jaycal3

So, after a couple years here on this forum and some speed bumps along the way I have run into what may be the proverbial brick wall. I am just looking for some advice here and maybe a new perspective or some knowledge from those of you that have the experience.

I started getting the "Service Engine Soon" light along with an "increased emissions" warning a couple weeks ago so I took it to my BMW Tech friend. He ran the diagnostics and found the following:

27A0-DME:Fan Electronics Box
2761-DME:Secondary Air System, Bank 1
2760-DME:Secondary Air System Bank 2
27B8-DMEifferential Pressure Sensor

The pump for the Secondary Air system is working correctly and seems to be pushing enough volume out when needed (on cold starts only). So I had the valves replaced at the rear of the motor - there are two of them, and did all the hoses as well hoping that would take care of my issue. Well after a couple cold starts the SES came back so I actually took the car to a dealership just to see what they have to say. They are telling me that if the valves are new it has to be carbon buildup in the cylinders or heads where the valves lead into and the only way to fix this - which they say is an issue with the v8 - is to take the motor apart and remove the heads etc to send it out and get rebuilt/cleaned/honed... something like that. Quite honestly I think I zoned out at this point and stopped processing what they were saying.

My questions are these:
1) Is it possible that the DME is faulty? I had it replaced under 2 years ago and each of the faults lists DME as well? I am still inside the 2 year warranty for the part but they are saying when a DME craps out it gives more specific errors...

2) What would happen if I continue to drive the car - I feel no difference in driveability right now or performance.

3) How does this happen to a car with 108k on it?? I have only used 91 or 93 octane - no idea what the last owner used, but really??? Out of all the bombs I have owned, this car needs open heart surgery??? Luxury vehicle my a$%.....

Ugh... sorry for the long post but this is a bit discouraging.

On the brighter side I have a 2011 535i as a loaner - awesome, just awesome. From the performance and suspension settings (Comfort, Sport, Sport+, Normal)to the little bells and whistles like the nav, lane departure system, blind spot indicator, Active headlamps that actually turn high beams on and off automatically, a trunk that doesnt almost knock me out when it opens and closes at the touch of a button, and doors that latch automatically so you dont have to slam them... very nice car.

pradden

I am not very familiar with BMW V8s, but I'm sorry to hear about your troubles. I hope you can get these issues resolved without having to pay an arm and a leg.

The F10s are very nice indeed. I have had a couple as loaners as well and really enjoyed them both.

Good Luck, and keep us updated.

Rez

Sorry to hear about your troubles jaycal3. I hope you have a smoother remedy than prescribed. Did you discuss the dealer's remedy route with your BMW Tech friend to see what he thinks?

Indeed, the F10's are nice, but I didn't like that Automatic Start/ Stop Technology thing. Moreover, I don't think the F10's are as sporty as our E60's in handling or looks.

JayArras

Hi Jay! Sorry to hear about these new issues. You certainly have had your share of troubles with this car, my friend. I remember the flood damage debacle. How much pain can a guy suffer?

My advice would be to move on. I know we grow attached to these things, and you know the vehicle so well (probably better than most of us know our cars), but it sounds like you might have already found your new love.

I lost my E39 3000 miles short of 200,000 miles when it was attacked by a tree. I had owned it for nine years. I fought with my insurance company to fix it (the damages were within $600 of their cut-off), but in the end, my family and friends urged me to move on, and so that is how I discovered the E60.

The issues you describe might be fixable, but they don't appear to be clear cut. Without knowing the repair bill you'll be facing, it's hard to know what to do. Since the car is driveable, I'd take my time and see what options are out there. (And I hear you about that Bangle Butt trunk we have.)

Jim165

I just spoke to my brother-in-law who's going through the same exact issues you are concerning the CE light and possible carbon buildup being the cause. He has a 2002 745i with over 200K miles and he's asked 6 different specialists on what could be the issue. They all say the same thing: carbon build up + bad valve stem seals= complete head job ~ $4000. Were you following BMW's guideline of changing oil every 15K miles? This can't be good for the engine. His car has only had a total of 12 oil changes in 215K miles according to the service records and now drinks more oil than fuel.
Move on, bro...

phlfly

I never heard that carbon builds up on V8 because it's not direct inject.(but then reading on bimmerfest?!!!!).I thought before the carbon problem is only newer I6 engines and it's on turbo engines due higher temp in the cylinders.
If you have oil consumption then it's valve seals as I posted here before you are welcome to bring your car to my friend's shop for valve seals job.

Ok, OP issue I think you need to find a good euro shop and try to do a real diagnostic, it may be you have air leak somewhere. Or may be your pump is bad simple. Try this http://www.bavauto.com/newsletter/20...ter.pdf#page=6

Also check your air mass sensor, because it could cause these msg's.
Read:
http://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/sho...d.php?t=595684

http://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/sho...d.php?t=587396
http://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/sho...d.php?t=492818

jaycal3

Thanks for the well wishes guys... I will try to address a few things here while not typing too much.

I picked the car up from the dealership today and had a LOOOONG discussion with the tech foreman. S#^& happens, and it happened to me. I can continue to drive the car and the SES will most likely come back on after a few cold starts since that is the only time this Secondary Air system kicks on. My issue will be next year when I have to pass emissions here in Ct. I have some ideas I'd rather not post here. Maybe I will sell... with full disclosure of course, although trading it in and taking a slight hit may just be easier.

The dealer and my buddy are saying the same thing, and there was another v8 (BMW X5) in the shop today and the guy was dealing with the same news... I think I am taking it well comparitively. I think I may change out the secondary air pump just to make sure its functioning properly. It goes on as necessary, but I've been told that sometimes when there are issues, condensation can build up and back up into the pump. There is also always the possibility to pump isnt pushing air hard enough due to the pumps age. I had the valves replaced already along with the hoses. The MAF is functioning properly. I will not spend the money to rebuild the heads.

@JayArras, thanks man. Its been a rocky road. I have learned a ton about these cars, unfortunately out of necessity. Honestly, I think the previous owner must have really neglected it.

@Jim165, for me over the past 2.5 years I have changed the oil every 7.5k...The service records were decent from the previous OP and no I am not burning more than 1 qt every 7.5k which I think is pretty normal for a car like this with a hungry v8 and 100k miles.

@Rez, I think I answered your question and the shop and my friend are pretty much on the same page.

@Phlfly, its a v8 issue bro as you can see by the links you posted, and thanks for the BAV AUTO article. Thats it exactly, unfortunately most of the diagnostics have been done. I am going to ask my buddy specifcally about the control unit/switch.

@all OPs above, the F10 is nice, but I also like the E60 styling better...but again, the car drove amazingly well... now, will I stay with BMW?? I dont know... but for now I will work on my car. Its paid for, and if I really screw it up I have my 93 Wrangler to drive!



I am intrigued by the reprogram to Euro info... any NCS Experts on here that can comment? The post was "Ncs expert. Modified fa. Changed car from gl63 to gl61. " Will this work for a 545 as well? These posts were for the 745.

phlfly

[quote name='jaycal3' timestamp='1348283190' post='1470144']
Thanks for the well wishes guys... I will try to address a few things here while not typing too much.

You know the worst thing then BMW is no hockey this season. This is really sucks as I'm big hockey fan and subscribing NHL center Ice for last 10 years. I will miss games between Rags and Flyers, as you can guess I'm Flyers fan. Bleed Orange!!!

jaycal3

You're not kidding, this sucks! I am a Rangers season ticket holder and I am about to enter withdrawal! Oh and about the F'ers, I was at the Winter Classic... one name... RUPP, not once, but twice!! And I was at every other game against you guys at the Garden... We had your number. Those games are always fun. Keep your fingers crossed they salvage some of the season.

phlfly

Last season yes indeed Flyers were terrible against NY, I'm not sure what happened, as it's remind me Flyers against Devils during those NJ best years. I was going to winter classic, but then decided not go, as I could get a better ticket, I was not trill to sit in the bleacher.
I hope by december NHL and NHLPA will come up with some agreement, because I heard winter classic is very profitable for NHL and teams.