Our 2015 BMW X1 experienced a catastrophic engine failure (hydro-lock)after driving it through a relatively shallow but wide puddle during a severe rain storm (measured at 4" depth). Although our speed was slow, or some reason there was a splash sufficient to cause a noticeable "bow wave" and the engine immediately seized.

Another driver in the near vicinity, also driving an X1, had the same thing happen, and our BMW dealer reports that over 13 cars in our area had the same issue. We recognize that it was an $18,000 error to drive through the puddle, and have no beef with BMW. However, given the information above, we are wondering if there is some feature of the X1 air intake that makes the car highly vulnerable to taking water into the engine, and if there is an alteration that could help.

Dean and Jo Anne, Durham, NC