2004 X5 3.0 - shuts off after car wash in 38 degree weather

[Vjgtrybno1]

HI all,
I've searched the threads and haven't found this particular issue. On my 2004 X5 - 3.0 l (120k miles), I was washing her in 38 degree weather . Afterwards, she started up , then died repeatedly for about 5 minutes. Finally, I was able to feather the gas and get her going. I revved her up and took a little drive and all seemed well. Am inclined to guess electrical issues - coils or wires, but thought I'd ask the experts.

[bmwdirtracer]

I'd have to guess your fuel pump is dying. I wash the engines of late model BMWs every time I do much work on them, and haven't had any issue; and that's a quite thorough scrubbing, quite often. There's no reason to believe an external wash would have caused the issue, so I'd suspect coincidence, and a failing pump.

[bimmer_boyis]

Check fuel pressure and pull the idle valve to make sure the flap is moving freely.