XSeries-forum

Hi everyone, first post on here and I'm hoping someone can help.
I have a 2004 X5 4.4i with 98k miles and it has some issues when starting. First of all it starts when it feels like it, I'd like to say when cold starting it usually does but then after a short drive, stopping off somewhere and going back to start it up it just doesn't crank. There have been times where it does and doesn't so I'd then say it's fairly random.
When the problem occurs it will not crank, the first time I go to do it I can hear a click as if the starter motor goes to engage but then every time after it does absolutely nothing.
I've had it plugged in at a few places and had different people look at it yet none can find any fault codes.
Here are a list of things that have been done so far (previous owner had problem dating back to mid 2015):
- TDC Sensor
- Ignition switch
- New Battery
- New starter motor

Here are the things I have replaced:
- Brake light switch
- New starter motor
- New battery

Yet to take it to BMW just because of the extortionate prices to 'look', have taken it to BMW specialists that use similar gear but to no avail. If there's anything you need clarifying please ask, thank you.

How about the limit switch on the gearbox? My 4.6 had the same symptoms I think, starts fine for days then the next time just a click and nothing. Starts no problem if the gear lever is pushed forwards slightly, I guess that when I had the engine and box out, the switch was put back slightly out of position.

Hi Ian thanks for the reply. I've not heard of that one before but may be worth looking at, the engine hasn't been out I don't believe but the gearbox may have so it's possible... is it easy/simple to diagnose or fix?
The garage are putting another starter motor on for free just in case that was a faulty one so will see how that goes but haven't got high hopes as that would be the third one in less than two years.

Hi

I assume by the fact it's a 2004 car it's a facelift and so you should have the problem of one type of starter motor drawing a very high current.

This could be a cheap fix, it may be worth trying that when you open the car just when you get in take it slower before you start the car, I know it sounds odd, but just put the key in the ignition and turn it on so alll the dash lights come on the dash then just wait a few seconds until a lot of the lights will go out then try starting the car.

The reason for saying this is the car does a lot of initial checks of the various electrical systems when you turn the ignition on and it could be the combination is drawing too much current as X5Sport has explained, or the car hasn't complete its checks.

I know with my old 2004 54 plate car when opened the car up, put the key in the ignition and turned ignition on, then I got in and shut the door. By that time most of the dash lights were out and then I started the car, and yes it always started 1st time.

I did have a new Bosch battery but it was at least 4 years old and the car was used intermittently about once a week but was reliable.

Graeme

Bad chassis to engine earth?

Next time it fails to start, shift into Neutral and try again. Have a Shogun that does this. If it now fires up then the shift sensor needs adjusting.  Or keep starting in Neutral!

Thanks for all of the suggestions will try them out over due course.