Major acceleration problem and engine smoke! help!

[barn06048847]

Hi Guys,

I have owned by x5 e70 3.0 sd for a matter of months and it seems to have developed a possibly catastrophic problem.

Suddenly the acceleration of this thing has died. It seems to pull off okay and then once it gets to about 2k revs nothing much happens. It has just lost so much pull through the rev range and then when I put my foot flat occasionally it will finally drop down to a lower gear and then it suddenly shifts like crazy.

It has also started to develop an odd clutch like smell (this is an auto) and today i noticed a clear smoke coming from under the bonnet. On inspection there was clear hot smoke coming form the left side of the engine as you look at it. Quite deep down below a silver tubular casing. I cannot entirely make out where it is coming from but in this general area.

After leaving it to cool it calmed down and on driving it again it has not smoked but the acceleration/power issues remain. I will get this checked but i was hoping for some ideas of what the hell is going on or possible scenarios (i know hard to diagnose from the above but still...!)

Much appreciated thanks very much!

[splang]

http://japanauto.co.za/product/bmw-x5-4wd-gearbox-e53/
Was the smoke coming from this ( top picture)?

Sounds gearbox to me!!

[barn06048847]

Hey - thanks for the quick response.
It's hard to say - I've tried to find where the gearbox sits in relation to the rest of the engine but can't really see.
Like i say it's coming from the left side so if the runs along that part of the engine it's very possible.

Does seem like a possible gearbox issue or someone said to me it could be loose intercooler piping to one of the turbos which is stopping it from spooling up properly but it does seem to pull okay from 3.5k onwards. I just don't know.

I have a fairly decent (hopefully) warranty so should be covered.

cheers,

[X5Sport]

Gearbox is behind the engine and between the two front seats.  A clutch smell certainly indicates a problem is likely to be in that area.

I would recommend you get a code read done to check the fault log.

Higher rpm could indicate the torque converter lock-up clutch is working as lower rpm has that disengaged.

I'm not sure where the transmission vent is but the smoke could be coming from there.

Certainly needs looking at urgently.  Is it a BMW Warranty or aftermarket of some sort?

[barn06048847]

The warranty is with warranty wise and I got a good level of cover but I know they will attempt to wriggle out of anything.

Hopefully getting it looked at today but could be as late as next week. Really frustrating but hope I can get it sorted.

Thanks for the reply I'll give an update once I know more.
Cheers

[celica]

Could be vacuum hoses for the turbo

Mine split on my old 535d for the first turbo so was no power under x revs then big turbo would kick in

Just a thought on acceleration problem

[barn06048847]

Hey Celica,

I was just about to write up what was wrong when i saw your post!!

It was indeed a split in the hoses to the smaller turbo. Replaced split hose and all other hoses as a precautionary measure and now all is well. Pulling as it should again so a big relief.

Next problem has already begun. The passenger side Xenon dipped beam has now failed! For gods sake!!
This car >:(

Might just gamble and get a new Xenon phillips bulb and get my mechanic to fit but reading things that state it can be other things such as a dodgy ballast or a fuse going.

Is the fuse box under the glovebox does anyone know and how easy is this to get to?

Cheers,