X5 Engine Fail Safe, on Start! (4.4i)
 

I am getting an "Engine Fail Safe" light AND a "Brake" (Orange color) light on start up. It starts, but runs as though its only running on 2 cylinders.

If I shut if off and waited a 10 seconds, it usually would start and run normal, though I would have "Check Engine" light on for a short time and it would eventually go out. This seemed to be worse in cold weather. (More restarts to get it to run. )

Took it in and they said Battery and Alternator were bad. Not happy with the $1200.00 bill, but had no choice.

Its NOT FIXED!! Still doing it.

Yesterday it hit the point where I could not get it to start normal, after many attempts. In frustration I popped the hood and removed the air filter, (just purely guessing at issues.) What do you know, it started right up! No idea if it was pure luck or had something to do with it.

It's in the shop again and they are calling to now replace the IVM ($400.00) and say it may also need a new DME ($1800.00)

Feels a little too much like guess work and just randomly replacing parts!

Anybody had this some up?!!?

I'd see what codes are being thrown. Mine misfires on cold startups but not consistently. It's likely the intermediate levers. A restart or two is sometimes required, but pales in comparison to replacing the levers. There is a software fix to try if the levers aren't too worn that moves them from 0.3mm to 0.8mm, but fuel mileage and throttle response suffer. Get a shop that knows these engines. Throwing that kind of money at it to not solve the problem is useless. I'd stop spending money with these guys and get an independent that knows the cars and engines very well. If they know what intermediate levers are, are aware of the recall campaigns and have perhaps done a few valve seal jobs, you're at least working with someone that knows their arse from a hole in the ground.

There is a thread on here that has some recommended shops across US and Canada.

Thanks LVP! I will inquire.
They are a qualified, and recommended shop for sure. (Welcome to Bimmer Haus Performance! )
I just wanted to inquire, as I am skeptical with the amount of technology these vehicle have these days, that we can't get a more definitive solution. As you said, is expensive and pointless to just start replacing parts.

They do seem focused on our brand, that's for sure. I'd just dig a bit as to how many X5's they've worked on with these issues and how far they've gone into the bowels of the engines they've seen. Not many people spend big coin on levers (if that is indeed your problem). If you aren't careful, you'll end up replacing a lot. Most start with easy things - battery, alternator, coils, plugs, sensors. Then move on to control units and other pricey bits without a guarantee. You may go through all that to find it is the levers and unless you go all the way with the levers, no guarantee it will fix it either.

If there is even a hint that it may be levers, try the software fix for them and see if that cures it. You may get away with the software fix in the cold months and then return it to normal during the warmer months. I opted to live with the occasional restart and left the software at the 0.3mm setting.

Spoke to them about the software update, but it has to go with a Dealership for that. I've heard $150-$250 for this. Sound right?

They are taking a look at the levers.

Thanks for the help. Really hoping this is going to be resolved here, without too much more.

Check my other post on the levers. There is a pdf document I posted on what to look for and how to test. You need to find a shop that has autoLogic software or get the GT1 software. If the shop doesn't have, find an independent that does. It's the only way. The dealer will give you the "replace it all" diagnostic report.

Here is the post
http://www.xoutpost.com/1032069-post8.html