2004 X5 Hard to Start When Engine is Warm
 

My 2004 X5 starts fine when the engine is cold but when I run some errands and then go to start the engine when it's warm it can barely start. I first thought this was bad gas but the problem still persists using other gas stations. I got some ideas from other threads trying:
- a different key
- starting in neutral
None have mad a difference.

Thanks in advance!

if its a 4.4i, there is a DME software update that corrects this.

If it is a 3.0 I had this problem. Took several trips back to the dealer to figure it out and fix it. They kept telling me nothing was wrong until I had them tow it back because it wouldn't start. They can't replicate the problem because you have to have driven it a while and then let it sit a little for it to happen. In the meantime, the way you start it when the engine is warm is to tap the gas as you are starting it.

When you bring it in to get fixed, they had the change the fuel pump, fuel filter, ignition switch, and 1 injector to fix it!

That took a total of 5 visits till they found what it was. The fuel pump and ignition switch helped but it was the fuel injector that was the real problem.


BTW - when I asked what would of caused such a thing once it finally was fixed they said they think the guy who leased the car before me may have put in bad or lower grade fuel.