Just Bought an X5

[StephenVA]

only challenge is that this meter is only a cheap meter.

"Meter may only be accurate within +/- 0.2 volts however" as stated in the Q&A on this ad.

It will however find a draw like a relay, light, etc locked "on", which will draw 5+volts. Most will draw 8 volts or more to create a dead battery in 24 hrs. remember to watch for a drop off of the system as the normal shut down occures. (dome lights, alarm, radio etc). What is left will be one or more draws. Some will be normal...alarm, etc. Pull fuses one at a time and you will discover which circuit has the draw. look for door locks staying engaged, hatch switches, heated rear window, etc.

There are a few posting on this forum about pinched wires in doors, hatches, under hood causing a draw as they mimic a low voltage connection.

[Bianca98]

I placed a pretty massive order!
CD53 prod date 03 July SW 50
Aux In kit
fuel filter
spark plugs
cabin filter
trans/diff/transfer case fluids (Redline)
oil filter
48 pack of microfiber cloth (only 22 bucks! dang!)
MID repair cable from AKSpeedo (non bond setup, bought on ebay for convenience)
new rad cap
hex socket set
random bits and pieces to put it all together. Now I just need to find the time to put it all together.

[Bianca98]

I took down the intake piping today in an effort to remove the IACV. I discovered that the intake piping running to it has a sizeable hole in it. At that point it wasn't worth taking apart since I don't have the lower intake elbow. I did remove the DISA to test. The gear in it was totally shot, the pin fell out with no pressure, the flapper has a chip in it, and I couldn't diagnose the vacuum. Video of testing below.
M54 DISA X5 3.0 - YouTube

[upallnight]

Looks like the PO drove that X into the ground.

As for the parasitic draw, you testing for amp draw, not voltage draw.

[Ricky Bobby]

Originally Posted by Bianca98

I took down the intake piping today in an effort to remove the ICV. I discovered that the intake piping running to it has a sizeable hole in it. At that point it wasn't worth taking apart since I don't have the lower intake elbow. I did remove the DISA to test. The gear in it was totally shot, the pin fell out with no pressure, the flapper has a chip in it, and I couldn't diagnose the vacuum. Video of testing below.
M54 DISA X5 3.0 - YouTube

Lower intake elbow has a hole right? Those are 20 bucks from dealer.

Are you going to rebuild your DISA with the G.A.S. kit or just get a new one? Usually the vaccuum pot is fine, you can test it via the instructions on the GAS website, the flapper, titanium pin/screw, bell crank lever, and O-ring are all superior to the OE design, I'm very happy with the kit I installed in my DISA, to know its basically made bulletproof while I own the vehicle.

BMW M54 DISA Repair Kit DIY


EDIT: Just watched your video, the flapper has no spring to it at all? It is probably shot then, if you do have to get a new DISA I would preventatively put the rebuild kit on there, just to have the "death pin" out of the equation. You're lucky that pin didn't get sucked into the manifold and score the cylinder.

[Bianca98]

Well I wouldn't say quite into the ground, but the maintenance definitely got ahead of him. It's very annoying. Some days I get in the truck and everything is perfect. It will be like that for a week, and then all at once the battery is drained, then the EML will kick on, then it drives sluggishly. But, at this point I am committed. I have some good plans for it. A quality forum like this has been invaluable. The draw issue has been tough. A good meter is a little over 100 bucks and having it professionally diagnosed is a bit more. Problem is, I have limited time either way. I'm trying to see if there is a tech here at the dealership willing to dig into it.

[Kristophe]

If your DISA's vacuum function is totally shot there's a complete Dorman version for a decent price on Amazon for $112 w/ free shipping. I know Dorman generally isn't considered a top tier aftermarket brand but I'd say they're above average. Last year I had to replace my daughter's window reg in her Nissan Xterra and the replacement AZ had was Dorman and seemed well-built; Amazon reviews are mostly positive.

Amazon.com: Dorman 911-900 Intake Manifold Runner Control: Automotive

[Bianca98]

That's a nice price on that unit. For that price on a new piece, I could get the upgraded milled internals kit and just go that route.

[Kristophe]

Considering the dealer cost is around $350ish, you betcha.

[Ricky Bobby]

I'd buy the Dorman and put the GAS internals on and have a bulletproof DISA for 200 bones