Engine problem. Need experienced advice...

bobiam · 06-17-2021, 07:35 PM

Bought gas today at costco. Half tank to fill up. Idled for 5 min before going into store. When I left yore store the car barely ran, Terribly sluggish and straining to move in low gears. Stopped nearby and looked it over and found nothing. Ran a bit better when restarted but the first third of the accelerator is sort of dead, Then it takes off at 3000+ rpm. Transmission feels like it can't decide on what gear it wants due to engine performance.
I'm thinking bad gas but this is Costco and they refill takes every other day.

Your thoughts or ideas???

Think a can of dry gas would be worth a shot??

auburnf30x · 06-17-2021, 07:45 PM

First thing I’d do is see if you can pull any error codes.

bavarianride · 06-17-2021, 11:11 PM

My guess is that an engine sensor went bad, and should throw a fault code or something.

bobiam · 06-25-2021, 01:54 PM

I checked for error codes with Bimmerlink. Deleted all the old errors and took it out for a ride. Strangely, it ran perfectly!!! Brought it back home and checked for errors again and it came up clean. Go figure!!!
So, my problem appears to have been a fluke. But an upsetting fluke because it may decide to do that at any time for all i know.....

njdangelo · 06-25-2021, 01:57 PM

Probably should have taken a picture of what the codes were so you could better understand what was causing the problem. If i had to guess though I would say your tank vent valve is going out. Symptoms of this is shuddering on start up/idle, especially after filling the tank with gas.

johnung · 06-25-2021, 02:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bobiam

I checked for error codes with Bimmerlink. Deleted all the old errors and took it out for a ride. Strangely, it ran perfectly!!! Brought it back home and checked for errors again and it came up clean. Go figure!!!
So, my problem appears to have been a fluke. But an upsetting fluke because it may decide to do that at any time for all i know.....

Had the same thing happen to me three years ago. Cleared codes, problem went away and never came back!

Psi5 · 06-25-2021, 02:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bobiam

I checked for error codes with Bimmerlink. Deleted all the old errors and took it out for a ride. Strangely, it ran perfectly!!! Brought it back home and checked for errors again and it came up clean. Go figure!!!
So, my problem appears to have been a fluke. But an upsetting fluke because it may decide to do that at any time for all i know.....

Same thing happened in my E90 335. Driving to a football game, stopped to get gas, a few minutes later the car stuttered and went into limp mode. Pulled over, let it sit, restarted, and it ran fine (didn't have my code reader with me).

So many computers and self-checks on these cars now, it is a wonder they do not "glitch" more often.

auburnf30x · 06-25-2021, 02:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Psi5

So many computers and self-checks on these cars now, it is a wonder they do not "glitch" more often.

Never thought I'd see the day where the first fix for my car would be the same as my phone - turn it off, and turn it on again! But here we are.

bobiam · 06-25-2021, 03:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by njdangelo

Probably should have taken a picture of what the codes were so you could better understand what was causing the problem. If i had to guess though I would say your tank vent valve is going out. Symptoms of this is shuddering on start up/idle, especially after filling the tank with gas.

Thanks... Will keep this in mind.

cfm56d7b · 06-25-2021, 08:44 PM

bobiam, thanks for sharing. While remote diagnostics are always more difficult, the problem you are describing is indicative of low pressure fuel pump misbehaving. The question is why and why did it start working again.

The most likely cause is vapor forming in the fuel system. Your vehicle has N55 engine and BMW issued a service bulletin in 2016 where the solution involves LPFP replacement.

https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/tsbs/20...51250-9999.pdf

Keep an eye on it.

Try to use the entire fuel tank, fill it up, and see if the problem happens again.

bobiam · 06-26-2021, 07:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cfm56d7b

bobiam, thanks for sharing. While remote diagnostics are always more difficult, the problem you are describing is indicative of low pressure fuel pump misbehaving. The question is why and why did it start working again.

The most likely cause is vapor forming in the fuel system. Your vehicle has N55 engine and IBM issued a service bulletin in 2016 where the solution involves LPFP replacement.

https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/tsbs/20...51250-9999.pdf

Keep an eye on it.

Try to use the entire fuel tank, fill it up, and see if the problem happens again.

Thanks. I read over the lengthly bulletin and near the beginning is says "up to 2013" but later it mentions other dates!!! The problem still may apply and i'll keep that in mind.

As for why it self-corrected, the answer may be the same as for all other computer stuff......reboot, reboot, reboot...!

cfm56d7b · 06-26-2021, 11:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bobiam

Quote:

Originally Posted by cfm56d7b

bobiam, thanks for sharing. While remote diagnostics are always more difficult, the problem you are describing is indicative of low pressure fuel pump misbehaving. The question is why and why did it start working again.

The most likely cause is vapor forming in the fuel system. Your vehicle has N55 engine and IBM issued a service bulletin in 2016 where the solution involves LPFP replacement.

https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/tsbs/20...51250-9999.pdf

Keep an eye on it.

Try to use the entire fuel tank, fill it up, and see if the problem happens again.

Thanks. I read over the lengthly bulletin and near the beginning is says "up to 2013" but later it mentions other dates!!! The problem still may apply and i'll keep that in mind.

As for why it self-corrected, the answer may be the same as for all other computer stuff......reboot, reboot, reboot...!

In this particular instance, Ctrl-Alt-Delete may not be the reason why the problem resolved itself. The more likely answer would be vapor formation dissipating.

Keep an eye on the problem for now.

COKen · 06-26-2021, 12:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cfm56d7b

bobiam, thanks for sharing. While remote diagnostics are always more difficult, the problem you are describing is indicative of low pressure fuel pump misbehaving. The question is why and why did it start working again.

The most likely cause is vapor forming in the fuel system. Your vehicle has N55 engine and IBM issued a service bulletin in 2016 where the solution involves LPFP replacement.

https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/tsbs/20...51250-9999.pdf

Keep an eye on it.

Try to use the entire fuel tank, fill it up, and see if the problem happens again.

By chance do you work for IBM? Only reason I can think of for your finger memory typing that IBM issued a BMW Service bulletin.

I retired from IBM and have also had issues with finger memory trying to type the wrong acronym a few times.

cfm56d7b · 06-26-2021, 12:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by COKen

Quote:

Originally Posted by cfm56d7b

bobiam, thanks for sharing. While remote diagnostics are always more difficult, the problem you are describing is indicative of low pressure fuel pump misbehaving. The question is why and why did it start working again.

The most likely cause is vapor forming in the fuel system. Your vehicle has N55 engine and IBM issued a service bulletin in 2016 where the solution involves LPFP replacement.

https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/tsbs/20...51250-9999.pdf

Keep an eye on it.

Try to use the entire fuel tank, fill it up, and see if the problem happens again.

By chance do you work for IBM? Only reason I can think of for your finger memory typing that IBM issued a BMW Service bulletin.

I retired from IBM and have also had issues with finger memory trying to type the wrong acronym a few times.

I don't work for IBM. ;-).

My auto correct feature continues to exhibit a mind of its own. Duly noted. Original post corrected!

06-17-2021, 07:35 PM	#1
bobiam Second Lieutenant 76 Rep 233 Posts Drives: Mineral White 2015 335xi Join Date: Jun 2018 Location: Unionville, CT iTrader: (0)	Engine problem. Need experienced advice... Bought gas today at costco. Half tank to fill up. Idled for 5 min before going into store. When I left yore store the car barely ran, Terribly sluggish and straining to move in low gears. Stopped nearby and looked it over and found nothing. Ran a bit better when restarted but the first third of the accelerator is sort of dead, Then it takes off at 3000+ rpm. Transmission feels like it can't decide on what gear it wants due to engine performance. I'm thinking bad gas but this is Costco and they refill takes every other day. Your thoughts or ideas??? Think a can of dry gas would be worth a shot?? __________________ 2015 Mineral White 335xi Sport trim
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06-17-2021, 07:45 PM	#2
auburnf30x Lieutenant 435 Rep 562 Posts Drives: 2017 BMW 330i xDrive Join Date: Jan 2021 Location: Auburn, AL iTrader: (0) Garage List 2017 BMW 330i xDrive [8.50]	First thing I’d do is see if you can pull any error codes. __________________ 2017 330i xDrive Imperial Blue Exterior / Venetian Beige Leather with Oyster Accent Interior / Anthracite Wood Trim
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06-17-2021, 11:11 PM	#3
bavarianride Major General 1509 Rep 5,089 Posts Drives: bimmer Join Date: Feb 2013 Location: northern california iTrader: (0)	My guess is that an engine sensor went bad, and should throw a fault code or something.
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06-25-2021, 01:54 PM	#4
bobiam Second Lieutenant 76 Rep 233 Posts Drives: Mineral White 2015 335xi Join Date: Jun 2018 Location: Unionville, CT iTrader: (0)	I checked for error codes with Bimmerlink. Deleted all the old errors and took it out for a ride. Strangely, it ran perfectly!!! Brought it back home and checked for errors again and it came up clean. Go figure!!! So, my problem appears to have been a fluke. But an upsetting fluke because it may decide to do that at any time for all i know..... __________________ 2015 Mineral White 335xi Sport trim
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06-25-2021, 01:57 PM	#5
njdangelo Captain 436 Rep 844 Posts Drives: 2019 x5 50i Join Date: Sep 2019 Location: CT iTrader: (1)	Probably should have taken a picture of what the codes were so you could better understand what was causing the problem. If i had to guess though I would say your tank vent valve is going out. Symptoms of this is shuddering on start up/idle, especially after filling the tank with gas. __________________ 2019 x5 50i - current 2016 340i THP stage 2 - gone but not forgotten.
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06-25-2021, 08:44 PM	#10
cfm56d7b Lieutenant General 5886 Rep 10,256 Posts Drives: 2017 440i Gran Coupe & 2015 X5 Join Date: Nov 2012 Location: Orange County, CA iTrader: (2)	bobiam, thanks for sharing. While remote diagnostics are always more difficult, the problem you are describing is indicative of low pressure fuel pump misbehaving. The question is why and why did it start working again. The most likely cause is vapor forming in the fuel system. Your vehicle has N55 engine and BMW issued a service bulletin in 2016 where the solution involves LPFP replacement. https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/tsbs/20...51250-9999.pdf Keep an eye on it. Try to use the entire fuel tank, fill it up, and see if the problem happens again.
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