Vibrating idling being caused by an electrical issue?

[NJX51981]

I had this issue, the vibrating idle while in park/drive, for about 15,000 miles now. I've brought the car in 3 times already, but they can't duplicate the problem.

I noticed a few days ago that if I turn off the radio, heated seat, and heat steering wheel it stops.

I have an 2005 X5 4.4i with about 50,000 miles. The dealer told me it was bad gas so I switched from Exxon 93 to the BMW recommended BP/Shell 93. No change in the problem. I had the injectors flushed--nothing.

It's very annoying. Sometimes the vibrating gets pretty rough and the RPM needle sputters. Not only that, my side view mirror glass (both driver and passenger sides) pan in and out when I accelerate.

What's the possibility that when using everything I'm drawing to much power? I replaced the alternator at approximately 30,000 miles.

Someone please help -- it's driving me crazy.

[bobby]

i have a similar problem on my 01 4.4 sport with 118k miles. it only happens when the engine is still cold. i wonder if it has anything to do with the engine idle rpm or is it even adjustible? because i notice it is kinda low, around under 500 rpm. anyone know what is the engine idle rpm supposed to be?

[stickrod]

I have the exact same problem. '06 4.4 with 55K miles. The idle kind of surges but the tach needle just sits at 500. The whole thing vibrates. Crazy.

[Mikedd]

Check for vacuum leaks. Mine did the same until I tracked all the leaks down, changed the plugs.


M

[X5HAPPY]

My 2004 X5 4.4i with 62,000 miles also has an idle vibration when stopped, whether in neutral or drive. I've replaced plugs, checked for vacuum leaks, and had it checked by my local BMW dealer. The technician reported that the vibration was being caused by harmonics from a failing power steering pump. I am taking my X5 to an Indy next week for a second opinion, but I'm skeptical that the PS pump could cause this problem without noticing any steering issues. Other possible causes that I've read about include failing motor mounts, out of tolerance intermediate levers, and possibly sensor failures. I've pretty much eliminated everything mentioned so far other than the motor mounts and intermediate levers. My Indy will hopefully have something to add next week. Does anyone else have suggestions of other items to check?

[m5james]

Battery/ignition lock cylinder issues plague newer BMW's like no other...you wouldn't believe all the stuff I've read over on the 5 and 7 forums. When you come by we'll check for any pending codes, reset the computer and swap in my known good battery. I have a smoke machine as well, so we can check further for vacuum leaks...some leaks aren't easily found even w/ a thorough visual inspection. Maybe this other Indy might have some other insight as well, but we'll all go from there.

As for the plugs, why type did you use? I highly doubt the PS would cause vibration issues like they suggested, but an easy way to check is to simply remove the belt for a moment and see what happens. Motor mounts would be pretty obvious because they're fluid filled, so you'd see a mess around them. Intermediate levers could be a possibility, but that something we'd have to research here further in regards to how you could get that warrantied.

[X5HAPPY]

It would be great if we could check out a few of your suggestions before my appointment next week. This issue has been present since I purchased the vehicle and I replaced the plugs with the very same NGK plug as listed in the official BMW specifications. What is your available schedule? I'm off work on Friday and could meet you anytime Friday or this weekend. Please send me your contact details again via a private message and I'll give you a call to arrange a time and location. Thanks!

[m5james]

I'm home sick today...hopefully it'll be short. This weekend would be best.

I'm not worried about my number here since I advertise it anyways My cell is 208-571-9392. Feel free to call me whenever you're ready.

[X5HAPPY]

OK, I'll give you a call later tomorrow. Give you a chance to recover. I appreciate your willingness to help and I'm looking forward to meeting someone else with an X5 passion!

[X5driver214]

I had vibration on my car when in reverse and drive. It only happened when I was at a stop. I then changed out both engine mounts and it was fixed after that. I had no vibration at all until 6 months later, now my car has a very slight vibration at stops in reverse and drive, and only when the ac is on. Im very confused now. I dont know what to do to fix this. It seems like I have to replace my ac unit now. Very wierd!!! Does anyone else have a similiar problem?