BMW X5 Timing Issue: Power Loss and Engine Noise Help

I have some experience with car maintenance and had a similar issue with my 2000 BMW X3 last year. The symptoms you're describing sound very familiar, my 3.0L engine was acting up in the same way. After taking it to my trusted workshop, they diagnosed a faulty crankshaft position sensor. The repair cost me around 340 Euro, including parts and labor. The mechanic mentioned this is a somewhat common issue with BMWs from that era, including the X5 and X3 models. The repair made a huge difference, engine running smoothly again, power restored, and fuel consumption back to normal. That metallic noise you mentioned was gone too. Could you share more details about your X5? Which engine variant do you have, and what specific error codes is it throwing? This would help confirm if we're dealing with the same issue.

Hey there, just wanted to jump in since I had really similar problems with my X5. Mine's also a 2002 with 50182 KM on the clock, and what you're describing rings some serious bells. Got it checked out after my last service, and turns out my crankshaft position sensor was acting up too. When they replaced it, it was like getting a new car, all that metallic noise disappeared, power came back, and she stopped drinking fuel like it was going out of style. The funny thing is, my mechanic said these sensors often go bad on our generation of X5s. It's kind of a known issue. If you're getting those same symptoms, I'd bet good money that's your problem too. The fix isn't too painful on the wallet and totally worth it. Let me know if you want more details about what the repair involved.

Yeah, glad my previous advice about the crankshaft position sensor helped! Just wanted to add that after I got mine fixed on my X3, I actually learned something interesting. The mechanic told me these sensors can sometimes give false readings before completely failing, which explains why we get those weird error codes and power issues. Since fixing mine, I've been keeping a closer eye on any similar symptoms. One tip I picked up, if you notice the engine getting a bit sluggish or that metallic noise coming back, it might be worth checking the sensor connections too. Sometimes it's just corrosion or loose wiring causing similar symptoms. By the way, has anyone else noticed that replacing the sensor sometimes needs a computer reset to work properly? My mechanic had to do that with mine, and it made a huge difference in how the car ran afterward. Just thought I'd mention it in case anyone else runs into the same issue. Really glad you got yours sorted out too. It's such a relief when you fix these things and the car runs like it should again, isn't it?

Thanks for the extra info about the computer reset, that's actually super helpful! My mechanic did mention something about that but I didn't really understand why at the time. Makes total sense now. You're absolutely right about keeping an eye on those symptoms. After getting mine fixed, I've become pretty paranoid about any unusual sounds or power changes. My mechanic gave me the same advice about checking the connections, apparently a bit of corrosion can really mess things up. I actually took lots of notes during the repair process, so if anyone else reading this thread runs into similar issues with their X5 or X3, feel free to message me. These older BMWs are fantastic cars when they're running right, but they definitely have their quirks! Thanks again for all the input. It's really reassuring to know I'm not the only one who's dealt with this. Fingers crossed we won't have to deal with sensor issues again anytime soon!