Unpowerful BMW X5

sniff_yeyo · #1 09-10-2008, 01:11 PM

Hi guys.. nice community uve got here.. Mind if I join.?

X5 is pretty problematic car, and we all know that, but still we do our best to keep it in good shape. My story is a bit different.

title says it all. 2001 3.0 manual and has 110k miles on it. I bought it and I drive it. Used to have some problems.. Valve cover gasket, windows regulator, DISA valve and other stuff. As for now Im registered for an appointment to check CV joint/axle, because it makes sound now..

But the other thing worries me more.. MY CAR HAS NO POWER!
Its 95% of the time. It accelerates like 1,6 litre opel or something... Engine sounds nice, no hesitation, no rough idling, no shaking, revs at 700 - 800, just a steady but slow car........
BUT sometimes I start a car, and I see RPMS are at 500 or even 400, and it puts smile on my face, because I know that it means .. it means that untill I shut down the car its gonna be a great, proper run. And my X is running really great! It sounds different ( more roaring) it accelerating 2x or 3x times faster, it reacts on every push on the gas pedal.... its like a real sports car...The beast is ready to race and beat anyone on the road. But untill I shut the vechicle down. And the next time I start the ignition its probably wont be that way...

Any ideas on that, guys? Coils were changed. maybe fuel filter? maybe fuel pump? vacuum leak?(but probably car would shake and rpms would be jumpy right?) Maybe catalytic converter is jammed? Maybe its because car is running too hot, because every time I open a hood its damn hot there and a very hot air is blowing from radiator, steam from exaust is even if its a pretty warm day... but temperature gauge on the board is not showing that its bad, the arrow pointing north

just waiting for your replies..

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primetime · #2 09-10-2008, 01:15 PM

Well first, if there was something wrong like you mentioned your car would show error codes and the SES light would be on so you could identify those issues. Second, Bimmers generally all run hot. Its just a BMW thing, i wouldn't think much of that part unless your temp gauge was in the red. You may want to change your spark plugs if they haven't been changed already at 100k to help with the accelleration, although it will be minimal in overall aid. The 3.0 isn't exactly a speedy vehicle to begin with. So other than that, welcome to the site..Cheers

swissfrank · #3 09-10-2008, 03:56 PM

sounds like your vanos seals are leaking or failing.

I'm not affiliated with Rajaie at beisan, but I think this is the asnwer you are looking for.

http://www.beisansystems.com/

Check it out.

sniff_yeyo · #4 09-10-2008, 04:05 PM

Thats probably it. vanos problem.. sounds pretty realisticly as for me.. has anyone experienced problem with VANOS before?

swissfrank · #5 09-10-2008, 04:23 PM

me

primetime · #6 09-10-2008, 04:38 PM

If it was the VANOS you'd most likely hear a noisy engine during idle..Like marbles in a can. The OP states that there are no such noises and the sound of the engine is good...

swissfrank · #7 09-10-2008, 04:40 PM

a failing seal doesn't have to mean noisey vanos, but irratic idle is a symptom of vanos....

primetime · #8 09-10-2008, 04:48 PM

I just looked at the OP's username...Not exactly something I would advertise if I was him...Maybe he's kidding. I'll give him the benefit of the doubt..

sniff_yeyo · #9 09-11-2008, 01:33 AM

"This double vanos can be found on 6-cyl engines M52TU, M54, and M56, found in several model cars, E39, E46, etc, years 99-03. The malfunction symptoms are almost all subtle and mostly go unnoticed. They include lower gas mileage, lower performance, degraded emissions control, and possibly others. "

Some stuff here: http://bimmer.roadfly.com/bmw/forums/e39/7494631-1.html

Damn.. should I buy a new vanos or try to do some repair first. The problem is that there is no way to check if its the VANOS problem for sure on M54 engine. It wouldnt make any sound anyway..

sniff_yeyo · #10 09-11-2008, 01:35 AM

"This double vanos can be found on 6-cyl engines M52TU, M54, and M56, found in several model cars, E39, E46, etc, years 99-03. The malfunction symptoms are almost all subtle and mostly go unnoticed. They include lower gas mileage, lower performance, degraded emissions control, and possibly others. "

Some stuff here: http://bimmer.roadfly.com/bmw/forums/e39/7494631-1.html

Damn.. should I buy a new vanos or try to do some repair first. The problem is that there is no way to check if its the VANOS problem for sure on M54 engine. It wouldnt make any sound anyway..

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