X5 problem with cold weather -Start shakes, misfires

[Whitecat]

Hello all, i'm new on this forum, just bought E53 4.4 (30days ago) and already in problem....bought the 2006 with 70miles really mint condition at a glance and garage inspection done (not the dealer)

Since 2 weeks, when i start the big cat i got multiple misfire and all the cockpit shaking bad. I live in Canada Quebec...and out warranty..

Long story short went to BM dealer and put the car on computor all 8 cylinder were problematic, use camera to look into cylinders/valve (not to sure i'm not an expert)...anyway BMW suggest to clean / lift change Valve And work on head enginent component etc....and....asking for $7k....Man i'm in shock and so disapointed about all this.

Now i've red a lot in this forum about this issue but the challenge is to get a solution and summary
From all the possibilities scenarios - After reading some post it appear that some have decided to live with it .. My question : what about not fixing ? When i re start everything back to normal....Is this will damage other elements (paid the truck $20k)

Tx

[X5SND]

If it sits outside, try switching to a mid or regular grade fuel. These trucks aren't like American vehicles.....

[upallnight]

I would get a scan tool so that you can find out the trouble code(s) that is being thrown up. I use an app call TORQUE with my Android phone and tablet. I use a bluetooth scanner

multiple misfire normally indicates something that affects both banks. I would look at vacuum leaks or water in the MAF sensor.

[Whitecat]

Tx guys !

To X5NSD: this is new to me, thought that these engine required Mandatory high octane (super) for performance. Arr you saying no impact if i switch to regular gaz ?

@ upallnight thanks i should have asked the dealer to give me those code since i already paid $400 for this test ...

But to my question : what about no fix and just place theX5 into heated garage ?
I'm trying to know if this symptoms (missfire) at cold start are a signal that something go wrong even when she is warm and seems to be all good ?

Tx again for your help !!

[upallnight]

You need to use premium gas in the X.

WOW $400 just to read some code(s)? No wonder they are call stealers. Most national auto part store will scan the X for FREE. They will not reset the code, but they will scan it for FREE.

If you want to save some money either DIY or find an INDY. Dealers are only for people with warranty or CPO cars.

I would get the codes since you already paid them to scan the car. Misfire could be a P0171 or P0174 code which would indicate lean condition in bank 1 and bank 2. A lean condition could be a vacuum leak or a dirty MAF. If it only occurs during cold weather I would suspect a seal leak due to shrinkage of the seal or contraction of the surrounding material due to the cold.

[Whitecat]

Tx so much Upallnight, will do and yes $400 for the scan plus some time for the camera ..at the end they found nothing but just reco the $7k job for the injection cleaning....and 10-4 for the no go to the dealer ...just learn today that they consultant tech) are paying with commission on repair. I'll call them tomorow for the code.

Because other rhan that LOVE the X5 what a machine.... Last question do you say that this engine 4.4i is reliable?......thanks so much guys for ur time.

[X5SND]

Being in Winnipeg, -30*C is not uncommon in the winter months. When my truck use to sit outside overnight (plugged in of course) in the mornings I'd get misfires that would throw CEL's. Even if it didn't throw a code, for the first couple seconds after firing it would run rough. Long story short, I was talking with one of the techs about it and he said that BMW issued a bulletin about cold climate starts, and to remedy it they recommend using a lower grade fuel. My first thought was to call BS.....but after trying it out, it does actually work. Now don't quote me as saying it's a cure-all, because there maybe other contributing factors in your case...

[upallnight]

Lower grade fuel in the states normally have more ethanol which is just alcohol. Alcohol displace water so that may be the reason the dealer recommends a switch to a lower grade fuel.

There is a thread where water or ice in the MAF cause the misfire and bucking that some people are experience with their X.

The good thing about the 4.4 is that there is no timing belt that needs to be replaced. The bad thing about a 4.4 is that the guide rails for the timing chain will needs to be replaced when you start hearing a rattle in the engine.

Other thing that can go wrong with a 4.4 intake manifold seals will eventually needs to be replace. Valley pan gasket will eventually needs to be replace.

Bushings for the thrust arms or the arms itself will need to be replaced when you feel a vibration when you brake at speed above 55 mph.

But we all love our BMW, maybe not as much as the PORSCHE or LOTUS. LOL

[Whitecat]

Thanks x5NSD - i'm located in Montreal so you and me know the -30 degrees feeling ...
So this problem seems to be at large/ normal to E53 under cold weather...the German should come in our country to make their test..would love to see this bulletin ?

Tx again

[upallnight]

Here's the post for the MAF problem.

http://www.xoutpost.com/bmw-sav-foru...ke-bronco.html