X5 04 diesel cold start problem

brassi · #1 11-10-2011, 05:39 AM

Could anyone help orientate to my new mystery. When temperature drops to below freezing, car won´t start. Preheat signal comes on, start motor turns OK, but engine does not fire. When I connect engine heater on for half an hour, car starts OK. Fuel filter is about one yr old, but low miles. Diesel Fuel is "new" and rated for -18 Celsius.

Have noticed during the summer that car needed a bit more start motor rotations before it starts, so something slow has been happening.

Thx in advance

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Cole · #2 11-10-2011, 06:04 AM

If your diesel is only rated for 18 deg Celsius then maybe it is too viscous at below freezing? Freezing point in C is 0deg!

brassi · #3 11-10-2011, 11:15 AM

Sorry, the diesel is rated for 18 below zero (Celsius), so it is not the issue.

powers1 · #4 11-10-2011, 03:59 PM

Check your glow plugs.Those are common symptons.

brassi · #5 11-11-2011, 03:09 AM

Thx, that is next in the list. In fact, I had all replaced 3 yrs ago, so they seem to be consumables. Also getting a new fuel filter.

powers1 · #6 11-11-2011, 04:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by brassi

Thx, that is next in the list. In fact, I had all replaced 3 yrs ago, so they seem to be consumables. Also getting a new fuel filter.

You are the first X5-E53 3.0D owner I heard of ,on that side of the "pond"!
Maybe you can enlighten me ,why previously ,you guys couldnt run Bmw diesels and only from the E70 ,has it been possible?
Your starting problem could also be bad diesel!

brassi · #7 11-11-2011, 05:09 AM

I am in Europe, and on this side of the pond diesel is good, in fact gasoline x5:s are the exception

Ghost-Flame · #8 11-11-2011, 07:21 AM

I don't own a diesel BMW but, I have owned several diesel trucks. And as stated the glow plugs are a common problem. I had block heater installed on all my diesels for when the temps dropped below 20*F as a backup.

I have had the glow plug be bad and no warning light ever came on. And it was only discovered by a simple circuit test on the glow plug itself. However, I don't know if that is a DIY items with these finicky cars or not. It should be an easy fix.

Tom

powers1 · #9 11-11-2011, 03:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by brassi

I am in Europe, and on this side of the pond diesel is good, in fact gasoline x5:s are the exception

Just trying to help you mate!!!Get you profile location correct!!!!!
Maybe if you didnt have your profile location as "USA" ,then I wouldnt have said "that side of the pond"!!!!!!!!!!

You should take ghost-flame´s,advice ..!!

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