Testdrive 3.0i X5 - Throttle worries

sportypants · #1 01-15-2007, 06:06 AM

Just come back from the dealership after, driving my first X5, its a 3.0i petrol version (2004 facelift). When driving I noticed the throttle seemed a little strange, push it a little and nothing happened, push it a bit more and woosh, we were off like a bull out of a gate!

I conveyed my concerns to the rep who said he would take a look but I got the impression he thought this was normal. I just cant imagine how this can be safe if it is normal?

I have told the rep straight that if they recognise there is a fault and rectify it I will continue with the order, otherwise I will not accept that they cannot find any fault. He replied by saying it sounds like there may be a problem with the fly-by-wire (term for the automatic throttle control switch I have since learned).

At least he seems to know something about this kind of problem, tells me they must experience problems like this often....

Sponsored Links

Dblock2151 · #2 01-15-2007, 05:32 PM

My X is like that as well, compared to other cars. But you do get used to it.

sportypants · #3 01-15-2007, 05:50 PM

The dealer is looking into the problem before I collect the car, he said they have had many complaints regarding this and he thinks they replace the switch and pedal to resolve the problem? Probably full of bull but he is trying to sort it out so I cant fault him really :-)

dkl · #4 01-15-2007, 06:19 PM

It is definitely not "normal", but seems like a common problem. I know exactly how you felt. I had the exact problem on my 2004 3.0i when I first got it 3 years ago. My dealer somehow mysteriously fixed it during one of several visits trying to rectified the problem, though, they claimed ignorant on the issue. I suspect that they either reset the adaptive throttle or downloaded a software upgrade for it. Now, it is very linear, as it should be, although, still not as responsive as I would have liked with a direct link. But it is 100% more drivable now.

I would make them fix it first prior to taking delivery. It's not much fun driving with that throttle delay problem. Definitely very dangerous as you would have to anticipate on what you're doing all the time...up to several seconds in some instances...not a fun thing to do. It's so bad that I had almost wanting to get rid of it! But luckily, they've fixed it and I've been extremely happy with the results!

sportypants · #5 01-15-2007, 07:09 PM

Thanks, Ill definately not take delivery until they recognise their is a fault and they fix it, as you point out it is extremely dangerous, I dont understand why anyone would be prepared to even drive a car with a throttle response like that?

I really cant understand why BMW would overlook a floor in this throttle design on such a great car, I have never known any car to have this problem?

I hope they can fix it, Ill post results once known for others to see.

Thanks for the help :-)

xnsf · #6 01-15-2007, 07:11 PM

yeah, the throttle is very sensitive...it's drive by wire.

X5Jay · #7 01-15-2007, 07:36 PM

As dkl says - definitely not normal. There's a transmission software update that I think cures that. Try doing a search...

mrkbbd · #8 01-15-2007, 09:58 PM

I think i would rather have that, for everyday driving not very sensitive, and then when I want power it's there, just a little farther down in the pedal

khelms_98 · #9 01-15-2007, 10:43 PM

I had the same problem, or issue, with my 2001 3.0 and I did the throttle adaptation reset myself and it significantly increased throttle response; if I press hard on the accelerator from a stop, it just smoothly rockets off without the pause and jerk that it did before the reset. It's been a while so I can't exactly recall the process, but I think I turned the ignition on, but not cranked, and waited 10 seconds and then turned it completely off, then cranked it. This really helped me, but with your X5 being a 2004, you may need the transmission reset after all, but you may want to try the throttle reset first, just to see if it helps.

sportypants · #10 01-16-2007, 02:22 PM

Well the dealer has just called me to say they have test drove the car and their is a problem. He said they have replaced the throttle pedal, fly by wire and some other electronic part which he did not know the name for. Im due to test drive the car tomorrow again once its fixed so Ill post reply then :-)

Sponsored Links