starting issue?

[pdabbs911]

I have a 2002 X5 with a 3.0l. It has 135k miles. Thanks for the input 1st! Here is my problem: on some occasions I have to depress the gas pedal to start the X otherwise she does not start. There seems to be a slight bit of a rough idle at first if I don't give it enough gas with the pedal, but once I do give it enough, it roars to life and then after that she runs like the champs she is. There is not a problem with the idle after that. This symptom is only at start up and only on some occasions. It seemed to be a little worse this weekend and the only difference was a change in the weather. It was in the low 60's this weekend and nice outside. Has been a little colder around here this winter. Not sure if that info helps. I am willing to replace any problem parts with new as long as I can get my hands on some good DIY pics. She has a good bit of miles on her and probably needs some new parts any how. I don't mind as long as it is good maintence. I have done some searching, but not real sure what to search for. So, any suggestions would really help.

Thanks again,

[powers1]

It seems your car is overfuelling when cold,so when you press the gas pedal ,you are opening the TB butterflies and giving it more air,then it starts.
Seems like your water temp sensor playing up or another sensor.
First ,you should scan the car and if no error codes,start with the basics..spark plugs ,for example.

[Lukaso]

Maybe help this. I have the similar problem on my X5 (winter, cold start, somebody tells step gas pedal before start, no help, etc.), and all symptoms you write was only at startup, short time. So, my problem was in engine electrical system (ignition) bad "Camshaft speed sensor" (pt.nr.12147539166) left side engine, supl. zyl. 5-8. So I was change it. Now, everythings fine, 2K km on it. First, you can see that when connect to diagnostic, see error code (engine error, about 70..up, Euro). Sorry for english, but basically you understand, i think. I´ll hope you help.

[pdabbs911]

Thanks guys for the input. I will get it scanned ASAP. I will also start a search on the topics that you have mentioned so I will have a better understanding of how the parts functions. It helps me to learn if I do so.

Powers1 - would the water temp sensor also affect the way the heater warms up. This is my first BMW and I have not had it long (1st Winter). If it was not for the heated seats I would have frozen before x interior warmed up. Just curious if that may be a related symptom of the water temp sensor. ???

Lukaso - your English is fine thanks for the help, but what is supl. zyl 5-8?

thanks again,

[Nik]

Cylinders perhaps?

[powers1]

Originally Posted by pdabbs911

Powers1 - would the water temp sensor also affect the way the heater warms up. This is my first BMW and I have not had it long (1st Winter). If it was not for the heated seats I would have frozen before x interior warmed up. Just curious if that may be a related symptom of the water temp sensor. ???
thanks again,

I wouldnt have thought so!Your heater works with the engine water coolant and until that warms up ,you will not have hot air curculating.

[Lukaso]

Yes, Nik have right, by your Lang. is Cylinders. Thanks Nik.
Supl. = supplement or assortment, don´t know said in US. What I try to say, if it´s bad - Camshaft speed sensor, you need located side, because you have two sensors who drive both side (V8), but diagnostic some times doesn´t recognized which is bad, so mine was on left side, which controlled engine valve train? cylinders 5-8. So, you have V6, if you have same specs., and be lucky have only bad sensor one side (left like me) you need change Cams. speed sensor left side engine, supl. cyl. 3-6. Good luck

[pdabbs911]

Thanks again Lusko. I was thinking cylinders, but wanted to check and make sure. I really do appreciate the information.

Hey powers1 - Just thought I would ask about the water temp sensor. Thanks for your help as well. I need to research that problem a little bit more. I have a 2004 Mercedes C240 that can run for 5 minutes and will melt plastic in the frozen tundra when the heater is on high and it takes at least 20 min for the X5 to blow warm air. Oh well spring is near and the cam sensor needs my attention at the moment.

Thanks again,

[pdabbs911]

Just found a nice youtube video of a cam shaft position sensor replacement on an e36 inline six, so mine has to be similar. Certainly can't hurt to replace the on I have. It looks very simple.