[GilzF]

I’m having an issue with my 435d. I had it in a local Indy garage before Christmas and they couldn’t find any issue or fault codes, so I’m at a loss where to even start.

Problem started driving home one day, got a drive train error for 5 seconds maybe - limp mode, neither turbo, hideous acceleration etc

Restarted the next day, all good no error, no warning lights. Took it to the garage to get checked and the only fault codes stored were about my emergency call system, obviously not related and an issue I already know about.

Now the problem exists everyday. I start the car, don’t get any errors or lights but drive away and limited power. Stop and restart the car and everything is fine. Full power, both turbos.

Really sounds like a sensor/electrics issue as a physical problem would exist all the time, but I don’t know what. The EGR was replaced a couple of years ago as part of the recall, I don’t have a lumpy idle, misfire or hesitation. I regularly drive it in sport mode so if DPF regen is needed it should be being carried out. I don’t have any reduction in fuel economy or increased fuel consumption or smell.

It’s all a bit of mystery.

Most of the posts I’ve found elsewhere are people who’ve got a physical problem, leaky hose, spark plugs etc. But I really don’t see how it’s that type of issue when a restart immediately removes the issue.

Any suggestions of where to start looking outwith those?

[Leeg1633]

Do you have a code reader? Maybe try scanning for codes while its in limp mode, before restarting

[GilzF]

I don’t have a code reader just now. I used INPA for my one series but it’s not compatible with the F32 without an update and I couldn’t find a virus free copy.

Do you think there will be fault codes present even without there being any warning lights or messages on the dash?

[martin10chk]

Perhaps the most telling part is the first episode. You got lights but no error stored. Suggests this is an issue with ECU. Any sensor issues should be logged and stored but if ECU itself has a fault that won’t happen. Sounds like you need a serious auto electronics specialist.

[E60525d]

Originally Posted by GilzF

I don’t have a code reader just now. I used INPA for my one series but it’s not compatible with the F32 without an update and I couldn’t find a virus free copy.

Do you think there will be fault codes present even without there being any warning lights or messages on the dash?

Without scanning for codes, it's all just guesses.

Enet cable is less than £20 and there are plenty of guides on the internet on how to install ISTA. Getting one is an absolute no brainer.

[E60525d]

Originally Posted by martin10chk

Perhaps the most telling part is the first episode. You got lights but no error stored. Suggests this is an issue with ECU. Any sensor issues should be logged and stored but if ECU itself has a fault that won’t happen. Sounds like you need a serious auto electronics specialist.

He said he has no lights. But a warning on the idrive the first time. Extremely unlikely it's the ECU.

[GilzF]

I already have the cable, I’ve done a bunch of coding to the car using E-Sys.

I looked for ISTA back when the problem started but none of the links I found were hosted anymore. Is there somewhere else to get it from?

Also just for info, not a guy 😆

[danb1979]

Originally Posted by GilzF

I already have the cable, I’ve done a bunch of coding to the car using E-Sys.

I looked for ISTA back when the problem started but none of the links I found were hosted anymore. Is there somewhere else to get it from?

Also just for info, not a guy 😆

It seems ISTAs hard to source currently (or so it had been recently; quite a few posts saying that it was becoming hard to find a trusted source)

Maybe try Jimmy at cable-shack.co.uk and see if he can help

[GilzF]

Yeah that’s pretty much what I’d found last time I looked. I was obviously wary to download it from somewhere dodgy.

I’ll check out cable shack, thank you!

[danb1979]

Originally Posted by GilzF

Yeah that’s pretty much what I’d found last time I looked. I was obviously wary to download it from somewhere dodgy.

I’ll check out cable shack, thank you!

Absolutely agree. Not worth the agro...

Have you got Bimmercode / Bimmerlink on your mobile and the necessary dongle? If not worth buying as they do woek well.

[GilzF]

I haven’t, I’d read mixed reviews on how much functionality was available with the app vs the cost of the Bluetooth dongle plus app.

Do most people find Bimmercode covers all the error scanning they require? It might be my only option at this point with the ISTA situation.

[danb1979]

Originally Posted by GilzF

I haven’t, I’d read mixed reviews on how much functionality was available with the app vs the cost of the Bluetooth dongle plus app.

Do most people find Bimmercode covers all the error scanning they require? It might be my only option at this point with the ISTA situation.

I've had zero issues with Bimmerlink & Bimmercode; worked very well on both my previous F01 and my current F321

Necessary dongle is only c£23 on Amazon: https://www.amazon.co.uk/iCar-Pro-4-...s%2C121&sr=8-7

[Watsey]

BimmerLink seems to be able to interrogate many (all ?) of the ECUs in the car, and the list of codes can be extensive (passes and errors).

I think a hardware issue will be at the root of your problem. Intermittent fault with a sensor, turbo actuator, etc.

[GilzF]

Originally Posted by Watsey

BimmerLink seems to be able to interrogate many (all ?) of the ECUs in the car, and the list of codes can be extensive (passes and errors).

I think a hardware issue will be at the root of your problem. Intermittent fault with a sensor, turbo actuator, etc.

I suspect you are right, I just can’t phantom why it’s only the initial start up that triggers a problem. If I start the car, restart to clear the problem, drive to work and then nip into the yard to collect something, the car is fine when I start it again.

Thanks all of the code reader info. I’ll get something ordered and have a look at what’s lurking in the error logs.