Please help! at my wits end with this 06 M54 B 30.
200k or so on the clock. The X3 came in my life several years back when was running it was a strong performer! Now a different story no matter what parts I throw it's way...see for yourself!
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This M54 thinks it's a diesel ?
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OnlineGT456!
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This M54 thinks it's a diesel ?
Last edited by GT456! on Mon Jun 15, 2026 7:35 am, edited 1 time in total.
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OnlineX5Sport
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M54 thinks it's a diesel ?
Have you run an error code scan to see what it throws up?
Never anthropomorphise computers. They hate that.-
OnlineGT456!
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- Joined: Mon Jul 24, 2023 3:19 pm
M54 thinks it's a diesel ?
Even the oil had a light fowl smell to it and here's what I got...!
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OnlineX5Sport
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This M54 thinks it's a diesel ?
Um. That looks like coolant in the oil. Likely source will be a blown head gasket. Loss of compression in one or more cylinders could well be why it won’t idle properly, water in the chambers will also cause it. Steam from the exhaust is another clue.
Has the coolant changed colour? Is there any white/beige gunk on the oil cap? Both are indicators of head gasket failures with oil getting into the coolant or water into the engine oil side.
Any sign of metal shavings in the oil? If not, that’s a more positive sign, but you’re still looking at an engine rebuild of some description, even if just the top end. Metal shavings could indicate a cracked block as well as damaged main bearing shells or rings. Either way, it’s probably rebuild or replace the power unit.
Definitely be very cautious about running it any more until you’ve decided what next.
If you know someone with a boroscope then take the plugs out and inspect each bore for signs of damage (scratches, bore too clean (indicates water ‘washing’ the bore), coolant actually in the bore).
Has the coolant changed colour? Is there any white/beige gunk on the oil cap? Both are indicators of head gasket failures with oil getting into the coolant or water into the engine oil side.
Any sign of metal shavings in the oil? If not, that’s a more positive sign, but you’re still looking at an engine rebuild of some description, even if just the top end. Metal shavings could indicate a cracked block as well as damaged main bearing shells or rings. Either way, it’s probably rebuild or replace the power unit.
Definitely be very cautious about running it any more until you’ve decided what next.
If you know someone with a boroscope then take the plugs out and inspect each bore for signs of damage (scratches, bore too clean (indicates water ‘washing’ the bore), coolant actually in the bore).
Never anthropomorphise computers. They hate that.-
OnlineGT456!
- Member
- Posts: 62
- Joined: Mon Jul 24, 2023 3:19 pm
This M54 thinks it's a diesel ?
I drained the oil/chocolate overnight,
Coils were clean
Vanos solenoid was a dirty
I'll do an oil change another car is due for oil change and I'll use that oil to maybe chase out any residue.
Clean idle control valve, throttle body, disa and peek at the air filter box.
Checked the antifreeze and no mixture there...
I know, I know I'm wishing on a star!
Thanks for the reply....
I'll survey the air in take maybe.
Coils were clean
Vanos solenoid was a dirty
I'll do an oil change another car is due for oil change and I'll use that oil to maybe chase out any residue.
Clean idle control valve, throttle body, disa and peek at the air filter box.
Checked the antifreeze and no mixture there...
I know, I know I'm wishing on a star!
Thanks for the reply....
I'll survey the air in take maybe.