Srmmmmmmm appreciate the feedback, and have been trying to do the maths on this based on what the starter is rated at for a 3.0d

It is 2.0kW so it can output up to this 2000watts correct?to achieve this: power 2000=(I)current X the (V)

2000watts=166.667 amps X 12 volts (assuming the battery is at that voltage)

So would you agree that in this case if the starter is drawing more than 166amps on start its a bad thing for the starter as such...this is a tricky one have not found anything online relating to the X5's 'standard' amp draw on starting the engine...alot of US sites tutorial video type things mention no more than 250amps....hmmmmm again thanks for the feedback...am charging up battery off car today fully, and taking it for the 4th load test tomorrow...will see what that comes back with

PS the temps out here aren't low enogh for the glow plugs to kick in either so I can rule that out....

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E53 X5 3.0d SUV prod.date 11/2004 eng.variant M57N Europe Right hand drive N