Agonising Issues - Help

[IanP]

[quote=""timharding""]The last garage it was at was just an independent well known very good recommended garage, they have used basic diagnostics, not specialist BMW, the garage charged nothing.

They did the automatic transmission fluid change, the battery was fine before that, and the alternator didnt need to be changed after all.

The battery light only came on after the Automatic Transmission Fluid was changed...

Plugs have all been replaced.

The hesitancy, I will need to check it more..just got it back..so will take it for a little few mile drive tomorrow..

I live in the North East of England.... Sunderland, Tyne & Wear

Not aware if its been checked for air leaks or fuel pressure, however I did change recently a lambda sensor.

What would you recommend next?, and what costs are we looking at for BMW diagnostics?, and would they be able to find the problem?

all help appreciated..

Thanks again

Tim[/quote]

Hope it wasnt an Indy in South Shield you took it to
There is another one in Haswell Plough who were helpful when I had some electronics problems, but I havent used them for anything major.

[timharding]

Its a 2001 4.4

Thanks for replies

So the consensus is take it to a dealer to diagnose?

Tim

[X5Sport]

They will have all the right kit to be able to read the codes stored in the car. They might also tell you what needs doing, even if you then get someone else to do the work...

[dirtymonkey29]

Yeah could be worth it now all the obvious checks have been done

[Ubatoid]

The important thing is to report back whatever happens. It all adds the collective knowledge.

[gadgetJunky72]

keeping my fingers crossed that you get this sorted. it totally sucks when you can't you P&J as intended.

[timharding]

Car is booked into Cooper BMW Sunderland tomorrow.

£78 for Diagnostics. Spoke to a guy called Mick, seemed very helpful.

However this morning tried to start the car, and battery flat as..

Tried to Booster pack start it but to no avail.

Then used my E61 and it started after 5 minutes, then disconnected jump leads and tried to start and failed.

Now got the battery out on charge....so hopefully later today will get it started.

This just gets better and better.

Will let you know outcomes.

Tim

[shadrack]

hi tim this is who i use http://www.atlasautoservices.co.uk/index.html
i have tryied all different indies near me but this bloke is great, its 60miles from my house but still worth the travel, but i shouldnt imagine it will be much further for you, i cannot recommend him enough, hes called andy

[timharding]

The problem I have is that I don't have confidence in making it there, once I know the issues then I will have a way forward.

Thanks again

Tim

[timharding]

Update

Car wouldnt start today..

So had to jump start it, then drove to Cooper BMW

Explained to Mick (BMW Service) that I was on way, and he would open barrier to the workshop for me, just in car conked out.

Wrote down the issues, and also the parts that had already been replaced.

I got a nice lift home 4 miles in a nice 12 plate 1 series, which I thought was nice of them.

Got a call at 15:45pm, saying that they are looking first into the issue of the battery not holding charge, they have had a master tech?, looking at it at various time of the day between jobs.

They have recommended I change the oil and flush it all the way through, as they suspect this is why it maybe missing due to something to do with hydraulic lifters, they said the oil didnt look great, then they are going to charge battery overnight tonight and then see what they can do tomorrow.

Impressed so far with them, they call me update, they ask for authorisation before doing anything and the customer service has been great.

Will keep you updated.

Tim

[X5Sport]

Master Tech is the senior spanner turner. It was a 'MastercTech' at my local Dealer who finally found that the electrics problems I had on my E53 was all caused by a faulty starter motor. This was after they had changed a load of parts under warranty and screwed up the tracking device, and still not cleared the problem until the starter got changed.

If it is the battery then if not covered by any warranty you will save a lot of money buying one yourself. It doesn't take long to change it out. Oil change sounds sensible if the colour is a bit manky. Dirty oil could be causing an issue and it's a straightforward process - even if they do charge £180 to do it! It never does any harm to put fresh oil and filters into an engine...

When was it last done?

[timharding]

Well it was allegedly changed just before I got it, but based on what else the garage said when I bought it I doubt it .

Tim

[X5Sport]

My thought too......

[shadrack]

well if you do get stuck if you phone andy at atlas autos they are 1st class also have courtesy cars if required which i havnt needed as only ever had couple of hour jobs done and he is based in the middle of a giant retail shopping outlet at york so you can come home doubley skint!!

[timharding]

Update from today

BMW have done a full service on the x5, £189, this has improved the running lots, however still missing a little, they have also noticed the cat on drivers side glowing red hot, which could be a build up of gases, so they are removing exhaust and will try an clean it, that's another £80, they want it running right before they can find out what electrical issue is.

More to come tomorrow