Intermitent ignition failure.
 

I have a 2002 X5 3Diesel. I have been having an intermitent ignition problem for the past 12 months +. The car turns over but will not start, the probelm is everytime its towed to the dealer they don't seem to be able to diagnose the problem. First time it was in was they replaced the glow plug relay. The second time the replaced an injector (depsite the fact the diagnostic still suggested it was running within normal parametres of -5 to +5). The third time they replaced a fuel pump. It is back with them again and of course the car is not failing! They want to replace all 5 injectors but have no support for that theroy. The other issue I have is that the emgine has been tuned/remapped by the previous owner and they keep falling back on that being an issue and the reason they don't know their @rse from their elbow. Any ideas on how to proceed. At this stage seriously thinking about ditching the thing! Please HELP

i assume that you wait until glow plugs are ready to start . some people just turn key and expect instant start like petrol engine . you may find some answers on other forums where 3, 5 and 7 series diesel drivers could help .

Am I in the wrong forum? I can confirm that I know how to start a diesel engine, but I do appreciate it is important to rule out the obvious.

you are in the correct forum , i am just suggesting that you might find more info on diesel engine in other forums .

Well, you're not alone. Don't remember if they were diesels but some had to replace their key, some the ignition switch (which I hear is inexpensive). Also, I think I read somewhere it could be related to the starter or related equipment. I would do a search and see if your symptoms match.

If the dealer can't figure it out that sucks! Good luck and sorry couldn't offer more help.