well well well..........i just spoke to my mechanic who looked back at the diagnostic report from the major service that was done 4000kms ago. The exhaust camshaft timing sensor had logged a fault 225 times............he cleared it and was going to get to me to come back after a few days of driving but just forgot to tell me.

Hopefully your estimate on the cost to fix is close

I'm forever greatful that you posted, Kewl X5.........we're getting our new boat in a few weeks and i was worried that if it was in its lethargic mode it would really struggle with towing it