap is loose or the tether is stuck between the sealing surface of the neck and the cap.

[GGEVOX]

I have owned a 2018 and now a 2021. Would not hesitate a moment to continue to drive it or keep it. I personally had not had any issues. The 2018 was turned in with just shy of 40k. No Active Shutter problem either. Obviously had all recalls addressed but never took me out of service. I cant say the same for the ladies 440ix GC.

I will say I am tired of BMW and the soft windshields. Damn chips.

[leogrrl]

Thanks for your replies. Fingers crossed for no more known-to-BMW-but-not-me issues!

[xylodan]

If you don't want costly repairs, I'd never drive a BMW that isn't under warranty. I've had 7 BMW cars, and all but one (1986 325) ended up being a money pit. They drive nice, and they tempt me over and over to try again, but I've finally submitted to the fact that they will hurt your wallet out of warranty.

[leogrrl]

Originally Posted by xylodan

If you don't want costly repairs, I'd never drive a BMW that isn't under warranty. I've had 7 BMW cars, and all but one (1986 325) ended up being a money pit. They drive nice, and they tempt me over and over to try again, but I've finally submitted to the fact that they will hurt your wallet out of warranty.

That's my concern -- that low mileage and staying on top of service won't be enough. I read about this as much as possible before taking the plunge. As you know, some BMW owners reports no major issues, others have the money pit experience.

On our non-BMW side of the family, we've had multiple Subarus. The Outbacks used to have a "known issue" with their head gaskets. When our first one started to fail three years after warranty, Subaru still stood by the car, with their national HQ splitting the repair costs with us. That's why we stuck with them. I totally love my X3 but do worry about what the longer-term owner experience will be.

[pritchd]

The NVLD should be covered under the emissions warranty, which I think is longer than the standard for the rest of the vehicle.

On the N20 and N55 engines, that warranty was extended to 10 years.

[xylodan]

Originally Posted by leogrrl

That's my concern -- that low mileage and staying on top of service won't be enough. I read about this as much as possible before taking the plunge. As you know, some BMW owners reports no major issues, others have the money pit experience.

On our non-BMW side of the family, we've had multiple Subarus. The Outbacks used to have a "known issue" with their head gaskets. When our first one started to fail three years after warranty, Subaru still stood by the car, with their national HQ splitting the repair costs with us. That's why we stuck with them. I totally love my X3 but do worry about what the longer-term owner experience will be.

Hopefully you have a unicorn and it will be trouble free while under warranty and give you the confidence that you have one that can go for miles and miles after you are out of warranty. Best of luck!

[Dtiger77]

I just wanted to add that at 14,973 mi, my 2019 G01 xdrive30i had the exact same issue. I had it serviced on Monday, drove to work Tuesday and Wednesday morning the CEL came on. Couldn't get anyone to respond to me (the SA ignored repeated attempts to contact them), so I scheduled a service online for today.

I had the code (190302 Tank ventilation and purge air system, fine leak: leakage greater than 0.5mm) show up on my scan tool. This is my 3rd X3 and only the first CEL light I've ever had, so either I've been really lucky, or they are not so bad of a car. I'm surprised that my SA also said it was a "well known issue," (along with the grill flaps), but there are surprisingly few posts about it. They replaced my NVLD diagnostic module (part 16-13-7-404-081) under warranty, and I had it back in a couple of hours.

Mostly posting as it was very close to your mileage and issue, in case anyone else gets the mysterious Check Engine Light, searches online for it, and tries to just put a new gas cap on - I couldn't pass emissions here in Dallas with the CEL on. It's worth getting it checked out - re: the flaps, I got an email and snail mail that my warranty was extended on the grill flaps b/c they know they are more likely to fail in the future, but they don't want to replace them while they are still working.

[M40i4me]

Originally Posted by pritchd

The NVLD should be covered under the emissions warranty, which I think is longer than the standard for the rest of the vehicle.

On the N20 and N55 engines, that warranty was extended to 10 years.

Including the vanos on these engines. Mine went at 175,000 miles on my 2011 328. What was cool is I had the common oil pan gasket leak and since this is part of the warranty it was fixed for free. What happens is the vanos bolts break and end up in the pan so they have to remove it to check. The repair would have been $2500 dollars from the dealer so I was happy! I loved that car and kept it for 10 years before I sold it still running like new. My plan is to keep my m40i for that long since electric will most likely be my only option by then.

That car was a gem and was definitely not a money pit. If fact all of my Nissans and one Mazda cost me more to keep running than my 328 with way less mileage on them. Since I buy and pay off early, I just pretend I still have car payments to cover anything. If not used, I end up with a very healthy down payment for the next one.