I had the same issue with my E46 320d (150hp, non-particle filter) and my dealer tackled it by upgrading the software. It still happens from time to time between 1800-2000 rpm, but it's hardly noticible and doesn't bother me. Seeing as I have just ordered a 520d to replace the 320d, I'll be interested to see what happens with yours!

Good luck and let us know how you get on...

 

The diesel particle filters is new tech and if you guys are right, the tech doesn't seem to work as it should.

The 520d engines high torgue peak is at 2000 rpm and if this peak is affected by the filter, some serious engine designing problem has arised.

 

According to the behaviour of my car, that's exactly my point of view and why I didn't tell my dealer.

 

Well, there we are !
Just left my baby at my dealer this afternoon;
The first comment:
- the behaviour I described is NOT normal (even when I mentioned the particle filter issue)
The second comment:
- they have absolutely NO IDEA as to what is going on with the car
The third comment: I'm now cruising in a 118d, and that's way way behind what an E60 stands for ! And this could last for days...... :'( :'( :'(

 

Double bad news :
1. It's not normal
2. They don't have clue about it :'(

Please give me a feedback on your dealer comments. I guess I'm going to visit my dealer sooner than expected.

 

With regards to your second comment "they have absolutely no idea", seeing as needforspeed and myself both experienced similar symptoms with our 320 diesels and both had them resolved via a software fix, it may be worth asking your dealer to also check their 320 diesel records or internal memos. My dealer told be me at the time that it was a known software issue with the 2 litre diesel, however I did not get a written maintenance report, so can therefore not confirm if it is actually true or not.
The fact that K44ENT's 520d was fixed by a software fix suggests that there are still 2 litre diesel engines coming off of the production line that need "fine tuning" after arriving at the customer. Just don't ask me what the software could actually change / compensate for!


On a lighter note, next time you're back at the dealer, tell them you have the same problem with the 118d - maybe they'll give you a 130i

 

At last some good -but incomplete - news !
Got a phone call from my dealer late this afternoon: my E60 is ready to go ! (apparently.............)
What they did: did a software upgarde
Why they did it: I do not know :'(
Does it work ? I'll have to get more info tomorrow at noon when I pick my baby back !
So, I'll keep you posted as to which software upgrade was performed, why (???) and if things look different now !!!!!!!!!!

Thanks for your help !

I can't wait for tomorrow. The 118d is a good car. But, hey, sounds noisy to me !!!!!!!!!

 

I'm very interested to know if the problem is solved. For me, CIP 16,17,19 and 20 didn't change anything to this issue. Maybe 21 or 22

 

Copello - Good news, lets hope that corrects the problem for you.

My 520D was at the dealers the other week for the same problem as K44ENT ( hesitant around the 1800 rev mark), the dealer told me that the computer showed no errors and they were unable to re-create the problem and that they were unable to do anything.....

So, I took the car back yesterday and took out on of their "technician" for a test drive. Like your dealer, he agreed that the car was not behaving correctly but was unsure how to correct it. Anyway, he disappeared when I got back to the dealership.

5 minutes later I'm asked when would I like to book my car in for a software upgrade under warranty as they found a fault code on their database.

If only they'd looked the first time they wouldn't have wasted so much of their and my time.

 

Just for clarity - the symptoms I had in my e46 320cd were never 'fixed' as such, it was just something I lived with (I only had the car for one winter and in the warmer weather it was much better mannered).

My only grumbles were at low revs and idle.

1. Irregular / wandering rpms at idle.
2. Significant variations in engine noise level.
3. RPM changes etc - without any input from me.

I am convinced this was a reflection of the engine programming / mapping and so I expect it could have been related to the software.

As I said before, once the engine was engaged and revved it was always super smooth and as I drove "enthusiastically", my car was only rarely at low revs.

The 320cd was my first BMW diesel and I just accepted that this was how it was set up.

I have to say though that my 530d is NOTHING like this and is rock solid and smooth throughout the rev range.

There is an increase in engine volume at idle, which lets you know it is a diesel, but no clatter at all. In fact it just sounds like a petrol engine being lightly revved and held on the clutch.

I hope that software upgrades sort out your 520d problem - I think this is the best bet.