XBimmers | BMW X3 Forum - View Single Post - 2011 X3 with weird engine/transmission issue

mmns999 · 08-07-2022, 05:22 PM

Hi Everyone,
I've done all the Googling I can but can't seem to find someone else that has had the same issue I have, so I thought I would reach out here.

I have a new to me 2011 x3 28i xDrive (i.e. the N52) at around 96,000 miles. When the car comes to a stop at a red light, it some times shudders/has a rough idle as if the engine is misfiring (though I feel like it is starting to happen more frequently). The first time it happened, it felt like some one rear ended/tapped the rear of the car. When it happens the RPMs will blip higher, from a steady 600 to ~1,000 or a tad under.

The car is not throwing any CELs, seems to get normal MPG (~23 mpg, mostly city), and does not hesitate when accelerating. The car also shows no issue when it is moving. There is also no difference with AC off or on.

I am stumped and can't seem to find the cause; I wish it would just throw a CEL so I know what is exactly wrong with it. The following is what I have done to see what could be wrong:

I have read online that it could be a faulty MAF sensor, but that doesn't seem to be the culprit. I have switched the MAF with a different one, cleaned it, and also unplugged the thing to see if the car runs differently, but none of that worked, still has the shuddering at the lights.
I've inspected all the inlet hoses to the throttle body and there are no cracks. Put in a a new air filter.
There are no leaks along the head gasket that I can see.
The coils and spark plugs do not have any oil in the chamber.
No signs of oil around the air inlets from the intake manifold to the engine or around the throttle body (so I don't think its a ruptured PCV system, but I could be wrong).

The previous owner has had some of coils and spark plugs changed (I think only pistons 2 and 4 or something like that; I think he didn't change all of them because his mechanic was taking him for a ride with the pricing he was charging off of parts and labor from what I can tell of the receipts). I am hesitant to change all the coils and plugs since there is no misfire CEL. The O2 sensors and battery was also recently replaced. Finally, I believe the TC and diff fluids have not been changed (could that be it?)

Does anyone have any idea what it can be? What could be causing all this without a CEL?

I'm thinking of actually taking off the intake manifold to check for cracks when I have the time. Does anyone know how to get the electronics off of it (I think its the DME)?

Any input is appreciated!

Cheers,
mmns

08-07-2022, 05:22 PM	#1
mmns999 Enlisted Member 6 Rep 40 Posts Drives: Z4MC; AY M4; F25 X3; 328(sold) Join Date: Jul 2017 Location: TO/TX iTrader: (0)	2011 X3 with weird engine/transmission issue - opinions wanted! Hi Everyone, I've done all the Googling I can but can't seem to find someone else that has had the same issue I have, so I thought I would reach out here. I have a new to me 2011 x3 28i xDrive (i.e. the N52) at around 96,000 miles. When the car comes to a stop at a red light, it some times shudders/has a rough idle as if the engine is misfiring (though I feel like it is starting to happen more frequently). The first time it happened, it felt like some one rear ended/tapped the rear of the car. When it happens the RPMs will blip higher, from a steady 600 to ~1,000 or a tad under. The car is not throwing any CELs, seems to get normal MPG (~23 mpg, mostly city), and does not hesitate when accelerating. The car also shows no issue when it is moving. There is also no difference with AC off or on. I am stumped and can't seem to find the cause; I wish it would just throw a CEL so I know what is exactly wrong with it. The following is what I have done to see what could be wrong: I have read online that it could be a faulty MAF sensor, but that doesn't seem to be the culprit. I have switched the MAF with a different one, cleaned it, and also unplugged the thing to see if the car runs differently, but none of that worked, still has the shuddering at the lights. I've inspected all the inlet hoses to the throttle body and there are no cracks. Put in a a new air filter. There are no leaks along the head gasket that I can see. The coils and spark plugs do not have any oil in the chamber. No signs of oil around the air inlets from the intake manifold to the engine or around the throttle body (so I don't think its a ruptured PCV system, but I could be wrong). The previous owner has had some of coils and spark plugs changed (I think only pistons 2 and 4 or something like that; I think he didn't change all of them because his mechanic was taking him for a ride with the pricing he was charging off of parts and labor from what I can tell of the receipts). I am hesitant to change all the coils and plugs since there is no misfire CEL. The O2 sensors and battery was also recently replaced. Finally, I believe the TC and diff fluids have not been changed (could that be it?) Does anyone have any idea what it can be? What could be causing all this without a CEL? I'm thinking of actually taking off the intake manifold to check for cracks when I have the time. Does anyone know how to get the electronics off of it (I think its the DME)? Any input is appreciated! Cheers, mmns
	Appreciate 0 Tweet Quote