More M54 questions!

[Ahmedsinc 414]

Emissions light sprang to life on wifeys 2001 530i on Sunday afternoon. Finally got the chance to scan with INPA tonight and the DME had 3 fault codes stored, 18, 227 & 228.

18 is a dodgy exhaust camshaft sensor, swapped it for the one on my project engine downstairs as it won't be needed when (if) it finally gets done.

227 and 228 are a little more interesting. Lambda Control Tolerance Bank 1 & 2, Frequency 5 & 6 respectively, Log Count 40. Both also note Deviation Rich. Noted as Sporadic Errors in fault memory.

My suspicions (and Google results) lead me to a leak somewhere in the intake, post MAF. Quite a few threads also point to the cam sensor triggering these codes as a flow on effect due to timing being out. Idle is smooth, and no oil smoke from exhaust to indicate CCV blockage, though I haven't checked for vacuum under the oil cap. Motor seems to run quite happily, though fuel consumption is around 10.2 -10.4 l/100. Most reports suggest it should be averaging more like 9.3l / 100.

Hopefully the car will get a decent run tomorrow so I can re-scan and see if the codes reappear, but as food for thought are there any common places on the M54 that develop vacuum leaks? DISA valve and dipstick return line seem to be common ones, but after looking at the M54 on the engine stand here's a mess of plumbing down there! Any hints?

[B.M.W Ltd 950]

Fuel regulator vacuum hose, elbow on the induction hose for the idle control valve, oil separator valve and the hoses that go onto it. They are the main ones. You can also get leaks from the injector seals, manifold gasket and / or the manifold

Edited July 8, 2014 by B.M.W Ltd

[Ahmedsinc 414]

Fuel regulator vacuum hose, elbow on the induction hose for the idle control valve, oil separator valve and the hoses that go onto it. They are the main ones. You can also get leaks from the injector seals, manifold gasket and / or the manifold

Wow, quite a list of likely suspects then. Looks like it's going to be busy weekend, thanks Glenn

[Allanw 1071]

The intake boot (as Glenn says) is pretty common, and cheap as chips - I'd get one anyway if I was you - they can spring a leak anythime, if it's the original.

You economy sounds OK..... if your mrs drives like mine.

While our is a manual 2.5 sedan, the economy doesn't really change much between the M54 engine sizes (that's why you may as well have the 3.0, but I couldn't find a manual 3.0!). My mrs gets about 11.4L/100kms: when she was overseas I did the same run, dropping kids off, going to work just up the road from hers, and I got 9.5 ish L/100kms - it's a mix of light town and slow open roads (40 - 80 km/h stuff), usually averaging about 37km/h on the OBC. On a long run it'll get down to 8 with the family on bord, and I have acheived 7 on a run from Whangarei to Warkworth by myself.

Have you done Vanos seals? It won't be related, but they are good to do on the M54, and piss easy.

[Ahmedsinc 414]

Ended up working a double shift tonight so no chance to rescan. Will be looking to replace all the intake plumbing with new items when time and budget allows, main priority is preventing a repeat of the fault codes. For the meantime I'm gleaning parts from the project M54, not ideal but hopefully they'll last long enough for the savings acc to look a bit healthier!

Vanos hasn't been done afaik, again I'll pilfer the vanos from engine #2 and do the seals on that unit to minimise vehicle downtime.

The obc fuel figures are from the weekend, franklin to silverdale, across to coatesville then home, 85% at highway speeds but virtually never under 80ks. Bout 250km all up. Was up as high as 15/100 after replacing dashboard bulbs, fairly sure it's running thirstier than it should. Given it's basically 2 tonnes of steel it's cheaper to run than I planned, but it'd be nice if it ran a bit cheaper too! Every cent counts when saving for a house

Edited July 9, 2014 by Ahmedsinc

[Ahmedsinc 414]

Scanned the car yesterday, 18 (Exhaust camshaft sensor) has gone but 227 & 228 are both still present. Replaced intake boots, CCV - dipstick (original one didn't appear to have split but was so soft a tiny bit of pressure between index & thumb was enough to flatten the hose & it didn't return to shape!) and breather port on the valve cover - CCV. Didn't like the idea of replacing the valve cover line with another plastic item so used some spare hose I had been keeping in the shed.

I can see why it's recommended to remove the intake manifold completely when doing these jobs, there's really bugger all clearance in there, made worse when you have dinner plate sized hands! Will take it for a run this afternoon once I've finished chasing leaks, with a bit of luck it'll be the last I see of this little guy!

[Ahmedsinc 414]

Still throwing 227 & 228. Is the smoke test likely to be useful on an M54? Scanned in DIS and confirmed lean mixture though P0171 & P0174.

So far I've replaced both intake boots, oil return line from CCV to dipstick & valve cover breather to CCV line, plus the wee hose that goes from the "F" splitter on the intake boot to god knows where. While all the hoses were from my spare engine they were thoroughly examined for any sign of cracking or perishing. Used some RTV silicone after inspecting the DISA valve o-ring for signs of cracking.

As Glenn mentioned, there's a chance it could be injector seals, manifold gasket and / or the manifold. I've read there's a vacuum blank plate used on engines that didn't get the cold climate secondary air pump. Any clues on where this is?

Starting to get frustrated!

[rusteee 52]

Ended up working a double shift tonight so no chance to rescan. Will be looking to replace all the intake plumbing with new items when time and budget allows, main priority is preventing a repeat of the fault codes. For the meantime I'm gleaning parts from the project M54, not ideal but hopefully they'll last long enough for the savings acc to look a bit healthier!

Vanos hasn't been done afaik, again I'll pilfer the vanos from engine #2 and do the seals on that unit to minimise vehicle downtime.

The obc fuel figures are from the weekend, franklin to silverdale, across to coatesville then home, 85% at highway speeds but virtually never under 80ks. Bout 250km all up. Was up as high as 15/100 after replacing dashboard bulbs, fairly sure it's running thirstier than it should. Given it's basically 2 tonnes of steel it's cheaper to run than I planned, but it'd be nice if it ran a bit cheaper too! Every cent counts when saving for a house

The Vanos seals and spacers etc on that unit had been done by HellBm at I think about 235,000ish kms

[allan 295]

Have you checked the condition of the two rubber plugs 15,17 Realoem.com at the back of the manifold/ fire wall.

Edited July 19, 2014 by tim 325

[Ahmedsinc 414]

Have you checked the condition of the two rubber plugs 15,17 Realoem.com at the back of the manifold/ fire wall.

Not yet, have been having trouble finding the correct diagram on OEM. Will do some more digging around today, fun fun fun!

[Ahmedsinc 414]

Is this the diagram you referred to?

Have you checked the condition of the two rubber plugs 15,17 Realoem.com at the back of the manifold/ fire wall.

[Ahmedsinc 414]

Plug 17 disintegrated in my hand when I attempted to remove for inspection

There is a second rubber cap the same as 15, replaced all three just to be on the safe side.

So the leaves the fuel regulator hose and the CCV along with the third hose that ties back into the manifold. Sigh.

Hopefully fourth time's the charm!

[Ahmedsinc 414]

So it's still showing the dreaded engine light, ran INPA on Monday and still showing 227 & 228

Sprayed a heap of carb cleaner around while the engine idled, no flaring in the revs To my untrained ear I can't hear any hissing, though the engine does make quite a sucking sound when running, it sounds the same to me as my old B25 in the E36. Access is nearly impossible under the intake manifold so I can't say for sure that the CCV isn't the source of the problem here.

So far I've replaced hoses 2 & 4, replaced the bung that goes in place of hose 6.

Replaced bungs 15 & 17, both intake boots, swapped MAF, inspected #10 for any cracks, inspected DISA valve & reinstalled with extra sealant to be safe, and torn out what little hair I have.

All that's left now is a new manifold gasket, new CCV & hoses #7 & 3 and o-rings for injectors and secondary fuel rail. And pre-cat O2 sensors, though they look like a real pain to get at. If advice points towards the CCV being the problem I'm going to do the Vanos seals & rocker gasket at the same time. Might look to hit the secondary air rail and injector o-ring is I have to pull the manifold.

Fuel economy has been steady at 10.8 - 11.2 l/100km, so the fuel overcompensation must be bugger all, otherwise I'd be anticipating figures north of 13 l/100.

Apologies for whining on abut the same old thing, but this is starting to drive me to despair. And drinking.

Edited August 28, 2014 by Ahmedsinc

[allan 295]

When you turn the ignition on and that engine symbol shows is their also eml beside it and does the eml disappear leaving the engine symbol?. If so I ended up replacing the fuel tank breather valve. It has something to do with returning petrol fumes to the inlet manifold for re-burning as I understand it. They are a common fault the solenoid in them jams or just stops working plenty of write ups how to replace them on the net. Real Oem com has them under Fuel preparation part No 1.

[Ahmedsinc 414]

When you turn the ignition on and that engine symbol shows is their also eml beside it and does the eml disappear leaving the engine symbol?. If so I ended up replacing the fuel tank breather valve. It has something to do with returning petrol fumes to the inlet manifold for re-burning as I understand it. They are a common fault the solenoid in them jams or just stops working plenty of write ups how to replace them on the net. Real Oem com has them under Fuel preparation part No 1.

Negative on the EML lamp, only shows the yellow engine lamp. INPA only shows the fault codes for O2 sensors, deviation rich. Would have thought a fault like that would log a code of its own? Again, I'm certainly no expert but if this was happening wouldn't the engine be hesitating or feel down on power?

[allan 295]

Not sure but the engine seemed to function alright can only relate my experience to you.Once I had replaced the valve and started the engine took it for a small drive the engine symbol went away and it hasn't reappeared.

[Ahmedsinc 414]

Not sure but the engine seemed to function alright can only relate my experience to you.Once I had replaced the valve and started the engine took it for a small drive the engine symbol went away and it hasn't reappeared.

Hmmm, seems to be a long shot but certainly worth investigating.

From the threads I've found from the likes of Bimmerforums, et al, diaphragm failure in the CCV is another source of vacuum leaks. In saying that, my car isn't displaying the mayo under the oil cap, nor does it make a sucking sound when cap is removed while running.

I'm at the stage where I'm willing to take it to a pro to diagnose the problem as I'm obviously missing something here. Would a local non-BMW specialist be able to accurately spot whats happening? My preference is to take it to Glenn, but I'm presently unable to take any time off from work during the week.

[Ahmedsinc 414]

Zombie thread alert!!

Still getting codes 227 & 228 through INPA.

Parts replaced so far:

CCV & all associated hoses (what an ar*ehole of a job that is!!)

MAF for a known good spare

All rubber bungs

Air rail & o-rings

Intake boots & hose connector

Fuel regulator / filter vacuum line

'F' connector on intake boot and the hose that runs to the sucking jet pump

Only parts I haven't yet done is the jet pump itself, manifold gasket and injector o-rings. There is an occasional rough idle that I'm attributing to the Vanos unit - I have a rebuilt one that will probably go on over the Xmas period.

Is there a possibility the o2 sensors could be at fault here? Car has now done 160,000km+ so I'm guessing they're at or near the end of their lifespan.

Hoping to get the car booked in with Glenn and have him look at it, thoroughly over this

[Allanw 1071]

I'll give you $100 for it

[Ahmedsinc 414]

I'll give you $100 for it

And the 7k balance over an easy 60 month term at a generous 29% p/a interest rate? Sold!

[*Glenn* 854]

I would suggest you book it in with BM Workshop and get a smoke test rather than replacing parts with no result. 95% of any job is accurately diagnosing the fault first.

You'll need to book it in soon, they are booked up for 2-3 weeks ATM. Check with Ross or Graham (09) 2716636. I must get a smoke tester

[Ahmedsinc 414]

I would suggest you book it in with BM Workshop and get a smoke test rather than replacing parts with no result. 95% of any job is accurately diagnosing the fault first.

You'll need to book it in soon, they are booked up for 2-3 weeks ATM. Check with Ross or Graham (09) 2716636. I must get a smoke tester

Agreed, though as I already had most of the parts in the shed I thought I'd try the usual suspects before sending it to a shop. CCV was due for replacement regardless. Bummer, didn't know you don't have a smoke tester!

[zero 1162]

On 11/25/2015 at 11:56 AM, Ahmedsinc said:

Agreed, though as I already had most of the parts in the shed I thought I'd try the usual suspects before sending it to a shop. CCV was due for replacement regardless. Bummer, didn't know you don't have a smoke tester!

Holy threadbump Batman!

Did this ever get resolved, and if so what was the cause?

I'm currently chasing the same two codes.

[Statek 87]

11 hours ago, zero said:

Holy threadbump Batman!

Did this ever get resolved, and if so what was the cause?

I'm currently chasing the same two codes.

Thanks for bumping this @zero, otherwise I would've missed this  

I've been chasing P0171 and P0174 on the X3 for a while. I've replaced the intake elbow, and checked bungs at the back of the manifold. I've smoke tested it (home-made smoke test machine) and can't see any smoke escaping. I've done the Vanos seals using Beisan kit.

I can reset the codes, and they return after about 50kms of driving (usually while cruising on the motorway at around 2500rpm). I'm sure that car is waiting for me to start hoping that i've resolved the problem before slapping me on the cheek with the engine check light - again ?

The car also occasionally has a rough idle on first start-up, only for about 5 seconds - I'll probably look at the IAC sometime in the next few weekends (my wife's daily, so difficult having it off the road for any amount of time). 

Keen to hear if the OP has resolved the problem.

[Statek 87]

4 hours ago, NRJ said:

It will more than likely have a small split in the PCV diaphragm or PCV hose. The lower rubber PCV hose that goes to the dipstick tube goes really soft over time causing leaks. A smoke test may not show up a small hole or split. 

I'll be checking that out - I've got a mate with a brand new PCV spare, since he recently went to an M50 manifold. Cheers for the tip @NRJ