2001 BMW X5 vibration

Tiny
TWONDUDE
  • MEMBER
  • 2001 BMW X5
  • V8
  • AWD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 158,000 MILES
My truck sputters and vibrates when im driving. It does not happen during idling or stopped. The problem started as slight pulling that was barely noticeable but progressively got worse. It seems worse now at lower speeds while trying to accelerate then it drives smoothly for a while then the vibrations and sputtering starts again and its more violent, the whole vehicle vibrates or sputters. No codes ever come up when put on a machine either at a dealer or other repair shop. There is also a smell like some fluid or something is burning that I dont recognize. There is a sound in the engine that isnt metal on metal but it sounds like something is loose.
Monday, March 1st, 2010 AT 9:05 AM

4 Replies

Tiny
DOCHAGERTY
  • MECHANIC
  • 9,603 POSTS
At 158k miles, I would think the motor is probably had at least several mechanics work on it. The history of the repairs and an actual read out of a smooth running test (the same piece of equipment used at the dealer to extract codes) done during the time when the fault is occuring would be my path to diagnose. It sounds like a misfire or loss of compression in one or more cylinders and the smooth running test will tell which cylinders are at risk.
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Monday, March 1st, 2010 AT 10:25 AM
Tiny
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Does a misfire mean I need a new engine or is it easily repaired?
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Monday, March 1st, 2010 AT 4:27 PM
Tiny
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  • MECHANIC
  • 9,603 POSTS
It would depend on the fault. If extreme, the cost could be significant.
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Tuesday, March 2nd, 2010 AT 10:13 AM
Tiny
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I bought the car at an auction so it came with no history of work done on it. I will see if I can have this running test you refer to done as soon as possible. Is there anything else to your knowledge that it could be?
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Tuesday, March 2nd, 2010 AT 11:27 AM

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