X5 starting problem and SES light, Please Help!!!

[serik]

Hello everyone,
Seems like since warranty ran out problems started to pile up on my 2005 X5 4.4i 47,000 miles

Recently I was not able to start it, keeps cranking for like 30 seconds with no results. However if I start pumping gas pedal it starts after a few pumps.
This an intermittent problem and I cant replicate it, happens once every 10 cold starts or so.

After a couple months of dealing with it, my SES light popped up and says cylinder 7 misfire… Car vibrates a little bit during the first minute of idle and can stall if I put it in drive right after the start.

Did anyone had any similar issues? Any help is highly appreciated.

I am tired of all that, just replaced tensioner pulley, to fix an annoying bearing noise and now those engine problems. Awh and a sun roof also broke when I hit the wrong button in the dark during the freezing winter weather. First bimmer and I am so disappointed…

Please help me solve those engine problems!!!

[Wayne's World]

Definitely sounds like you have a fuel delivery problem. To what extent is a different story. It seems that your fuel pump is in working order however if its intermittent, then it could be something as simple as replacing a clogged fuel filter. There is also the possibility of clogged/gummed up fuel injectors although it would appear that those are functioning OK. I'd say at that mileage, if you haven't already, go ahead and run a can of BG 44K through a tank of gas (http://www.bgfindashop.com) and when that tank is near dry, replace the fuel filter and continue to monitor the situation.

[serik]

I just scanned the codes again, and it came up with 2 more codes, now it shows cylinder 6 misfire, cylinder 7 misfire and random/multiple cylinder misfire...
Vibrations can be felt every time I stop at the light while transmission in D. no vibrations if I increase rpm or switch to N.
Would a fuel pressure test help with diagnosing the problem? What about MAF?

[mrbmwx5]

1,Check intake system for leaks
2,Ignition Coils
3,MAF sensor.

[youry]

Originally Posted by mrbmwx5

1,Check intake system for leaks

That's is what I would start with. It must be a leak somewhere. I once got the same message on 5 cylinders. Changing the oil I forgot to put the oil cap back for a few days

Originally Posted by mrbmwx5

2,Ignition Coils

hard to believe 2-3 ignition coils die the same time

[Wayne's World]

Originally Posted by serik

I just scanned the codes again, and it came up with 2 more codes, now it shows cylinder 6 misfire, cylinder 7 misfire and random/multiple cylinder misfire...
Vibrations can be felt every time I stop at the light while transmission in D. no vibrations if I increase rpm or switch to N.
Would a fuel pressure test help with diagnosing the problem? What about MAF?

It's possible you have an intake leak but i'm leaning towards gummed up injectors leading to a low fuel condition and also leading to your error codes. I think if the coils were bad - you'd notice the difference at all engine speeds.

[serik]

I also have a hard time thinnking that all the coils went bad at the same time. Just checked fuel pressure - 48 psi ignition on, 52 psi engine running, so its not a fuel pump/filter.
Unpluged MAF a few hours ago and havnt had any vibrations since, starts almost instantly. Will see if that was the case. Dont want to cash out $200+ for the new MAF until I am absolutely sure, but how can I be???

[floydturbo]

Apparently the MAF sensor is a common problem among many BMW models. Some people have good results cleaning it with alcohol or electronic cleaners.

see here

How to clean the mass air flow sensor?? - E46Fanatics

[Wayne's World]

Originally Posted by serik

I also have a hard time thinnking that all the coils went bad at the same time. Just checked fuel pressure - 48 psi ignition on, 52 psi engine running, so its not a fuel pump/filter.
Unpluged MAF a few hours ago and havnt had any vibrations since, starts almost instantly. Will see if that was the case. Dont want to cash out $200+ for the new MAF until I am absolutely sure, but how can I be???

When you unplug the MAF, the ECU uses default values for Air/Fuel mixture. This could mean nothing or it could mean that you've got a problem with either. You've simply removed one variable and added another. If your SES lights go away or don't come back after you clear them, then that just proves you have either a MAF/Intake leak or a fuel delivery problem. Your pressure test at the rail seems OK so if there is a fuel problem, it's after the rail [e.g. fuel injectors].

[Wayne's World]

Originally Posted by floydturbo

Some people have good results cleaning it with alcohol or electronic cleaners.

Couldn't hurt to clean it with MAF cleaner. I'd still recommend running a tank ful of BG 44K. I think both of those and possibly a fuel filter change (if you've never done it) couldn't hurt. Fuel filter is usually a 60K service but by the time you get done troubleshooting, you'll be there. J/K. Hopefully it won't take that long!