If you are one of those who drives a BMW with N43 and/or N53 series petrol engines, most likely you have experienced rough run; misfires, and never-ending stories with injectors, spark plugs, and ignition coil replacements.
In our blog, we reveal the most popular and well-hidden cause of these problems. We also provide a cost-effective and long-lasting solution.
Warning! Read this before purchasing the NOXEM
We recommend starting with an article that describes the sentence:
Yes, sometimes spark plugs, ignition coils and injectors are ones to blame. But one tricky cause is hiding, and nobody mentions it.
New prices of BMW OEM spare parts!
The Spring of 2022 brings shocking news for all owners of N43/N53 series engines – prices of separate spare parts have increased several times!
In the Year 2023, the situation with the piezo injectors has normalized so I will publish a summary. Formally, the BMW dealer network still has a large backorder amount (15’000 .. 25’000 pcs) both for *048 (N43/N53) and *079 (N54/N63) injectors…
See you never, piezo injectors
It is not a secret that since Q3 Year 2020, piezo injectors (articles *049 and *079) have been deficient. Since that moment, the backorder amount for each article is in the range of 15 .. 25.000 units…
Online diagnostics for E and F series
To each BMW enthusiast, we offer Online diagnostics for N43/N53 engines.
What does it mean?
Ignition coils for N43/N53. Options
This time is very short: Which ignition coils can be used for N43/N53 series engines? A long time ago, when these engines were created, Bosch was a supplier of the ignition coils…
Uneven run in Stratified charge. Summary
This entry is – a summary of the diagnostics and repairs of several thousands of N43/N53 series engines. Description of the situation: after restoring the Stratified charge, the shivering of the engine can be felt.
3104. E series. Uneven run. Stratified charge
When all major problems (including the NOx system) are solved.
Most popular reasons for an uneven run. Error 3104: Uneven run / Stratified charge
F10/11. Repair of N53. ISTA D/+
In this entry: step-by-step recommendations for restoring the performance of the N53 engine.
Available diagnostics tool: ISTA D/+
In this entry: step-by-step recommendations for restoring the performance of the N53 engine.
Available diagnostics tool: INPA for F series. N54 loader 3.700
F10/11. Repair of N53. INPA. Part 2
In this entry: how to act, if the engine has restored Stratified charge; larger problems are eliminated, but the Stratified charge is turned off periodically or the engine sometimes runs unevenly.
F10/11. Cold start. Leaking injectors
BMW has completely reworked the algorithm of maintaining the idle of the MSD87/F series in Homogeneous mode. Also, the information, which is available for these DME, is different (both in INPA and ISTA D/+)...
E series. Uneven run. How to act – step by step
Summary.
How to handle the situation, when N43/N53 has started to shiver.
F10/11. Stratified charge: disabled. What to do?
Possibly you noticed some suspicious symptoms, which can suggest that there are some problems with the engine – increased fuel consumption, the engine has become “clumsy”, idle is more unstable, vibrations can be felt while driving.
E series. MSD80 diagnostics using INPA
In this entry: step-by-step diagnostics of, possibly, one of the most complicated engine management systems of all time. Each of the stages is kept as short as possible, references to previous posts for much more detailed information will regarding each knot/ theme be inserted. Read more…
NOXEM 129 | 130
Installation. Introduction | Part 1 | Part 2
Important information | FAQ about NOXEM | Troubleshooting
OEM NOx sensor vs NOXEM | Glossary | NOXEM vs NOXEM KIT
NOXEM 402
Installation. Introduction | Encoding, and re-adaptation of the engine
Important information | FAQ about NOXEM | F series. FAQ | Troubleshooting
OEM NOx sensor vs NOXEM | Glossary
F series. Diagnostics of NOx sensor
NOx sensors could be (and very often are) the reason, why the engines of the N53B30 engine family do not use a Stratified charge. Very often the error messages regarding these sensors are not recorded in the error message memory of DME …
…a shortlist of the most popular software and accessories sellers we saw on the Internet. We can’t guarantee quality and/or the lowest prices. We are just providing initial information.
Why perform Online diagnostics?
Unfortunately, quite often the diagnostics, performed by “specialists”, is limited by reading the error messages and replacing all components, indicated in the error messages.
The consequences of COVID have a severe impact on the automotive industry. The situation with the chipsets has been critical for already two years (also in retail). At the beginning of the pandemics, all manufacturers reported a shortage of chipsets…
Entries relating NOx system – NOx catalytic converter and NOx sensor:
E series. BMW N43/N53 series engine operation modes. Stratified charge injection performance check
Unfortunately, none from available diagnostic programs don’t give a clear view, in which mode do N43 and N53 perform on the current moment AND which modes are allowed. For this reason, we have to use several indirect pieces of evidence and parameters. The first impression … Read more…
F10/11. Stratified charge performance check
Testing of the performance modes of N53B30 for F10/F11 has certain specifics. The reason is the obstacle, that BMW has maximally hidden problems with the performance of the NOx system, locked the access to all types of basic data which would allow identifying these problems directly or indirectly. Read more…
NOx catalytic converter regeneration and desulfation
More about basic operating principles of NOx catalytic converter you can read in N53 series engine after-sales training material or in any description of the non-BMW engine, which performs in Stratified charge mode.
Here I will pay attention to observations from “real life”, which quite essentially differs from official newsletters. Read more…
Several readers of my blog asked me – what to do, to keep the BMW petrol engine in perfect order for a max long time? In this entry, I will summarize the recommendations.
What damages NOx catalytic converter?
The NOx catalytic converter is an expensive spare part (it costs at least EUR 2000). Unfortunately, there are many cars, in which this catalytic converter is damaged already by mileage of 100 .. 120.000 km. What confirms the damage of the NOx catalytic converter? The error message 30E9. Read more…
In this entry, I will mention the root causes, which have to be blamed for premature damage of the NOx sensor, and also different ways to prolong the lifespan of the NOx sensor.
Already 5 years ago, some sellers from China got in touch with me to inform me that China has “developed” their own NOx sensor, and they are ready to offer it as an analog of the ones manufactured by VDO.
E series. Stratified charge. Disabled?
Several readers of my blog have asked: why does the engine of my car don’t runs in Stratified charge? Of course, if the DME error message memory contains error messages, which are related to its basic systems, including the NOx system – the Stratified charge will not be turned on. Read more…
My experience with the NOx system
The odometer of my everyday car indicates 600.000km. I believe it’s sufficient mileage to have my own opinion from my own experience.
I purchased the car with a mileage of 100.000+km…
Leaking of injectors. Acceptable?
First, I will clarify how the leaking of the injectors manifests. I will talk of idle and cold start modes because precisely in these two modes, the leaking of the injectors is most prominent.
NOx catalytic converter – to be or not to be?
I get more and more questions regarding the topic of the NOx catalytic converter. Some askers want to change the exhaust, removing this catalytic converter; some are interested in the normal performance of the engine is possible without NOx catalytic converter. Read more…
”Disprogramming” of the NOx system
More and more I receive requests for help to solve the problems with the engines of their cars after “deprogramming” of the NOx system. Such “deprogramming” is offered by some chip-tuners and also some enthusiasts.
30EA Nitric Oxide Catalytic converter, sulphurized
MSD80 records this message if the mathematically counted parameter of sulfur “poisoning” is significantly higher than the norm, and the regeneration of the catalytic converter is not performed/not possible. Causes for such a situation could be:..
30E9 nitric oxide catalytic converter, aging
Error message 30E9 is specific, and it could be registered only in the error message memory of the MSD80 control unit for N43/N53 engines. Only these engines have a NOx system with a NOx catalytic converter included in it.
Why the error message 30E9 is registered? Read more…
A typical situation in case of damage of the NOx sensor
Engine: N43B20
Problems: increased fuel consumption, uneven running, increased CO/HC (the car is not able to pass TI).
30DE correlation error. Part 1
MSD80 (for N43 and N53 series engines) regularly compares readings of all Lambda probes (including the NOx sensor). In situations when it clearly knows (or DME is “convinced” that it knows), what should be the fuel mixture…
30DE correlation error. Part 2
In this entry – one of the examples for the 30DE error message. Let’s see closer the attributes of the error message…
30DE correlation error. Part 3
Here, in the error message data, the engine has worked in Stratified charge (mode 3; required Lambda values 1.99). The binary voltage of the NOx sensor corresponds to the correct indication…
30DE correlation error. Part 4
As we see, Lambda, required by the DME, for both banks was around 1.50. Homogeneous lean mode? At the same time, the car was driving at a consistent speed of 130 km/h…
Sometimes I receive e-mails with the following content:
“I installed a used NOx sensor, encoded a new NOx catalytic converter, there are no error messages in DME error message memory… Read more…
The owner of the car with the N53 series engine approached me. In the DME error message list (in addition to other error messages, including error messages regarding the NOx sensor), the 30E9 also is found. What to do in this situation?
Good speaking skills are useful!
This time – a little different blog entry. But, possibly, even more interesting!
Several years ago, I performed an experiment, “the secret customer”…
This time – a typical example of how the User Vulgaris succeeds with the repairs of N53 series engines. The situation is not encouraging, and the manufacturer BMW AG is largely to blame.
This time – an example of the typical technical condition of the NOx system of the N43/N53 series engines.
E series N43/N53 engines (and the exhaust of the cars) are at least 10 years old now…
2EAE message of nitrogen oxide sensor 1 missing (timeout)
A few times per second MSD80 sends a command or data request to the NOx sensor. One hundred times per second NOx sensor “answers” to MSD80: execute required commands or sends measured data.
Replacing NOx sensor for BMW N43/N53
When fuel consumption grows, most probably, the rough run of the engine has also started…
E series. Problems and performance check of NOx sensor
The NOx sensor is comparatively quite expensive spare part, its price is around 450 .. 500 EUR, but work-life: very limited.
How to evaluate the performance of the NOx sensor?
E series. NOx sensors. Hidden problems. Part 2
In this entry – about one quite typical situation, which is characteristic of OEM NOx sensors.
Also, F10/11 till LCI version is equipped with N53B30 series engines.
Depending on the power class, they are installed on 523i, 528i, and 530i.
In this entry – in short, and in summary, how the problems of the NOx system are hidden in its 2-nd generation (MSD87; F10/11).
F10/11. How BMW hides problems. Part 2
This time a good example, how BMW acted after an unsuccessful experience with N43/N53 series engines of E series cars. The N43/N53 engine family of the E series cars was famous with regular error messages regarding all possible systems, especially: regarding the NOx system and uneven performance of the engine. Read more…
F10/11 NOx sensor. Connections
The connection of the NOx sensor to MSD87 is modified – it is significantly different from the solution for the E series.
F10/11 12C401. Plausibility: signal activity too low
Attention – in this entry you will find information regarding nuances, which have to be taken into account if NOXEM 402 is installed. If your car has an OEM NOx sensor, this error message typically means the damage of the cell of the NOx sensor (it’s clogged).
F10/11 12C801 correlation error. Part 1
MSD87 (for N53 series engines) regularly compares readings of all Lambda probes (both wideband; both control probes and the NOx sensor). In situations when it clearly knows…
F10/11 12C801 correlation error. Part 2
The main problems arise, trying to identify the damaged parts. At least in one-half of cases, the NOx sensor is not to be blamed – it works correctly.
F10/11. Nuances of the NOx catalytic converter
In this entry – about several very interesting nuances, which are typical exactly for MSD87 (N53B30 engine management system, used in F10/11).
F10/11. Problems with the NOx sensor
In this entry, I will try to compile the information that you need to know about the NOx sensors installed on N53B30 engines of the F series.
Many blog readers are asking – what oil to use for their cars. In this entry – my opinion regarding this topic.
Specialized tools – INPA and ISTA – should be used to diagnose BMW. These tools use the EDIABAS system. For petrol engines, OBD tools are used only to see misfire counters…
Attention! NOx sensors from China
Already for a longer time, I’ve noticed one seller from China (autosupply555), who offers original NOx sensors (all the time, the number of sensors was 10+) for a very affordable price. For a long time, the price was around 280 USD.
The owner of the E60 with the N53 series engine approached me. He complained that the engine is vibrating, especially during the cold weather. The injector of cylinder No.5 has been replaced recently.
Vitesco continues to refurbish the injectors
One of the BMW users sent photos of the injector, “refurbished” by Vitesco. These photos differ from those seen before, so it is worth checking them closer.
This time – another “successful” purchase on eBay. The seller is respectable, with many positive reviews. And still – injector data shoved completely incorrect values.
I asked the owner of this vehicle with the N53 series engine…
This time, my attention was caught by a video from Russia on YouTube. As the video is in Russian, I will add my comments and screenshots below to make it easier for you to understand.
In several entries, I have stated that in the “civilized world”, only NTK has mastered the NOx sensors’ technology. NOx sensors are manufactured exclusively by the Continental group…
If somebody still had doubts that sooner or later, the China entrepreneurs would start to “stamp” injectors for N43/N53 engines on an industrial level, now you can be sure – it has happened!
In this entry – a short review of how the business of NOx sensors is going. As I already have mentioned in other blog entries, if we talk regarding NOx sensors, we have to remember…
This entry – is a brief insight into the business of the “alternative” NOx sensors. The company from China, which claims that they have developed the technology of the NOx sensors, is called ZHEJIANG BAIAN TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.
As much as possible, I recommend to all – please DON’T purchase the Delphi ignition coils intended for N43/N53 series engines. Unfortunately, car owners and service workers still manage to “screw up”.
Interesting OEM ignition coils
When getting information from the BMW community, I regularly learn something new. This blog entry is not an exception. The owner of a BMW with an N53 series engine approached me…
In this entry – about quite a specific problem, which is typical only for N43/N53.
Symptoms of the problem: unevenness of the engine, separate misfires, which can appear periodically (interval – several tens of seconds .. several minutes). Read more…
Importance of the service procedures
Almost in all entries, if they are somehow related to the repair of the engine, I mention: perform the re-adapting of the engine. If it’s performed using INPA, and the car has an OEM NOx sensor installed, before the re-adapting, the desulfation of the NOx catalytic converter should be performed. Read more…
Importance of the service procedure. Part 2
In this entry – more about the service procedures, which refers exactly to the N43/N53 series engines.
If your car has NOXEM installed, you can not continue with reading, because the problems, described below, won’t affect you. But, if the vehicle has an OEM NOx sensor, several important nuances have to be taken in the account. Read more…
Contamination of the NOx converter out of range
A little while ago I encountered a unique situation. Anyhow – first for several years and first of several thousand on the N43/N53 engine, which I have inspected.
All information about specific problems of N43/N53
Each quarter the team of Bimmerprofs receives data regarding hundreds of N43/N53 engines. Several tenths of them are inspected on the spot, regarding others, the INPA data and the outline of the situation and problems from their owners are received. Read more…
Two years have passed unnoticed and during this time the information about more than a thousand vehicles equipped with N43/N53 series engines is gathered. Read more…
Spark plugs for N43/N53 series engines
Possibly, it will be the most shocking entry. At least for me. But, as only during this week already three BMW owners had this exact problem, I decided to inform all owners of cars with N43 and N53 series engines. Read more…
Thank you to Jan for the information and pictures. Some nuances seemed him quite suspicious, when replacing the spark plugs – and not without the reason. But Jan has acted conscientiously – the spark plugs were chosen from recommended in the official catalog – no free-thinking or interpretation. What could go wrong? Read more…
Injectors from dealer. A safe purchase?
I believe this entry will be pretty shocking for you. Yes, I have accurate and comprehensive information regarding all episodes mentioned, and I will definitely give it to the BMW AG headquarters.
On June 1, 2023, one of the owners of the N43 series engine purchased a “new” injector for the dealer in Germany. Yes, the injector does not look new and the remark of the new owner that it is refurbished though, is very appropriate.
The owner of the N43 series engine approached me. Injector data indicate a complete “mess”. Massive flow rate corrections; leaking in idle, etc.
Three of the injectors turned out to be refurbished…
One of the readers of my blog informed me about his negative experience.
Some time, on eBay, he has purchased “refurbished” injectors for his N53 series engine.
One of the customers sent the picture of an injector. He purchased this injector on eBay as “refurbished”. Here, the plug part of the injector.
Refurbished injectors from China
As you see, the encoding data of the injectors are different – that look’s ok. It means there are no fake numbers (the same for all injectors) Stamped. If you watch more carefully…
One of the users of N43/N53 series engines has purchased the injector on eBay. Location of the injector: UK. Price: around EUR 300, also seems plausible.
Let’s see images, which are placed in the advertisement.
Now, let’s see what generally “happens” with injectors, intended for N54/N63 engines.
BMW code: 1353 7585261
Excellent injectors from Metzger
A while ago, I already wrote regarding excellent NOx sensors, which Metzger sold for a pretty impressive price. A more detailed story you can read here. Now the time for injectors has come.
Fuel additive. One more victim
Today’s example: N53 series engine. The car has NOXEM installed, and the engine uses a Stratified charge. The car has new injectors…
Injectors. Refurbished. New. What’s the difference…
Today’s patient – the N43 series engine. The owner’s complaints: regularly switched off cylinders, vibration, misfire, increased fuel consumption. The NOXEM has been recently installed; before that – 3 injectors have been “updated”…
Refurbished injectors. One more case
The owner of a car with an N43 series engine approached me.
He had performed the diagnostics himself and detected that the cylinders No.3 and No. 4 injectors were leaking in closed condition.
Today I received an e-mail from one of my customers. He wrote that his friend has a problem – it is impossible to input flowrate encoding data of one of the injectors purchased recently…
Injectors were cleaned! Really?
Quite often the call for help includes the following description: “..the injectors were cleaned, then I put them back..”
Not a one-time cleaning of the injectors has been done! How so? Read further!
No matter how much I talk that the piezo injectors CAN NOT be cleaned, there still are people, who have “cleaned” them, and… And then different problems start: vibration, misfires, shivering, Check engine in the instrument panel.
Sometimes I feel that I have mentioned all possible engine problems in my blog. But the experience shows that the mistakes are repeated again and again. That’s why I continue to write about the experience of others…
Injectors form a reliable seller
The owner of the vehicle with N53 approached me. He has bought a set of 6 injectors for his car, but when they were installed, the problems started. The parameters of the two injectors were as follows…
Injectors from a reliable seller. Part 2
In Part 1 I introduced you to a reliable seller who “manufactures” thousands of refurbished injectors. Complete with the purchased injectors, the customer deceived also test protocols, which confirmed the excellent performance of these injectors.
Injectors from a reliable seller. Part 3
To dispel any suspicions that I am slandering a respectable seller (refurbisher of the injectors), I offered the buyer the diagnostics of the performance of the engine pro bono. So – the buyer installed “new” injectors on his car…
The car owner with the N53 series engine got in touch with me. The diagnostics indicated that the car has significant problems with the injectors. Almost all of them are leaking in closed condition…
One of the readers of my blog approached me for advice. He admitted that the purchase initially hadn’t raised any suspicions; only what he had read in my blog made him think twice. Why was he so sure regarding the purchase?
Piezo injectors. Achilles heel
Why the Piezo injectors were introduced in the internal combustion engines? Because of their prompt reaction! Exactly the prompt reaction allows the petrol engine to work in Stratified charge and BMW Direct Injection diesel engines (making the main injections already at the burning phase of the diesel fuel). Read more…
This time – a popular theme: what to do, if you have to replace the injector, but at the same bank, there are still some (or all others) injectors with another (obviously, older) release. Do the older injectors(s) should be replaced too?…
Why Stratified charge is so important
In this entry – why Stratified charge is so important for N43/N53 series engines? Or, more exactly – why for other BMW common rail petrol engines everything is fine without using of Stratified charge?
I checked my notes and concluded that there are already 20 cases noted when unexpectedly ALL injectors started to leak and all had to be replaced. Now it’s the right moment to gather information and make conclusions.
The problems of the injectors and misfires
I write this entry because several readers of the blog have asked me: how can I trust the Misfire counters if the cause of them could be a defect of the injector of another cylinder? Yes, it is true – not always the misfires in the current cylinder indicate its defects, so the circumstances, when the misfires are recorded, are very significant. Read more…
Injectors and misfires. Part 2
Although very late, BMW makes conclusions. Today’s topic – the injector of cylinder X is leaking in the Homogenous mode, which causes misfires in other cylinders. This is a very common scenario…
In this entry, I will tell you a bit more about control of the exhaust gases for these complicated engines – what nuances have to be taken in the account to pass the Technical Inspection and exhaust gas test successfully.
N43/N53 and technical inspection
Not without a reason, BMW AG in its instruction on how to perform its engine exhaust test highlights the specifics of N43/N53 engines.
As soon I receive some significant information about specific nuances, what would be worth knowing for all users of these specific engines, I try to publish it in the blog ASAP.
Thank you to everyone, who shares with information – both from me and from other bimmerprofs readers. Read more…
One of the owners of the vehicle with the N43 series engine installed the NOXEM, performed quick re-adapting of the engine, and went to the annual technical inspection. Unfortunately, unsuccessful.
Today’s patient: N53 in its most powerful version (N53B30O0). The engine has lost “surge”/torque, especially in the range of high RPM. Accordingly – the task is to find the problem and solve it.
The lifespan of the CO converter
Quite often can hear – 20 years ago everything was better! BMW served forever; it wasn’t possible to damage the CO catalytic converters of the petrol engines! In contrast, nowadays BMW…
Some time ago, the owner of the N43 series engine contacted me. He wanted to find out if the “inserts” of the control probes are solving the error messages regarding the CO catalytic converters for these engines.
The term “leaking injector” is used to describe different defects of injectors. But this time we will talk about the most popular of possible cases – some hard microparticle getting in the nozzle of the injector.
Purchase of car with the N43/N53 engine
In this entry I will compile recommendations, which have to be taken into the account, buying the car with N series engine.
This time an example, what to expect if you: buy a car without proper diagnostics; the repair has been done by yourself, without appropriate knowledge, and using “original” methods…
A Stratified charge doesn’t reduce fuel consumption?
This issue becomes topical directly in the autumn months. Every year, exactly in autumn, I get quite many e-mails with a description of an identical situation: “I put the engine of my car in order, Stratified charge should be restored, but – the fuel consumption has not reduced!” Read more…
Perfectly performing N53 in few hours!
How to get N43/N53
to perform as new?
Entering these error codes in Google search engine, the output is 20 .. 30 thousands of entries. And no wonder, because…
There is one more technical failure, made by Siemens engineers. In this time there will be more technical information because the problem itself is technical.
30BA/30BB. What went wrong. Part 2
After installing the snubbers, the reported internal temperature of the DME is only around 35 .. 40 oC even in hot summer: significantly lower than before the upgrade.
Today’s patient: E90 with an N53 series engine. Have to admit, that the owner of the car is not particularly demanding to the performance of the car – individual misfires and vibration of the engine did not confuse him.
The automotive repair company approached me with a question: “which MOSFET corresponds to which injector”?
The picture shows the bottom part of the below (smallest) PCB of the MSD81 management module.
Limp mode without error messages?
This entry will be dedicated to the topic:
how important is for all N43/N53 (sub) systems to work perfectly. This time we put the accent on “all systems” because there are no unimportant systems! Read more…
Description of the problem:
after starting a cold engine, after approximately 30 .. 40 seconds, it shivers.
Increased fuel consumption during winter
The owner of N53B30U0 approached me. The fuel consumption of his car, when the weather got colder (when the day-time temperature in Europe dropped to +2..5 oC), has increased.
It is clear, that the engine with direct injection has problems with carbon residues in the intake manifold because the fuel (as for “usual” engines) does not clean’s it.
The owner of the car with an N53 series engine approached me. The performance of the engine is uneven and shivering. The engine sometimes uses Homogeneous lean but never – Stratified charge.
This time a short post, which is dedicated to the “antivaxers” of the spare parts. Or for persons who claim that the “original parts are the same, which could be bought in OEM boxes”, “BMW only charges a lot of money”, etc.
Original vs OEM. Spark plugs. Part 2
It looks that it is hard to “break” the skeptics!
This step can be performed by each himself, but – if it is easier to be skeptical than give 5 minutes for research – let it be. It is not hard for me!
Original vs OEM. Spark plugs. Part 3
Thank you to the user from the local BMW internet forum – exactly he was the only one who did this experiment.
From one of the largest car part suppliers…
In this entry, I will explain the concept of HPFP pressure maintenance.
The HPFP pressure is maintained with a closed-loop system.
In several entries I have mentioned, that very often the HPFP has been replaced unjustifiably. For example, the error message 2FCA; 2FDA indicates the leaking of the injectors, 2AAE and 2AAF, instead – the problems of the low-pressure pump.
I will continue the tradition – I will mention it again, that in at least 90% of cases when the HPFP is diagnosed as the “guilty one”, it is misdiagnosed. These pumps are durable and long-life! Still, if there comes a moment when it has to be replaced, there are several options. Read more…
This error message corresponds to the low pressure (LP) fuel system and means: to maintain the required pressure in the system (typically – 5 bar), too high or too low electrical voltage should be supplied to the pump.
Several themes will be merged in this post, but it’s necessary, to explain the principles of performance of the engine management system. Let’s start with several interesting issues regarding the coding of injectors. Read more…
Management of piezo injectors of N43/N53 series engines is interesting and complicated enough, to pay it special attention. Testing of injector signals (do they correspond to normal) has to be done every time…
Bug observed for ISTA+ (ver. 4.10.20), but, it’s very possible, that also other ISTA D and other ISTA+ versions have it.
Does it make sense to replace the injectors after some certain interval? What would be that interval?
I think, that this question is up to date for each car user, who has technical knowledge.
Do I need to replace all injectors?
If the cause of the defect is detected – injector(s), the user of the car very often has a dilemma. Dealers and large service centers very often suggest replacing all injectors. Why is that? Is it the best solution?
In this entry about two basic situations: 1. the injector leaks at the moment of diagnostics; 2. the injector has leaked before, but at the moment of diagnostics – everything is fine.
Stratified charge turned off due to a low level of oil?
One of the readers of my blog sent me a message, that there is a hidden “feature” – MSD80 turns off the Stratified charge if the oil level is lower than one half of the max level.
Idle. Measurements of mechanical efficiency
As already mentioned in other entries, modern engines are performing the measurements of mechanical efficiency in idle. Measurements are done, taking into account short-term speed changes of the flywheel.
While driving (small/medium/large load), for N series engines, the average fuel mixture of each bank is controlled by wide-band probe – average fuel mixture is maintained precisely: according to the value required. But this probe doesn’t see the fuel mixture of each cylinder, which “belongs” to it. Read more…
Injector problems in Homogeneous mode
Now – an exotic error message of N43/N53 engine, so – a separate blog entry. The problem is as if connected with the regulation of Lambda and cylinder No.5. The attributes of the error message, although are not very clear…
Stratified charge. Idle. Part 2
This time – more about the Stratified charge, because data of cylinder-individual correction in Homogeneous mixture mode, unfortunately, are not available. Accordingly – in case of any problems, we have to investigate, how the engine behaves in Stratified charge mode. Read more…
Stratified charge. Idle. Part 3
MSD80 knows how to measure leaking of injectors and how to identify in idle: how large part of correction (when the evenest performance mode in idle is reached) is due to changes in reaction time of injector (differences from one, defined by the manufacturer/encoded on its body) and how large part of correction is due to incorrect/poor injection of fuel… Read more…
Stratified charge. Partial load
When the engine uses a Stratified charge, in case of even performance (RPM and required load), MSD80 performs tests of chemical efficiency of injectors, to ensure max even performance of the engine.
The principle of tests is similar to in Homogeneous mode… Read more…
At the first moment, you can think – what interesting can there be?
But there is!
MSD87. Injector management. Idle
I had a free moment, and I decided to check – has the BMW engineers made conclusions since MSD80 (N43/N53) and is there any upgrades and corrections of flaws for MSD87 DME for F series.
INPA used the same loader both for N43 and N53 series engines. Thereby – if the N43 series engine is diagnosed, some questions regarding the menu, where the performance of injectors/cylinders is displayed, arise.
Misfire detection algorithm and its fails
Many people are asking – why the misfire algorithm tests for different software releases were performed? Why it is so important?
In this entry – about one of the most expensive hubs of direct injection engines: high-pressure fuel pump.
The structure of HPFP has described in BMW AG after-sales materials, but many nuances are left “behind the scene”. Because of this, there are many misunderstandings and wrong decisions, performing the repair of the car. Read more…
In this entry – how the fuel is pumped from “the wrong side” to the side of the fuel pump.
Note: as we know, “normal” BMW is equipped with rear-drive, which means – the drive shaft is placed to the rear axle.
In this entry – about some nuances in the management of LPFP.
LPFP is managed via EKP. EKP manages the power of the pump, using PWM. PWM (not linear regulation) is chosen to reduce the heat losses in the power switch (MOSFET/IPS). Read more…
In this entry – about some specific nuances of LPFP management.
The data of the LPFP sensor are received in an analog way. In the situation, when the car is woken up (it was in sleep mode before)…
Unconfirmed adaptations. Why so?
Routine repair of N53 series engine. I identified leaking injectors, and the mechanic replaced them. It was time to re-adapt the engine. The car was warmed up and driven for more than 10 minutes.
This time, an exclusive case – after the longest while, I inspected the E92 with the N53 series engine in person.
When I heard the owner’s story, I could not remain indifferent.
This time, the owner of G31 Alpina B5 approached me for help.
First, here is a little about this BMW, upgraded by Alpina. The basic information can be found in the Alpina web resources; in this entry, I will mention only specific nuances.
After the correct re-adaptation of the engine, the owner of the car sent me new data with additional remarks…
According to my request, the owner of the car sent me VANOS live data in Expert mode.
Here, the exhaust VANOS of the first bank…
Replacement of the VANOS solenoids of the newest generation engine is a nightmare. To ensure the most precise performance and fastest reaction possible, VANOS valves are assembled directly on camshafts.
DISA is used also in other/previous BMW engines, not only N43/N53, so here we will mention only nuances, which are topical exactly for these engines.
N series. Throttle and accelerator pedal
For N series petrol engines, electronic accelerator pedal, and electrical throttle are used. Nothing revolutionary new, so I will pay attention only to some nuances.
When the weather becomes warm, more and more BMW drivers are enjoying driving pleasure, offered by BMW. More and more I receive e-mails – there is suspicion, that the engine doesn’t develop max torque/power. What to do in this situation?
Since long ago, BMW uses engine management systems of both brands – Siemens and Bosch.
What concerns petrol engines (4/6 cylinder versions), initially Jetronic/Motronic solutions from Bosch were used…
Performing diagnostics of several N46/N55 series engines (with Bosch management units), the problem, which perfectly fits in the theme of this entry, became clear.
3104. BMW AG: problem solved! Or not?
What to do, when a good idea fails?
Try to fix it, solve it? Yes of course. How does Siemens (the BMW AG partner) succeed with solving the Rough run problem for MSD80? Very poor. Read more…
3104 and misfire counters. Nuances
Uneven performance of the engine in Stratified charge mode. This time – about some nuances. This entry is simple – quite often, people whose cars DME has recorded this error message approach me.
Uneven running. Rough run. Smooth run. Fake 3104
A never-ending story about N52/N53/N54 and family of 4 cylinder N series petrol engines and troubles with even running… I believe, each owner of a car with any engine mentioned has seen names mentioned above in error message descriptions! There is a legend, that the engine of this series running smooth – it’s mission impossible. Read more…
As mentioned in previous posts, the MSD80 is a much more complicated engine control unit than one before (also MSV70/MSV80), and it makes sense, that such complicated unit has its flaws (more about it – read here), and also software updates are required.
MSD80 is a very complicated engine management system. Times, when the engine management system was performing specific, easy to understand algorithms, are gone for good. The engine control units of the present moment are specialized, high-performance computers, which perform several tenths of tasks at the same time. Read more…
MSD80 software upgrade. N53B30U0 to N53B30O0 upgrade project
Already for a long while I had an idea to upgrade the software for my N53B30 U0. I was discouraged by thought, that the engine already has chip-tuning performed (for this current version, the benefit could be quite impressive: around + 50 hp, around + 40 Nm – it’s worth it, because the result is almost identical at the most powerful version of engine). Read more…
For a longer time, for my N53O0 (upgraded from U0) version, I was using ZB 8603178. This release I admitted as the best available (see Part 3). After several experiments, my car had DME from another E60…
In this entry – once again about the desire of many: upgrade of N53B30U0 to N53B30O0. As a result of the upgrade, the power is increased from 160 kW (218 hp) to 200 kW (272 hp).
Ordering of the MSD81. The new DME should be ordered by the owner of the vehicle. The dealer will ask you to show both your personal ID and the registration documents of the vehicle.
Subjectively, the DME works correctly. Switching between injection modes and NOx converter regeneration sessions is happening softly and imperceptibly. Misfires or rough engine performance…
In this entry, I will explain this power/torque increase type max short and straightforward. There will be enough non-flattering nuances, so I’m sure the gentleman whose business will be touched will fix all the tiniest mistakes, including spelling.
Chip tuning. Success? Finally?
The user of the N53B30U0 engine (325i) from Milan, sunny Italy, got in touch with me. He approached me as a well-known chip-tuning skeptic to prove that not everything is so wrong.
Chip tuners never cease to amaze
The owner of the N53 series engine approached me. He claims he made serious investments, including replacing all injectors with new ones. The NOx system is working, too – the NOXEM is installed.
This time – another attempt to beat the system.
One of the owners of N53 series engines reported – a very cheap (but, of course, perfect injectors) can be bought.
One more ”reliable” injector seller
Are these three good-quality injectors? No, the waste bin is the appropriate place for these “products”.
But the seller looks excellent! Really?
BMW engine diagnostics cases:
In this entry – about one operation of finding and inspecting a car by customer order. I have never advertised this service. Even more – I have agreed to find a BMW only in the closest circles…
F10 523i. A good example for the skeptics
The owner of F10, 523i approached me for help. The car can not be driven normally – strong vibration can be felt for the cold and warmed-up engine. The engine does not give full power, strong shivering can be felt.
F10 523i N53B30U0 with a NOx problem
For F series vehicles, N53 series engines are used in preLCI models in 3 different power versions with model names 523i, 525i and 530i. The most powerful version reaches 205kW/320Nm, ensured full torque in a wide range of RPM: already from 1300 RPM and full power in a range of 6000 .. 7000 RPM. Read more…
The owner of quite a rare and interesting car approached me. The car: Alpina B5, E61 body.
The car is not used during wintertime, accordingly – the owner wanted to know, what should be done for the car to welcome the new driving season in “top zustand” condition. Read more…
G30 540i. Preventive diagnostics
This time – quite an untypical case: the owner of the car did not have any complaints regarding the performance of his engine, but he reached out to me with a request to perform the engine diagnostics. The cause was logical and justified…
Today’s car: G31, 530i with B48 engine; mileage around 60.000 km. The reason for the diagnostics…
In this entry – a diagnostics situation seems very simple at first sight. Even too simple.
N43 series engine. Error messages, recorded in the DME error message memory…
I believe all of us have seen this movie. Obviously, the seller of these injectors also can travel in time. How otherwise can you explain this? The car from which these injectors allegedly were taken reportedly was in a case accident at the end of 2021…
The owner of the N53 series engine approached me. The problem – properly maintained engine (all systems working, the engine uses Stratified charge) suddenly started to “faint” on the highway.
Usually, I start the diagnostics examples with INPA/ISTA data, then I analyze these data, and the conclusions are based precisely on these data. But very often, the vehicles’ owners can make many conclusions using logical thinking.
The owners of N53/N54 (and early N55) series engines know that the high-pressure pumps (HPFP), nevertheless their heavy construction (3 plungers, a massive body, pressure regulation valve of an impressive size, chain drive), tend to fail.
Car with N57N engine and very low mileage
This time (for now/yet) I have no right to make public VIN of the current car, although it is known to me. Given: BMW F10, 3.0 diesel engine. Already for a long time in our country.
Today’s patient: F12, 650i with N63 series petrol engine. Beautiful and well-equipped cabriolet, the poshest model of BMW, till the new 8-th series was presented.
Dealer. A ”lair” of excellent specialists
As we know, BMW cars are developed and also manufactured in Germany. Accordingly, we can hope that precisely Germany is the country where these cars get the best service. Who else, except the dealer, would be able to ensure the most excellent service.
I will not mention precisely which of two BMW authorized service centers these “diagnostics” was performed. There are several reasons. First – let’s be honest; some kind of revenge on the car owner can follow…
An owner of the car with N53 approached me. According to him, the car has some problems. The engine is vibrating, tends to shut down at the intersection, or if the throttle is pressed only slightly.
Turbochargers are with electrically manageable parameters, which reduce reaction time and improves the engine’s response in case of swiftly increasing required torque. Exactly the electrically manageable turbochargers are the reason why …
This time, a story regarding E60 with the “dinosaur” is well known to me. As a difference from older vehicles, this car has MS45 engine management, which has not evolved since MS43.
Significant nuance: the same as for other Siemens DMEs, for this too – the sequence of cylinders is by firing order. So: 1/5/3/6/2/4. Increased bar reading: the exact cylinder has reduced mechanical efficiency. For cylinders whose efficiency is higher than the average, the bar indicates 0.
This time – a different story. The customer’s fight with the N43 series engine has reached a dead end.
The car has (as if) new injectors installed…
This is not the most complicated case in my experience. But – I decided to share my experience because, at this time, the complexity of the problem hides somewhere else.
Greeting from the chip-tuners. N43 with 700hp!
Did you believe it? Of course, it was a joke regarding the power. But regarding greeting from the chip-tuners – there is nothing to laugh about. Today’s patient: 1st series, 118i with N43 series engine.
Injector leakage test. Upgraded version
As everybody, who has had any contact with the piezo injectors, knows, the most typical problem of these injectors – leaking (dripping) in low temperatures. So – during the cold start. Why?
Flowrate problems of the injectors?
This time – a compelling case. Short history: N43 series engine, low power version; full functionality of the engine restored (NOx system repaired, Stratified charge restored).
N53. The mystery of the cylinder No3
The owner of the E series car, equipped with an N53B30 engine, approached me for help. This time the situation is more interesting by fact, that the owner of the car is technically educated – initial information was professional and exact.
The area of car servicing is a perfect business! Why? I will start with two examples.
If the area of the product or service is straightforward and is understandable to everyone, it is hard to cheat…
Read more… Part 2 Part 3 Part 4
Replacement of the spark plugs was performed. During it, the service specialist detected that the ignition coil also is quite old, and it too was replaced.
The owner of the N52 series engine got in touch with me. The engine has lost power. Obviously, something happened… The reading of the error messages indicated only the error message regarding CO catalytic converters.
In this case – quite a funny situation. The dealer found a solution to a several thousand EUR problem on costs of several tenths of EUR.
Professional injector specialists
The car has been performing quite well, but – as it is not new, the owner decided to improve the engine’s performance. For this reason, he has trusted to clean and inspect the injectors of his car to the local professional company.
This time as if absolutely simple situation: the error message 29E0/29E1 regarding fuel mixture problems.
First job – delete the error messages
This entry – is about a very widespread diagnostics “method”. I suppose many diagnostics specialists will recognize their style. Unfortunately, it will not be easy to find someone who doesn’t t work like this because this is a prevalent method.
However, I decided to make public all information regarding possible illegal BMW, which I was asked to inspect. Unfortunately, there are no options to solve this problem painlessly (for the owner of the car).
A local reseller approached me with a unique car.
F10, quite poor kit (for example, a small screen, no NAVI), but the car is a practically mint condition (at least so claimed the “owner”).
Around one year ago, the owner of BMW F10 approached me with a typical story: the car has mileage ~190.000km, in the DME error message memory – error messages regarding NOx sensor.
Today’s patient – purchased recently, imported from another country. Unfortunately, the attempt to pass the TI was unsuccessful – the exhaust gases don’t correspond to the norm. The car received temporary permission for 1 month.
I have written many times – any modifications in the software of DME will only damage the engine management. I haven’t seen any positive result of “disconnection” of the NOx system, nor “upgrading” (disabling) of the Lambda probes, EGR or DPF (for the diesel engines), or other systems. Read more…
This time, the owner of BMW with N52 approached me. He is from the “Large Neighbor”. From country, where the exhaust measurements are practically not measured during TI…
Virtual probe. Part 1 Part 2 Part 3
This time – an interesting case on Online diagnostics. Complaints of the vehicle owner – increased number of misfires in the exact cylinders, shivering of the engine, smoke from the exhaust pipe, and the fuel’s smell in the exhaust.
Read more… Part 1 Part 2 Part 3
The owner of BMW approached me with an extraordinary story. He installed a new NOx sensor, but after 400km, the error message 2AF8 appeared.
This error message means…
Increased fuel consumption. Mystery
In this time – quite a different story. Different, because the problem occurred in my colleague’s car. He is technically a very educated person, uses ISTA with his eyes tied, has an honorable experience in BMW diagnostics…
”Greetings” from chip tuners. Part 2
In this entry – a bit more technical information regarding problems, which occurs if the control probes are disconnected due to DME config (in case if wideband probes are used as regulating probes).
The car was delivered to the customer from Germany as if in perfect condition, price range: around EUR 10’000. It’s not so little for 10 years old car (taking into account, that the cheapest F10/F11 are also in the same pricing range already).
I have no right to reveal the name of the exact service, and it is not decisive, because the situation, unfortunately, is not unique. Probably, this is the toughest case that I have seen before, but – not the only one.
This time, the customer asked to look for an F32.
The wishes of the new owner were quite untraditional. Obligatory: F32, 4th series, but only the two-door version (so, Grand Coupe is not an option).
N62 with LPG. Unsolvable problems
The owner of BMW X5, E70 approached me. For his car with an N62 engine, the propane gas equipment was installed. After this installation, a range of problems started. After 20’000km the engine was not usable anymore. Read more…
The owner of the N53 series engine from France approached me. The problem turned out to be trivial: all injectors of the 3rd bank behaved more than strange. Increased flowrate adaptations in all modes; two injectors are leaking during cold start.
This will be a case of an all-time-ever unpleasant experience. Of course, some other case will replace it eventually, but for now – enjoy.
The E series vehicle owner with the N53 series engine observed the following problem: sometimes, the RPM in idle was tended to fluctuate. Should the car of the premium segment behave like this? Of course, not!
Today’s patient – very unattended E63 with N62 series engine. The current owner has purchased the car without any diagnostics – hoping, that everything will be just fine. Unfortunately, he just barely made it to the service.
An ”’excellent” sensor from China
In several entries, I have informed regarding fraudsters from China, who sell “OEM” NOx sensors. In this entry – a practical example, how such a purchase ends. The owner of E90, who has bought as if OEM sensor from China via eBay, approached me.
The meaning of a correct decision
In this entry – one more example on how important it is to make a correct decision. In this case, the “pain” is relatively small – losses of only around EUR 500 and wasted time. But…
It is essential to find the right specialist. Exactly the specialist (typically – the mechanic) will define which spare part will be replaced, which – is considered “good to go”.
Persistent vibration in Homogeneous mode. An example
If any of the injectors is leaking so much, that DME is not able to maintain the fuel mixture or group misfire starts and a cylinder is switched off – it’s clear: check ../F5/F6 (fuel mixture), identify the bank which has problems. Then the work with 2 or 3 cylinders follows… Read more…
In this entry – about an interesting situation, which I have encountered already often enough to make it worth mentioning.
Patients: N43 series engines in the simplest configuration: with one wideband probe.
Today’s patient: F07 GT with N55 series petrol engine.
One of the complaints: the engine takes a long time to start (especially after a long stand, cold start).
The owner of the car with an N53 series engine from the Czech Republic approached me. Sometimes the car takes a long time to start. Typically it happens, when the car has been turned off for at least one hour.
Price of wrong decision: EUR 10.000
Several days ago I received a call for help from the owner of the N53B30 U0 engine. Car: E90 LCI, 325i. Sometimes a vibration is observed, loss of power by higher RPM. But, judging by the description, nothing tragic.
And then I saw live data… Read more…
A while ago I had the honor to diagnose E46. Not a “regular” E46, but Alpina B3 S.
I will mention some nuances, that remained in my memory.
Dealer’s attempt to “sketch” you for EUR 6000?
Today, an owner of E71 X6M turned to the workshop.
Several days ago, the owner of the car wanted to purchase injectors. BMW dealer asked EUR 3500 for 8 injectors, which sounded too much. Read more…
I decided to mark this one project between several hundreds of successful ones. Mark for several reasons. At first – this was one of the projects of successful cooperation with specialists in one of the local workshops.
In this entry – as if very simple system: PDC.
I’m sure – each BMW user has encountered PDC system problems if the car is equipped with it.
The engine had error messages regarding crankshaft sensor and problems with starting.
The owner of the car replaced the sensor with one, manufactured in China – the situation didn’t get better.
This time – one interesting nuance, which I observed in the situation when MSD80 detects a problem with the crankshaft sensor. If MSD detects the inadequacy of signal of the crankshaft sensor or the signal is not identified at all, the DME doesn’t use the crankshaft sensor (till next driving session) and the engine works, using the camshaft sensors. Read more…
In this entry – how I chose a used BMW car for purchase.
It is clear that each of us has desired things, and there is also a list of “must-have” options.
This was the case of a very interesting diagnostic.
At first – I didn’t know anything about the current car or its problems. Yes, N54 series engine, so: USA market. Yes, bought recently (judging by license plate), but – no information regarding some specific problems. Read more…
As we know, in the UK (and in some other countries), the car movement happens on the “wrong” side of the road. If the owner of the vehicle wants to use the car in countries, where we drive on the right side of the road for the long term, rebuilding has to be performed. Read more…
Almost new car. And .. disappointment
Almost new car! This time – a story of BMW F36 435i, 4-door coupe, with N55 series engine and as if low mileage – only around 90’000 km. The car has recently arrived from Germany and will soon find its new, happy owner.
Another excellent car form USA
What can be better than BMW E64 Cabrio 650i?
Excellent car with a powerful N62 engine. With light leather interior, HUD, RDC, and other extras…
This entry is dedicated to all skeptics – is the NOx system truly critical for N43/N53 series engines to pass the TI. Patient: E90, N53 series engine. Here, the protocol from TI: by increased RPM, CO is 0.5 % (allowed norm: 0.2 %).
This time – about the situation, which becomes “popular” in warm weather. The engine shivers, idle is very unstable, error messages regarding fuel trim (lean mixture) are possible, also misfires appear. Why exactly in warm weather?
A symptom of the problem: permanent vibration in idle and also driving, decreased power of the engine. At the same time: without any problems, the engine is able to maintain Stoichiometric mixture, indications (voltage) of control probes – correct.
Pressure sensors. Also such happens
In N43/N53 series engines, pressure sensors are used to measure, for example, low-pressure and high-pressure of fuel, oil pressure.
This entry is a part of N46 engine repair. I put this problem separately, because this case clearly shows, how important is to perform quality diagnostics. Only after correct diagnostics, the repair can follow.
Today’s case – quite complicated defect. Additionally, the diagnostics had to be done remotely – it’s always more complicated than when all parameters can be inspected in person.
This entry is dedicated to everyone, who thinks, that his car’s diagnostics case is complicated and repair – expensive. I believe you will change your mind after this entry.
For the first time, I see the blown sealing ring of the BMW DI petrol engine injector. More precisely – at this moment, it is not even possible to tell anymore if it was installed at all. Instead of sealing – slag pile…
One more excellent injector test
As in other cases – customers’ data are known; this is not a company’s defamation. True thought, the data are painted to reduce the possibility that the company tries to take revenge on customers for data leakage.
The battery doesn’t need to be registered. Really?
It’s very possible, that after several blog entries (here and here), where I described, how important is the registration of battery replacement (and very important – correct registration, not, for example, using tools, made by the third side) and timely replacement of the battery… Read more…
Alternator. Management. Problems
To solve problems with huge electricity consumption, for BMW E6X/E8X/E9X and following models “intelligent” alternators are used. They only visually resemble a “simple” alternator!
I believe this entry will be an excellent example that even simple things turn out to be not so simple. How huge is the meaning of the nuances. How complicated are the solutions used by BMW.
Alternative alternator. Part 2
After I entered the report regarding the alternative alternator, I heard several versions, what could be done: buy Magnetti Marelli alternator (list price around 800 EUR)…
Alternative alternator. Part 3
In this entry – experience and conclusions, using such alternative alternator for some 10 .. 15 motor hours.
In the beginning, I will mention the most extreme experience.
Correct creation of the adaptations for the engine, gearbox, and other modules is unduly underestimated. The current hub will work unsatisfactory; there could be (and usually are) error messages recorded.
BMW AG. Adaptation fail. Part 2
In this entry, I will continue the story about N series engines and their adaptations. Let’s go a step further. Imagine that we are (a bit) more conscientious employees, and we follow the order from ISTA D/+ to perform the adaptation process.
BMW AG. Adaptation fail. Part 3
The previous entry of this topic (here) was an example, how does the N53 series engine look if the adaptations are unsuccessfully performed with ISTA D. This time – the same engine, when the adaptations have been made correctly, using INPA.
In this entry – let’s talk about the oil quality sensor, using an example from a diagnostics session. Patient: E9X, with N47 series diesel engine. When colder weather came (around -5 oC outside), a problem with starting the engine appeared.
This entry is written, because: a) a problem was caused by a non-typical (rare) defect;
b) I think, it’s worth telling about symptoms, which are characteristic in the case of BSD problems for modern engines.
As for E6X/E8X/E9X “intelligent” alternators, which are managed via BSD (Bit Serial Data) interface are used, the simple verdict “charges/don’t charge” is not enough!
This time – about a retro theme. It also has some interesting nuances.
Regarding nuance – there are some tricks, which have to be taken into account, when connecting third – excitation and control output “wire”. Read more…
N52B30. Problem with a regulating probe
Several months ago a BMW owner, who has a car with an N52B30 engine, contacted me. The performance of the engine was unsatisfactory – uneven. The irregular performance was observed – unstable idle, and also persistent vibration.
Many have heard about HPFP (high-pressure fuel pump) recalls in the beginnings of N43/N53, also for vehicles, which are in use now, error messages regarding fuel pressure are very often. Unfortunately due to faulty diagnostics, very often HPFP is mistakingly identified as a faulty fuel supply element. Read more…
Uneven run. VANOSThis theme applies not only to engines of series N43/N53, but also other petrol engines of BMW, which are equipped with VANOS.
Identification of VANOS Reference position is performed identically by both Siemens and Bosch DME. Immediately after switching on the engine, in first 20 .. 30 turning cycles of camshafts (3 .. 4 seconds)…
Problem: VANOS reference position is close to the “left” border mark. The situation usually doesn’t improve even after replacing the chain or repeated mechanical setup of VANOS and camshaft. Here would be an appropriate place for remark, that such a situation is very common for these engines. Read more…
VANOS. Hidden problems. Part 2
In this entry – about one quite common situation, related to the VANOS. The current problem has quite often seen both for N43/52/53 series engines with MSV/MSD Siemens management system and N42/46 series engines with ME/MEV management system. Also, M series engines are “familiar” with this problem. Read more…
In this entry, I will describe quite a typical situation. Not only in connection with VANOS. But, as the diagnostics have indicated, there is a problem with the positions of the camshafts…
The oil pressure for N43/N53 series engines is controlled by an oil pressure sensor, which is located after the valve (solenoid). The valve is managed via DME by PWM and defines necessary oil pressure, accordingly to engine temperature, RPM, load.
MSV70/80, MSD80 and Lambda probes. Hidden defects
In simple cases, MSV/MSD engine management units identify damaged Lambda probes, using self-diagnostics, marking the relevant errors. Unfortunately quite often there are no error messages, but still, the engine has problems with maintaining the fuel.
Wide-band probes. Hidden defects. Part 2
The defect, mentioned in this entry, is quite rare. But in my practice are several cases with exactly this defect. It is very hard to identify this current defect…
Hidden defect of the Lambda probe
Note – there are no error messages regarding Lambda probes in the DME error message memory. Everything is as if it should be fine. Do you see anything suspicious?
B48. Everything is fine. Is it?
This time: G20, 330i with B48 engine. The car is relatively new – a model of the Year 2019 with a mileage of only 36’000 km.
10.000 before, the spark plugs were replaced…
I am publishing a series of articles regarding VANOS problems and this current specifically – it affects the major part of the BMW petrol engines. Even the most amount of entirely new cars (including the ones still on warranty)…
In this part of the article – nuances of the performance of the VANOS hub. Very consecutive, just for the essential things to be clear to analyze this performance problem.
This part of the article is regarding qualitative indicators of the VANOS system performance. You can assume this part is a scientific treatise and ignore it if you have no patience to go deepen the theme…
In this part of the entry – practical examples. For the older generation engines (specifically MSD80), VANOS jittering description you will find here. This time more about up-to-date engines.
In this part of the entry – example of an incorrectly working VANOS.
In the specific problem case, the error message regarding the VANOS position was recorded several times but did not return after dynamic driving.
N53B30. When adaptations failed
This post best describes N43/N53 series engines – their complicated engine management, specific nuances in management performance and diagnostics.
The patient: N53B30. Read more…
A few months ago during the longer driving session, the uneven performance of the engine was observed. Inspection of misfire counters with the ELM327 adapter was detected, that there are increased count or misfires in cylinder No.6.
From one side – nothing special, from the other – a defect, which appeared for the first time in my experience.
Injector. An atypical defect 2
The situation of this case:
N43-series engine; restored functionality of the NOx system, and DME works on full functionality mode…
The injectors are still leaking.
This time – a quite hopeless story of some N43 series engine. This engine has had problems with vibration in idle, especially – during the cold start. The injectors were tested and approved as good. Installed back in the engine.
Quite often, we hear – the situation with repair specific to BMW is critical. The situation with BMW specialists in the area of engine and diagnostics – critical.
I agree. But sometimes also, the users of the cars are the ones who are blamed.
One car with the N43 engine got lucky – it happened to get to a qualified mechanic. It turned out that valve seals had lost flexibility; exhaust valves were swimming in oil. Oil in large amounts was also found in the exhaust.
After engine repair (replacement of valve seals, prophylactic maintenance of engine head, new seals for exhaust)… Read more…
Car with known history. Really?
This time, the owner of N53 approached me. After the repair of the NOx system, the situation has improved, but the car still switches off the Stratified charge, and sometimes vibration can be felt…
The owner of (as if) the N53 series engine approached me. As if – because the truth turned out to be different.
The actual situation – “everything is bad”.
This time, the story is about the classics of BMW engines.
Yesterday, I took the opportunity to join an interesting case: E39 with an M54B25 engine and, accordingly, MS43 Siemens control unit.
MS45. Defect of the Lambda probe
This time – a very simple case. But I am sure that it will be useful for someone who just started to learn diagnostics. M54 series engine with MS45 management. During the preventive examination, an unexpected error message was noticed…
I/K/P BUS (9600 bps), D BUS (9600/115.000 bps), BSD (Bit-serial Data Interface) (1200 bps), Lin-bus (9600/19200/20000 bps), DWA-bus (9600 bps)…
Today I had the chance to be present in a quite interesting case, where several mechanics were not able to find the cause of the problem.
Today I had an option to see a Mini, 3-door version – a freshly bought car with a mileage of 2000 km. Very shortly, I will mention my first impressions. Everyone who has an interest is welcome to visit the dealer – some demo cars should be available!
F32. White smoke from the exhaust
Summer. Dry weather, air temperature 26oC, the sun is shining. I’m on a little trip thru Europe on my F32 440i (B58 engine). I draw for around half an hour on the excellent German highway…
I wrote about B38 software problems with idle and persistent vibration in some other entries. Now I’m adding to this pity story with strangeness, which were noticed when examining the performance of the B38 model for the Year 2022 closer.
In the introduction about MINI, which is equipped with a B38 petrol engine, I mentioned an interesting behavior in idle. Point of the problem – strong permanent vibration (so strong that all interior is vibrating visibly…
This entry – very short of B38 Rough run data.
As I already mentioned in other entries in connection with other engines/DME – it is essential to clarify basic things of the Rough run menu…
This time, quite a short entry about the management unit of Siemens MS41. In case if someone gets to work with this DME “grandpa”. For DME, only 2 Lambda probes are intended. Narrowband. With the supply of 12 V for heating. In the warm-up phase, heating around 20 %, in performance mode: 70 .. 100 %. Read more…
People who want to drive BMW, but at the same time – don’t like to spend a lot of money on fuel usually choose petrol engines and then install LPG equipment.
This entry is regarding one exciting letter I received from a “brother in arms” from Germany. Why am I making a public entry? I will answer as much as possible for this entry to be helpful for the repairs of other engines, too.
The topic of this entry can be guessed by the name of it. So – there is no intrigue. I’ll go straight to the technical information.
This problem is typical for N43 series engines…
On the Internet, several manufacturers offer “sports” ignition coils. There are different prices and different looks (more precisely – stylish coloring is the most important here), but there are a lot of common things in all these offers.
Spending a little time in the vast fields of the Internet, I found the website from which the “boom” of using B58 ignition coils in older/other engines has originated. Allow me to post a copy of the image from the test results…
Ignition coils. My car burned down!
I am not a very active visitor to internet forums. But at those times, when I read them, I have a lot of emotions. And a lot to say. This time, I decided to check what happened in the ignition coil “industry”.
Ignition coils. My car burned down. Part 2
In this entry, I will compensate for my negative attitude regarding the amateur ignition coil tuning “business”. This time – advice on how to avoid the burning down of your car after such a “tuning”.
The story of today’s patient. The owner of the car went to change the oil and oil filter. The service who performed the maintenance noticed error messages regarding oil pressure recorded (at least the service employees have said so).
By the request of the buyer, I checked the BMW E87.
When meeting the seller in an agreed place, a pleasant lady showed the car. The car is small but roomy. The reason for selling – she has to drive a lot, a more economical vehicle ie required. Read more…
Today I inspected 1-er E87, which was bought only by the photo. The new owner just visited one of the largest car sale platforms, chose the car, which was put for sale (it was from abroad) and…
The owner of E60 approached me. The error message 2E1D has appeared unexpectedly. This error message means – the C (Collector) voltage of the 6th cylinder ignition coil management switch is incorrect.
The perfect car or total crap?
This entry will be useful to everyone who plans to purchase a car, even if it’s not BMW.
Please watch the video placed below. It’s been made in Russia, accordingly – it’s in Russian. Below, you will find my comments and explanations of what’s so special in this current video.
Entries relating adaptations:
Re-adaptation of the engine. Introduction
In this entry – introductory information about this test procedure. Information gathered, based on many questions – when, why, etc. Therefore the format of the entry will be Q/A.
How does DME manage the fuel mixture?
An exact fuel mixture in each cylinder is a critical condition of the engine performance. Only if the fuel mixture exactly corresponds to the required one, the engine will run evenly, its exhaust gasses will correspond to the appropriate Euro norms, the fuel consumption will be minimal.
In this entry, you will find information about short-term fuel trims and long-term fuel trims. The description applies not only to N43/N53 engines but to all progressive BMW engines.
Individual adaptations of injectors. Example
In my opinion, one of the fundamentally underrated tasks in the performance of modern DME/DDE is the advanced management of the injector of each cylinder.
Usually, if we talk about piezo injectors…
It’s already a while after first entry about LTFT and LTFT, I got many questions, which I answered personally. Below is a compilation of frequently asked questions – nuances, which deserve a more detailed outline.
Adaptations of the flywheel are basic for all adaptations. Probably, the most important of all adaptations. This article applies to MSD80 (MSV70, MSV80 will be the same), other management systems can have differences.
What does it mean – to perform adaptations?
To perform adaptations: to create initial maps for all management systems (long-term fuel trim map, ignition map, etc.) and coefficients (multipliers for cold engine fuel corrections, etc.). Read more…
If the engine performs as intended by the manufacturer, the repair specialist doesn’t have to worry about how the adaptations are created. This is the only way to understand the total vacuum of information regarding the creation of adaptations for MSD80.
Everything possible has been replaced. Without results!
This entry is a good example of how important the nuances are. This time, as a patient: N53 series engine in E series body. The owner of this car has replaced everything that he could imagine: spark plugs, ignition coils, and injectors. NOXEM was installed.
N53. Complete crash. How to act?
In this entry, I will describe an example of how to act if the situation is worse than usual. Typically, I suggest – evaluating the injector adaptation data, Rough run data, and other information available…
The theory in practice:
At the moment, the actual topic of the users of the original iCOM NEXT – what is the iCOM recall?
In this entry, all available information is compiled.
Testing of the injectors. Carbon Zapp
No matter how “powerful” the testing equipment is, it will not be able to repeat the “real-life” conditions. Usually, the problems persist either in low (below 0 oC) or in high temperatures (above 100 oC). Sometimes the defect is sporadic – it can “disappear” exactly at the moment of testing.
I’m interested in BMW cars for already 25 years, and quite many things are self-evident for me. So I’m very surprised when it turns out – not everything is as I have imagined.
Performance tests of CO catalytic converters
Experience shows that MSD80 (and also related DME of MSV/MSD series) measures the performance of CO catalytic converters in Homogeneous mode driving evenly (with stable RPMs and requested torque).
Performance tests of CO catalytic converters. Part 2
CO catalytic converters are an expensive spare part, so the question “do they really need to be replaced”, is very significant. Significant enough, to dedicate more time to explore and evaluate the performance of the catalytic converters.
PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) is used for “analog” management of different actuators. With “analog” this time I mean: smooth, not on/off type.
Here, how the multi-ignition looks alike.
Conditions: idle, cold engine.
If DME sees, that there is a problem with the management of the ignition coils, the error messages regarding ignition (2E18..2E1D) are recorded.
Reason for this entry – unfortunately, when I ask the owners of the car to perform a smoke test or to entrust this procedure to the mechanic, mostly I receive the answer: it did not succeed to find the air intake places.
What is Lambda?
Lambda (AFR) is characterizing the relationship between air/fuel ratio. For example…
The oxygen sensors (Lambda probes) perform the control of exhaust gases and are one of the most important parts of the petrol engine. The modern BMW engines use 3 or 4 oxygen sensors.
For check up of exhaust gases, oxygen sensors are used. A long time ago is was zirconium narrow band Lambda sensors (in the beginning – without heating, after – with additional heating, which allows probes to be ready more quickly and also ensures more accurate data)…
In this entry, I will mention some specific nuances, which have to be taken into account, when replacing Lambda probes (also NOx sensors). True thou, if I will count them before the explanation, you will think, that these requirements are not only exaggerated but also non-logical.
In the situation, when we have to replace Lambda probe (hopefully, it’s truly damaged, not some error message, which could be connected with Lambda probe, appears in DME error message memory), quite often (and it’s not wrong) we prefer to spend less money.
Wideband probe Bosch LSU ADV is a next-in-line product after the popular LSU 4.9. LSU ADV is used in modern BMW turbo engines as the primary (pre-cat) probes.
In this entry, I will summarize the damages of the wideband probes and will describe the identification of these defects, using diagnostics (live) data.
How to use the test module of the Lambda probes
The test module of the Lambda probes is present since MsV70 DME generation, it can be found in ../F9 group. Also DME of MSD80 series has this module available, true thou – only for N53 series engines.
This time about nuance, which seems confusing to many. I received several e-mails with questions regarding the situation, described above, so I will try to explain it.
In this entry – about one symptom which allows noticing aging of the Lambda probes before any error message is recorded.
What indicates the aging of the Lambda probe?
This time I will look at quite a widespread defect of the wideband Lambda probe. As a result of this defect, indications of the Lambda probe are “drifting”, not taking into account that the probe itself is as if able to work.
For cheating the control probes, the following techniques are used since long ago: mechanical solutions (“spacers” or tubes) and electronics-based solutions (RC circuit).
This entry is a dedication to those users who ask me for advice after “everything is already done”. The questions are quite similar – what can I do? Why so? Why did everything go wrong?
A customer of the service of an acquaintance experienced a problem – cylinder No.5 was stubbornly refusing to work.
I performed the diagnostics…
In many of the entries, I have mentioned a permanent vibration in idle (it can be felt even inside the car), caused by the injector problems. This time – about more exotic cases.
In many entries, I mention “jittering”. What is it, what damage can it has done – today’s topic.
Jittering is a short-term fluctuation or some parameter – short-term difference from ideal (required/inquired values).
This time about the topic, regarding which I receive many questions:
are the piezo injectors of newer releases compatible with injectors of other (older) releases; should all injectors be changed, so they release is identical; is it significant, that there should be the newest release of injectors? Read more…
N43/N53 operation modes. Basics
In many ways, the N43/N53 series engine is a leader of BMW technologies.
It’s control system MSD80/81 can work in several operation modes..
The summer is here, and also overheating problems of the engines also. In this entry – basics of cooling for all most popular BMW engines.
When cold weather comes, the lowered temperature of the engine is a very common appearance. Due to this, the fuel consumption increases. CO catalytic converters are damaged (due to overheating), other problems are possible. In this entry – about BMW petrol engine problems.
This entry – about thermal management nuances for the N series. This also applies to, for example, N52 and other engines. On the internet, there are numerous posts in which the users are complaining regarding…
When cold weather comes, countless BMW forums are full of messages regarding problems with electricity supply.
In this entry – about two messages in CCC/CIC…
My car (E60 LCI) has a two-year-old (new) battery, which has been just recently registered in an appropriate way, with correct SOC and statistics data. When colder weather came (thermometer dropped down to -10 oC), during several days SOC dropped down to limit of 40 %.
Low SOC and unresponsive engine
In the case of low SOC of battery, the strange behavior of the engine is possible: it can become unresponsive.
Reaction to pressing the accelerator pedal is reduced for several seconds, but slowly (during these several seconds) the engine maintains full torque (of course, if the DSC/DTC system doesn’t limit it).
Closed-loop system. What does it mean?
In several entries, the term “closed-loop system” is mentioned. Now it’s time to explain a bit more about this notion.
Why there is no error message?
Sometimes we hear – while performing the diagnostics, you say – here, there is a problem on the exact hub. But no error messages regarding it appear! Can I believe such diagnostics? Read more…
There are a lot of different opinions regarding coding and registering the change of the battery, but it’s impossible to find the exact and correct information.
Registering the battery. Launch
In my work, I use only tools, created by professionals of BMW AG – for now, they are the most powerful of available ones. In addition – very accessible.
As the comprehension, why the battery should be registered, is poor between BMW users and even service centers, very often this procedure is simply skipped. The battery is replaced, and that’s it. Just sit and drive. The proportion of vehicles with unregistered batteries – more than half!
Thermal management of N series engines
BMW AG in after-sales material mention, that thermal management of N series is directed by DME.
There are several work modes.
In the first part of the entry of Thermal management I already mentioned, that the cooling system of modern N series engines has the following (powerful) tools…
Actually, this topic is much wider – it doesn’t correspond to N63 series engines only.
N63 series engine is chosen because on the Internet you can find an infinite amount of entries regarding these engines, that they tend to overheat, it is impossible to aerate them and fill the cooling system.
Several days ago, one of my friends asked me to check, what happened with the AC of his car. AC didn’t work, IHKA blew quite warm air, independently of temperature set (obviously – the compressor don’t work).
Practically all modern engines are equipped with EGR. N43/N53 series engines are not exceptional. As we know, the EGR valve allows returning part of the waste gases in the inlet manifold for repeated burning.
Today in my experience I “met” a car: E90, N43 series engine. It was not possible to start the engine. The starter was turning, live data of injectors indicated, that the fuel is injected, Rail pressure: 100 Bar, but – the engine didn’t want to start.
Air mass meter. To clean it or not?
About today’s topic, I have received quite many questions.
Uneven performance of the engine – can the air mass meter be one to blame? Does it have to be cleaned?
Problem – increased fuel consumption – is quite common. In this entry I will try to gather all possible reasons, a special accent putting on possible defects of petrol engines.
At first, we have to distinguish between two fundamentally different scenarios…
Piezo injectors and hydro blow
I believe many of you have heard, that you have to be very careful from the situation if the piezo injector stuck in an opened position – the engine can be irreversibly damaged. Fuel, leaked in the combustion chamber…
Petrol engines, CO converters, and TI
In this entry – a little about CO catalytic converters and exhaust gases.
Typical content of perfectly performing petrol engine…
N series petrol engines and CO catalytic converters
The exhaust systems of N43/N53 series engines are equipped with 2 or 4 catalytic converters:
1 or 2 CO catalytic converters (1 piece for N43 series engines, 2 pieces for N53 series engines) and
Flow rate data coding of injectors
In case, someone decides to register the injectors… Or – if the engine has unexplained problems with long-term trims (they last very long, are not able to be finished; the engine has permanent vibration even with completed long-term trims etc.; MSD80 has no error message records).
Vehicle self-diagnostics are developed to facilitate the finding of defects in the vehicle electronics systems. Each module of system continuously controls the sensors, actuators, working ability of different modules, in case of problems the system records error messages and/or modifies the operation algorithm…
When the first electronic management units for the engine management were introduced (for example, Jetronic), they were analog, without any possibility of self-diagnostics.
How to interpret
misfire counters data.
Misfire counters. Cumulative values
The most efficient option for evaluating the misfire counters is the average misfire data of the existing session and last sessions, found at the end of the ODB Mode 6 menu.
As the genuine DME developed by BMW, it does not report misfire counters within an EDIABAS system. Obviously, it is done to maximize the burden of the specialists of BMW service centers with the performance of the diagnostics.
Several times I encountered information, reported by BMW users: the shivering of the engine (also in idle, when it’s easier for DME to detect the misfires) can be felt, but misfire counters are 0. We have to keep in mind several nuances…
This entry is dedicated to the topic – how to work with Rough run data, how this information can help us in our work. True though, the harsh reality will introduce its corrections. I planned to describe both ISTA and INPA, but…
In this entry – basic information regarding Rough run menu and Cylinder selective test unit of MSD87.
To view data, an MSD87 Loader 3.700 was used. If you use another Loader, the data difference is possible.
MSD85 DME was used for the management of N63 engines and is common in models F01, F02, F03, F07, F12, and F13.
Valvetronic is, most probably, the most hated hub of the BMW engine. At the same time, it’s the “last hope” of the engine repair specialists – if they are not able to find the cause of the problem, most probably, Valvetronic will be the one to blame.
Every repair of Valvetronic is time-consuming and expensive, so the question – what symptoms are characteristic exactly to the defects of Valvetronic – is very important.
Sometimes we hear an allegation – what can be changed in an internal combustion engine for several tenths of years? Everything is the same!
Actually, there are a lot of changes.
And finally – one more argument, which doesn’t talk in favor of HVA.
Defects of Valvetronic components
In this entry we will look at possible defects of Valvetronic components due to wear, and what effects these defects have on the valve lift. We assume, that BMW AG has manufactured perfect details, and they are damaged exactly due to wear.
Defects of Valvetronic. Diagram
To make it easier to recognize the defects, I made a diagram – Valvetronic, Generation 2.
The speed of wear marks details, more subject to wear. Accordingly – if the signs of wear cannot be found on details, marked with red (the inner circle), there is no reason to believe, that there will be significant wear of details… Read more…
The problem of Valvetronic. Generation 1
In several forums and blogs, I’ve seen a “copy/paste style” recital about the problem, which is characteristic of Valvetronic of Generation 1.
Today I visited my friends at Bavarian Workshop – a small service center, which specializes in the repair of BMW vehicles. Current patient: E66; 745Li with N62 V8 engine.
The engine had an abnormal idle, which normalized, only when Valvetronic was disconnected.
WWW. What Went Wrong:
Does BMW manufacture bad engines?
Quite often I happen to hear – from BMW users, internet forums, even BMW service centers – the N series of BMW engines is a fail. They are not long-lasting anymore, they encounter never-ending problems. Quite often such problems can not be solved.
In this entry, I will summarize nuances on which I have questions on which I don’t know the answers. As you can guess, the questions are not quite from the list “wow, how cool, how did they manage it?”
In this entry, I will express my subjective opinion regarding the progress of the BMW petrol engines during the last couple of decades.
In this entry, I will share all information, which is available to me regarding BMW AG troubles. Why I put an accent to “is available”?…
A brief retrospective overview of the problem.
N53 series engine. As if without any reason, DME switches off cylinder No.6. EML (Check Engine) lights up in KOMBI.
How much does it cost to replace a bulb?
How much would it cost to replace the bulb? 20..30 EUR? 300 EUR? 1000 EUR? 2000 EUR? It can happen in many ways. In this entry – my personal experience. Accordingly – no stories of ”I heard, that…”.
Chip ”tuning”. An excellent result
The owner of a BMW E91 with N53B30U0 approached me. He has decided to take the most straightforward way with increasing the power of the engine: not a full upgrade to the most potent version of the engine but used the service, offered by the chip tuners.
In this entry – how the BMW shoot themselves in the foot. Again. Something regularly goes the wrong way in this reliable company. Besides, it happens so brightly that seems BMW AG consists of two departments.
One more ”enhanced” engineThis time: N54 series engine. The complaints of the car owner: sometimes – permanent vibration in idle, sometimes – uneven performance. Everything that can be changed is replaced: injection coils, spark plugs, injectors, etc. The effect – zero.
I repeat regularly – expensive, and responsible spare parts purchase only from a reliable supplier. This time – about my success in the purchase of the spare parts.
This situation happened to my “office brother”. If I haven’t seen the current problem by myself, I would be very skeptical. Right, for this reason, I wrote this entry.
This entry is dedicated both to the owners of the cars and test performers, calling on them to evaluate the conclusions regarding the test results of the injectors or any other components.
Several owners of N43/N53 approached me with the following complaints – the engine periodically as if looses power.
Basic things are tested…
In this entry, about one, as if simple procedure. But – is it really so simple?
As usual – we talk regarding relatively “new” DME – N and B series engines.
As time goes on, I have seen more and more BMW petrol engines (especially N43/N53 series), many diagnostics have been performed. It is getting harder to surprise me. But – this time…
Something unprecedented. Part 2
I decided to write this entry because… Also, the sequel of the story is something unprecedented. When starting the diagnostics, the owner of the car strictly told me that there are new ignition coils and spark plugs installed!
This time – a story about the F10 series vehicle.
The defect of the comfort access system appeared, and it almost finished tragically.
This time, the F10 with N53 has encountered some troubles. The owner of the vehicle decided to put in order the engine of the car. The NOx system was repaired. Spark plugs and ignition coils were replaced.
During the last decade, Ctek automatic chargers have become the benchmark of the industry. I decided to devote 15 minutes to check on the chargers, offered by this company. With thought – I could use a compact battery charger during the winter season.
I believe, my situation is not unique. Many BMW users are facing the problem of a discharged battery. Accordingly – it was logical to conclude: there should be an appropriate charger!
After my entries regarding the failing of Ctek and other superintelligent and expensive automatic chargers, quite many readers of my blog have asked me – what to do? What kind of charger to use? Do they have to spend more than EUR 1000 for a professional charger?
MSD87. Management of the ignition coils
This time – let’s see, have the BMW engineers noticed and prevented the main reason, why the ignition coils of N43/N53 and coil management switches of MSD80 management units so often go out of order.
The current owner purchased this car 2 months ago with already existing “unsolvable” problems. So, unfortunately (or luckily) we don’t know anything about the author of this “exclusive” solution.
Defect of an injector. Or not?
Patient: E60, 530i. This time – a very unpleasant defect, where the leaking of the injector was only part of the story. But – let’s start exactly with this, because at the beginning it looked, that this is the cause of all troubles.
In one of the internet forums, its member wrote the following post:
“My story: INPA displayed 14.7 .. 14.8 V, without error messages. It seemed suspiciously too much. There was sometimes shaking in idle (injectors and engine cushions were ok). One day the alternator died…”
How NOT to encode the injectors
My experience with BMW N series engines (MSV/MSD series management units) shows, that at least in 80 .. 90% of cases the replacement of the injectors is unjustified.
After such (unnecessary) replacement is two possible scenarios:…
Odometer displays and keeps the record of the mileage of the car. Modifying the odometer – very common in the market if used vehicles. BMW is not an exception.
In the internet forums, a frequent question is: who is the cheapest BMW engine in maintenance and exploitation? Or, at least, which engines should be avoided?
Not without a reason, experienced servicemen suggest – perform full car maintenance directly after the purchase, don’t rely on information from the previous owner, records in the service book or BMW Online databases. People tend to lie (or “forget” to tell some things), service books, and Online records are been faked very often.
In my youth, I thought – what could be easier than the repair of the undercarriage repair. Electronics – that’s something else! Unfortunately, the repair of the undercarriage is too complicated for many mechanics.
One of the readers of my blog turned to me for help – after reading the entry regarding IBS, he started to suspect, that the registration of the battery replacement, performed one year ago, hasn’t been correct. The replacement of the battery he performed by using Carly.
Quite often I face different “solutions” with attempts to prevent problems, caused by the NOx system.
There are engines, which are manually left in Homogeneous mode, using an activation menu; there are engines, which configuration has been altered using NCS or a similar tool.
Why diagnostics, performed by the dealer, fails
Many people are opposing – it’s not possible, that authorized dealer of BMW AG can not detect defects for the engine, manufactured by BMW AG!
So, for today I’m going to pretend to be a diagnostics specialist from an authorized dealer center.
Intake manifold. Problems of air-tightness
One of the more common problems – air suction of the intake manifold. Although the problem is very common, it’s manifestations are different and sometimes they are “hiding”.
The specific of the N43/N53 series engine – time by time, the NOx catalytic converter has to be cleaned from sulfur. Even the cleanest petrol contains some amount of sulfur, which precipitates on the walls of the catalytic converter and reduces its performance and damages it.
In my everyday work, I use only some articles from a wide assortment of Bosch products. But, there are two articles, which are consumed in significant amounts: ignition coils and LSU 4.9 Lambda wideband probes.
According to my observations, the error message:
2EE6 cooling fluid sensor, measurement range
Today an interesting diagnostics case appeared. The owner of the car complained, that driving with speed over 70 km/h, sometimes problems with ABS/DSC appear.
MSD80 diagnostics using ISTA D
In this entry – diagnostic options, available with ISTA D. ISTA D is the main tool of the dealer’s service center. Special attention will be paid to compare the possibilities of ISTA D with INPA.
N53 series engine. The problem of 3rd cylinder
Manifestations of the defect – uneven running of the engine, misfires.
Checking error message memory, very often you will find error messages regarding fuel trim of bank No.1, CO catalytic converters of bank No.1 and/or trim of Lambda probes…
Cold engine and problems of injectors
If the performance of any injector is inappropriate in the case of a warm engine, it could be easily identifiable, using INPA. For example, using data of cylinder efficiency (../F5/Shift+F6/F3), the amount of correction applied to each cylinder (../F5/Shift+F6/F1), etc.
Cold engine and problems of injectors. Part 2
When the weather gets cold, more and more often problems with the performance of a cold engine arise. What to do, if the situation turned out to be more complicated.
Replacement of ignition coils for direct injection engines is a very usual operation. It goes without saying – as refilling the window washer fluid. The engine is shaking again? Let’s change ignition coils – and done!
In the century, when humans are planning to go to Mars, it doesn’t seem logical, that BMW was not capable to create a stable and safe engine ignition system. While using my test stand for ignition coils, I noticed strange nuances in the coil’s performance and decided to research this situation in a real engine.
In my work, I stick to the principle, that the replacement of the component should be reasonable. Accordingly – before performing the replacement, it has to be checked, that the current element/knot is damaged.
This time – a short entry, in which I will tell you how the replacement of the valve cover ended quite severely.
Taking into account, that many readers of my blog have inquired regarding the schematics of the tester of ignition coils, you will find it here.
Permanent vibration. What is that?
As you understand from the title, it will be about permanent vibration. Unfortunately, this problem is being addressed very rarely. There is a minimal amount of car repair specialists who evaluate the performance of the cylinders.
The petrol engines of the N series use an electric water pump. Older ones use a pump with 480W power, for newer engines the power of it reaches 700W.
The crankcase ventilation system is used in all nowadays engine. Its task is to seize the vapors of oil and fuel and drain them to inlet manifold for repeated burning.
Unfortunately, the understanding, how exactly this knot works – most often it’s limited with “leveling the pressures”, which is not true. Read more…
For N43/N53 engines, the crankcase ventilation valve is part of the valve cover, which means – in case of the damaged membrane, the valve cover has to be replaced. The price of this spare part is EUR 400 .. 450. Accordingly, the question “is it possible to replace only the membrane” is very logical.
As I already mentioned in the 1-st part of the CCV test – if CCVV doesn’t close, the oil consumption will be increased. But even more critical damage – CCVV is not airtight. This time a little more about this exact problem.
This time, the CCV problem has hidden very well, and due to this, this case is very interesting. Patient: E90, N53B30. Some time ago the injectors were replaced; when the problem didn’t disappear, the NOXEM was installed, the engine was re-adapted.
Has BMW AG developed correct test procedures? Has the N43/N53 series engines learned something?
NO!
Oscilloscope
The oscilloscope is a powerful universal diagnostics tool, which should be a “must-have” of each diagnostic specialist. In more complicated cases, I always suggest – check the signal using an oscilloscope.
I will be maximum consecutive; only the most significant will be mentioned in this entry!
What is the oscilloscope? Which oscilloscope to buy?
Oscilloscope. Which one to buy?
I do not claim absolute objectivity, but I will suggest what I would buy precisely for the car’s diagnostic needs. If the aim is only the identification of the signal, you can choose…
This time – a practical example, how important Memory depth is. 140M points vs 14K points. Test example: Siglent SDS2000 series with a memory depth 140M points
This entry is written to show you how much the technologies of digital oscilloscopes have progressed. If your acquaintances say: I better use an analog (old-school) oscilloscope, invite him to read this.
Quite regularly, I check the news of different electronic products. Accidentally I found a tablet oscilloscope. This product can be bought by the following names: Yeapook ADS1013D; Finrsi; ZCHUI
How to connect the oscilloscope, check the signal of the car’s sensor or the actuator? I will be categorical – there is only ONE way, how to do it!
This entry – about a newcomer to the oscilloscope market. At the beginning of the Year 2021, I noticed that the Chinese manufacturer started to promote a Tablet oscilloscope.
Several readers of my blog have asked me the same question: do I recommend purchasing an oscilloscope specially optimized for the automotive industry?
My acquaintance with Pico started a long, long time ago. I remember the first USB oscilloscopes by this company – they were quite cheap, simple. Tools for beginners-amateurs.
And more…
If the NOXEM probe is damaged, it is possible to replace it by yourself.
Note: at first, eliminate all causes, because of which the probe got damaged!
Performing the diagnostics; programming, encoding, or even simply calibrating the sound equipment (for custom projects), the car has to be supplied by electricity.
E6X/9X generation cars in the “Ignition ON” mode can consume current even till 35 .. 40 A…
Here, three as if iCOM NEXT PCB, but
– different…
Re-adapting of the automatic transmission
In this entry, I will gather all the information, which corresponds to the adaptations of the automatic transmissions. The aim of the adaptations – ensure that the switching of the gears is maximally even.
And now it’s time for a topical subject – chip tuning. As this blog is dedicated to petrol engines and even till N54/55 BMW manufactured only atmospheric petrol engines, so now – about chip tuning of atmospheric petrol engines. Read more…
Possibly, the mileage of the car is the most important parameter, to which the buyer pays attention when he fas found the preferred car. Below we will compare three different cars, with a different history. Let’s see, how much does the mileage means.
Very simple task – as relaxation. Not only users of BMW E60, but also owners of other BMW models are complaining, that the windshield washing is not OK.
Even YouTube videos don’t give a clear view, how the windshield should be washed.
You will say – what value can be found in this entry if the topic is a very simple element – a regulator of fuel pressure?
I think you find some surprising information!
Engine temperature. Hidden menu
This time – very simple topic – checking the engine temperature, using a hidden menu.
How to open this hidden section, you can find on YouTube, the procedure will not give any problems.
If MSD detects, that the oil supply system is not able to maintain required pressure (it means, the pressure value does not correspond to a required value longer than time X, or PWM value for time Y is not within required values), MSD turns on the emergency oils supply mode.
Quite often we hear, that N series engines (more often regarding 4 cylinder versions) have a long starting time. No other claims. The engine has to be started for a relatively long time, then suddenly it starts as if nothing happened.
This sensor is not a “simple” switch. This sensor measures the oil pressure and sends an accurate value to DME. If you would take a more close look, you will see two tiny opening – they are necessary for the pressure measuring membrane to “sense” the reference/ambient pressure.
Problems with oil pressure. How to act?
Problems with oil pressure are widespread for N43 series engines. Very rare, but they also happen for N53 series engines. It other error messages are recorded in the DME error message memory (regarding oil pressure sensor, hydraulic pressure valve)…
This time – about one very interesting nuance of starting the engine.
As already mentioned in previous entries, Cranking can be longer, if, for example…
INPA error message. How does it look
Content of error message:
status; detailed info; freeze frame data, etc.
MSD80 Diagnostics with INPA. Part 1
INPA is an irreplaceable tool for solving complex problems. INPA allows reading a huge amount of data, which is not “seen” by other diagnostic tools. INPA is irreplaceable, for example, in engine diagnostics.
Identification of vehicles and modules. Read more…
MSD80 Diagnostics with INPA. Part 2
Engine diagnostics.
Live data.
MSD80 Diagnostics with INPA. Part 3
Engine diagnostics.
Activation blocks.
MSD80 Diagnostics with INPA. Part 4
Engine diagnostics.
Adaptations. Test blocks.
MSD87 diagnostics with INPA. Part 1
MSD87 DME was used for F series vehicles with N53/N54 series engines.
For MSD87 diagnostics the Loader Version 3.700 was used.
MSD87 diagnostics with INPA. Part 2
Fuel mixture, Rough run menus, injectors corrections, and test data.
MSD87 diagnostics with INPA. Part 3
Diagnostics
Test blocks
Till now I was using one of the newest (stable) INPA versions – 5.0.6, which was using a 1.001 loader for MSD80 diagnostics.
Today I got a 2.023 loader and decided to test it.
INPA upgrade package.
Download; unpack; replace old files
N54 series engines. Misfire faults
As indicated by BMW AG, N54 engines, which are used in E60/E61, E9X, E88, E82, can have incorrect misfire indications (typically for cylinders of the first bank).
Time ago, MS43 was a very popular control unit of petrol engines. In this entry, I will describe some nuances of diagnostics for MS43.
N43/N53/N54 and other direct-injection engines use not “classical” (coil – electromagnetic), but piezoelectric (material, which changes size, if affected by voltage) injectors. Piezoelectric injectors have been chosen because of instant reaction, which allows executing multi-point (several injection cycles) injection mode.
While ago I began to take an interest in cleaning and diagnostics of piezoelectric injectors. Unfortunately, then there were no options available – but now the situation has changed.
Cleaning of Piezo injectors. Part 2
Several years ago, I wrote an entry regarding our local company, which has bought a piezo injector cleaning module for their injector cleaning stand. I was the first customer who tested the equipment and 10 different injectors…
Possible configurations of
N43/N53 series engines
N43/N53. Components of NOx system
a. NOx converter;
b. NOx sensor
Manufacturer codes of OEM NOx sensors
N43/N53 series engines
B58 series engine
Why do I compare exactly these two engines?
Both are BMW 6-cylinder aggregates. I believe that BMW considers (all symptoms show that) exactly the 6-cylinder engines for the “main” in their product range.
With this entry, I start a new series of articles regarding the management and diagnostics of the B58 petrol engines. There will be information regarding ISTA DME call-up function possibilities and the Expert mode “for a desert”.
In this entry – a short review regarding B58 ISTA call-up functions.
Identification; Diagnosis scan; Component triggering
B58. ISTA. Expert mode. Introduction
In this introduction, I would like to say thank you to BMW. For a regular information leakage in the past. How would we diagnose our lowed BMW’s if there wouldn’t be INPA?…
This time – regarding data, available in the ISTA/Expert mode. I will start the review with the first menu: analysis of Rough run data. Here, how the Rough run data look alike…
In the menu description regarding the depiction of the cylinder performance are several quite nightmarish sentences, which do not give any clarity. This has not changed since the E series.
In this entry, I continue the theme regarding ISTA/Expert mode. Next engine test (after Rough run) in the list: Combustion time. Combustion time characterizes parameters of the creating of the spark.
This time in the part of Expert mode – two tests at the same time. Both are connected to the engine oiling system.
Oil level test block and oil pressure test block.
B58. Misfire countersISTA as if offers Misfire counters in the data list of the Diagnosis scan. Unfortunately, these data always show 0.00. I checked several versions of ISTA on DME…
Read more…
B58. Misfire counters. Surprises
All cylinders have regular misfires! Yeah, I had the feeling that by very low required torque, the misfires could be felt, but I blamed uneven road or my paranoia after a regular work with N43/N53 series engines.
B58. Misfires. Nightmare. What happened?
A month ago, my F32 was hit by a doe. As if nothing special, but still – the headlamp had to be replaced, the front bumper was damaged too. The car was towed to the repair service center.
B58. Misfires. Nightmare. Part 2
The most interesting for me – the engine shivered so strongly that DME even identified some misfires. Let’s see now how DME managed this task (identifying misfires).
At first, the primary technical information: directly after the start, for the first 60 .. 90 seconds, DME is forcibly heating up the CO catalytic converter. To perform this operation, the following actions are taken…
For old-type engines (for example, M50/52/54), worn-out spark plugs (and also the defect of the ignition coils) at first starts “classically”. Classically means…
B58. Worn out spark plugs. Part 2
Symptoms: in a range of low RPM (below 2000, more noticeable by 1000 .. 1500) by the minimum required torque, the uneven performance of the engine can be felt. Symptoms are progressing; during the time, also idle become “restless”.
My experience with BMW engines is more than 25 years. So I don’t complain that B58 has a lot of “adventures” because – what can be worse than boredom? This entry can be considered as a continuation of this entry.
B58. Misfire saga continues. Part 2
In this entry – continuation of the misfire experiment. If the DME itself does not see misfires, what will happen if I ask it to pay all attention to this problem?
In ISTA, I chose the Misfire detection test module.
Depending on driving conditions, BMW offers 4 different modes: Eco Pro; Comfort; Sport; and Sport Plus. These modes change the parameters of the gearbox, suspension, DTC system, and accelerator pedal.
Smoothing of idle. Generations
This entry – very short is about how the stabilization of the idle for petrol engines has evolved. I will mention exactly the smoothing out of the cylinder efficiency.
B58. Ignition strategy. Basics
In this entry – example with actual data of B58 engine ignition.
As we can understand from the names of the graphs and the story in the internet forum, the correctly performing B58 stock engine (M240i) has been logged.
It is hard to count the decades since Siemens and Bosch developed DME for the petrol engines. The primary things should be in order! Would it be logical? Yes, it would! Well, let’s see how is Bosch, with the latest MEVD 17.2.9 management installed on the B58 series engine, doing.
B series engines. Ignition coils
Several nuances that I found interesting.
Official manufacturer: ELDOR
Ignition coils, Year 2017 – code: 77460003, release: 01
Ignition coils, Year 2023 – code: 77850002, release: 06
B series engines. Ignition coils. Magneti Marelli
I have planned several ignition system tests for B series engines, so I purchased the ignition coils offered by BMW and the alternative. As an alternative, this time, I chose the Magneti Marelli ignition coil.
B series engines. Ignition coils. Bosch
This time – a short review of the Bosch ignition coil.
Code of the ignition coil: 0 986 221 124
For injector management, the following power sources are used:
a. 12V supply (onboard) source: low-voltage;
b. 60 .. 65V supply source: high-voltage.
What’s new in this release for the B series petrol engines?
For B38, finally, the Expert mode has appeared (previously, it was available only for B48 and B58). B58 Expert mode is supplemented.
Third newcomer in the ISTA Expert mode since May 2022: Valvetronic.
Undoubtedly – Valvetronic is one of the most complicated hubs in the BMW engines of our time.
There was complete 0 information regarding flywheel (Increment wheel) adaptations in the BMW technical materials for a long while. For B series engines, a description of one paragraph has appeared…
In the first entries regarding the B58 engine, I mentioned that its performance subjectively differs from N53. N53 so masterfully evens out the performance of cylinders that the engine’s work (any vibrations) can not be felt at all…
I purchased my 4th series BM from the BWM AG dealership in Germany, where it was returned directly after the end of 3 years lease (warranty). The dealer/seller offered an additional one-year warranty.
Thank you to the collective – to the service manager, to the mechanics who repaired my car; to the manager who fought for the warranty rights. This time, I can say only welcoming words – I left the car and keys, and after 2 days – I received the vehicle and keys.
Since the repair of VANOS (described here), almost 100,000 km have passed.
It’s time to check how VANOS is doing!
In the previous entry (here), I described a situation that confirms that if the AC (and other related hubs – cooling fan, alternator, automatic transmission, etc.) is defective, the idle of the engine becomes of deficient quality.
This entry can be interesting for many. Because many BMW users are interested in the “correct” exhaust – “straight pipe” and a lot of “popcorn” when releasing the accelerator.
This time – an interesting case with F32 with B58 engine.
The car with a warmed-up engine runs in idle. Suddenly, I felt several shiverings; then the engine started to vibrate, and the idle slightly dropped.
In the first part of this story (here), I mentioned a strange crush, which B58 of my car experienced. I found out that the misfires were the culprit. What was done about it?
After replacing the ignition coil of the 5th cylinder, the crash in idle disappeared.
So – my engine had problems with the ignition coils of cylinders No.5 and No.6. Why did I choose the ignition coil as a culprit?
This time – a summary of some nuances regarding the idle management of MEVD 17.2.9
It’s a shame that the Status bits, which would indicate the performance mode of DME…
NGK spark plugs, installed on my B58 series engine, have served for 25 .. 30.000 km. During the last week, three “crashes” have happened in idle. The first one is described here.
In the first part of this entry (here), I got to the idea that the performance of cylinder No.6 should be observed more carefully.
The reasons are…
In this stage – I do everything to the best of my ability to fix the problems of my car’s idle.
Considering B58’s problems with identifying misfires, I performed various experiments. Purpose of the experiments – to explore how B58 manages the detection of misfires of different causes.
B58. Misfires. Experiment. Part 2
The first part of the experiment read here.
In this part – let’s see what error messages have been recorded in the DME error message memory.
B58. Misfires. Experiment. Part 3
I would recommend that each buyer of B58 receive an unlimited amount of Xanax or similar sedative meds.
You will ask – why?
B58. Misfires. Second experiment
During the previous experiment (description here), I explored how the B58 series engine recognizes misfires in idle. Not it’s time for the next experiment – on the go, partial load mode.
At the first moment, it seems that everything is simple – the fuel mixture either is or is not ignited. In the second case, there is a misfire. Yes, actually it is. At the first moment, it seems…
B58. Spark plugs. Special procedure
In this entry – concisely regarding the service procedure, which in ISTA is called:
Special procedure ”Cleaning and checking of ignition system”.
Cause of the problem…
Since BMW turned to petrol turbo motors, the interest of the “chipsers” in these engines exploded. One of the options is how to “upgrade” the engine’s performance – change its software. The second option…
B58. Performance and Sound kit
As my understanding says, that chip tuning is not possible for DME for the last two decades; my only option for the BMW F32 LCI model – Performance and Sound kit offered by BMW AG.
B58. Performance and Sound kit. Part 2
I was wrong once again. Fundamentally wrong. But where exactly hides my mistake – a bit later. Let’s keep the intrigue.
B58. Performance and Sound kit. Part 3
In previous entries regarding this topic, I mentioned that after the engine upgrade, the subjective feeling says – in Sport/Sport+ modes, the turbo aggregate is managed more aggressively. Now it’s time for the first technical data.
B58. Performance and Sound kit. Part 4
This entry is practical information if you have decided to purchase a car that allegedly has this Performance and Sound kit installed.
As the customer service specialist of both the dealer and certified service center told me…
In this entry – a compact outline regarding power-increasing options for B58. This time, I will not prove anything with the data, graphs, or scientific articles – “chip-tuning” fans will still continue their “business”; smarter people will find additional info by themselves.
Service procedures
Re-adaptation of the engine. Recommendation
The recommendation applies to N43/N53 series engines installed in E and F series vehicles in the case when the vehicle is equipped with an OEM NOx sensor, and the NOx system is in working condition.
If you use INPA to clear old adaptations of DME, the contamination of the NOx catalytic converter is also deleted. Deleting of the contamination (not performing a real desulfation session) is harmful to the performance of the NOx catalytic converter and can reduce the true efficiency of it, and also be the cause of the error message regarding the insufficient performance of the NOx catalytic converter.
If you use INPA to clear adaptations, the desulfation session of the NOx catalytic converter is required before this procedure. Make sure the catalytic converter is successfully cleaned!
If for some reason the desulfation session is not possible, we recommend to act in the following way:
- delete the old DME adaptations, using ISTA D/+;
- create new adaptations, using INPA.
ISTA D/+ does not delete the contamination data of the NOx catalytic converter. Instead, INPA allows to control the status of the flywheel adaptations and also follow to a range of other parameters, related to a fuel mixture, which is not available in ISTA D/+. The combination mentioned above is the most efficient in the re-adaptation of these engines.
E series. Encoding of new NOx catalytic converter
How to:
encode a new NOx catalytic converter using ISTA D/+
E series. Encoding of new NOx sensor
How to:
encode a new NOx sensor using ISTA D/+
E series. Forced desulfation session of NOx catalytic converter using INPA
How to:
activate forced desulfation session of NOx catalytic converter using INPA
E series. Forced desulfation session of NOx catalytic converter using ISTA D/+
How to:
activate forced desulfation session of NOx catalytic converter using ISTA D/+
E series. Re-adaptation of the engine using INPA
How to:
clear old adaptations and create new ones.
E and F series. Re-adaptation of the engine using ISTA D/+
How to:
clear old adaptations and create new ones.
F series. Deleting the contamination of the NOx converter
This procedure is intended to restore a Stratified charge in cases if the NOx catalytic converter is contaminated, but there is no possibility to perform a real desulfation (cleaning) session and the car has NOXEM installed.
F series. Re-adaptation of the engine using INPA
How to:
clear old adaptations and create new ones.
F series. Re-adaptation of te engine using INPA and ISTA D/+
This procedure applies to N53 series engines installed in F series vehicles in the case when the vehicle is equipped with an OEM NOx sensor, and the NOx system is in working condition.
F series. Desulfation of NOx catalytic converter using INPA
How to:
perform desulfation session of NOx catalytic converter using INPA
F series. Desulfation of NOx catalytic converter using ISTA D/+
How to:
perform desulfation session of NOx catalytic converter using ISTA D/+
F series. Clearing adaptations of NOx sensor
How to:
clear adaptations of NOx sensor
