Okay, figured out this VANOS thing, thanks to a couple of youtubes. Dual VANOS units, mounted in the front of the engine. I can see them. Kinda ups the ante $$-wise, since there are 2 of them. I'll see what happens with the new sensors first, and if that doesn't fix things, I'll try just cleaning the VANOS's and reinstalling. I really wouldn't feel bad about paying for 2 of them, if I knew it would solve my problem. One thing I don't see or hear mentioned on the youtubes, though, is the "filter gaskets" for the VANOS. Makes me wonder whether or not that is really a thing.

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2009 X5 3.0
2001 X5 4.4 - Sold