[najnad]

Looking for some diagnostic help:

2011 X3 35i with 97k miles

Symptoms:
lumpy/irregular idle sometimes noticeable, but not all the time
Seems to misfire/jerk when accelerating quickly under 2k rpms
- verified it does not coincide with trans shifting
- does not occur over 2k rpm
- if pushed too hard, will get "drive train malfunction" and goes into limp mode until shut down and turned off, then clears

Last time it went into limp mode the check engine light came on, took it to the shop, they cleared the codes and it drove fine and didnt throw any codes. They said to bring it back when the check engine light comes on again.

So based on what I have read/researched, it sounds like the Vanos solenoids are starting to go. But before I shell out $300+ on new parts, has anyone had this problem? What solved it?

thanks

[02420X3]

Could be, and I have no idea on that, but you brought up VANOS. Has the 35i VANOS Bolt recall repair been performed on your X3? (Look for a round sticker on bottom of the driver's door pillar.)

[jman103099]

2011 X3 2.8 (non-turbo inline 6).

Two things this could be (and I've had both)

- Plugs and coils: I also got the message (drivetrain malfunction or whatever). It will only happen under 2k and feel like a hic-up in the engine. Also, you really should have a check engine light, or maybe a stored code (get your codes read again when it happens). Replace all plugs and coils, not just the one the code points to.

- Vanos solenoids: I didnt get the message, but I had similar symptoms of bad coils... mostly slow to accelerate. Also had lumpy idle. Here's the issue - I got random codes, but none of the classic ones that point to solenoids. The indy I took the car to said replace the solenoids anyway. Very common around 75k to replace them; took me 20 min and 280 bucks. No issues 5k miles later.

What were the codes that the shop pulled? I'm betting something related to a missfire (plugs/coils).

[najnad]

I have replaced the coils and plugs a little over 1000 miles ago. I tried swapping two of the coils after it got checked out and the codes cleared, but no change in the issue I am seeing.

[najnad]

I did verify the vanos recall was performed on the X3 back in 2015.

So I am going to order the vanos solenoids, if no other reason than no evidence they have been replaced in 97k miles. Hopefully it is the root of the issue I am seeing.

thanks

[SilverX35I]

Did replacing the vanos solenoids fix your issue?

[najnad]

nope, the symptoms got a little better, but replacing the solenoids did not solve it. My mechanic updated the firmware in accordance with a TSB, still had the problem. so he went back to basics and tested each coil and plug....to find that plug number 2 was defective. Why this only manifested in low rpm's is anyone's guess.

[SilverX35I]

Ok cause I’m having similar symptoms and I’m only at 61k and I’ve replaced spark plugs, coils, fuel injectors, fuel rail, valve cover, high pressure fuel pump and no change

[GGEVOX]

What part number is everyone using?

I have an 11 2.8. Mine seems to lurch when making low speed turns. I am praying its the vanos and not the diffs.

I have had success on my 09-328xi with the vanos.

[CalCarNut]

Confused me for a moment..lol

2011 X3 i28....but the engine is the 3.0L n/a n52.....
not a 2.8L as there's no such thing

[GGEVOX]

Ha. Ya that. My bad. What I get for using my phone.

[vl525]

I bought a used 2011 328i two years ago in 2016. I've had issues this car and only have 101K miles on it First with my ignition coils so I had numbers 1 and 4 replaced. My check engine light continued to come on often times after I drove at faster speeds (80+) on the highway, stay on for a few days and then turn off. It was a huge mystery and no one could figure it out. The BMW dealership just told me my vanos solenoid has to be replaced. It was running a little rough the first 10 or 15 minutes after starting and had some, but not much, hesitation when I would accelerate at times. I'm just praying this is the end of the troubles I've had with this car. I just had to replace my air compressor and have had the same oil leak repaired twice. I don't know if the solenoid had anything to do with the oil leak, but I'm hoping. Any comments? I'm a female and would appreciate any comments or suggestions. I'd love to keep this car, but I'm almost afraid to now! Should I keep it or sell it?