2008 X5 4.8i Cranks but no start!

[texasrida1]

I have a 2008 BMW X5 4.8i that cranks and won't start. I have pulled the dme and had it reflashed but still have a no start problem. I was wondering if there are any BMW techs near the Fort Drum NY (Watertown, NY) area that could possibly help me out with reading codes if any, and a possible repair situation.

[ard]

What made you think that the first thing would be flashing the DME?!?

No codes, no nothing?

How about any prior history?

Check the crankshaft sensor.

[texasrida1]

When the problem first started I had the vehicle towed to the local mechanic shop and after the diagnostic I was told that they could not communicate with the DME. I then pulled the DME and had it sent off for reprogramming at theat time I was told that it wasn't repairable. After researching the internet and many BMW posts to include this one, the DME seemd to be the common factor. I have ordered a crankshaft postion sensor hopefully that works. I also don't have a code reader to find out if there are any codes. Hence the reason asking if there were anyone local that can check for me due to the vehicle not starting.

[ard]

Sigh.

It is astonishing that people will blindly follow internet advice from total idiots, buying parts here and there, and not simply invest $100 in a code reader....

I simply mentioned the crank sensor and your gonna buy one??? WTF do I know???

Foxwell and Carly are two code reader options.....

[texasrida1]

For some reason I can’t understand why you even answered my post if you’re gonna be a douche. By the way I already purchased the crankshaft position sensor prior to posting.

[josiahg52]

Replacing or reflashing the DME is like a 10/10 move. Without context or background, it's nonsensical. You explained why you did it in the second post. The question is, can you communicate with the DME now?

You said you removed it to have it reflashed was told it was not repairable but you reinstalled it? I didn't see where the non-communicable and irreparable DME was remedied.

Is there a CEL?

You need to establish communication with the DME, reset any DTCs and then attempt to start the vehicle. Any new DTCs should provide insight as to the issue.

Other than that, sure CKPS, spark plugs, coils, fuel supply issue (pump, hoses, injectors, filter, etc.), battery, ground connection. I implore you to check this basic stuff yourself because quality diagnostic services are $$$$.

I'm sorry I can't help with an indy in your area. Got plenty I'd recommend well north of you.

[740iS]

Any update/resolution to your issue?

[blndweasel]

Originally Posted by texasrida1

the DME seemd to be the common factor.

^^ Technically not wrong ^^

I think the criticism of the approach is rooted in a fundamental principle of automotive repair and troubleshooting - start with the easy stuff first.

While it's true you can search the net and come across stories where someone's DME failed for reason XYZ, and replacing it solved their no-start issue, what you won't see are countless other causes that aren't worth posting about (i.e. out of gas, low battery, bad ground connection, etc.).

Chalk it up to a lesson learned and know that even if the responses you get on forums can sound a little salty at first, it's just peoples' way of asking you to provide more details so that a meaningful diagnosis can be performed. If you're persistent, and you provide follow up information, eventually someone will feel sympathetic and give you some advice you can run with.

[ard]

start with a code reader?

[texasrida1]

No resolution yet. I have a fully charged battery, full tank of gas, also replaced the crankshaft position sensor and still no start. Strong cranking but no start. Will try fuel relay and pump next. Will a code reader work if the vehicle doesn't start?