Newbie with starting problem?

[Buzzcut]

Hey, how ya doin'?

I've got a '02 X5 4.4i, 90k miles, picked it up about a month ago.

One weird issue I've had is that about once a week, I go to start it in the morning and... nothing. I turn the key back to off, turn it back to start, and it starts right up.

Think the battery is going? No other "weird battery issues".

Other than that... it's just a beautiful ride.

[meltdown325]

I've had the same problem since I got my X, with exact same symptoms. I have a recently replaced battery and alternator, and was showing no other electrical related problems. I never found any threads on here with info, so I researched all over the place and finally found the following SIB on an E38 board, but it also applies to the early X5 4.4i.

Since reading the SIB below, I don't worry about it as it seems to just be a DME error and not something mechancal (such as the ignition switch).

You can likely have the dealer reprogram/update the DME if you prefer, but I just live with it as it happens occasionally and hasn't caused any problems.


"Service Information B12 20 06

SUBJECT
Intermittent "No-Crank, No-Start" Condition


MODEL
E38 740i, 740iL with M62TU up to 04/04

E53 X5 4.4, E39 540i with M62TU up to 09/03


SITUATION
Customer may complain of an intermittent "no-crank, no-start" condition. When starting vehicle, only a "clunk" noise can be heard from the starter. Vehicle starts on a second attempt. No faults are stored in DME/EWS control modules.

CAUSE
DME error."

[Buzzcut]

Awesome! Thanks. I love the answer, "just ignore it". I can do that!

[meltdown325]

No problem. Below is a quote I found on another site with a little more explanation about the issue.

"...There is a software error in the DME control module where an incorrectly processed speed signal prematurely cancels the starter relay ground activation signal; hence the intermittent no start condition. There is a service bulletin on this subject, just reference SIB 12 20 06 if you make the appointment."

Mine does it pretty sporadically, and averages maybe once a month, so that's why I don't sweat it.

[dgtal]

My 2003 is doing it now more often. The first time about 3 weeks ago. I left it at the Mall parking lot, it started the 4th day. This past weekend (Sunday) it did it again but in front of my house, it just won't start. I'm waiting for my brother with his Snap On scanner to see if we can reprogram it. He's looking for the software. Can somebody tell me where to order it?

[dgtal]

Added:
Before it was starting by input the 0000 code at the front NAV screen. Now that won't work.