Another Engine Malfunction thread...

[auggiem3]

Taking bets on the culprit. Here is the back story:

My '08 manual e92 M3 was a daily driver for 4.5 years until I finally picked up something else to use for the commute. At the time I had about 58,000 miles from when i bought it new and diligently followed the break-in and servicing procedures. I had to replace the battery last year thanks to foolishly letting the car sit for too long and other than a passenger door lock actuator, no other out-of-warranty problems.

Starting about 6 months ago, I got a few Engine Malfunction, Reduced Power, DSC Malfunction, etc. lights at start up. Everything cleared on the first restart whenever it happened. Took the car in and they let me know that the codes suggested I didn't have enough voltage when I turned it on. Caved and bought a drip charger (should have done it long ago) which appeared to remedy the issues thanks to a fully charged battery.

On my way back from NY last week (with just over 63,000 miles on the clock), I stopped for gas at a Sonoco dealership and started pumping 93. I'd been driving for about 2 hours so the car was warm. I noticed that the pump kept cutting out (like when it sensed the tank was full) so I had to manually hold down the grip and fiddle with the hose to get the gas to flow. Filled it up, hit the bathroom then cranked it on. Full deal with the lights: Engine Malfunction, Reduced Power, DSC Malfunction, Brake light illuminated in orange, etc. Tried to restart 5 or 6 times to no avail. Waited for 20 minutes and still started in limp mode.

I drove the car for about 50 miles and burned a quarter tank in limp mode then restarted at a stop light - all errors cleared with the exception Increased Emissions. Drove the remaining 100 miles home, put the car in the garage and voila - no issue at startup the next morning.

Took the car out again this weekend - first start was not a problem. I drove it to get some coffee (car had not even heated up), turned if off for about 5 minutes, and returned to a full array of lights all over again. It took 2 or 3 restarts to clear Limp mode. Then another restart to clear Increased Emissions.

Just to clarify - I've never gotten a warning light while driving - always at startup. I also don't have issue with rough idle or abnormally long crank times.

Taking it in tomorrow but here is my list of potential culprits:

1. Throttle Actuator. I don't live in CA, CT, MA, ME, VT or RI and I'm out of warranty so clearly worried about this one.

2. Sensors - O2 or fuel pressure

3. Idle Control Valve

4. Spark Plugs or Coils

I realize I'll know a lot more in the morning when the shop reads the codes but thought I'd start this up today as I worry about dropping $2,000 on the Throttle Actuator.

[thekurgan]

Something cheap to check: gas cap. Mine leaked around 32k, and I got the new unit, which can't be over-tightened.

Other than that, you've got a strange combo of lights.

[MMM3PWR]

I have the exact same problem...however it hasn't done it in a while, I have 140k on my 08 e90, let me know what u find

I also get edc,dtc errors and start stop assistant error, there all off now and working fine,

[Flea7]

Any vibrations in the steering will throw a DSC light. What did it for me are my spacers. I started getting the DSC malfunction with I took my wheels off to put in new bulbs. when I put the wheels back on with spacers I have a bad vibration at 65+ mph....soon after the DSC light came on.
I couldn't figure it out. I used a BT scan and no code showed up. Well, I finally got the chance to calibrate the spacers to eliminate the vibrations as I did when I first put the spacers on and Presto!!!! no DSC light. Has not come on since.

I don't know if this is the case with you but I hope it helps.

Good Luck!

[auggiem3]

Originally Posted by thekurgan

Something cheap to check: gas cap. Mine leaked around 32k, and I got the new unit, which can't be over-tightened.

Other than that, you've got a strange combo of lights.

Thanks for the tip - I would be relieved if it were something as simple as a gas cap

[auggiem3]

Originally Posted by MMM3PWR

I have the exact same problem...however it hasn't done it in a while, I have 140k on my 08 e90, let me know what u find

I also get edc,dtc errors and start stop assistant error, there all off now and working fine,

I don't have start / stop on my car (Sept '08 production). I didn't even know that was available on the '08 cars.

I'll be sure to update tomorrow with the word from the shop.

[auggiem3]

Originally Posted by Flea7

Any vibrations in the steering will throw a DSC light. What did it for me are my spacers. I started getting the DSC malfunction with I took my wheels off to put in new bulbs. when I put the wheels back on with spacers I have a bad vibration at 65+ mph....soon after the DSC light came on.
I couldn't figure it out. I used a BT scan and no code showed up. Well, I finally got the chance to calibrate the spacers to eliminate the vibrations as I did when I first put the spacers on and Presto!!!! no DSC light. Has not come on since.

I don't know if this is the case with you but I hope it helps.

Good Luck!

Thanks - no vibrations or driving issues. Everything happens at start up - no new errors while driving.

[davesaddiction]

Mine was the low pressure fuel sensor.

[W///]

Originally Posted by auggiem3

I don't have start / stop on my car (Sept '08 production). I didn't even know that was available on the '08 cars.

I'll be sure to update tomorrow with the word from the shop.

I'm going to bet on TVA. But if any shop/dealership says it'll be a $2k job, go elsewhere. Hell if you are even somewhat remotely competent at wrenching, do it yourself and follow my DIY. It takes a couple of hours and will save you over $1000 in labor if they do ask for 2 grand.

[MMM3PWR]

Originally Posted by auggiem3

I don't have start / stop on my car (Sept '08 production). I didn't even know that was available on the '08 cars.

I'll be sure to update tomorrow with the word from the shop.

It's the roll back feature for manual cars

[auggiem3]

Originally Posted by MMM3PWR

It's the roll back feature for manual cars

Gotcha - I have that feature. I thought you were referencing the stop/start on the motor to save fuel.

[auggiem3]

Originally Posted by W///

I'm going to bet on TVA. But if any shop/dealership says it'll be a $2k job, go elsewhere. Hell if you are even somewhat remotely competent at wrenching, do it yourself and follow my DIY. It takes a couple of hours and will save you over $1000 in labor if they do ask for 2 grand.

Thanks - I read your posts a few times (it seems to be the top resource for the TVA). If its the throttle actuator I'm hopeful that I can try for some type of goodwill since others have reported a price break. If not, I'll probably be calling for some DIY assistance...

[auggiem3]

Originally Posted by davesaddiction

Mine was the low pressure fuel sensor.

Did you do it yourself or get the shop to fix it? If the shop, do you recall how much you were charged to fix it? I saw that the part is around $100 and a reasonable DIY.

[W///]

Originally Posted by auggiem3

Thanks - I read your posts a few times (it seems to be the top resource for the TVA). If its the throttle actuator I'm hopeful that I can try for some type of goodwill since others have reported a price break. If not, I'll probably be calling for some DIY assistance...

No problem buddy, let us know how it goes. Just PM and I'll send you my cell number and I can walk you through parts when you get stuck. It's one of those DIY's where you do it once, it'll take 1/3 of the time to do it again the next time.

[tinman831]

What exactly are the codes that come up?

[MTM]

Very interested to hear the result. A few items stand out to me:
a. it is intermittent and you can't reproduce it
b. only on start-up

To me that screams electronic fault (probably a ground fault) or perhaps a sticky vent in the fuel system creating a vapor lock somewhere. The thing that REALLY stumps me is the part about not being able to fill up the gas tank easily...very suspicious.

[auggiem3]

Update - dealer says I have faults in both throttle actuators (both banks) and the DME is throwing error codes including:

2B2D
2B21
2B25
CDCO

Is it really possible to have both banks go at the same time? They said they tested the actuators and they both gave the same reading so they think thats the culprit.

[C-ARchitect]

Originally Posted by auggiem3

Update - dealer says I have faults in both throttle actuators (both banks) and the DME is throwing error codes including:

2B2D
2B21
2B25
CDCO

Is it really possible to have both banks go at the same time? They said they tested the actuators and they both gave the same reading so they think thats the culprit.

Did you take it to BMW of Fairfax? They tend to over diagnose everything.

[auggiem3]

Originally Posted by C-ARchitect

Did you take it to BMW of Fairfax? They tend to over diagnose everything.

Rockville - service advisor seems fair. Btw - appears dme covered under emissions warranty for 8 yrs 80000 miles

[Prince_of_Persia]

My both throttle actuator tanks went bad and replaced by dealership . They told me it was a $2,500 job that was covered by warranty.

[TommyLights]

I had the left one go and it was the same issue. You can DIY, each one costs 800. Get an indy to check both banks to confirm before you spend 1600.

[Flying Ace]

I believe, regarding all the issues 1-4, there are DIYs on this website that will show you how to do the fix yourself. good luck. First step is to run a error code.