SES Code P0128 and Increased Emissions Error - HELP!

[jcolley]

I'm not knocking any of the generic OBD port scanners by any means, as I've never tried any of them, but I've seen a lot of questions asked by members on several forums regarding the generic P-codes. While the P-codes are useful in getting you in the right direction, the difference in having INPA, DIS, or ISTA is that you can get the BMW hex code with more concise information on the error (mileage at time of error, number of occurrences, etc) and with DIS and ISTA, a recommendation of tests to run to localize the fault.

Given, the use and set up of any of these may be beyond the average owner, but are far more useful given the broad scope of their design. I keep mine on a Macbook Air in the driver's seatback pocket.

I liken it to keeping a translater in the back seat so when my exotic, schizophrenic, German supermodel girlfriend flips out on me, at least I have some idea what she's yelling about.

[e92robert]

Originally Posted by alpine92m3

Auto zone can't read bmw codes go to a dealer I had the same problem because I let my car sit for a period of time .

False, they can read your codes but most times it is a generic code. AutoZone read mine and told me that it was most likely the thermostat so I took the car over to the dealer for a second opinion and it turns out that they read the SAME code AutoZone did. The cost to have AutoZone read the code: $0.00 For BMW to read the code: $128

[first350]

Originally Posted by HPF_E92

Anyone is having the same code "Increased Emission" under extreme cold weather?

I had that two times already and both time were when the weather gets really cold.

Thanks,

I just got this same P0128 code on my 2011 E92 6mt this week...it's been in the 20F range most nights this week. I'm hoping it's just due to the car cold soaking at lower than abnormal temps and taking longer to warm up...I cleared the code and will see if it comes back.

[BMWDEMON]

Originally Posted by first350

I just got this same P0128 code on my 2011 E92 6mt this week...it's been in the 20F range most nights this week. I'm hoping it's just due to the car cold soaking at lower than abnormal temps and taking longer to warm up...I cleared the code and will see if it comes back.

I just got it too...we just had temps in the 100's and after a few storms dropped to the 70s-80s so cleared the code this morning and will see if it returns. I did notice in traffic a few weeks ago that while stuck in it for an hour and doing the stop and go thing that the engine temp crept past center so will watch the car and code carefully...rather change the component out if there is a serious issue.

[philcdnE90M3]

Hi everyone, just a quick thank you for these great information. I had the P0128 code and thermostat replacement did the trick.

I would also add that this code can bring the car to limp / safe mode along with the high emission CEL.

[Rbembas_M3]

Originally Posted by first350

I just got this same P0128 code on my 2011 E92 6mt this week...it's been in the 20F range most nights this week. I'm hoping it's just due to the car cold soaking at lower than abnormal temps and taking longer to warm up...I cleared the code and will see if it comes back.

Same here temp went down into the 20's F cleared the code a month later
it was 25 F outside during warm up boom increased emission. Check the code
same as last time and cleared it going to buy thermostat and replace it perhaps i'll do the water pump since i have over 90K on her

[bimmergixxer]

I just had this happen to my E92 M3 this week with the "increased emissions" on the Idrive and yellow engine symbol and when I hooked up the scanner it showed P0128. I checked my coolant level and it was on the low end, so I topped it upped with coolant and distilled water and reset the code. No new code since and the car runs great, so am I just lucky or are some people changing thermostats just because the garage says so? I hope this may help.

[Motorsport.Nick]

Originally Posted by bimmergixxer

No new code since and the car runs great, so am I just lucky or are some people changing thermostats just because the garage says so? I hope this may help.

I'm in the same boat. Wondering the same thing.

Anyone with more experience, please chime in. My first time with this code.