I have a 2004 X5 4.4i with 62,000 miles. I have been experiencing vibration from idle whether in neutral or drive since I purchased the vehicle some 5,000 miles ago. I have searched the many threads about this issue on this and other forums and been working my way through the various suggested remedies (new plugs, MAF cleaning, fuel cleaner, etc.) At 61,000 miles, I took the vehicle to my dealer for completion of remaining Inspection II items and a request to diagnose the idle vibration issue. Their initial findings were that the idle vibration was typical for the 4.4i and they increased the idle speed slightly to reduce the vibration. The technician apparently had second thoughts and looked at it again and determined that the steering pump was failing and causing the vibration. Does this seem like a viable cause? I have not noticed any issues with the steering and there is no change in the idle vibration when stopped from turning the steering wheel. Anyway, I would appreciate any comments from forum users before I would fork over more than $900 to the stealer for this repair. The dealer also reported that both Vanos seals on bank 2 were leaking and I believe this is accurate. Wouldn't leaking Vanos seals be a more likely cause of some minor idle speed variation and possible vibration? I do plan to have these seals replaced.

Let me thank everyone in advance as I am new X5 owner and have already benefitted from the great information on this forum! As you can see from my signature, we have become quite the BMW family.

Bob in Boise

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Past BMW vehicles, all gone now:
2004 X5 4.4i, 2005 Z4 3.0i, 2006 325xi