The X sometimes cranks and cranks before actually firing

Roadkill · #1 01-08-2011, 11:57 PM

This issue has just recently reared its ugly head. The symptom is continuous cranking before the motor finally fires. It can take up to 4-5 seconds of cranking and it only does it after the car has been driven. Cold starts in the morning are fine. Once the motor fires, it's business as usual. It only happens once out of every 10 starts. I replaced the crank position sensor with no change. What do y'all think?

Isambard · #2 01-09-2011, 02:48 AM

I'm not alone then!! I have had this for some time now. Just got used to it and thought I'd do something about it if/when it got really bad.

Mine is exactly the same, I changed my crank sensors too (nearly a year ago now), for a different reason though. It solved that problem, but I am now experiencing the exact same condition as as you have described. Almost like the plugs aren't firing, yes?

jst2878 · #3 01-09-2011, 12:31 PM

Intermediate levers, Or clean the ignition plug that is under the steering column, just take the steering column cover off and it's right there. MAF cleaning spray worked for me

mywidebody02 · #4 01-09-2011, 12:34 PM

make sure your DME software is up to date. Was a software problem for this.

Roadkill · #5 01-09-2011, 12:58 PM

Thanks for all the answers guys. It's going in to the shop and having the dme interrogated for codes. We'll see if it uncovers anything.

Roadkill · #6 01-09-2011, 06:43 PM

For those in this thread, check this out:

[URL="http://www.xoutpost.com/bmw-sav-forums/x5-e53-forum/70376-starting-problems-4-8is.html"/URL]

Roadkill · #7 01-09-2011, 06:45 PM

Widebody above may be on to something.

mywidebody02 · #8 01-09-2011, 06:51 PM

not only did i read it in a thread on this forum. My buddy has an 05 4.4 that had the same problem. just sayin

Roadkill · #9 01-09-2011, 08:56 PM

Hope that update solves my issue. Thanks again for the info.

CT_X5_Joe · #10 01-10-2011, 11:11 AM

DinanE39. Love to hear a responce after you test some of the items listed above. My X5 (2006 4.4i w/ 17k miles) has always taken a few cranks to start. While I cant say its 4-5 seconds, its usually 2-3. While 2-3 might seem normal to some, to me its always seemed too long. In terms of starting time, its more on par with my Yamaha Outboards than any other car I have owned, which has always lead me to be suspicious.

Any feedback after you test the above would be great. Thanks