Thanks, Andrew, for that comprehensive reply!

One thing I think can cross off that list is the FPR and filter. Had a long crank problem and after putting on a check valve to no effect, put in a new OE fuel filter/FPR assy and replaced the rotted FPR hose. That cured the long crank to start problem. Was done less than 500 miles/2 months ago.

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04 X5 3.0i auto
03 X5 4.6is