OK gang - its stalling intermittently.....

[tomgtv]

I've been reading for hours trying to find others with similar problems.

My 3.0L X5, 2001, will hesitate or just stall from a standing start after
it is warmed up. Only happens once in 20/30 times. Many times it
just hesitates, coughs, then goes.

I've done much of the recommended actions, cleaning of Idler control valve,
replaced torn rubber boot to throttle body, replaced DISA valve (it was shot and really causing rough running), replaced entire oil separator assembly (really shot, including bottom hose entirely rotted off), re did most vacuum lines, replaced fuel filter (at 202,000 miles!), etc.

Any ideas?? I've heard stuff about cam position sensor and reflashing software...........

[blktoptrvl]

Cleaned Injectors?

[UCrewX5]

It sounds like a sensor to me. The trick is going to be figuring out which one is causing it.

[Icer006]

ignition switch?

[tomgtv]

Fuel injectors - ran several bottles of cleaner through them. Seems
it would be continuous problem if they were culprit.

Ignition Switch - Seems it would just fail, not just sometimes when starting
off line from idle.

Sensors - Seems that's the best guess - Camshaft?? Oxygen?? none have
been replaced so far.

Battery? This is second battery, the Sears International, been in
for about 4 years. It starts just fine, but could it be a little weak?
Question - I heard you had to maintain power when you switched batteries
to maintain the software settings. Is that true?

Alternator? This is original alternator, now at 204,000 miles. I've read
how they just go out and light up the dash with Trans Fail messages. Could
it be failing and give these intermittent stalling problems??

[lo_jack]

If it were 02s, you would get a code. I would check to see if there is oil in the intake though, since oyu mentioned your separator was blown. Does it run fine once you get going? How's the mileage on the highway?

[tomgtv]

When the DISA failed I got it out and saw lots of oil sludge. I wiped
some of it, but you really can't get in there.

I get good mileage, 23.2 hwy on regular gas.

The car runs great, just this intermittent hesitation at the line and
the occasional stall. Does seem to be a sensor. I don't have a way
to check codes. Hate to pay $$$ to dealer to find out what they are
spitting out. May have to though.

O2 sensors have never been replaced, car at 204K miles and counting!

thanks for all the input!

[X5Dawg]

Try the camshaft sensor - I recently had a similar issue. Throttle valve was replaced and then right after had the camshaft sensor replaced - no issues since.

[mlcoleman80]

I HAD THE SAME THING...THIS WAS MY DIAGNOSIS...FAULTY WIRING HARNESS, MASS AIRFLOW SENSOR. THE STEALER TOLD ME..WHEN AT A COMPLETE STOP....I WOULD PUT A LOAD ON THE CAR FROM A DEAD STOP AND WOULD THEN CAUSE THE ABOVE TO SHORT OUT...MY X5 WOULD JUST CUT-OUT...SOMETIMES IN THE MIDDLE OF AN INTERSECTION....IVE TRIED TO GET BMW TO PAY...TOTAL BILL WAS 2700 BUCKS....LET US KNOW ...WHAT YOU FIND OUT.

[lo_jack]

^ Wiring harness would not surprise me. The <2004 3.0's have a gimpy engine wiring harness that can throw ABS style errors plus EML. I had that problem occasionally.

If you are getting reasonable mileage, then it is either an idle control problem or some other electrical gremlin that does not affect cruise.