Carbon Buildup

[7builder]

I spoke to Jason last week when I was convinced I had a gearbox problem. He didn't think it was from the questions he asked so recommended I take it in for a diagnostic check. I am in Bristol and Jason is near Heathrow so I decided to get the diagnostics done by a local independent for convenience. The plan was to go back to Jason with the results for a plan of action. Problem was no errors were reported so I was stuffed.
So I think I will go with your injector cleaner suggestion for a bit to see how that goes then get it up to Jason depending on the results. To be honest I want Jason to to a gearbox oil change anyway and chip it if I can ever get it running correctly

[X5-D-Sport]

we still get back to the black smoke & poor performance issue....

BLACK smoke is unburned diesel...
Resting from a poor burn.

If you're getting black smoke trying to ascend a kerb, then there simply is no power & a shite combustion...

There are many potential issues, even extreme ones like severely worn/stretched timing chains resulting in cam timing being wrong.... tho VERY unlikely & your truck would rattle like a bitches handbag if this was the case....
for me, it keeps coming back to filthy injectors or poor mapping issues, sensor issues causing wrong mixtures, cam / crank timing sensing issues etc... but having experienced this exact issue with a Discovery and it was simply filthy injectors..

Jason is a good contact meanwhile...

It will be interesting to get X5Sport Richards take on this....??
What do you recon Richard ? ?

[7builder]

I decided not to wait for an Amazon order and went to Halfwits instead to purchase some Millers Injection Cleaner based on the info in this thread http://www.seatcupra.net/forums/showthread.php?t=188065.
I have double dosed the first treatment and will give it a blat on my daily 90 mile commute and see if I can get an improvement over the next week or so. On my trip to Halfwits I did notice it was down on power. As I pulled off of a roundabout at 15mph and accelerated, well I didn't. It just gradually gained momentum even with the pedal flat to the floor. As soon as I kicked down the autobox it was down a gear and away no problem.
To be honest I am not holding out hope that the injector cleaner will cure the issue, improve it possibly but we will wait and see.
I will be in touch with Jason again and probably get it booked in so he can give it his expert opinion but I'll let the cleaner do it's stuff first.

[X5-D-Sport]

For my money, I'd take it to Jason for a GOOD HONEST opinion over the main agent any day.

There has NEVER been a negative word about this guy or his work....

I think it would be money well spent getting him to look at your beast any way... regardless of how much or little the injector cleaner does....

[7builder]

I think you're right. Watch this space.

[7builder]

Car booked in with Jason for tomorrow......

[Steamyrotter]

[quote="7builder"]
As I pulled off of a roundabout at 15mph and accelerated, well I didn't. It just gradually gained momentum even with the pedal flat to the floor. As soon as I kicked down the autobox it was down a gear and away no problem.
[/quote]

Hoping not but does that sound turboish!!
Can't remember previous thread if you'd discounted that?

Let us know how you get on.

[7builder]

So, the prognosis isn't good. There would need to be further investigation to be 100% but it looks like reverse is on the way out in the auto box. It is fine during normal driving but under load ( reversing a caravan or reversing up a kerb) it is screwed. Driving forward it will mount a kerb no problem.
The lack of power was down to a sensor being unplugged so that was an easy fix. A test drive confirmed power was back up to normal but also highlighted a problem with the engine mounts and front suspension bushes. So what with that and a possible gear box replacement I am not prepared to invest that sort of money into it so it is time to think of a replacement.
Unfortunately my budget will only stretch to X5's with intergalactic mileage and no warranty so I think it is time to admit that X5 ownership will soon becoming to an end and time to consider a part-ex on something from the Far East  >:(
It was great whilst it lasted 

[Steamyrotter]

Bugger, that's not good mate 

The reverse issue could be something simple, or a right nightmare!!

The only thing to do is ensure you can drive the van onto and off of your pitch without having to back up .....

[7builder]

I won't be towing anywhere with a ticking time bomb gearbox, it's time to say sayonara and offload it before it has a cardiac arrest.

[Greydog]

What about an X5 V8 running LPG, with the 4.4 I could get 200 miles on a tank of gas which cost around £40 a fill up. That was mixed driving and pulling the horse box.
Petrol X's are cheaper and generally have lower mileages just a thought

[7builder]

E53's are getting to the age where you have to expect a major failure to happen at any time. As long as you have a contingency fund set aside or a water tight warranty you should have peace of mind. I don't have either.
I have to be realistic, the X5 is a premium 4x4 with a hefty price tag when new, way out of my reach so the only ones I can buy are high mileage older models. Due to age, mileage, usual wear and tear and X5 specific issues they cost a lot just to keep running.
I have always been a cash purchaser and have never financed a vehicle but I have been looking into a bank loan to put towards the purchase of an E70. I paid £6k for my 2003 E53 but even with a budget of £15k I am looking at 2007-2009 models with 120k miles or more. In comparison I can get a 2011 Kia Sorento with less than 40k miles and 3 years manufactures warranty for similar money. I know which one I would prefer, it would be the X5 all day long but I have to be realistic

[mark hamster 28]

The "highly recommended BMW Indie near you" needs naming and shaming imoa..! How they hell did they not pick up on sensor being unplugged beats me. Sorry to her your bad news and i understand fully where your coming from about your replacement car. Ive had my X5 nearly a year and it came with a BMW warranty which runs out next week, i will be paying over a £1000 for it for next 12 months which is a fair bit of dosh but its well worth it for peace of mind especially with these types of car. Next year when its had its next MOT and service i will be hopefully changing for a newer one, so get saving as it will be 7 years old, around 83K 1 prev owner and will have full BMW service which again is a must on these cars when they start getting to this age 

[7builder]

Styler have a 2007 with 47k miles for £17,950. I guess that would come with a 12 month warranty (I haven't checked). From what you have said it would then cost £1000 to renew the warranty through BMW?

[mark hamster 28]

[quote="7builder"]
Styler have a 2007 with 47k miles for £17,950. I guess that would come with a 12 month warranty (I haven't checked). From what you have said it would then cost £1000 to renew the warranty through BMW?
[/quote]

only when there an approved BMW they come with warranty, but you can still buy one from BMW if it dont and because its less than 60K, it is also cheaper. Dont think they go on age ?  which got me having a rant as you would think BMW would have more bottle than to up 60k ( see my other post )