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Some niggles

Discuss the problems with your X5 (E53).
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Olliefrom83
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Some niggles

Post by Olliefrom83 » Wed Jan 28, 2015 12:15 pm

Hello
Wondering if anyone can help some issues I am having, I have a 2005 3.0d sport auto, it's done 70k, has full bmw history from new, it is immaculate and has always been well maintained,
I have noticed the engine very rarely gets up to temprature, it normal just sits at the 1/4 mark unless in traffic or being pushed hard.
Also recently I have noticed that the car seems extremely underpowered (well to me anyway) the car seems very laboured even with the smallest of inclines, I can hear the turbo and have checked for any loose of cracked pipes under the bonnet but can't find anything, it looses speed very quickly when going up a few degree incline, I mostly drive B roads and I can only explain it as though it feels like I am towing a horse box with about 4 horses in it! I have test driven a few X5s and was always impressed with the power, mine just feels very lack lustre, only seems to like going down flat roads, I traded in an Audi 1.9tdi 130bhp and it feels as though the Audi could run rings around this!
The other couple of things that I am looking to get done is the gearbox oil changed along with transfer box and diffs, the car sometimes and I really mean rarely has a slightly jerky shift, also sometimes when pulling away at a roundabout will hold first gear until revs exceed 3k and then will change into according gear, I have no warning or anything but thought should take precaution and get it changed, the last thing is the folding mirrors, pushing the button on the driver panel causes the drivers mirror to fold in then fold straight out, the passenger mirror seems to do nothing, not even make a noise, I have checked the solnoids and they are fine and intact, not sure if the motor has gone up the spout!

Any help appreciated

Thanks

Ollie

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shadrack
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Re: Some niggles

Post by shadrack » Wed Jan 28, 2015 12:22 pm

temp- sounds like themostat stuck open, cheap easy diy fix

mirrors search on here theres a thread about re building the micro switches

odd lurch in gears is normal

power loss sounds strange 30d goes like..... up hill, sounds like split intercooler hose or more sinister, get it looked at, does it smoke alot?

changing gearbox oil is debateable, again look on here, diffs yes
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Olliefrom83
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Re: Some niggles

Post by Olliefrom83 » Wed Jan 28, 2015 12:29 pm

Hi shadrack

The car does not smoke at all, the car will pick speed eventually, but unless your constantly using kickdown it feels very underwhelming to drive, to the point that it's a disappointing drive, I will check the intercooler etc, would anything like a wheel bearing fault or something like that causes power delivery issues? As I have noticed a small whiring noise, more audible in the rain, but thought it was probable the brand of tyres as it comes and goes


Cheers

Ollie

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X5Sport
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Re: Some niggles

Post by X5Sport » Wed Jan 28, 2015 12:39 pm

Check the vacuum hoses for the turbo.  They are on the left side of the engine towards the front.  There is what looks like a small plastic 'cage' on the front left side mid way back.  If the hoses come off/split it can affect turbo performance.

Lower left corner in this pic, above the green label:
Image

If you open the window and listen, you should be able to hear the turbo whistle at low speed when you apply power.  It's faint but should be audible.  If it isn't then the vacuum system needs checking.

Having driven a Skoda with that engine, the X5 should go like a bat out of hell in comparison.

Richard
Last edited by X5Sport on Wed Jan 28, 2015 12:43 pm, edited 1 time in total.
:ant: Never anthropomorphise computers. They hate that.

Olliefrom83
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Re: Some niggles

Post by Olliefrom83 » Wed Jan 28, 2015 12:49 pm

Hi X5sport

I did have a look around the engine bay the other night and checked hoses, but I will take the engine cover off and have a proper nose about and make sure everything is secure and tight

I will let you guys know the outcome

Ollie

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jaynana
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Re: Some niggles

Post by jaynana » Wed Jan 28, 2015 8:14 pm

I once had a similar feeling with mine, On checking, a small vacume pipe had come off.  It's a small pipe push-fitted into that cylinder shaped plastic thingy. I think it's the same thing Richard is talking about. Right side of the car/engine bay, left bottom corner in the pic.
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Olliefrom83
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Re: Some niggles

Post by Olliefrom83 » Thu Jan 29, 2015 12:16 pm

Yay! Fixed the power issue, you guys were right, one of the black hoses going to that cylinder had split slightly, could only tell by having a real good look! But wow what a difference, this thing is a beast! Think this is going to have a detrimental effect on my fuel gauge and brakes!!
Just the other bits to sort now, also ordered the bmw scanner and software, as want to change a few bits, like my doors lock at certain speed but won't unlock once the ignition is switched off!

But I am one happy chappy right now! Cheers guys  :)

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X5Sport
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Re: Some niggles

Post by X5Sport » Thu Jan 29, 2015 12:57 pm

That door lock issue always puzzledme too.  VW Group cars did it for years before BMW, but at least they unlocked when you took the key out, and later BMWs unlock the drivers door when you take the key out.

It is easy enough to code out again.

Glad the vacuum issue is solved.  That 'tank' is the vacuum reservoir for the turbo so even a small hole kills the boost.

Richard
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