HELP!!! M3 will not start COLD unless i disconnect battery for 10-20 minutes.

[jaye92]

Ok here is the long battle i have had with this car since i have had my Rod bearing Failure. I have recently gotten a new engine with only 10k miles with high performance bearings. Now i have a new issue seeing as my Car will not start if left overnight, it just brings up engine and traction warning lights on dash and idrive warns- reduced power, Engine malfunction , DSC, DBC. However if I disconnect the negative terminal for 20mins it starts perfectly and runs fine. If I turn car off and it is not warm anymore I will turn over and just die. I have replaced the DME and throttle actuators. I'm at a loss. Once the car is warm it runs fine. i can get gas and it will start right back up. the codes are trying to say its my throttle actuators but i took the ones off my old motor and put them in my new on and i have the same issue and i know that the ones in my old motor work because i never had the limp mode and when the car runs even the service light goes away. The code throws when i first try to start. Also the Throttle Actuators would not prevent the car from starting correct?

[BrewRifle]

You should pull the exact codes to know whether or not it's the TA's or something else.

[jaye92]

Originally Posted by BrewRifle

You should pull the exact codes to know whether or not it's the TA's or something else.

So when my mechanic pulled the codes they were pointing TA which i replaced but once the car starts there is no limp mode. The car runs fine even when im driving the service light goes away. i still even have my TA from the 10k motor because i am not convinced they are bad i dont want to pay bmw for new ones if the issuse is not going to be fixed. Maybe a ground wire is loose i am at a complete loss.

[JRV]

Isn't there a recall for the battery cable?

[jaye92]

Originally Posted by JRV

Isn't there a recall for the battery cable?

I just checked and i believe it is not for the M3

[JRV]

Originally Posted by jaye92

I just checked and i believe it is not for the M3

It is but maybe it's for certain years? I'm scheduled for Thursday, was supposed to be last week but I got busy.

[Bmw doubles]

Whats the secret menu read for you under voltage? Both engine running and idle.

[jaye92]

Originally Posted by JRV

It is but maybe it's for certain years? I'm scheduled for Thursday, was supposed to be last week but I got busy.

oh ok i have an 2008 but i now have a 13 with 10k miles on it. are you having similar issues when you are trying to start your car from a cold start it will turn over and die like it wants to start?

[JRV]

Originally Posted by jaye92

oh ok i have an 2008 but i now have a 13 with 10k miles on it. are you having similar issues when you are trying to start your car from a cold start it will turn over and die like it wants to start?

Actually mine is fine but will get it replaced. It could be related to the issue you are having, maybe give your local dealer a call.

[BPMSport]

Do you have vanos fault codes? Who replaced the engine?

I think I know what the problem might be. Let me know all fault codes please.

[Bmw doubles]

I could be wrong, but in my experience a battery on its way out causes all sorts of problems on BMW's without giving you correct codes. Its a free check, 14.4 running 12.2 engine off. If you can confirm that it's one thing off the list.

[monterey]

Rather than disconnect the battery can you wiggle the cable to achieve the same thing?

[McSwine]

Originally Posted by jaye92

I just checked and i believe it is not for the M3

I had the battery cable on my 2011 replaced yesterday.

[tdott]

Are you scanning it with a BMW specific tool (Inpa/GT1/etc)? or just a Generic obd2 scanner?

[deansbimmer]

In these type of scenarios I usually have good luck with replacing the IBS cable on the battery. The car monitors voltage when the car is asleep. If you're only having problems when cold after sitting for a while, that's where I look first. Bad battery or bad IBS cable.

[jaye92]

the mechanic i had it at turned me away because the dme was not the issue and he was not trying to be finically liable for for trying to figure out the problem i have not tried to wiggle the cable. i will ask them about the cable for the battery i am going to brake down and take it BMW today and hope they can figure it out. when i drive the car the service engine light even goes away . Also if i take a test light to the battery and put the negative back on afterwards the car starts right up every time.

[jaye92]

Originally Posted by deansbimmer

In these type of scenarios I usually have good luck with replacing the IBS cable on the battery. The car monitors voltage when the car is asleep. If you're only having problems when cold after sitting for a while, that's where I look first. Bad battery or bad IBS cable.

I will ask them about that when i take the car there thats where i am kinda getting the feeling where it has to be it also idles funny.

[jaye92]

Originally Posted by tdott

Are you scanning it with a BMW specific tool (Inpa/GT1/etc)? or just a Generic obd2 scanner?

i don't have any of those tools it has been sitting at my mechanic i just been telling you guys what he's been telling me I'm trying to hard not to sell the car as i have just had the engine replaced because of rod bearing issues and the new engine only has 10k miles on it !!!

[jaye92]

Originally Posted by JRV

It is but maybe it's for certain years? I'm scheduled for Thursday, was supposed to be last week but I got busy.

can you show the link where you found out about the recall possibly so i could take it up there?

[JRV]

Originally Posted by jaye92

can you show the link where you found out about the recall possibly so i could take it up there?

I didn't find out from a link I got a phone call from local dealership and I believe others here have as well. Maybe someone here who got it done can provide you with the Recall Code, otherwise I can tomorrow night after I get my car done.

[BPMSport]

I would answer the question I posted above. I bet you it's the connections by the power terminal - one of the posts is hooked up wrong.

[BPMSport]

That post must not be hooked up. I bet you the wire is going there instead. Check and report back. Positive wire on bottom post. If it's on the top that's your problem guaranteed. Rookie mechanic mistake.