newbie question

[simon1977]

hi all I'm simon I'm a newbie here, I've just bought a 2001 x5 3.0d but over the last couple of day there's a couple of thing that need doing. First thing i noticed is a low revs and you accelerate you hear the turbo whistle so what's the most common place were the pipes corrode and were about in the engine is it?

secondly the wing mirrors just move about freely you can hear the motors whirring but you can shut the doors and the mirrors shut there that free, will this just be the gears in the motor?

there is a couple other things that's need sorting but there a pretty simple fix any advice would be greatly appreciated thank you

[Bimmer Owners Club]

Hi Simon....welcome to the Forums

I think Dave (Greydog) would be the best man to answer your X5 queries....he should be on the site soon.

Good to have you onboard

Cheers,   Trevor

[simon1977]

Thank you Trevor, looks like a good forum for information and would happy to help if anyone needs any help in the future

[Greydog]

Morning Simon

I have read that the rubber seals on the hard pipe connections can start to degrade/crack. I would check www.realoem.com put the last 7 digits of your Vin into the search box and it will bring up the parts lists for your car. Check the engine section for diagrams of the ducting and seals then work your way through them looking for the failure points. www.newtis.info will help with descriptions and how too's. 

Wing mirror motors are a common failure you only need one to fail and it has a canceling effect on the other. Simple enough to fix and lots of repair stuff motors and gear kits on that well known auction site. Dismantling the mirror housing is fiddly (worth investing in trim removal tools) start at the bottom and take care and don't rush. Once the outer covers are off it's straight forward, my drivers mirror had failed but I changed both motors while I was at it.

Good Luck

Dave

[simon1977]

Thank you Dave that’s great information spent all morning taking off the top covers off the engine and the undercarriage couldn’t find anything wrong with them but realised that the air filter doesn’t look like it’s been replaced since the car left the showroom, unfortunately I couldn’t get a filter for a couple of days so while I wait I thought I would blow the old one off with the compressor omg I’ve seen less soot come out of chimney I couldn’t believe it, it was all jet black, the car seems to run slightly better now so il be glad to get the new one in it might resolve a running issue I have. Thanks again for your time and advise

[Greydog]

The fuel filter is another one, it's hidden under neath a cover plate near the rear wheel they often are ignored but can cause issues with both petrol and diesel motors.

The dealer will tell you the filter was checked and cleaned at service?? Now you have seen the evidence yourself.Check out the EGR valve as well if there is soot about that will probably be blocked partially if not fully and that can cause a lack of power.

Dave

 

[simon1977]

I think I recall looking in the receipts the egr valve was replaced a couple of years ago but nothing about a fuel filter so I think il order one just to make sure, I may as well do a oil change at the same time.

The problem with the running issue was it would run lovely but felt sluggish 50+mph and overtaking was poor, and if you pulled off from a junction foot to the floor it  would accelerate great but when you stopped it would tick over lumpy that’s why I thought it was a boost leak, but i feels better just cleaning the air filter so il give it a service myself and let you know if it’s been cured.

thanks again for the response as you’ve been a great help 😁

[simon1977]

On 1/26/2019 at 7:37 AM, Greydog said:

The fuel filter is another one, it's hidden under neath a cover plate near the rear wheel they often are ignored but can cause issues with both petrol and diesel motors.

The dealer will tell you the filter was checked and cleaned at service?? Now you have seen the evidence yourself.Check out the EGR valve as well if there is soot about that will probably be blocked partially if not fully and that can cause a lack of power.

Dave

 

Hi Dave I received all my service parts now, how do I replace the diesel filter as mines in the engine bay.

I've done alot in the past but as this is a bmw thought there might be a procedure priming ect.

Simon 

[Greydog]

Morning Simon

If your EGR valve is a couple of years old it may well be worth giving it a clean, if the car only had short journeys they can soot up quite quickly.

A couple of web sites I use that are a great help are www.realoem.com a BMW parts site if you put the last 7 digits of your Vin number in the search box it will bring up your model it ensures you will be getting the right part for your car. Then www.newtis.info the same technical information used by BMW Dealers this will tell/show how to change your filter.I did read somewhere that the system is self bleeding but check on newtis to be sure.

I hope these sites help 

Dave

[simon1977]

Thanks Dave the newtis web site is brilliant and I think I will clean out the egr  valve as it started ticking over lumpy this morning but drives fine, thanks again for your help 

simon

[simon1977]

On 2/11/2019 at 12:11 PM, Greydog said:

Morning Simon

If your EGR valve is a couple of years old it may well be worth giving it a clean, if the car only had short journeys they can soot up quite quickly.

A couple of web sites I use that are a great help are www.realoem.com a BMW parts site if you put the last 7 digits of your Vin number in the search box it will bring up your model it ensures you will be getting the right part for your car. Then www.newtis.info the same technical information used by BMW Dealers this will tell/show how to change your filter.I did read somewhere that the system is self bleeding but check on newtis to be sure.

I hope these sites help 

Dave

Hi Dave done the service and went to clean the egr valve and then realized it's been blanked off, so the lumpy idle must be something else, I'm thinking a injector might try some injector cleaner see if it helps thanks again the advise.    

Simon

[Greydog]

Hi Simon

Do you have a code reader? Certainly a BMW specific code reader would pin point just were the issue is, I use BMW 1.4.0 (about £15 on ebay) which gives me a clear description of the fault in English. Others I know use Carly for BMW or INPA which ever they would tell you (a) if it is an injector issue or something else as changing parts can become expensive. 

My sons Toyota had an injector issue the Dealer wanted a small mortgage to replace them, he went to a Diesel specialist (he used to service our Horse Lorry) he sent them off for refurbishing less than a 1/3 rd of the dealer cost. 

Dave

[simon1977]

On 2/15/2019 at 7:04 AM, Greydog said:

Hi Simon

Do you have a code reader? Certainly a BMW specific code reader would pin point just were the issue is, I use BMW 1.4.0 (about £15 on ebay) which gives me a clear description of the fault in English. Others I know use Carly for BMW or INPA which ever they would tell you (a) if it is an injector issue or something else as changing parts can become expensive. 

My sons Toyota had an injector issue the Dealer wanted a small mortgage to replace them, he went to a Diesel specialist (he used to service our Horse Lorry) he sent them off for refurbishing less than a 1/3 rd of the dealer cost. 

Dave

Afternoon Dave I bought a code reader and the only faults that came up was egr valve which is blanked off glow plug and smooth running controller, the x5 is idling ok now after I put some injector cleaner in it but it just smokes when idling even when the car is warm. There's also smoke out of the oil filler cap when removed while running and it don't use any oil or water so I'm at a loss lol thank you again for your time and advise 

Simon

[Greydog]

Hi Simon

I have read that when the EGR is blanked off there is a small vacuum pipe that needs plugging as well, Also many others who have changed glow plugs have also changed the glow plug controller. 

Smoke or vapour from the oil cap is not unusual but with the cap of and engine running you will lose crankcase pressure which will effect idle. If your smoke at idle is white it could be an injector weeping or something as simple as the crankcase breather system at fault.

Sounds like you are slowly making progress

Dave

[simon1977]

11 hours ago, Greydog said:

Hi Simon

I have read that when the EGR is blanked off there is a small vacuum pipe that needs plugging as well, Also many others who have changed glow plugs have also changed the glow plug controller. 

Smoke or vapour from the oil cap is not unusual but with the cap of and engine running you will lose crankcase pressure which will effect idle. If your smoke at idle is white it could be an injector weeping or something as simple as the crankcase breather system at fault.

Sounds like you are slowly making progress

Dave

Hi Dave 

ive ordered another crankcase filter etc as the last one turned up damaged see if it does work if so bonus if not i think il do glow plugs and injectors in the summer.

I noticed the ac belt was half the size it should of been so I thought no problem five minute job but no not with my luck, it turns out the tensioner has seized so il have to sort that when I do the crankcase filter.

What annoys me is that the car has had a lot of money spent on it including a new gearbox, driveshafts and more but it seems it’s not been serviced adequately which would of saved them a fortune in the long run if they had.

thanks again

simon 

[Greydog]

Morning Simon

We live in a world where some see maintenance/servicing as vital to improving the reliability and enjoyment of their car, but I fear today there are an ever increasing number who don't know or care where the bonnet catch is or what is under it. They just drive until it breaks then moan about the cost of repair. This isnt helped with Dealerships and a lot of Garages who do the minimum work at service normally just an oil and filter change. The poor old gearbox manual or auto is a classic example of rarely being serviced in their life yet the gearbox manufacturers supply maintenance schedules which are largely ignored.by Car manufacturers and Dealers around the world.

My weekend is planned for me just had an Air spring fail so a pair ordered, plus the auxiliary water pump has developed a small leak, the MOT is not far away so good poke around and check everything to ensure we have another year ahead. What some see as a chore I enjoy and find strangely therapeutic especially if I can fix or better still improve something.

Once your on top of all the little bits you will enjoy it more

Dave

[simon1977]

On 2/27/2019 at 7:15 AM, Greydog said:

Morning Simon

We live in a world where some see maintenance/servicing as vital to improving the reliability and enjoyment of their car, but I fear today there are an ever increasing number who don't know or care where the bonnet catch is or what is under it. They just drive until it breaks then moan about the cost of repair. This isnt helped with Dealerships and a lot of Garages who do the minimum work at service normally just an oil and filter change. The poor old gearbox manual or auto is a classic example of rarely being serviced in their life yet the gearbox manufacturers supply maintenance schedules which are largely ignored.by Car manufacturers and Dealers around the world.

My weekend is planned for me just had an Air spring fail so a pair ordered, plus the auxiliary water pump has developed a small leak, the MOT is not far away so good poke around and check everything to ensure we have another year ahead. What some see as a chore I enjoy and find strangely therapeutic especially if I can fix or better still improve something.

Once your on top of all the little bits you will enjoy it more

Dave

Morning dave

hows the work gone on your x5 this weekend mines not looking so good, I’ve fitted the new crankcase filter freed off the the aircon tensioner fitted the new belt but nothing’s changed it’s still smoking and it sounds like a belt is still squeaking so after a couple of hours research it’s looking like possible turbo failure 😔.

so my next job is to take off the intercooler pipe off the turbo to assess the situation if it is the turbo I’m in 2 minds to keep throwing money at it or get rid of her as if I keep her it’s recon turbo a new manifold as the it still has a stainless one on, glow plugs and possibly a injector. 

Simon

[Greydog]

Hi Simon

Well with the weather this weekend it was better to be in the garage under the X !! All went well 2 Arnott air bags fitted, ride height sensor ball joints greased everything else underneath seems OK though the rear sub-frame bushes are looking crusty. The aux water pump is a PITA it seals on O rings which I couldn't get on Saturday, so on the case today. Still they are probably 15 years old at least!!

Sorry to hear you are near the edge, as you say a shed load of money has been thrown at the car by the previous owners. I have read that there are cast manifolds on ebay that are really well priced and good quality that plus a refurbed turbo and you will know you have many miles ahead with confidence

Dave

[simon1977]

4 hours ago, Greydog said:

Hi Simon

Well with the weather this weekend it was better to be in the garage under the X !! All went well 2 Arnott air bags fitted, ride height sensor ball joints greased everything else underneath seems OK though the rear sub-frame bushes are looking crusty. The aux water pump is a PITA it seals on O rings which I couldn't get on Saturday, so on the case today. Still they are probably 15 years old at least!!

Sorry to hear you are near the edge, as you say a shed load of money has been thrown at the car by the previous owners. I have read that there are cast manifolds on ebay that are really well priced and good quality that plus a refurbed turbo and you will know you have many miles ahead with confidence

Dave

Afternoon Dave

Sounds like you made some progress over the weekend as much as I got done was remove the pipes to the intercooler which were oil free so I'm back to scratching my head I'm just hoping it's not oil stem seals.

I'm going to stick a camera on the back of the car to see if it smokes while driving or it's just at idle as the smell of the smoke don't smell oily or like diesel lol 

Simon

[Greydog]

Morning Simon

Is your smoke issue heavy on cold start then clearing as the engine warms up? Certainly if your smoke doesn't smell of oil or diesel then it would seem to point to water vapour.

If your not using/losing coolant then this could just be condensation in the exhaust (fingers crossed) when my sons Toyota smoked it was because he had a leaky injector he had them sent off for refurbishment and problem fixed.The symptoms were, start up normal vapour on cold mornings but if he left it ticking over then he would get white diesel smoke but once moving it cleared, no smoke on acceleration or deceleration just if he left it to tick over.

Dave

[simon1977]

On 3/5/2019 at 7:28 AM, Greydog said:

Morning Simon

Is your smoke issue heavy on cold start then clearing as the engine warms up? Certainly if your smoke doesn't smell of oil or diesel then it would seem to point to water vapour.

If your not using/losing coolant then this could just be condensation in the exhaust (fingers crossed) when my sons Toyota smoked it was because he had a leaky injector he had them sent off for refurbishment and problem fixed.The symptoms were, start up normal vapour on cold mornings but if he left it ticking over then he would get white diesel smoke but once moving it cleared, no smoke on acceleration or deceleration just if he left it to tick over.

Dave

Afternoon Dave

yes it’s heavy on a cold start but that’s down to a faulty glow plug which I’m going to do but it does smoke when idling seems to disappear when driving unless i flaw it then I see some black smoke which turns white then stops when I ease off the the throttle.

But the rough idle has seemed to be cured after I put in in the injector additive but it still coming up with the 1613 smooth running controller which is the injectors apparently, just not sure if there’s a way of telling which injector is playing up, is there a way using the bmw 1.4.0 software that you know of? 

Simon

[Greydog]

Hi Simon

Sorry I don't have a diesel to practice on, I do know it identified faulty glow plugs by number on my brother in-laws 535 it also showed injectors but as "no error" so I have never investigated.

From your description "black smoke" on hard acceleration turning white I would say over-fueling turning white as it is burned away. My sons Toyota had a similar symptom he had his injectors tested at a local diesel/lorry specialist (a guy who serviced our horse lorry) 1 was leaking and 3 were way out of spec wear wise new injectors were a silly price so the specialist sent them off for refurbishment the pick up runs like new and quieter.(Might be my imagination) 

I would find a good diesel specialist to see what they can measure from what I have read the controller isnt horribly expensive so if your that far in then worth doing the lot.

[simon1977]

On 3/7/2019 at 7:34 AM, Greydog said:

Hi Simon

Sorry I don't have a diesel to practice on, I do know it identified faulty glow plugs by number on my brother in-laws 535 it also showed injectors but as "no error" so I have never investigated.

From your description "black smoke" on hard acceleration turning white I would say over-fueling turning white as it is burned away. My sons Toyota had a similar symptom he had his injectors tested at a local diesel/lorry specialist (a guy who serviced our horse lorry) 1 was leaking and 3 were way out of spec wear wise new injectors were a silly price so the specialist sent them off for refurbishment the pick up runs like new and quieter.(Might be my imagination) 

I would find a good diesel specialist to see what they can measure from what I have read the controller isnt horribly expensive so if your that far in then worth doing the lot.

Evening Dave

Just a update on the x5 I took it to my local BMW only a small garage on Tuesday,  and did a smooth running test and it was injectors 4 and 5 playing up so I've removed them today and I've ordered some reconditioned ones from Bosch which will be at a diesel specialist I know on Monday. 

So fingers crossed that's another job done then too the next one lol 

Simon

[Greydog]

Morning Simon

If the result is like my sons Toyota you will have smoother running engine and improved fuel consumption. I have just had to change the rear suspension air springs (1 failed) and then a water pump. While I was under neath I noticed the swing arm inner bushes looked a but frazzled so have ordered a set (BMW say you have to change the whole arm !!) so with the weather improving it looks like I might have a few weekends working through the suspension bushes.

An X5 is not a car to let you rest on your Laurels it will keep you busy

Dave

[simon1977]

On 3/23/2019 at 8:30 AM, Greydog said:

Morning Simon

If the result is like my sons Toyota you will have smoother running engine and improved fuel consumption. I have just had to change the rear suspension air springs (1 failed) and then a water pump. While I was under neath I noticed the swing arm inner bushes looked a but frazzled so have ordered a set (BMW say you have to change the whole arm !!) so with the weather improving it looks like I might have a few weekends working through the suspension bushes.

An X5 is not a car to let you rest on your Laurels it will keep you busy

Dave

Morning Dave 

Yes certainly sounds like you have few busy weekends, yes BMW would say you need to change the whole arm just for a Bush,

Well yesterday I replaced 4 and 5 injectors and I noticed a broken pipe so I replaced that and now it runs smoother and there's no smoke thank goodness so you was correct.

Now I have a suspension fault but I only noticed as someone turned it off in the lcm part of the program, bonnet needs respraying and this fan belt type of noise but as you said i'l wait till the better weather now, as my partner will kill me as I keep buying all these tools lol.

Simon