No spark!
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From: Augusta, GA
My Ride: 22 BMW 540i xDrive; 05 BMW 530i
Engine: 3.0 B58; 3.0 M54
Ok I just read your initial post and when you swapped the cam sensors the code moved to the exhaust side so that tells me it's a sensor issue. The new sensors should have corrected the issue. Did you clear codes and reset adaptions.
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From: Michigan
My Ride: 2006 BMW 530i
Model Year: 2006
Engine: N52
Yes, I replaced both camshaft position sensors as well as the crankshaft position sensor. I already checked all the wiring and connectors and everything is clean and appears to be in good condition.
I assume that you’re referring to the Vanos solenoid. I had issues with them before, but when I cleaned them, it cleared up. I did remove them and clean them again. I also tested them by connecting them directly to a 12 V battery. They opened and closed properly, however, I don’t know if that means that they are doing their job the way they should or not. The connector for the Vanos solenoid is also clean and appears to be in good condition.
I assume that you’re referring to the Vanos solenoid. I had issues with them before, but when I cleaned them, it cleared up. I did remove them and clean them again. I also tested them by connecting them directly to a 12 V battery. They opened and closed properly, however, I don’t know if that means that they are doing their job the way they should or not. The connector for the Vanos solenoid is also clean and appears to be in good condition.
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From: Michigan
My Ride: 2006 BMW 530i
Model Year: 2006
Engine: N52
I cleared the codes, however, I didn’t do a relearn. I was under the impression I had to start the car to do that but I may be mistaken.
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From: Augusta, GA
My Ride: 22 BMW 540i xDrive; 05 BMW 530i
Engine: 3.0 B58; 3.0 M54
Yes I was talking about the VANOS solenoids. I have tested them that was also but when I have an issue with them I have just replaced them. I can't say if testing with a12v tells you anything other than they are clean. This is definitely a hard one since the new sensors didn't clear your issue especially since the code moved when you swapped the sensors
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Joined: Jul 2011
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From: Augusta, GA
My Ride: 22 BMW 540i xDrive; 05 BMW 530i
Engine: 3.0 B58; 3.0 M54
Originally Posted by MI-BMW
I cleared the codes, however, I didn’t do a relearn. I was under the impression I had to start the car to do that but I may be mistaken.
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Joined: Jul 2023
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From: Michigan
My Ride: 2006 BMW 530i
Model Year: 2006
Engine: N52
I’ve been trying for sometime now to figure out how to relearn the sensors with my Autel MaxiSys scanner. I figured out how to do it on a Dodge, but for some reason cannot do it on the BMW. I am not sure if that function is not available or if I’m just not smart enough to figure it out.😁 I will check into downloading ISTA like you had mentioned earlier. However, I am preparing to leave the state for a month, so I probably won’t get it accomplished until I get back. I don’t like to drag out these threads for such a long period of time but I will still post an update after I get back home as to whether I was able to relearn the sensors. In the meantime, if anyone has any other suggestions or advice, I will be happy to take a listen.
Thanks!
Thanks!
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From: Augusta, GA
My Ride: 22 BMW 540i xDrive; 05 BMW 530i
Engine: 3.0 B58; 3.0 M54
Resetting adaptions is in the DME. Once you're in the module there should be a spot for special functions or something like that. Just let us know if you come to a conclusion or need further assistance. Maybe someone else will chime in from their experience with this issue.
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Joined: Jul 2023
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From: Michigan
My Ride: 2006 BMW 530i
Model Year: 2006
Engine: N52
Hello,
I'm back. I enjoyed my vacation but now it's time to get back to work, I suppose.
Upon returning I had a friend, who works for a European car mechanic, come over for an hour to help me troubleshoot my car engine. He told me about these flywheels having multiple holes and how easy it is to lock the flywheel into the wrong position when attempting to time the engine. Well, ends up that's what I'd done. I retimed the engine again. that took care of the 2A9A code. (crankshaft-intake camshaft synchronization) However, the engine still won't start. Below are a few things I checked out:
Spark;
I have spark coming from all 6 coils now.
Combustion;
cylinder 1: 178 psi.
cylinder 2: 172 psi.
cylinder 3: 172 psi.
cylinder 4: 136 psi.
cylinder 5: 165 psi.
cylinder 6: 165 psi.
Since cylinder 4 is so low I did a wet combustion test. I did this by pouring about 1 teaspoon of oil directly into the cylinder and then performing a combustion test. This resulted in a higher number: 185 psi. Would this suggest that I have a damaged cylinder ring?
Fuel pressure;
I had 70 psi. at the fuel rail when I cranked the engine.
Air intake seemed to be good.
So far everything seemed to be okay except for the low pressure on cylinder 4. I don't believe that should keep the engine from starting, though. Am I wrong?
Next I checked for codes once again. the results are posted below:
2EA1 - oil condition sensor
2F0D - radiator blind
5EB1 - DSC
93D8 - steering column switch cluster
94E3 - steering column switch cluster
94EA - steering column switch cluster
9518 - steering column switch cluster
951A - steering column switch cluster
930C - light/lamp module
930D - light/lamp module
9C54 - heating and A/C system
9862 - seatbelt
Once again, I do not believe any of these codes point to anything that would keep the engine from starting. I may be wrong, however.
What is the possibility that the ignition timing does not correlate correctly with the rest of the engine? Is this even possible and, if it is possible, would it throw a code?
Any suggestions and ideas will be greatly appreciated!
I'm back. I enjoyed my vacation but now it's time to get back to work, I suppose.
Upon returning I had a friend, who works for a European car mechanic, come over for an hour to help me troubleshoot my car engine. He told me about these flywheels having multiple holes and how easy it is to lock the flywheel into the wrong position when attempting to time the engine. Well, ends up that's what I'd done. I retimed the engine again. that took care of the 2A9A code. (crankshaft-intake camshaft synchronization) However, the engine still won't start. Below are a few things I checked out:
Spark;
I have spark coming from all 6 coils now.
Combustion;
cylinder 1: 178 psi.
cylinder 2: 172 psi.
cylinder 3: 172 psi.
cylinder 4: 136 psi.
cylinder 5: 165 psi.
cylinder 6: 165 psi.
Since cylinder 4 is so low I did a wet combustion test. I did this by pouring about 1 teaspoon of oil directly into the cylinder and then performing a combustion test. This resulted in a higher number: 185 psi. Would this suggest that I have a damaged cylinder ring?
Fuel pressure;
I had 70 psi. at the fuel rail when I cranked the engine.
Air intake seemed to be good.
So far everything seemed to be okay except for the low pressure on cylinder 4. I don't believe that should keep the engine from starting, though. Am I wrong?
Next I checked for codes once again. the results are posted below:
2EA1 - oil condition sensor
2F0D - radiator blind
5EB1 - DSC
93D8 - steering column switch cluster
94E3 - steering column switch cluster
94EA - steering column switch cluster
9518 - steering column switch cluster
951A - steering column switch cluster
930C - light/lamp module
930D - light/lamp module
9C54 - heating and A/C system
9862 - seatbelt
Once again, I do not believe any of these codes point to anything that would keep the engine from starting. I may be wrong, however.
What is the possibility that the ignition timing does not correlate correctly with the rest of the engine? Is this even possible and, if it is possible, would it throw a code?
Any suggestions and ideas will be greatly appreciated!
Last edited by seanjordan20; Sep 20, 2023 at 05:54 PM.
The quick and easy suggestion is to squirt a shot of starting fluid into the airbox. If the engine then fires up for a couple seconds, you know to look for fuel issues (including signals to the injectors). If it doesn't, I'd indeed suspect timing issues, given all the attempts you have made trying to fix the problem.
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Joined: Jul 2023
Posts: 15
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From: Michigan
My Ride: 2006 BMW 530i
Model Year: 2006
Engine: N52
I’m out of starting fluid right now but I was told brake cleaner works as well. I don’t know whether or not that’s true. I did try it but the engine still wouldn’t start. I’ll grab some starting fluid when I get to town again and then I’ll try again.
Also, I checked the spark plugs after cranking the engine. They were damp with gas. I don’t know whether or not this means that the fuel is getting through.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts, if you have any further ideas please let me know.😊
Also, I checked the spark plugs after cranking the engine. They were damp with gas. I don’t know whether or not this means that the fuel is getting through.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts, if you have any further ideas please let me know.😊


