In search of a steady Crank

GT456! · Post by **GT456!** » Wed Jul 08, 2026 6:53 pm

For years now I've been in search of a consistent crank on the 05 X3 M54 B30. Got the car at 116k currently 240k...she has served me well. we've had our ups and downs naturally! Never left me stranded, threatened to overheat a couple of times , opened the windows and roof on her own overnight during a rainstorm. Went through a separation for a couple of summers due to non functioning A/C. But as of late.... things have been smooth sailing. In spite of a oil leaking rear seal.
All through out my ownership...the one issue that persisted was the crank. Oh, she always eventually cranked...great!
But some days the crank was uncanny... close to being instantly!

Other days cranks were...5 to 7 cranks

Some times I'd have to set a minute or two but she always eventually Cranked .
I've replaced starter, fuel pump, fuel filter, changed fuel rail, car battery spark plugs, coils, all and more, gave only temporary relief, the long crank always came back around periodically.
Until couple weeks ago it hit me I had not experienced the uncertain/ambiguous crank!
Why? What had happened?
I can only point to two things.
A month ago I took her on a 3.5K road trip... And when I got back tinkering around in the garage...I cleaned off the cam position sensors intake and exhaust. But NOT the crank sensor!

X5Sport · Post by **X5Sport** » Wed Jul 08, 2026 8:03 pm

Something else to consider if it plays up again is the engine to body ground strap. It can corrode which puts the resistance up and might upset the cranking.

Starter motors from that era were also a known issue, but given you changed it, it won’t be that.

GT456! · Post by **GT456!** » Wed Jul 08, 2026 9:11 pm

X5Sport wrote: Wed Jul 08, 2026 8:03 pm Something else to consider if it plays up again is the engine to body ground strap. It can corrode which puts the resistance up and might upset the cranking.

Starter motors from that era were also a known issue, but given you changed it, it won’t be that.

Thanks greatly for the reply...
Your correct when I first got the X on a rainy afternoon in front of home Depot I had that braided ground strap experience...I made a couple and added it to the exhaust

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