Stranded in Bozeman MT...

[Mphatik]

Do any of you know of a BMW tech in the Bozeman area? My '01 4.4 will not 'go' (falls on it's face when trying to accelerate - no SES light either). I'm in a motel now, trying to locate some help...

Thanks for any advice, ...and wish me luck. It's a long way back to Seattle...

Cheers,
Mark

[motordavid]

I'm persuing the web, for you...I suspect you are too.
The only "euro" oriented shop, via yellow pages, is:

Autoworks

Not Rated | Write a Review
28797 Norris Road, Bozeman, MT 59718

406) 586-3709

GL, mD

[mgbmwx5]

Hey Mark,
I recommend contacting your local BMW dealer in Seattle prior to taking your X5 to a non BMW mechanic in Bozeman. Explain the symptoms to your dealer and see what they recommend. It sounds like a fairly simple issue, however, you would need to read the fault codes to determine the actual problem. If there's an Autozone parts store nearby you may want to pick up a code scanner by Actron OBD II Auto scanner. The code scanner connects to your OBD II port located under the dash on driver's side. Once you determine the fault code start looking for a replacement part. Let us know we'll be glad to help you anyway we can.
Mike

[Mphatik]

Thanks guys. The internet at the hotel here was down (thunder storms) and is just now back up.

I have talked with my tech in Seattle (Strictly BMW indy) and ran through the basics with them (checking connections etc.) And got a few local contacts here. Auto Works (Tim Fountaine) is one of them but they were closed by the time I called them. The local Audi indy recommened Auto Stop, who did answer my call. They agree to 'see' the X in the morning, which isn't too bad for a cold call.

I found an O'Reily's to see about pulling out any codes but it's too far away. With the net back up, I'll look for something closer to the hotel.

[Mphatik]

...and, just to add a positive spin on this. Some (most) of the roads out here are absolutely fantastic and really display the prowess of the X5, or any nice road car for that matter. Today we drove secondary roads (mostly posted at 70 mph) from Whitefish to Bozeman (a little over 300 miles) and what a joy. The closest thing to driving in Germany that I have experienced. Great scenery too! But, look out for deer, they bounce out of the woods frequently!

Okay, back on the search engine… J

[mgbmwx5]

Mark, based on past experience I always carry a code scanner with me, just in case, and a set of tools. My X5 only has about 70K miles on it, but you never know what could go wrong on the road. Let me know if you need any assistance, as I can call you and help you troubleshoot the problem. Send a PM any time and I'm here to help.
Good luck!
Mike

[mgbmwx5]

I know what you mean about the roads, as I've driven in Bozeman on my way to Big Sky. At one time there wasn't a speed limit and it was like driving the Autobahn. Montana is wonderful! Good luck with the X5 and have fun! Please let us know how it works out for you.

Originally Posted by Mphatik

...and, just to add a positive spin on this. Some (most) of the roads out here are absolutely fantastic and really display the prowess of the X5, or any nice road car for that matter. Today we drove secondary roads (mostly posted at 70 mph) from Whitefish to Bozeman (a little over 300 miles) and what a joy. The closest thing to driving in Germany that I have experienced. Great scenery too! But, look out for deer, they bounce out of the woods frequently!

Okay, back on the search engine… J

[motordavid]

I agree on the driving in MT: on our last m'cycle trip across the state, we had the scoots pegged for a majority of time.
A plain car, rolling up on us, while we were boogieing at ~100, came on our CBs and suggested we keep it under a 100,
between the fences and, watch out for the prong horn antelope and cattle. He then pulled out and passed us, and waved...

GL on the remote area fix.
BR, mD

[rocky1536]

Not sure if there is anyway I can help, but I am located in Seattle...

I would highly recommend giving Rick at Signature BMW in Kirkland a call, mention James Y.

425-629-3329

[killcrap]

disconnect the air mass meter, and see how she drives.