CS111

My 530d has recently become hard to start from cold or even after the car is warm, doesnt matter.
It takes at least 6 to 7 turns to get it started, also has a slight 'miss hesitation' occassionally and also a lumpy idle
which is more noticable for about the first 30 seconds after starting.
Car is out of warranty by the way, but has a aftermarket warranty for what they are worth, that came with the car
Any ideas?

Palmo

Not a problem I have with my current LCI 525d, but similar to what happened on one of my past cars. I used to own a Vauxhall Omega (sold as Opel Omega's in Europe) that was fitted with the older BMW 2.5 Diesel Turbo Engine (straight 6 as fitted to the older 525TDS). This same engine was also fitted to Range Rovers of the same era.

When these engines had covered higher miles, they became notorious for bad starting, both cold & warm - but were actually worse when warm. Many forums pointed to warn fuel injection pumps (a common fault) etc. Mine suddenly began to do this, but only initially when warm. Over a period of a month it also effected cold starting, until on occasions, it barely turned over initially (as if it had a flat battery). Tests proved the battery was fine & alternator was changing perfectly.

In my case it turned out to be the starter motor. Even though it sounded as if it was turning the engine over fine, it was in fact spinning over more slowly than it should have. The reason it was worse when warm was because the engine was programmed to provide less fuel on start up to prevent a big puff of smoke and the as the starter was spinning 'slower' it wasn't enough to fire. A new starter cured it 100% with no repeat problems. So maybe this is your problem?

Mine too used to 'mis' for 10 - 15 seconds when it finally fired after spinning over for a while. I was told this was because fuel was being pumped into the engine but not burnt, then when it did start it was effectively 'flooded'.

Long story I know (apologies) but it explains maybe one area for you to look into. It may of course be something completely different in your case? The other obvious thing is Glow Plugs..... what year is your car and how many miles had it covered? The country you're in may also be helful to help diagnose.

CS111

Thanks for the reply, im in the Uk, N ireland to be specific, car is Jan 05, 47k.

Palmo

My first thoughts then are Starter Motor / Glow Plugs. Interesting thing was when I had starting problems, the starter didn't necessarily sound as though it was turning over slowly, it was only when the new one was fitted that I could hear how much faster the new one whipped the engine over. The sound of my 525d (2007) sounds similar to the sound the replacement starter made on the old car - so they must still be similar in design.

Also think I have read a few posts on here in the past with people having starter problems - do a search.

smarty156

My car was turning over very slowly when I first got it, just like the battery was low.
Took it to dealer and as soon as I told him he said "That'll be the starter motor". They're notorious for it.
Mine was a 2004 530D and it was changed in October last year so about the same age as yours is now. My car had only done 30,000 miles as well.

CS111

Guess it could be so many things to be honest from what i have read, will take it to the garage next week and hope they can actually find something wrong

zimguy

particle filter should also be considered