Nice stuff killcrap.

Its what I do.

Glad to see you back.

killcrap,

From your parts attachment I see that the fix is upwards of $3000 including labour. It's been a week since my $100 fix (removal of throttle body, drying out of intake and MAF) and the X has never run better (it has approx. 85000 miles and I have owned if for about a year and a half).

Even if my fix is only temporary and would require re-fixing every year, $100 per year over the course of its life is certainly cheaper than dishing out over $3000 in one shot.

So ............ if we are both talking about the same issue, am I doing my X harm by not addressing the intermediate levers and just going with the 'drying out' fix?

There is no such thing as a drying out fix, your mechanic is a liar and should be avoided. It is not a common problem and you are being mis-led. What you need to do is find a competent BMW tech to have your vehicle diagnosed.

The intake manifold on this model is designed to have an oil/vapor mixture in it to operate properly. If you clean and dry it out, you are more than likely going to cause the intake manifold to seize up. To replace the intake manifold on this car is $2,323.43 + 2 Hours of labor, + any diagnostic fees to check intake manifold motor.

If you live in a cold climate weather year long, then I would consider selling the vehicle if you cannot afford the correct repair. If you live where cold weather below 40 degrees is only for 1 season, I would consider purchasing a second car for that season, or just fix the car. It would probably be the same price, if not cheaper to fix than to find a new car, pay tax, and registration, and more maintenance, and etc..

So at the end there is no way out..any idea how many hours of labours ?

As you recall me (misfire) my X5 2006 4.4i 's doing the same problem.

The X5 is presently to the garage (not the stealers) just want to evaluate the cost if we go with this option.

And what about live with it i.e no fix...at the end winter season is 3 cold months a year.

Thanks

Killcrap, I've heard of people who live in moderate climates (and only experience the rough start-up idle a few times a year) just living with the problem and not replacing the levers/eccentric shafts. Is there any other damage that can result if it isn't fixed? I'm assuming that this project is beyond the skills of the average DIYer.

killcrap, very interesting response and I do appreciate any and all feedback. I am not here to argue or debate, but I think other people with this issue should hear what I have to say.

My mechanic has a reputation of being the best independant BMW mechanic in the GTA (Toronto and surrounding vicinity). A very densely populated region. I found him when I was looking for a used X5 as most of the advice I received included 'find a good indy mechanic' and 'have an honest mechanic due a pre-purchase inspection'. I took to Google and searched for 'best BMW mechanic in GTA' and his name and shop popped up all over the place. He is BMW factory trained, races BMW's and drives a 540. I could only find ONE negative opinion amongst many, many hits. I paid him a visit, chatted a little and came away impressed by him and his shop. Try googling RMP Motors.

He performed the 'fix' while I was standing about 30 feet away. I admit, I did not watch him closely (no reason to) but I did hear him using an air compressor. In about 45 minutes I was out.

I am being completely honest when I say that my X has not run better in the year and a half that I've owned it and has not given me the 'shake' since. I will keep all here posted how my X behaves over the winter.

I would be weary of anyone who claims they are factory trained. There is no such thing. Its either you are self taught, dealer trained, fast track, step. No one is ever trained at the factory to repair BMW's. The only training done at the factory is assembling vehicles.

Sorry, meant to say dealer trained.

As i said previously, let's just sit and wait for a while and see how long my fix stays fixed. If I get thru the rest of this winter shake free and the X continues to run like it does then maybe my mechanic knows something that other's don't.

I won't BS anyone on this forum as I come here often for advice and I owe many on here, and other BMW forums, something back. Just trying to help in the most cost effective manner possible.

I will add something else that I noticed after my fix. Same climate, next fill-up after the fix got me 30 km's further. And this was done driving in Sport mode (I have always driven in Granny mode because of the gas mileage. No more.) Let's see if those numbers hold.