# 2008 BMW X5 - Why the high RPMs at start?

**URL:** <https://community.cartalk.com/t/2008-bmw-x5-why-the-high-rpms-at-start/136649>\
**Category:** Maintenance/Repairs\
**Tags:** bmw\
**Created:** [March 17, 2019, 5:01pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/2008-bmw-x5-why-the-high-rpms-at-start/136649 "2019-03-17T17:01:57Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 4\
**Page:** 1

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**Author:** ![vincent55](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/v/9dc877/32.png) [@vincent55](https://community.cartalk.com/u/vincent55)\
**Post date:** [March 17, 2019, 5:01pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/2008-bmw-x5-why-the-high-rpms-at-start/136649/1 "2019-03-17T17:01:57Z")

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engine rpm races up to above 2000 when car started, then settles off in a few minutes 2008 bmw x5 3.0si

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**Author:** ![auto-owner](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/50afbb/32.png) [@auto-owner](https://community.cartalk.com/u/auto-owner)\
**Post date:** [March 18, 2019, 1:24am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/2008-bmw-x5-why-the-high-rpms-at-start/136649/2 "2019-03-18T01:24:12Z")

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This is probably normal, especially in colder weather.

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**Author:** ![Tester](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/tester/32/15976_2.png) [@Tester](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Tester)\
**Post date:** [March 18, 2019, 1:24am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/2008-bmw-x5-why-the-high-rpms-at-start/136649/3 "2019-03-18T01:24:25Z")

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The electronic throttle body controls the engines idle speed.

Try cleaning the throttle body.

Tester

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<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![Manolito](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/manolito/32/3070_2.png) [@Manolito](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Manolito)\
**Post date:** [March 18, 2019, 1:34am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/2008-bmw-x5-why-the-high-rpms-at-start/136649/4 "2019-03-18T01:34:20Z")

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There are a couple of reasons why the engine runs at higher RPM for the first couple of minutes, but above 2000 sounds a bit higher than I would expect. Remember that it is a drive-by-wire throttle so if you clean it, do not push the throttle plate open with your finger. Turning the key to the on position and propping the throttle pedal should open the butterfly for you so you can spray through.