BMW X5 Diesel Cold Start Issues: Help Needed

I had a similar issue with my 2012 BMW X3 35d last winter. The symptoms you're describing match exactly what I experienced, especially the rough idle and cold start problems. After diagnostic testing, it turned out the cable harness connecting to the fuel filter heater was corroded and had a loose connection. The wires were damaged due to heat cycles and age. Got it fixed at a specialized German car garage. They had to replace the entire wiring harness assembly and the fuel filter heater unit. It wasn't a major repair in terms of complexity, but it needed genuine parts to ensure proper function. The car's been running perfectly since then, no more cold start issues, fuel consumption is back to normal, and the engine runs smooth. It was worth getting it properly diagnosed and fixed rather than trying quick fixes. Given your symptoms, I'd recommend getting the fuel system properly checked, including the wiring connections. These issues usually don't fix themselves and can lead to bigger problems if left unattended.

Thanks for sharing your experience! That sounds exactly like what I'm dealing with. I'm glad you managed to get it sorted out. Would you mind sharing how much the repair set you back? Also, curious to know if you've had any other issues pop up since getting it fixed? I want to budget properly and make sure I'm prepared if there's anything else I should watch out for.

Hey again! Just wanted to give you a quick update. I got my X3 checked out by the mechanic and you'll be happy to know it was exactly what I thought, the fuel filter heater connection was the culprit. Only ended up costing me 95 € to fix since it was just the cable and plug connection that needed sorting out. Way cheaper than I initially expected when I first had the problem! The best part? The car's running like a dream now. Zero issues since the repair was done, no more rough starts in the morning, fuel consumption is back to normal, and that annoying rough idle is completely gone. Haven't had a single problem pop up related to this since getting it fixed about six months ago. If you're seeing the same symptoms I did, I'd say go for it and get it checked out. It's definitely worth fixing before it potentially causes any bigger issues. The peace of mind alone was worth every penny! Let me know how you get on with yours.

Thanks for the follow-up! Just wanted to let you know I finally took your advice and got my X5 checked out. You wouldn't believe it, I spent weeks worrying about a potentially huge repair bill, and it turned out to be such a simple fix! My experience was actually pretty similar to yours. The mechanic I found specialized in European cars and knew exactly what to look for. They fixed the wiring connection and replaced the fuel filter heater in about two hours. The whole thing cost less than I expected, and now my car's running perfectly, no more cold start issues or rough idling. Really appreciate you sharing your experience, it gave me the confidence to get it sorted instead of putting it off and potentially causing more damage. Sometimes it's just good to hear from someone who's been through the same thing!