Another weird issue with X5

[TerminatorX5]

ok... lets start with simple things.. fuel can become "stale", so you might want to siphon it out... go to local parts store and buy/rent siphoning tool - a tube with rubber thingy that looks like an old fashion enema bottle. replace fuel with fresh - this will cross out one item on the long list of items to check... then, once you have fresh fuel, get a fuel pressure gauge, to see if fuel pump is working... the pump primes the fuel lines only when you attempt to start the engine, and if the motor dis not start, the pressure, if there is any, will cut off to prevent "flooding" - in reality, these engines don't "flood", but i am using it for simplicity... so, basically, do what upallnight said...

[PEV]

I will. Is it something I can do myself? Any DIY links for that procedure?

[TerminatorX5]

you stick the long tube into the fuel openinig, point the other end of the tube to outside container that fuel will go to, squeeze the rubber thingy and fuel should start flow - there should be instructions with siphon tool. remember bmw tank is a saddle tank, you will only empty one half of the saddle, there still will be another half left but this procedure should get you started in the right direction.
i never heard of anyone in the US ever siphoning fuel but i saw the tool in my local wal-mart, so, it is being done

[PEV]

Thanks guys! Was coincidental, but my question on DIY was referring to the fuel pressure measuring - just don't want to look like complete idiot
I am just wondering, - if it would be a fuel pump failing, wouldn't codes indicate so? I am sure it is checked by the computer... So far, it only reads lean fuel mixture and misfired coils.
Any way, - let me start with new fuel and measuring the pressure.

On a separate note. I found another 2001 X5 (I just love the design) locally for 5900 CAD with 216K km (not miles) on it. It has 4.4L and mine is 3.0. Is there any way to switch the transmission between the two? I like manual and that one is automatic... And if this is possible - how much can it cost me? Just bulk part..

[TerminatorX5]

confusing... you have 3.0... with auto? the 4.4i ALL were auto trannies...

[PEV]

Mine is 3.0 manual and that one is auto... I am just thinking - isn't it easier to take mine apart (if I can't fix that current problem) and get another one instead.

[upallnight]

Originally Posted by TerminatorX5

ok... lets start with simple things.. fuel can become "stale", so you might want to siphon it out... go to local parts store and buy/rent siphoning tool - a tube with rubber thingy that looks like an old fashion enema bottle. replace fuel with fresh - this will cross out one item on the long list of items to check... then, once you have fresh fuel, get a fuel pressure gauge, to see if fuel pump is working... the pump primes the fuel lines only when you attempt to start the engine, and if the motor dis not start, the pressure, if there is any, will cut off to prevent "flooding" - in reality, these engines don't "flood", but i am using it for simplicity... so, basically, do what upallnight said...

Love the technical term and description, that's something my wife would say.

[upallnight]

Originally Posted by PEV

I will. Is it something I can do myself? Any DIY links for that procedure?

Obviously you didn't read my first post on this thread.

The info that you seek is in my first post.

But if you don't want to go through all the postings here's a link.

How To Check Fuel Pressure On A BMW, BMW E46 3 Series - YouTube

[tmv]

PEV, look like you have enough help from TerminatorX5 and upallnight
Your manual in the M54 3.0 will not bolt up to M62 4.4 engine. Better bet is to swap in a 6sp tranny from an E39 540i. It will be costly though.

[TerminatorX5]

Originally Posted by upallnight

Love the technical term and description, that's something my wife would say.

spent 4 years in a college learning that technical term!!!