Starting Issues - 4.8is

[imola4.8is]

I have a 2005 X5 4.8is with about 71k miles now and have had some difficulty starting it. It starts fine first thing in the morning, but after I have driven the car and let it sit for 1 to 2 hours and come back to start it, the starter will run for 15-20 seconds before it actually starts.

Again, no starting issues when the car has sat overnight, but once it gets driven and is left for a couple hours, that's when I have trouble starting it. The starter sounds like it is running very strong. I have scanned the entire car twice now using a GT1 scanner and there have not been any codes at all.

Help!

[diyanich]

Originally Posted by imola4.8is

I have a 2005 X5 4.8is with about 71k miles now and have had some difficulty starting it. It starts fine first thing in the morning, but after I have driven the car and let it sit for 1 to 2 hours and come back to start it, the starter will run for 15-20 seconds before it actually starts.

Again, no starting issues when the car has sat overnight, but once it gets driven and is left for a couple hours, that's when I have trouble starting it. The starter sounds like it is running very strong. I have scanned the entire car twice now using a GT1 scanner and there have not been any codes at all.

Help!

Usualy in these cases people start with checking out the ignition switch.

[imola4.8is]

Forgot to mention that I actually replaced the ignition switch two days ago and the problem persists......

[TwinsPoppa]

When my battery was going bad, I had a several episodes of cranking and not starting instantly - however it was never 15 - 20 secs. It was more like 2 more secs.

Simple to have the battery checked just in case though.

I guess it could be several things - maybe coil, fuel injector? Wonder if one of the sensors like MAF or oxygen could cause this?

Sorry, not being much help am I.

[TwinsPoppa]

Originally Posted by imola4.8is

Forgot to mention that I actually replaced the ignition switch two days ago and the problem persists......

Prior to replacing the ignition switch, did it have the same symptoms you're talking about?

[imola4.8is]

Originally Posted by TwinsPoppa

Prior to replacing the ignition switch, did it have the same symptoms you're talking about?

Yes. The starting issue is what prompted me to get a new switch only to continue to have starting problems....

[imola4.8is]

Any other ideas? I am about to throw a new fuel filter on. Probably not the culprit, but it has never been replaced and figured it would be a good idea....

[jst2878]

U should scan with gt1. That will let u know if it's as easy as a faulty gas cap. That was my prob

[TwinsPoppa]

Originally Posted by jst2878

U should scan with gt1. That will let u know if it's as easy as a faulty gas cap. That was my prob

Unfortunately, he had it done twice on the GT1 and no codes. I had a similar problem in my old goat when the starter got hot because I forgot to put the heat shield back on. But that car was much simpler to diagnose than these BMWs.

[mywidebody02]

My buddy had the same problem and it was the dme sowtware that needed upgrading. It was an 05 with a 9/04 production date and 4.4.