I REALLY NEED HELP... I am so stumped! :(

RMak · #1 04-10-2011, 12:35 PM

I am so stumped I really don't know what else to do. X5 won't crank! I love my x5 but this is getting somewhat frustrating. I've done extensive searching on all forums and other bmw's as well.

Everything went downhill since I did the recent recall for the 2004 4.4i.

One morning woke up, x5 wouldn't crank. Figured it was the battery, so I replaced the battery. Everything went fine for about a week. Then x5 was back to not cranking. Everything worked... interior lights, radio, nav, headlights... etc. Jumped the truck, and she started right up. I've had problems with my alternator before and all the electronics would go crazy. I checked for codes with my peake tool and actron obII and nothing. One thing though, every time I jump the x5, she starts up.

She drove around fine. No dimming of the lights or lose of power while driving. Then again, x5 would not crank. Brought it to my indy and did a full diagnosics the whole day (even hooked it up to a gt1) and he figured it was the alternator. He checked the FSR (common problem) and all other modules and leads. Everything was fine. So, I went ahead and replaced the alternator. So while at his shop, x5 started up no problems he tells me on the phone. So when I went to pick up the x5, then what do you know... no crank! Luckily I was there at his shop and he can see it for himself. So ok, he thinks it's the nav bluetooth assist module. So we remove the bluetooth module (small box in the left side trunk). All is good again.

Drove the x5 all week. Even let her sit for 12 hours one day. Even drove her to do errands all day friday, no problems. Then all of a sudden yesterday, no crank! Again, I jumped the x5 and she started right up. Drove to my indy shop and he'll have a bmw tech that specializes in electronics come by his shop on Monday and we'll see what happens.

From my searching online, i've narrowed it down to possibly the solenoid switch? I assume the starter is fine because she starts right up after I jump her. Could the starter not be recieving enough juice to start up? I am so stumped. I really need to advice on all the possibilities.

m5james · #2 04-10-2011, 01:43 PM

I had an issue w/ a car where it wouldnt start unless it was at a fll 14volts (on a jumpbox, being jumped from a running car, etc) and it turned out to be frayed wires at the starter connection. Other suggestions are to try reprogramming the key, wiggling the key in the ignition (do you have a heavy keyring w/ lots of keys?), try using another key. I've had issues where the trans failsafe wasn't allowing the car to crank....is the P highlighted on the dash when you first turn the key on? When I get the TFS code popping up that none of the letters on the dash lit up. Lastly, try neutral. Hopefully one of these work.

amacman · #3 04-10-2011, 02:16 PM

the starter cranking amps should be checked
a faulty starter can sometimes draw more amps than the battery can give .

killcrap · #4 04-10-2011, 04:54 PM

do you have another key? try using another key for a while, and see if the problem persists.

RMak · #5 04-10-2011, 08:09 PM

Yes... I usually alternate my keys every week just to make sure they keep their charge.

I'm crossing my fingers and hoping its the starter solenoid.

davewlee · #6 04-10-2011, 08:32 PM

Try pulling the fuel pump fuse in the Glove Compartment.. It is a 25 Amp ... May be number 47 or 49... I had a issue with mine not starting ... just cranking but did nor start... I would have to pull the fuse and then then it would start (until the fuel in the line was used up) then I would put the fuse back. That led me to the Fuel pump relay .. which was sticking (part is less than $15 and takes about 20 Min to replace...