# 2002 BMW X5 died without warning

**URL:** <https://community.cartalk.com/t/2002-bmw-x5-died-without-warning/130599>\
**Category:** Maintenance/Repairs\
**Tags:** x5, bmw\
**Created:** [December 10, 2018, 9:02pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/2002-bmw-x5-died-without-warning/130599 "2018-12-10T21:02:23Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 2\
**Page:** 1

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**Author:** ![JasonBrooks](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/838e76/32.png) [@JasonBrooks](https://community.cartalk.com/u/JasonBrooks)\
**Post date:** [December 10, 2018, 9:02pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/2002-bmw-x5-died-without-warning/130599/1 "2018-12-10T21:02:23Z")

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My parents have a 2002 X5. The thermostat on the dash was acting up - turn on, temp would spike, turn off, restart, then fine. Drove today, big puff of white smoke out exhaust then car died. Mechanic said the motor was gone. There were no usual warning signs.

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**Author:** ![Mustangman](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/mustangman/32/44130_2.png) [@Mustangman](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Mustangman)\
**Post date:** [December 10, 2018, 9:06pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/2002-bmw-x5-died-without-warning/130599/2 "2018-12-10T21:06:25Z")

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> [@JasonBrooks](#):
>
> There were no usual warning signs

I beg to differ…

> [@JasonBrooks](#):
>
> The thermostat on the dash was acting up - turn on, temp would spike, turn off, restart, then fine

I am guessing the “thermostat” on the dash you posted is actually the temperature gauge that was trying to tell you the head gasket was failing. Your parents ignored it until very expen$ive thing$ happened.