Sudden Loss of Power (X Shut Off Completely)

[J.D.]

Hello Everyone,

This will be my 1st post on X5 World. I've continued to use this website as a source of vital information to keep my X running, I thank you all for that. I am currently driving a 2002 X5 3.0i w/ sport, premium packages. Last night when I was about to park my X I experienced a sudden loss of power whereby the engine died. I was at a stop, started up and made a somewhat sharp left turn when in the middle of the turn the engine just died along with everything else. The engine light appeared etc. There was no problem turning the X back on, and no engine light reappreared. I took it out for a test drive for 5 min, no problems. I've done some digging on this board, whereby some have stated this same problem has occured w/ their X but never posted a remedy or what the problem was diagnosed as. I saw numerous guesses such as the vacuum gasket leaking air, fuel filter, oxygen sensor, etc. but no solution (at least that I could find). I have checked for codes, none appear. If anyone on this board has experienced this and found the problem please let me know. I have a service appointment early on Monday morning as a backup, but would rather not proceed going to the 'stealer' if this was simply a once in a million computer glitch or something else non vital. Again, I sincerely appreciate all help and certainly find this board very helpful. Thank you.

[lo_jack]

Could you be more specific about exactly what lights came on in the dash? Can you get the car scanned for codes stored in the computer, at say, Autozone (they will do it for free)?

[primetime]

Alternator..sounds like it. That has happened to numerous people on here. It happened to me in a 2003 5 series i was driving. Same symptoms.

[JayX5]

Alternator..i'm pretty sure...Common problem with x5s i've heard

[J.D.]

I did scan for codes, none came up.

Is the alternator covered by the CPO warranty?

I guess I will proceed with my BMW service appointment on Monday, not worth the risk.

Thank you everyone for all of your responses. I plan on purchasing a new X5 4.8 within the next 3 months as I have only 4 months left on the CPO warranty.