Service Engine Soon - Car Lugs Along
 

So my service engine light came on (flashing for some reason, not on solid) and my X started to lug when it at idle. Like going 5 mph it felt like you were tapping the brakes. I don't know what would cause this and the search function wasn't working right now. I do need an oild change, but don't see how that would effect the car. Everything seems fine as I can drive fast and go through all of the gears. Just when it gets down to idle speed it seems to lug along.
Any help would be appreciated as I am quite concerned. Thanks in advance.

Similar Problem
 

Can you give any follow up? My X5 did something very similar tonight. Thanks

You are going to want to let us know what model, year, mileage, etc.

My guess is going to be an ignition coil as it is my understanding that when the service engine light is flashing it is from engine misfire. My X did the same thing in the past and it turned out to be a bad ignition coil.

^ like Redline said, your vehicle specs would really help.

Do the issues occur during cold climate? High humidity / wet climate?

vehicle specs
 

2000 X5 4.4i Sport and Premium Packages 115700 miles

all this started up on the first snow of the year back in November, and has evolved in the past two months.

Seems to me that unless you're going to fix it yourself
the best thing to do is take it in to the shop of your choice
and get it checked out.

that is what I'm trying to determine if this is a a DIY versus a shop job. i can do a lot but I don't have a GT1 to nail down the issue and don't want to trial and error

That's why you take it in and for
the Minimum fee they should
tell you. Then go from there.

Read the fault codes, there will be missfire codes stored and they should tell you which cylinder(s). The flashing SES light is indeed due to a currently present missfire. Most likely you need a coil, but at 115700 miles the spark plugs are overdue if they haven't been done yet. Easily a DIY if you have the needed readers/tools etc.

Kevnmurphy,
Did you ever find the fix? My 2003 4.4i 65k miles X is suffering from the same symptoms. It started by lugging and shaking when cold and yesterday the SES light came on. I've never changed the spark plugs, so I thought I'd start there. Any guidance would be appreciated. Thanks.