Advice needed

pmflint · 08-13-2022, 08:58 PM

I recently purchased a 2008 x3 for my daughter who will be getting her learners permit in a few months. The vehicle is in excellent shape with 134,000 miles but I knew there were a few problems with it when I purchased it. The first problem is it will randomly cut off. It has happened twice; once while accelerating onto the interstate and once while slowing down to make a turn. After research, I saw where it could be the vanos solenoids or camshaft position sensor which seem like common problems. I have ordered a new set of solenoids to try first but haven't received them yet. If that doesn't fix it, then I will try the camshaft sensor.
The other issue I am having is when pulling off from a stoplight or stop sign, I have a loss of power and the vehicle begins jerking and the 4x4 light will come on. After a brief moment, it will clear up and run fine. Could this be the transfer case actuator? I see that is another common problem. I did move it in the driveway the other day and the brake, abs, and 4x4 lights were on. Next time I started it, they were all gone.
This is our first BMW and I couldn't pass up the deal even if I have to put a little money into it. I just want the vehicle to run properly for a soon to be brand new driver. My budget isn't unlimited and I'm trying to not have the pay the huge BMW dealership costs.
I'm no professional mechanic but am pretty handy with simple fixes. Thanks for any input.

Burr001 · 08-17-2022, 10:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pmflint

I recently purchased a 2008 x3 for my daughter who will be getting her learners permit in a few months. The vehicle is in excellent shape

Not so excellent, but what were the codes that were stored?

richardodn · 08-18-2022, 08:34 AM

For starters, it's highly recommended to borrow or buy a BMW specific code reader. The one I bought is the Foxwell NT530. Price is < $200 with the BMW software. You can buy additional software to support other makes. I think it's a max of 4 on the device. Updates are free and it's not locked to a specific VIN. It will do most of what a DIY'r needs it for.

Once you have a reader, read all the trouble codes, make note of them, and then clear them all. Then see which ones come back. Start researching the codes you're seeing and that should start you on the trail of what needs to be fixed.

pmflint · 08-20-2022, 07:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Burr001

Quote:

Originally Posted by pmflint

I recently purchased a 2008 x3 for my daughter who will be getting her learners permit in a few months. The vehicle is in excellent shape

Not so excellent, but what were the codes that were stored?

P1553 on a generic reader

Conv_George · 09-14-2022, 03:10 PM

I would throw in to closely inspect the air intake boot between the MAF and the throttle body. Turning and accelerating can cause the engine to shift and open and close cracks which cause running difficulties.

08-13-2022, 08:58 PM	#1
pmflint New Member 1 Rep 5 Posts Drives: 2008 BMW X3 Join Date: Aug 2022 Location: Virginia iTrader: (0) Garage List 2008 x3 [0.00]	Advice needed I recently purchased a 2008 x3 for my daughter who will be getting her learners permit in a few months. The vehicle is in excellent shape with 134,000 miles but I knew there were a few problems with it when I purchased it. The first problem is it will randomly cut off. It has happened twice; once while accelerating onto the interstate and once while slowing down to make a turn. After research, I saw where it could be the vanos solenoids or camshaft position sensor which seem like common problems. I have ordered a new set of solenoids to try first but haven't received them yet. If that doesn't fix it, then I will try the camshaft sensor. The other issue I am having is when pulling off from a stoplight or stop sign, I have a loss of power and the vehicle begins jerking and the 4x4 light will come on. After a brief moment, it will clear up and run fine. Could this be the transfer case actuator? I see that is another common problem. I did move it in the driveway the other day and the brake, abs, and 4x4 lights were on. Next time I started it, they were all gone. This is our first BMW and I couldn't pass up the deal even if I have to put a little money into it. I just want the vehicle to run properly for a soon to be brand new driver. My budget isn't unlimited and I'm trying to not have the pay the huge BMW dealership costs. I'm no professional mechanic but am pretty handy with simple fixes. Thanks for any input.
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08-18-2022, 08:34 AM	#3
richardodn First Lieutenant 160 Rep 350 Posts Drives: '12 X3 35iX/'20 440ix cabrio Join Date: Dec 2018 Location: Denver, CO iTrader: (0)	For starters, it's highly recommended to borrow or buy a BMW specific code reader. The one I bought is the Foxwell NT530. Price is < $200 with the BMW software. You can buy additional software to support other makes. I think it's a max of 4 on the device. Updates are free and it's not locked to a specific VIN. It will do most of what a DIY'r needs it for. Once you have a reader, read all the trouble codes, make note of them, and then clear them all. Then see which ones come back. Start researching the codes you're seeing and that should start you on the trail of what needs to be fixed. __________________ 1986 Delphin 528e - Roof rack equipped lumber hauler. 2008 Platinum-Beige X3 3.0si - Current project 2012 Alpine White X3 xDrive35i - My new snowmobile. 2020 Estoril Blue 440i xDrive cabrio w/MPPSK - This car is a blast to drive.
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09-14-2022, 03:10 PM	#5
Conv_George Registered 0 Rep 4 Posts Drives: 01 330Ci Vert, 05 X3 3.0 Join Date: Sep 2022 Location: Washington, NC iTrader: (0)	I would throw in to closely inspect the air intake boot between the MAF and the throttle body. Turning and accelerating can cause the engine to shift and open and close cracks which cause running difficulties.
	Appreciate 0 Quote