Driving X5 at high altitude

[rogerkiu]

Hi all! I am going to driving my X5 to Tibet of China where the altitude is above 3,300 meters, somewhere there even at 4,500 meters or higher. Just want to know if anyone here has experience about driving X5 V8 engine to this high altitude. At such extreme tough weather condition (cold, maybe only 0 to -5 c and low air pressure), will my X5 keep running ok or it won't survive. Please share your experience, if any. Thanks for help!

[c4racer]

no problemo...

Here is mine at 9628 feet. Drove as normal up there.... Although this was in the summer time.... -5deg C isn't that cold, IMHO. I've driven several different vehicles in sub 10deg F before - no problem.

[JCL]

4500 meters is just under 15,000 feet. I haven't driven an X5 there, but I have driven several different naturally aspirated vehicles to that altitude (Ford pickups, Ford Expedition, Bronco, GM pickups, and various Isuzu/Nissan/Toyota jeep-type vehicles. Quick answer: you will go slowly. You spend a lot of time wishing you could pull the next gear.

The rule of thumb is 3% to 3.5% power loss for every 1000 feet of altitude above sea level for a naturally aspirated engine.

In my experience, vehicles didn't mind the altitude, they just lost power.

That was different than turbocharged vehicles. Turbocharged engines automatically compensated for the altitude, until you hit the limits of turbo rotational speed (with catastrophic results)

While 3300 meters is much less dramatic, at 4500 meters make sure you keep a clear head, as the altitude affects people differently. Drive safely.

[killcrap]

it will be fine the engine managment system is equipped with an integral Baro sensor to compensate for high altitudes. It changes the Air Mass Signal. So you will loose some power.

[rogerkiu]

Deeply thanks for your comment. Now I can go without worries. However, I will put my x5 to dealer for full inspection before depature. What parts do I need to check before going?