Engine starting problems in cold weather

[mane]

I have 2005 X3 3.0 diesel. Last winter, it was -22 celsius and I was going to drive to work. When I turned key to start, it slowly rolled the engine and rolling speed slowed down untill I tried to start again. This next start, it didnt say anything more than like "click".

I took it to service and said that there is something wrong. They tested charger and changed the battery. Temperature warmed after then and it started ok. Sometimes you have to start quite long before it starts up.

Its that time of year again. Now its like -10c only, but every time I start it, it rolls like 5 seconds before starting up. Sometimes tire-brake light shows up and all dash meters start to dim, but it starts..

I called service, and lady on phone said there has been some problems with x3 and x5 start engine. Some modes take too much of batteri on startup, and you'd have to drive like over 30 minutes before it loads the battery enough.

Its also embarassing to start newish car like 5 seconds and pray every time that it starts before battery goes out.

Anyone else had this kind of problems?

[Ishniknork]

Hello mane,

We don't have BMW diesels here but from what I remember from older Mercedes ones you are supposed to turn the key on for a few seconds (like 5-10, maybe even 15-20 in really cold weather) before turning the engine over to let the glow plugs heat up. I'm not sure if this applies to newer diesels but I don't see why it wouldn't. As far as I know diesels still use glow plugs.

Does your manual or dealer have anything to say about cold weather starts?

[mane]

Yes, there is a glowing phase on start. Glowing light is lit like 1-2 seconds and then you can start. I always wait for that. This is something else. I'll go to service tomorrow. Lets see what happens.

[rebound]

How about getting a block heater installed?

[Ishniknork]

Only other thing I can think of is moisture (water) in the fuel. Not enough to keep it from running but enough to make starting hard. In cold climates condensation in the tank can cause problems. I can't remember what it's called but there is something you can add to the fuel to remove the water.

I'm anxious to hear what the problem is.

[mane]

Car is still in service. Guys said that there was errors in memory what was generated by crankshaft sensor. They said that it did not recocgnise the position correctly and because of that, it fed diesel at wrong time.

They said that it is like 200 euros for that part + job. So its gonna be like 500e case. Guarantee ended two months ago, but they said that there is still possibility to get that in guarantee.

[Ishniknork]

Wow, your warrantee expired 2 months ago on a 2005 model? You must drive a lot of miles/kilometers. What's the warrantee on BMW's over there? We get 4 years/50K miles.

Glad to hear they found the problem. I hope there was a Technical Service Bullitin out for that problem so you will be covered. Hopefully you'll get your X3 back very soon!

[mhainen]

How about moving to a warmer climate OK that may not be an option. there are several things to consider. First you should not have a starting problem. Here is a list of items to check:

1. Glow plug problem?
2. Relay switches for injection pump?
3. Low battery not turning the engine fast enough?
4. Wrong oil viscosity for cold weather that slows turnover of engine?
5. Timing?
6. Air mixing with fuel?

I am sure there are others. I think you best bet is to have a certified mechanic look at this problem. Good Luck!

[phuksi]

Originally Posted by Ishniknork

What's the warrantee on BMW's over there? We get 4 years/50K miles.

BMW typically has 2 years, unlimited kms. Actually my guess is that the NA 4 year warranty is not factory warranty but marketing warranty (only for certain markets) which means that BMW NA carries the cost after the factory warranty period. At least that's how some other European manufacturers have.

- p

[JCL]

All of the warranties are marketing warranties, with the cost added into the selling price of the vehicle. That is one reason that the warranties are generally not transferable between regions if you import the vehicle. Same philosophy applies to maintenance plans, they are regional plans designed to position the product in that particular market.

The end user/consumer doesn't ever deal with BMW the manufacturer, simply with the BMW-owned marketing company in their particular region.