2015 X5 - Repair help/advice requested

[Vorpel]

Hello. My 2015 X5 has been suffering from stuttering during moderate acceleration and if pushed too hard will result in a drive train malfunction error. This isn't anything new and we've had the BMW dealer deal with it twice, but in each instance they would only work on the error that is being presented and after a month or two it happened again - hence the 2nd visit.

From what we've been told, the gas being used isn't of high enough quality and this is the origin of the issue (was a certified pre-owned purchase). We've been using what the dealer recommended (Chevron) since and it has always been 90-91oct.

I took the vehicle to my normal repair place as the dealership here in Boise, ID has screwed me around on my other vehicle (2015 650i) so I'm not inclined to work with them.

Repair facility reported back this morning after the diagnostic that they recommend that all 8 spark plugs and injectors get replaced. I did explain the history of the vehicle to them and told them I didn't want a partial fix but that in the end we want to be able to accelerate without worry. From my limited knowledge I'm not surprised about the recommendation given the history.

Their quote came back at $4000 or $4800 (depends on which injectors the vehicle has as 2 different ones are listed for the year/make/model).

I called my BMW dealership service and explained the situation and asked for a comparable quote based on just replacing the spark plugs and injectors.

They came back at $6900 and said that "the lines" would need to be replaced, but I couldn't get more details from them.

I can take it into the dealership and pay for the diagnostic, but my question for this thread is:

If replacing the injectors - are there other parts (fuel lines) that need to be replaced as well? Is the dealership applying their experience and knowledge or are they possibly overstating what is needed and/or just more expensive?

If the cost difference wasn't so much (30% to 38% more) I would probably go with the dealer.

Looking for any advice. I can do the diagnostic at the dealership, but due to my past dealings with them I really don't trust the advisors (I think the mechanical work that is done is good).

Sorry for the long post. Not happy with how the vehicle is performing and not thrilled with how much this is looking to cost.

Thanks

[RED_Y_]

It would be much easier if you provide more technical details, what engine do you have? You mentioned 8 spark plugs, so sounds like you have 4.4 V8? What was done by dealership before? Did you ever replace spark plugs before? What kind of work was done, you mention "history of the vehicle" what exactly is it? $4000 or $4800 for injectors is crazy high, FCP Euro sell the set for $812 https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/bmw...h-0261500262kt
Generally speaking you don't need to replace any lines unless your fuel pump failed or you filled up with contaminated or wrong fuel. Replacing ignition coils and spark plugs is a good start for the N63 engine.

[Vorpel]

Thank you so much for the reply. It is the N63 engine - v8 4.4L on a '15 X5 5.0.

The work done previously was targeted on the drivetrain malfunction error and what I remember of it was they replaced the spark plug but not the injector. When the same error happened again (drivetrain malfunction) they identified another spark plug that needed to be replaced. Both services were in the $700-800 range.

Glad to hear that replacing the plugs and injectors shouldn't entail other parts - that was my main question/concern.

This is in Idaho. My repair shop quoted me (they are ordering the OEM parts from BMW Service) $440 for the 8 spark plugs. From looking the model up they found that there were 2 different injectors used and said that they wouldn't know until they open it up. The first injectors (EU5) part cost is being listed as $395 each and $3,160. The second injectors (EU6) part cost is being listed as $300 each and $2,400 total. Labor for the work was quoted as $978.

Would it be advisable to stick with OEM injectors or maybe look at other brands? This is my wife's vehicle and we've had it since 2018 and don't plan to replace it anytime soon.

Thanks

[RED_Y_]

Usually you replace spark plugs in sets, not just one by one so this would be first thing to do, just replace all plugs and coils. Second these injectors are OEM, you can verify on RealOem.com but these are exactly the same, just w/o BMW logo. And even you decide to get the OEM once there are still under $300 each:
https://www.getbmwparts.com/oem-part...or-13538627842
Not sure how DIY you are but replacing spark plugs and coils is easy project:
https://f15.bimmerpost.com/forums/sh....php?t=1505161
I would recommend replacing plugs and coils first, all of them and see if it solves your problem. If it doesn't then look into the injectors.

[tfunk88]

Whatever you do, if changing the spark plugs also change the coils. If you get them from FCP Euro they’ll have a lifetime warranty…as will the injectors if you buy them from FCP Euro as well.

[srybicki]

Is it a misfire or is it a transfer case shutter. I would pull the plug on the connector to the transfer case to see if that's not the real issue.
Don't want u chasing the wrong problem

[XxBBVTMxX]

I’m not gonna lie.. I stopped reading because I didn’t see “I scanned the car”

So… did you scan the car? Not being condescending, that’s the first thing anyone should do when having car issues… if not it’s like rolling a Icosahedron in here 😐.

[Vorpel]

Thank you all for the comments and feedback - it is really appreciated. It has been since my teens that I've worked on any cars and then only with my dad. I know that in forums like this there is a wealth of knowledge and DIY-ness that I respect. The comments really help as it certainly felt like it was too much, so thanks again.

I'm not confident to do it myself and frankly I don't have enough hours in the day to keep up with my business and clients so I'd feel better having a professional do it. I did find a shop locally (recommended by a co-worker) that specializes in BMWs and I'll be taking it there to have it looked at.

Once again I appreciate the feedback.

[Tomcat_F15_STL]

Seek out an Independent German Car Specialist shop. Check their reviews. Go there.

[tlow98]

I’d echo the comments around getting a scanner if you own more than one BMW that’s out of warranty.

It’s the best and easiest sanity check in the world.

Plug it in. Scans for codes. Look up codes on the internet. It’s that easy.

Then you’ll know if you’re getting good service recommendations