Need some help. My 2008 BMW X5 4.8i has been starting rough and has a rough sound while I'm driving. It has 89k miles on it. It shouldn't need an oil change for another 5000 miles, but the oil was low when we checked it. Should I get some oil to put in myself, if so what kind is best? Could that be why it's starting rough or could something else be going on with it? Any help is appreciated.
Last edited by CWH; 07-15-2017 at 07:46 PM.
The answer really all depends on how low it actually is.1quart low is fine but,
If your running dangerously low or running engine with the oil drained out-STOP THAT ENGINE NOW!
Running any engine, especially an aluminum engine without oil is destroying it!
It was very low, and when checked 10 days ago was normal. Did do about 500 or so miles of driving in that time. Checked today and found to be low so we put 2 quarts of oil in and it still sounds very rough. Something isn't right. Just trying to get an idea of what that might be.
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Also no low oil light came on at all.
I'd suggest fill it up, clean the engine, drive for a week, inspect the oil level daily, and check the engine for any signs of significant leak afterwards.
Pay close attention to the valvetronic sensor gasket.
The rough sound of the engine might be of a close to dry engine. If that's the case, like Mikky said, STOP THE ENGINE NOW!
Another common issue in this mileage is the transmission. Specifically the actuator motor gear.
Find out if you still have the original gear there.
That sound comes out of the underneath though.
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My recommendation, as I get the impression there is no prior BMW mechanical experience or DIY knowledge,
is get this vehicle to a reputable BMW specialist shop, before any further damage is done, better to be safe than sorry.
Inform them of the high oil consumption or loss, and ask for a complete BMW diagnostic scan.
Ask for the list of the diagnostic error-codes discovered, then report back here with the list, so we can decipher.
Bet it's the oil cooler line return block pouring oil...
Where would the oil be going because it's not coming out underneath and no oil light or other lights have come on? If it's this what is the cost to fix it?
The engine is most likely burning it off. Have you noticed smoke out of the tailpipe?
If you are attempting to avoid the expense of a dealership diagnosis and repair, that's fine,
but have a mechanic who is specifically familiar with the engine systems in an X5 perform the diagnosis.
I've given advice above, that I feel would be most helpful in your situation.
Be sure to watch the oil level on this engine, they are known to use a quart every 500 to 1000 miles. The valve stem seals and CCV system are problematic. Vanos controls are also prone to leakage/failure. Keep it full, not overfull, add a quart when level indicator says it it low.
Use Quality full synthetic oil, 5W30/5W40 and change at least twice as often as the car/BMW wants you to, about every 6 to 8k miles depending on how the car is driven. At current age, replacement engine costs about value of the car.
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Have it checked by knowledgeable mechanic.
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