Ever Increasing number of codes.

[askme]

I knew this ‘08 M3 might have issues and sure enough after a couple months of ownership it started to throw some codes. “Small evap leak” etc. But it has continued to throw more and more codes, some of which don’t make sense.

I am starting to wonder if it could just be an ECM/ electrical system problem? I know it has an after market battery and no idea if they recoded for it. I also know there are some electrical problems that cause a constant low level set of audio pops and hiss even when the stereo is off.

Have you ever heard of electrical problems throwing seemingly unrelated codes?

[askme]

Dump of the codes I am seeing now, but give it a week and there will be more:

OBD2 - confirmed:
P0442 - Evaporative Emission System Leak Detected (small leak)
U1118
P2610 - ECM/PCM Internal Engine Off Timer Performance

OBD2 - pending:
P0442 - Evaporative Emission System Leak Detected (small leak)
P2610 - ECM/PCM Internal Engine Off Timer Performance

Engine:
277B - Tank Cap
2779 - DME Self Test RAM
2B13 - Speed recording
2AFD - Relative time, plausibility

Heater & air conditioning:
E714

Traction/stability control:
5DF4 - Power Supply too Low

Instrument cluster:
A554 - Message error (telephone, 0xC1H), receiver instrument panel, transmitter JBE
A559 - Power supply switched off
931B - FRM: tail light, left 2 faulty
9319

Car access system (CAS):
A0B5 - CAS: road speed signal fault
A118 - Signal detection error rate

CAN network gateway:
E190
E18D

Gear selector switch:
E09B
E097
A834


Obtained with Carista 3.9.5 for iOS.
DETAILED ECU INFO

ECU info obtained with Carista 395099 for iOS:

Engine
Part #: 7854317
Hardware #: 00 (hex)
Coding index: 02 (hex)
Diagnostic index: 0
Variant index: 19034
Manufacture date: 2008-06-05
Supplier ID: 56 (hex)
Message catalog version: 0.21.159
Functional software version: 15.34.90
Operating system version: 3.3.40
Fault codes:
277B Tank Cap
2779 DME Self Test RAM
2B13 Speed recording
2AFD Relative time, plausibility

Transmission
Part #: 7624211
Hardware #: 02 (hex)
Coding index: 00 (hex)
Diagnostic index: 3872
Variant index: 21590
Manufacture date: 2008-05-06
Supplier ID: 54 (hex)
Message catalog version: 0.34.191
Functional software version: 88.0.0
Operating system version: 2.4.10
[No fault codes]

Transmission
[ECU not present]

Fuel pump
[ECU not present]

Heater & air conditioning
Part #: 9199260
Hardware #: 03 (hex)
Coding index: 01 (hex)
Diagnostic index: 1488
Variant index: 18261
Manufacture date: 2008-06-17
Supplier ID: 56 (hex)
Message catalog version: 0.23.103
Functional software version: 11.0.196
Operating system version: 3.3.30
Fault codes:
E714 Manufacturer-specific code

Rear heater & A/C
[ECU not present]

Auxiliary heater
[ECU not present]

Traction/stability control
Part #: 7844739
Hardware #: 01 (hex)
Coding index: 07 (hex)
Diagnostic index: 1459
Variant index: 21591
Manufacture date: 2008-06-06
Supplier ID: 18 (hex)
Message catalog version: 0.36.143
Functional software version: 10.9.0
Operating system version: 0.0.0
Fault codes:
5DF4 Power Supply too Low

Airbags
Part #: 9165624
Hardware #: 07 (hex)
Coding index: 09 (hex)
Diagnostic index: 3232
Variant index: 20043
Manufacture date: 2008-06-04
Supplier ID: 08 (hex)
Message catalog version: 0.22.215
Functional software version: 5.0.0
Operating system version: 3.40.10
[No fault codes]

Center safety module
[ECU not present]

Left B-pillar safety module
[ECU not present]

Left B-pillar safety module
[ECU not present]

Right B-pillar safety module
[ECU not present]

Right B-pillar safety module
[ECU not present]

Instrument cluster
Part #: 9242397
Hardware #: 06 (hex)
Coding index: 08 (hex)
Diagnostic index: 2256
Variant index: 22086
Manufacture date: 2008-06-18
Supplier ID: 10 (hex)
Message catalog version: 0.23.107
Functional software version: 179.65.224
Operating system version: 3.3.0
Fault codes:
A554 Message error (telephone, 0xC1H), receiver instrument panel, transmitter JBE
A559 Power supply switched off
931B FRM: tail light, left 2 faulty
9319 Manufacturer-specific code

Dynamic management
[ECU not present]

Power steering
[ECU not present]

Tire pressure monitor
Part #: 6782801
Hardware #: 03 (hex)
Coding index: 00 (hex)
Diagnostic index: 4096
Variant index: 17735
Manufacture date: 2008-06-04
Supplier ID: 75 (hex)
Message catalog version: 0.18.56
Functional software version: 10.1.0
Operating system version: 3.10.3
[No fault codes]

Adaptive cruise control
[ECU not present]

Adaptive steering system
[ECU not present]

Steering column
[ECU not present]

Active roll stabilization
[ECU not present]

Electronic damper control (EDC)
[ECU not present]

Damper control (front left)
[ECU not present]

Damper control (front right)
[ECU not present]

Damper control (rear left)
[ECU not present]

Damper control (rear right)
[ECU not present]

Auto-leveling suspension
[ECU not present]

Parking brake
[ECU not present]

Trailer
[ECU not present]

Car access system (CAS)
Part #: 9147227
Hardware #: C4 (hex)
Coding index: 09 (hex)
Diagnostic index: 1696
Variant index: 21313
Manufacture date: 2008-06-19
Supplier ID: 04 (hex)
Message catalog version: 0.0.0
Functional software version: 2.4.9
Operating system version: 3.3.0
Fault codes:
A0B5 CAS: road speed signal fault
A118 Signal detection error rate

Alarm
[ECU not present]

Alarm sensors
[ECU not present]

Parking sensors
[ECU not present]

Central electronics
[ECU not present]

Center console switches
[ECU not present]

Light switch
[ECU not present]

Adaptive headlights
[ECU not present]

High beam assist
[ECU not present]

Central module (in driver's footwell) (FRM)
Part #: 9166709
Hardware #: 10 (hex)
Coding index: 09 (hex)
Diagnostic index: 3680
Variant index: 21068
Manufacture date: 2008-06-24
Supplier ID: 09 (hex)
Message catalog version: 0.19.9
Functional software version: 5.80.61
Operating system version: 4.0.5
[No fault codes]

Junction box (passenger) (JBBF)
Part #: 9187546
Hardware #: 02 (hex)
Coding index: 0A (hex)
Diagnostic index: 3536
Variant index: 20050
Manufacture date: 2005-12-21
Supplier ID: 09 (hex)
Message catalog version: 0.29.136
Functional software version: 8.63.0
Operating system version: 3.10.0
[No fault codes]

Keyless ignition
[ECU not present]

Micro power supply
[ECU not present]

Convertible top
Part #: 9281722
Hardware #: C5 (hex)
Coding index: 04 (hex)
Diagnostic index: 3285
Variant index: 20550
Manufacture date: 2008-06-19
Supplier ID: 07 (hex)
Message catalog version: 0.19.244
Functional software version: 7.0.0
Operating system version: 3.3.60
[No fault codes]

Center roof module
Part #: 9210353
Hardware #: 04 (hex)
Coding index: 06 (hex)
Diagnostic index: 1440
Variant index: 18499
Manufacture date: 2006-03-23
Supplier ID: 02 (hex)
Message catalog version: 0.12.3
Functional software version: 5.2.6
Operating system version: 3.3.0
[No fault codes]

Sliding roof
[ECU not present]

Rear hatch
[ECU not present]

Rain/light sensor
[ECU not present]

Front left door
[ECU not present]

Front right door
[ECU not present]

Driver's seat
[ECU not present]

Front passenger's seat
[ECU not present]

Active backrest (driver)
[ECU not present]

Active backrest (passenger)
[ECU not present]

Emergency response unit
[ECU not present]

Audio amplifier
[ECU not present]

Sound system
[ECU not present]

CD changer
[ECU not present]

Infotainment display
[ECU not present]

Infotainment system
Part #: 9223673
Hardware #: 50 (hex)
Coding index: 20 (hex)
Diagnostic index: 4000
Variant index: 21576
Manufacture date: 2008-06-24
Supplier ID: 56 (hex)
Message catalog version: 0.20.4
Functional software version: 153.121.1
Operating system version: 4.0.4
[No fault codes]

Infotainment (rear)
[ECU not present]

Bluetooth
[ECU not present]

Infotainment display
[ECU not present]

Infotainment display (rear)
[ECU not present]

Navigation
[ECU not present]

Radio
[ECU not present]

Digital radio
[ECU not present]

Telephone
[ECU not present]

Tuner
[ECU not present]

Satellite radio
[ECU not present]

Video
[ECU not present]

Multimedia changer
[ECU not present]

Headphone interface
[ECU not present]

Heads-up display
[ECU not present]

Flexible bus interface
[ECU not present]

CAN network gateway
Part #: 9223679
Hardware #: 50 (hex)
Coding index: 00 (hex)
Diagnostic index: 3984
Variant index: 21577
Manufacture date: 2007-07-25
Supplier ID: 56 (hex)
Message catalog version: 0.20.4
Functional software version: 153.121.1
Operating system version: 4.0.4
Fault codes:
E190 Manufacturer-specific code
E18D Manufacturer-specific code

CAN network gateway
[ECU not present]

CAN network gateway
[ECU not present]

All-round vision camera
[ECU not present]

Lane-change system
[ECU not present]

Rear axle slip angle control
[ECU not present]

Video switch
[ECU not present]

Electric motor-driven reel (left)
[ECU not present]

Electric motor-driven reel (right)
[ECU not present]

Night view
[ECU not present]

Camera-based driver assist system
[ECU not present]

Gear selector switch
Part #: 7842102
Hardware #: C3 (hex)
Coding index: 02 (hex)
Diagnostic index: 4160
Variant index: 21843
Manufacture date: 2007-11-27
Supplier ID: 47 (hex)
Message catalog version: 0.26.103
Functional software version: 0.9.0
Operating system version: 4.1.0
Fault codes:
E09B Manufacturer-specific code
E097 Manufacturer-specific code
A834 Manufacturer-specific code

[sdbmwcoding]

Clear everything and scan it after a few days of driving. Too much to try to diagnose based solely off codes. If you believe you have a battery issue monitor voltage, also post up battery specs. Low/bad battery can 100% cause weird problems and throw codes.

[askme]

Originally Posted by sd*********

Clear everything and scan it after a few days of driving. Too much to try to diagnose based solely off codes. If you believe you have a battery issue monitor voltage, also post up battery specs. Low/bad battery can 100% cause weird problems and throw codes.

Thanks. This is the codes list after I cleared all the codes. Just adds a few a week.

I may just replace the battery with OEM spec as it can’t hurt.

[Helmsman]

Yes agree, if you didn't already, do a quick measure of your battery. With engine on to get a feel for if the alternator works (e.g. around 14v), and when you come down in the morning, should be 12v and a bit after opened the door (=started the electronics).

[askme]

Originally Posted by Helmsman

Yes agree, if you didn't already, do a quick measure of your battery. With engine on to get a feel for if the alternator works (e.g. around 14v), and when you come down in the morning, should be 12v and a bit after opened the door (=started the electronics).

How do I take those measurements, just multi-meter to the posts, or do I need to unhook the battery and put the multimeter in the circuit?

[Helmsman]

Originally Posted by askme

How do I take those measurements, just multi-meter to the posts, or do I need to unhook the battery and put the multimeter in the circuit?

A simple multimeter on the battery point under the bonnet will provide the initial feel mate.

[askme]

Finally got to this. Electronics on, but engine off showed about 11.9 v. And about 14.8v running. From that I take it I have a battery issue but alternator is working. Make sense?

[ItsGary]

Time to replace your battery.

[askme]

Originally Posted by ItsGary

Time to replace your battery.

Replaced the battery. Went from 25 codes down to 7 that I mostly know what they are. I call that success.

[Helmsman]

Originally Posted by askme

Replaced the battery. Went from 25 codes down to 7 that I mostly know what they are. I call that success.

Jeez bad batteries create a mess on these cars...congrats OP!

[askme]

If anyone comes back to this post, alternator crapped out a month later. PO put the wrong battery in, never registered it and likely slowly fried both the battery and alternator. Now all good with new of both.

[fs34]

Originally Posted by askme

If anyone comes back to this post, alternator crapped out a month later. PO put the wrong battery in, never registered it and likely slowly fried both the battery and alternator. Now all good with new of both.

I wish everyone followed up like this. Thank you! Glad to hear the problems have been resolved.

[KevinGS]

I have a 2013 M3 convertible, with like 110k miles, and it has the original battery. And I put the top up and down from the key fob without the car on occasionally too.

I'm always tempted to replace it preemptively, but all the BMW Techs I talk to, and my side mechanic, they all say to just wait until failure...because BMW batteries can last for 10+ years, especially if the car is garage kept (and mine is and has always been...I'm the 2nd owner, bought with 30k miles on it).

Original alternator too.

What year and mileage on your car, Askme? And thanks for updating your thread.

[askme]

Originally Posted by KevinGS

I have a 2013 M3 convertible, with like 110k miles, and it has the original battery. And I put the top up and down from the key fob without the car on occasionally too.

I'm always tempted to replace it preemptively, but all the BMW Techs I talk to, and my side mechanic, they all say to just wait until failure...because BMW batteries can last for 10+ years, especially if the car is garage kept (and mine is and has always been...I'm the 2nd owner, bought with 30k miles on it).

Original alternator too.

What year and mileage on your car, Askme? And thanks for updating your thread.

2008 M3 with about 110k, but the battery had already been replaced (not like for like) and the new battery never registered. If you have a 2013 and batteries can last "up to" 10 years, just get another one put in next time you have the car at the dealer for anything random.

[KevinGS]

Originally Posted by askme

2008 M3 with about 110k, but the battery had already been replaced (not like for like) and the new battery never registered. If you have a 2013 and batteries can last "up to" 10 years, just get another one put in next time you have the car at the dealer for anything random.

Thanks for the advice, will do