Solo Man
Well-known member
When i bought my 2005 E53 X5 diesel beginning of last year i noticed a diesel like smell as soon as i started the car. I at first thought it was normal, then later i thought it was from the auxiliary heater exhaust which exits under the passenger door. I Googled the problem and found that the face lift X5 diesel has a problem with the thin walled exhaust manifold prone to cracking. I took a mirror and had a look and found that that was the case with mine as well. So last week bit the bullet and removed the manifold, which is not a bad job but requires the removal of the inlet manifold together with the injectors and tappet cover. Took me about 4 hours to get to the manifold and then i found i needed a fine spline 12mm socket to loosen the manifold/turbo bolts. After removal i had the manifold welded and skimmed and fitted it with new gaskets. Car is running fine now and i have not noticed the bad smell since. The point i am trying to make is that if you own/drive a face lift E53 diesel then you problably are experiencing the same symptoms! Now you know why.
