jamiepstewart

This past weekend I replaced my front struts and lower control arm bushings... awesome results. HOWEVER, now when I start the car, the idle blurps and sputters...and the engine dies. Unless I feather the gas pedal as it 'catches on'. I suspect it has everything to do with disconnecting the battery before the project. Once the car is warmed up, it runs an idles flawlessly. This ONLY happens upon a cold start.

I wonder if the 25 second gas pedal reset will work...? I ran a generic OBD scan and now error codes were present.

Any suggestions on this crazy gremlin?

AchtungE60

Could be your DISA if you have one. It will get a bit worse before the idling feels like you lost a cylinder but past 1K RPM will be fine.

jamiepstewart

I will have a look at the Bentley manual to see if I have a DISA...I think it does.

My 25 second gas pedal trick didnt work. The car still starts....and I need to feather the gas pedal until it warms up, maybe 10 seconds, then runs perfectly fine. If I dont use the gas pedal, it will spudder and stall. This is really frustrating.

AchtungE60

I can tell you if you give me some info on the car. If you have an 04/05 M54 engine (either 525 or 530) you definitely have a DISA. research the forum and you'll find info and pics

AchtungE60

https://5series.net/forums/topic/121...1#entry1427117

https://5series.net/forums/topic/110...1#entry1310886

https://5series.net/forums/topic/115...1#entry1368960

jamiepstewart

You have been an awesome help. I spent most of last night reading my Bentley manual learning about all the components. Plus the sites you provided and the others out there have been a tremendous help. This weekend I am going to start 'cheap' by cleaning the MAF and other TB components and measure results. If nothing, then I will tear out the DISAs for inspection. Looks straight forward. I had a look at the http://www.beisansystems.com/ site but found they do not make the kit for the N52 motor. Seems like a smart upgrade...wish they did.

Thank you for all your assistance. I will post my findings and snap off some shots as I go.

I do need to be a proper BMW scan too at some point too. My generic OBD II reader doesnt go deep enough and is not showing any codes. Which in a way is a good thing.

AchtungE60

No problem let us know how it goes.

jamiepstewart

As an update to those who are following or reading this... Particular thanks goes to ActungE60 for his help and research on this issue.

* I cleaned the Mass Air Flow sensor - no results, except for smoother running engine.
* Pulled the VANOS solenoids, cleaned and swapped their positions (cleaned with gasoline and shop air) - No effect
* Pulled the Intake DISA, inspected and cleaned, it wasnt dirty, nor was it broken - No effect
* Cleaned Throttle body, which was very dirty - smoother running engine
* Changed our gas station - BINGO. Once the old gas worked itself out of the system, the idle is working as it should. The gas my WIFE picked was BJs 93 octane. I couldnt find a Shell or Texaco in time.

Overall, after cleaning, inspecting all these parts, the car DOES run much smoother. These are good general maintenance items for the N52 Motor.

I am a little cautious however. During the time when the idle acted up, it was freakishly hot here in Pennsylvania. It has since cooled down. Maybe it was the gas or the cooler outside ambient temps. I wont know for sure until there is another spring heatwave.

But, so far, so good.

AchtungE60

Your car should LOVE the cold temps. It was 60's here last night and the night before and I drove my little 330hp machine after doing maintenance and just

Honestly gas should not do that. I don't care if you're even running 87. I've been through many bimmers this past decade and currently own 4 and UNLESS you have moisture affecting the gas it should not have this issue. If you have water in the gas then........ What about plugs have you checked those?