2004 x5 3.0 not not cranking and when it does won't stay running

[dl57]

Hello all!

New to this forum and hoping to get some advice and opinions.

My mom has a 2004 x5 3.0 with 130k that she just spent a bunch of money on at the dealer only to have the problem unresolved. She has now asked me to take a look at it.

She first noticed a problem while driving on the freeway. When she would hit the accelerator she said it often just bogged down. When she entered town she said it would shake when it came to a stop and then accelerate sluggishly. At this point she took it to the dealer and they replaced the crankcase vent valve, the adjuster unit and the intake boot (all of which probably needed replacing anyway). She said the car ran fine for about 2 days and then started having the same issues...that's when she asked me to get involved.

I went over and turned the car on and it started up and ran fine. Then I took it around the block and made it about halfway before it started shaking, had no acceleration and finally just shut off. I thought I was going to have to tow it the rest of the way but I was finally able to get it back to her driveway where it sits now.

I read the codes that day and got misfires on cylinders 1-3.

I went back the next day and tried to start it up again and this time it would not even stay running. It would crank and start up but die after about two seconds. I didn't have much time that day so decided to just leave it alone. Went back the next day and turned the key and the starter spins but now won't even crank the engine (won't engage the flywheel).

I have a good amount of experience with cars but have never seen anything like this. It just seemed to go downhill so fast. It seems strange to me that it would have trouble idling and then the starter motor would just happen to go out at the same time...so now I am really confused.

Does anyone have any opinion as to what this might be? It almost seems as though it is computer related...is there something on these cars that would not allow it to idle and not allow the starter motor to engage the flywheel? Could I just be missing something simple?

She is hoping to not have to spend too much more money on it and I don't blame her. Any help would be greatly appreciated

Thanks in advance!

[srmmmm]

Possible issues include: bad ignition coils on the cylinders mentioned, plugged catalytic convertors, and fuel pump issues, in that order.

2002 X5 3.0 251,873 miles
2004 325i 112,700 miles

[dl57]

Thanks for your quick reply SRMMMM.

The last time I went to work on it I was actually going to move a few of the coil packs around and see if the codes changed at all. The problem is now I cant even get the engine to turn over with the starter. Any thoughts on this? Do you think it is just a coincidence that the starter happened to go out at the same exact time.

also, battery is fully charged

[upallnight]

Most likely a fail fuel pump. If you know how to start a car with starting fluid you can try that, but have a fire extinguisher handy.

[dl57]

When I turn the key I can hear the pump priming. Could it prime and still cause this type of issue?

I would try to start it with starter fluid but at the moment I cant get the engine to turn over the starter just spins and does not engage. I guess my next step is to pull the starter and have it tested

[beamertruck]

Replace the plugs with the NGK, then test your coils. Before hand though, run 2 bottles of octane boost (use the lucas, available at AZ) if it runs, its a clogged injector or fuel filter, possible a fuel pump. Update me with your findings, also if you could give me details as to how the shaling occurs (is it a violent rumble, does it feel as if your riding on rocks etc.) And any odd noises. A video would also help.
Thanks

Arsal

[upallnight]

Stater spinning but not engaging the engine, the starter bendix is shot. You need to replace the starter.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bendix_drive

[dl57]

Here is a video of what I get when I try to start the car:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xYR30hfCvfQ

Thoughts?

Thanks in advance

[beamertruck]

Ok, sorry I usually am on my phone, Il take a look at the video. Il get back to you ASAP.

[srmmmm]

That sounds like a weak battery to me.

2002 X5 3.0 252,000 miles
2004 325i 112,800 miles