X5 Engine Fail Safe, on Start! (4.4i)

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I am getting an "Engine Fail Safe" light AND a "Brake" (Orange color) light on start up. It starts, but runs as though its only running on 2 cylinders.

If I shut if off and waited a 10 seconds, it usually would start and run normal, though I would have "Check Engine" light on for a short time and it would eventually go out. This seemed to be worse in cold weather. (More restarts to get it to run. )

Took it in and they said Battery and Alternator were bad. Not happy with the $1200.00 bill, but had no choice.

Its NOT FIXED!! Still doing it.

Yesterday it hit the point where I could not get it to start normal, after many attempts. In frustration I popped the hood and removed the air filter, (just purely guessing at issues.) What do you know, it started right up! No idea if it was pure luck or had something to do with it.

It's in the shop again and they are calling to now replace the IVM ($400.00) and say it may also need a new DME ($1800.00)

Feels a little too much like guess work and just randomly replacing parts!

Anybody had this some up?!!?