blue02gt

Hello All

New to the Forum after recent 2008 528i purchase. 2008, just turned 124k miles purchased a month or so ago. This is a rather long post, so thanks in advance to those who take a moment to read

I’ve searched these and other forums for any information I can find concerning codes 2E98, 2E85, and 2E81.

History as follows:

I purchased the car early March. Maintenance records from previous owner:

Jan 2017 - New Alternator and Water Pump from BMW Dealer due to 2E98 for alternator (Non BMW) and 2E81 water pump speed deviation

May 2017 – New Starter and Fuel Pump

August 2017 – New Spark Plugs, New PCV Valve (Valave Cover), and another water pump for speed deviation (Pierburg OEM Installed).

Jan 2018 – New tires, and brakes

This is where I purchased. I added up $8500 (ish) spent by previous owner in the past year. Typically I would have walked away, but my wife liked the car and the prices was good ( I thought). Anyhow, I got the car home, and it set new messages daily. Purchased the iCarly adapter and also set up INPA.

First fix was massive oil leak at the filter and cooler housing. Got these fixed.

After many many hours of forum and internet searches (dangerous I know), I learned of the voltage sensitivity and realized I was seeing 12.4 -12.7 running voltages. Went ahead and replaced the battery with the same result. Changed the alternator with an Auto zone unit. Now putting out 14.1 – 14.2 running. Same codes 2E98, 2E85, 2E81.

Read many times that I should use factory alternator, but just can’t see how this would matter. Anyhow, replaced voltage regulator with OEM regulator. This resulted in the same 14.2 – 14.2 voltage. Battery remains at 13.6 after sitting all evening. Codes still present.

This past weekend, I pulled the plugs for the water pump to check voltage and noticed the plug full of oil and whatever other sludge. All pins checked fine, cleaned with contact cleaner and reseated. It appeared that the water pump codes were gone, as monitoring the water pump speeds, it was matching what the ECU called for. Went for a short drive, and all three were back.

I went ahead and ordered the Bosch OEM alternator (new), and Pierburg water pump along with a new thermostat (both OEM mfr).

Parts showed up today and I installed the alternator, and still have the same 3 codes.

My question to all with more than my limited experience is whether or not 14.1 volts is about right? I read conflicting information for some with the same errors that are fixed with new alternator with voltages in the mid 14’s. I also remember reading that the IBS being faulty can cause these, and it runs a steady 14 or so volts.

So, am I wasting time and money by throwing parts at this thing, I would consider bringing to BMW, but they along with a couple of other shops seem to have not addressed these issues. With the alternator and water pump being soaked in oil, I don’t mind replacing the water pump for piece of mind, but don’t want to damage a new one. I’m now on a quest to not let this thing beat me.

I even thought about ordering an IBS cable just in case. I can’t seem to find any information on actually testing the IBS, but it does not set any IBS specific codes.

For those who made it this far, any advice or comments are appreciated.

Cheers!

Jeff

Marshallito

Noticed my 2008 bmw 535xi E61 had a slow crank during startup. Scanned and got codes 2E98 Alternator communication and 2DEB Power management, vehicle electrical system. Watched voltage steadily decline while trying to find a parking space until it went below 9V and the car shutoff, luckily on the same block that had a parking space. Bought a refurb alternator and installed it. Got codes 2E83 Electric coolant pump, power reduced operation, 2E8E Intelligent battery sensor and 2E98 Alternator communication(again). Cleared codes and only codes that kept recurring are 2E8E and 2E98. Drove around awhile with no problems then started getting voltage drops from 14V to below 12V again. Replaced IBS cable. Only code 2E98 is back now. Going to try to do some more trouble shooting today.

Code descriptions BMW fault codes and their meaning. BMW Fault codes list. - Page 3

blue02gt have you had any luck pinpointing your problem?

Marshallito

Was reading it could also be a ground issue

Marshallito

2E8B Intelligent battery sensor, communication is back