Car is Hard to Start - Sputtering

[Mrthrowdown]

I have a X5 4.4 with 135K miles and I am beginning to see various problems pop up. The current problem is that the car is sputtering and not starting well. I can let the starter contiune turning and give it some gas and it will eventually start. After it is started, It runs rough and shakes alot when I stop at a red light as if it wants to go dead but it never does. Once I reach about 30 MPH, it runs perfectly with no loss of power or acceleration.

The check engine light did come on during one of these rough starts and I pulled the following codes: P1341, P1353 & P1345. Two of these codes indicate that multiple pistons are misifirng, the other indicated that it is specifically on piston #6. So yesterday I changed the plug and and coil for piston 6 and the problem remains. Not to mention that I recently changed all the spark plugs and coils about 6 months ago. Now, I'm guess this has something to do with the air supply to the engine cause if I rev the engine the problem goes away. Anyone have an Idea of what this may be?

In addition to the above, The temp gauge is erratic and sometimes redlines. Most times it will self correct within a minute or so...but it has scared me enough to pull over and let the engine cool on a few occasions. I replaced the waterpump and the problem still persists. Next I am replacing the thermostat and I will take pictures and put up a DIY on that one.

Your comments are appreciated

[X5NTahoe4u]

did the T-Stat take care of it?

[petener999]

Try checking your map and throttle sensors.

[zigzag]

Check your oil level... I had rough start during a winter time, until i added oil, couse it was on minimum level, after that car started normally. hope it will work for you too. Let us know

[m5james]

Originally Posted by Mrthrowdown

I have a X5 4.4 with 135K miles and I am beginning to see various problems pop up. The current problem is that the car is sputtering and not starting well. I can let the starter contiune turning and give it some gas and it will eventually start. After it is started, It runs rough and shakes alot when I stop at a red light as if it wants to go dead but it never does. Once I reach about 30 MPH, it runs perfectly with no loss of power or acceleration.

More likely than not it's the MAF needing replacement, not just a cleaning. You can either buy one from ebay (iffy at best), Auto Parts at AutohausAZ - OEM Auto Parts - Discount Replacement Parts, Resources and Car Care Tips (more expensive) or search m5board.com for a part # to use the VW MAF (cheapest option at around $80). If it's not that, it could maybe be a crank/cam position sensor, which these cars have two of. Which motor do you have?

The check engine light did come on during one of these rough starts and I pulled the following codes: P1341, P1353 & P1345. Two of these codes indicate that multiple pistons are misifirng, the other indicated that it is specifically on piston #6.

More likely than not it's the MAF needing replacement, not just a cleaning. You can either buy one from ebay (iffy at best), Auto Parts at AutohausAZ - OEM Auto Parts - Discount Replacement Parts, Resources and Car Care Tips (more expensive) or search m5board.com for a part # to use the VW MAF (cheapest option at around $80)

Originally Posted by Mrthrowdown

So yesterday I changed the plug and and coil for piston 6 and the problem remains. Not to mention that I recently changed all the spark plugs and coils about 6 months ago. Now, I'm guess this has something to do with the air supply to the engine cause if I rev the engine the problem goes away. Anyone have an Idea of what this may be?

Instead of replacing coils when you get misfire codes, try swapping the coils around to different coils and see if the problem moves...this applies to ALL members. The coils RARELY go bad.

Originally Posted by Mrthrowdown

In addition to the above, The temp gauge is erratic and sometimes redlines. Most times it will self correct within a minute or so...but it has scared me enough to pull over and let the engine cool on a few occasions. I replaced the waterpump and the problem still persists. Next I am replacing the thermostat and I will take pictures and put up a DIY on that one.

It is CRITICAL that you properly bleed the cooling system in the M62/M62TU motor. Look on ww.e38.org or do a search on here for writeups on how to properly bleed the system. IMHO, I wouldn't even drive the car until this is done. If you don't have the proper pressure and water running around every spot in the engine, you'll develop hot spots and at worst burn up your headgasket because it's not being completely cooled by the water running around. If the problem still persists, then you need to be more descriptive about the situations it happens...traffic, driving normally, highway only, nieghborhoods only, etc. It could also be on the of the two fans...aux fan in front of the radiator of mechanical fan after the radiator.