Here we go again - Starter just cranks but no fire in cold weather

[Roadkill]

This is the second N62 X5 that has done this to me. Only does it in cold weather (under 32deg F). The car fires up in the morning no prob. Drive it to operating temperature and then shut off the motor for 2-3 hours. It sits in the cold and when I come back to try and start it up, it just cranks and cranks and cranks. It finally fires up after about 20 seconds of this. Very frustrating. Any ideas?

[Brandon002]

So many different things can cause this, it would be impossible to even begin to diagnose on the internet.

[Roadkill]

Not asking you personally to diagnose my car troubles. Just inquiring if anybody knows about this or has had any experience with the problem. Thanks anyway.

[bcredliner]

It's the same thing that was wrong with the other one---sorry, but I couldn't resist.

Any other symptoms? Running and starting normally otherwise? Have you tried shutting key off after a couple of cranking seconds and they trying it again to see it starts right up?

[Roadkill]

BC, tried everything you suggested to no avail. There was never any diagnosis from the other X. I'm at a loss as to what it is.

[bcredliner]

Originally Posted by Roadkill

Not asking you personally to diagnose my car troubles. Just inquiring if anybody knows about this or has had any experience with the problem. Thanks anyway.

It is not impossible to figure out what is going on here and last I knew this is still the internet.

I haven't experienced your issue.

Regardless, the first thing that comes to mind is that it is a fuel/air/air temp issue. As an example, after 2-3 hours in 32deg the engine would not go from operating temp back down to what it was after sitting all night. If the fuel/air controls think the engine is cold the air/fuel mixture would be to rich. However, that is not nearly as possible as it was in the days before fuel injection was common.

No other symptoms of something not working as it should?

[stabmasterflex]

Fuel pump relay?

[upallnight]

Have you:

Got a full tank of gas (not trying to be funny, but the transfer pump may not be working)?
Check for sparks when it doesn't start?
Check for signals to the injectors?
When was the fuel filter and fuel regulator replace?

[omodos]

well fella I have an e53. 3.0d 2004, and had the same issue, BUT only every winter for the last 2 years as temps dropped starting was laboured like it wasnt going to crank over, and in a few instances didnt at all , ...so I swapped out the oem battery (that was 9years old)and so far so good......sorry i cant be of more help

[X5SND]

+1 to what up upallnight said.

I'd also throw a fuel pressure tester on and watch what happens when you turn the key/crank.