I have the same problem on my 2001 X5 3.0i.
I am way out of warrenty now, but anyone know if it is recall?

Only other issue I have is the tail light brake light contacts foul up and have to file them. Tried the red stuff Bav Auto sells and it helped a little.

Everything else works great!

Cheers
Kevin
Go Suns!

__________________
Kevin
2001 X5 3.0i
Phoenix, AZ