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2001 BMW X5 Diagnosis help

Tiny
DSMITH123
  • MEMBER
  • 2001 BMW X5
  • 6 CYL
  • 4WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 132,000 MILES
I have a 2001 BMW X5 3.0L with 132,000. While driving up hills it started chugging. Took to mechanic who discovered computer needed reprogramming because car was only running on 5 cylinders. Sent computer to BMW. Computer returned now working on 3 cylinders. Sent computer to BMW again. Now working on 6 cylinders and runs fine while driving but runs rough at idle. Service Engine light in on continually. Additionally, now the airbag light is on and the blinkers don't work on the dash even though they are working on the outside of the vehicle. This is an American specs vehicle and was serviced in Europe. Any help would be appreciated.
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Tuesday, July 13th, 2010 AT 4:39 AM

7 Replies

Tiny
DOCHAGERTY
  • MECHANIC
  • 9,601 POSTS
Is it still in European hands?
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Tuesday, July 13th, 2010 AT 8:11 AM
Tiny
DSMITH123
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  • 4 POSTS
Right now it's at my house but I live in Europe so unless I fix it, it'll be fixed by a European, why?
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Tuesday, July 13th, 2010 AT 3:13 PM
Tiny
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  • MECHANIC
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The reprogramming seems to be the problem. The DME might be compromised or the work done by BMW did not address the issue. Does the mechanic have access to the proprietary equipment (GT-1) to diagnose/repair the car?
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Tuesday, July 13th, 2010 AT 11:04 PM
Tiny
DSMITH123
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
He actually sent it to BMW of Belgium to have it done. So I'm guessing so.

My personal opinion as that the chugging at idle is caused by the head gasket needing to be replaced. Just my untrained guess. However, I just had the oil changed so I'll need to wait a little while to look and see what it looks like.
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Tuesday, July 13th, 2010 AT 11:35 PM
Tiny
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  • MECHANIC
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Entirely possible, and a good guess. The next thing is to see if it starts to pressurize the cooling system
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Wednesday, July 14th, 2010 AT 4:20 AM
Tiny
DSMITH123
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How do I do that? I'm guessing you're talking the engine cooling system. As far as I can tell it's working o.K. No overheating. However, the air conditioning is not working now.
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Wednesday, July 14th, 2010 AT 7:27 AM
Tiny
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  • MECHANIC
  • 9,601 POSTS
Not at all?
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Sunday, July 18th, 2010 AT 11:44 AM

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