Engine trouble, help!

Uptown Bully · 12-15-2008, 12:55 AM

I bought my 135i about six months ago and haven't had an issue until today.

It's been cold out as of late and when I got in my car to start it, it took a while to get going. When it finally did, the revs went up and down, and it sounded like it was about to die. Never did.

The "engine icon" came on in yellow, meaning Limp Home Mode, and the Service Engine Soon light did too. Water was shooting out of the exhaust and "smoke" (remember it was cold, could simply ve the usual stuff you see) was coming out of only ONE of the pipes.

Tried driving it around the parking lot and it's barely move and sort of shook.

I'm under warranty of course, but...bad battery? Something to do with the coolant? I get NO other warning lights other than Service Engine. Actually last week, the "snowflake" icon came on once, hasn't since.

I fear trying to drive it to the dealer. I don't know if they'll come get it or not, or if that's a free service.

Pissed this is happening to a six month old car but she doesn't want to run at all.

Any ideas?

EspressoBoy · 12-15-2008, 01:02 AM

Call your Dealer. They should be able to tell you what to do.

Good luck...sorry this happened.

EspressoBoy

PS
I have had my windows freeze up, and having them smash against the trim was not fun. I hear ya, this sucks... Let us know Monday after you call.

clived · 12-15-2008, 04:58 AM

Don't you have BMW Assist in the US?

AussieRacer · 12-15-2008, 05:20 AM

Bad high-pressure fuel pump?

arrutled · 12-15-2008, 07:06 AM

Yeah, that puppy(HPFP) is toast, they should hook you up with a new one!

atr_hugo · 12-15-2008, 07:17 AM

As advised, get it to the dealer.

What puzzles me is your mention of water and smoke. There's some missing info there, it could be completely normal. Was it oil smoke or water vapor? Was it water or coolant?

The problem in reading what you describe is that water vapor is normal, but oil smoke is not (at least on a new car - don't ask about race cars with looser ring tolerances ; -).

And water, a byproduct of the combustion process, does come out of the tailpipe especially right after startup since all the various parts have yet to heat up sufficiently to vaporize water. But if you're seeing coolant (smoke or liquid) that is usually associated with a blown head gasket.

adrean8j · 12-15-2008, 07:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Uptown Bully

I bought my 135i about six months ago and haven't had an issue until today.

It's been cold out as of late and when I got in my car to start it, it took a while to get going. When it finally did, the revs went up and down, and it sounded like it was about to die. Never did.

The "engine icon" came on in yellow, meaning Limp Home Mode, and the Service Engine Soon light did too. Water was shooting out of the exhaust and "smoke" (remember it was cold, could simply ve the usual stuff you see) was coming out of only ONE of the pipes.

Tried driving it around the parking lot and it's barely move and sort of shook.

I'm under warranty of course, but...bad battery? Something to do with the coolant? I get NO other warning lights other than Service Engine. Actually last week, the "snowflake" icon came on once, hasn't since.

I fear trying to drive it to the dealer. I don't know if they'll come get it or not, or if that's a free service.

Pissed this is happening to a six month old car but she doesn't want to run at all.

Any ideas?

I know it may seem overly simple but did you fill up your tank of gas last night? Try to simply remove your gas cap and the put it back on. The symptoms sound an awful lot like loss of Vacuum pressure in one of a myriad of hoses. You get these symptoms from loose gas caps and loose exhaust fittings. If you don't have the long start issue, as in when you press the start button it takes longer than 3 seconds to start...then I would not worry about the HPFP.....yet.....

adrean8j · 12-15-2008, 07:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by atr_hugo

As advised, get it to the dealer.

What puzzles me is your mention of water and smoke. There's some missing info there, it could be completely normal. Was it oil smoke or water vapor? Was it water or coolant?

The problem in reading what you describe is that water vapor is normal, but oil smoke is not (at least on a new car - don't ask about race cars with looser ring tolerances ; -).

And water, a byproduct of the combustion process, does come out of the tailpipe especially right after startup since all the various parts have yet to heat up sufficiently to vaporize water. But if you're seeing coolant (smoke or liquid) that is usually associated with a blown head gasket.

^^^ What he says is correct. If the exhaust smell is EXTREMELY strong then you may have some oil in it as well. Should not be the case with your 6 mos. old car though....

Uptown Bully · 12-15-2008, 08:29 AM

Well, I try it this morning and it starts up fine. The Service Engine light is still on though (gas cap is tight). I read some threads last night after posting this, and I figured it was the fuel pump. I also read some concerning that how the problem can come and go. So, I'll make an appointment and have them check it over. But at least I can drive it there myself. I was worried about trying to drive it in limp mode, and didn't want to have to pay for a tow. Though...isn't that a free service?

Uptown Bully · 12-15-2008, 03:29 PM

And the answer is: cylinder. I think he said #1. Had to replace it. I pick it up tomorrow as I don't want to drive in rush hour traffic with a friend to get it tonight. He said it came up in the diag. and it's usually either fuel pump or cylinder.

WyattHerb · 12-15-2008, 07:32 PM

Its been in the low 30's high 20's the last couple of days here and when I started my car today (27 degrees outside) the same thing happened. The limp mode light came on and it sounded weird but I did not get a CEL. I let it run for about a minute then shut it off. When I ignited it again seconds later everything was fine. I didn't monitor anything exhaust wise, though. No lights, noises, etc. I took it for a spin and everything sounded and ran fine.
I suppose the real question is for those who might or may be experiencing the same thing is if this is abnormal, harmful, and what the reasoning is.

WyattHerb · 12-15-2008, 07:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Uptown Bully

And the answer is: cylinder. I think he said #1. Had to replace it. I pick it up tomorrow as I don't want to drive in rush hour traffic with a friend to get it tonight. He said it came up in the diag. and it's usually either fuel pump or cylinder.

A cylinder? I didn't think you could just replace a cylinder. Particularly in a day...:iono:

randomquickness · 12-15-2008, 07:35 PM

everything described in this thread happened to my car...and it was the HPFP

Uptown Bully · 12-15-2008, 10:10 PM

Well crap, now I worry. I'll get the exact problem tomorrow on the print out, but he definitely said the word cylinder. I'm crap with cars though. He may have said "plug" too. It was very cold when all the issues started, but damn, you think a car could handle the cold and I live in the South!

Chewyjr15 · 12-16-2008, 12:22 AM

do the 09's have the hpfp problem? Or has it been corrected? Just wondering because i take delivery in a bout a month.

Lester · 12-16-2008, 07:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Uptown Bully

Well crap, now I worry. I'll get the exact problem tomorrow on the print out, but he definitely said the word cylinder. I'm crap with cars though. He may have said "plug" too. It was very cold when all the issues started, but damn, you think a car could handle the cold and I live in the South!

Cylinder makes no sense. Did he say spark plug? In number 1 cylinder? Or Injector? The cylinder is not replaceable, as it is part of the engine block.

atr_hugo · 12-16-2008, 08:00 AM

Your engine would need to look like this BMW assembly in order to replace a cylinder. ; -)

adrean8j · 12-16-2008, 08:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lester

Cylinder makes no sense. Did he say spark plug? In number 1 cylinder? Or Injector? The cylinder is not replaceable, as it is part of the engine block.

Yes of course; the cylinder is the "sleeve" in the engine block that the piston moves within...the piston compresses the air and fuel within the cylinder and the spark plugs (or other spark producing object...depending on the car) produce a spark that ignites that mixture and sends the piston back down forcibly.

@Uptown Bully: If you are crap with cars but want a great, short tutorial on engine basics check this out:
http://auto.howstuffworks.com/engine.htm
http://auto.howstuffworks.com/turbo.htm

They are great for giving you the basics and even have images and moving parts to demonstrate what is being explained. Great stuff for those new to the engine tuning and turbocharging world.

Uptown Bully · 12-16-2008, 09:57 AM

Sorry for all the n00b talk. I got it back just now. It was the injector. FP #13-53-7-565-138. He said it was in the number one cylinder...and I guess that's all my ears heard the other day.

EspressoBoy · 12-16-2008, 10:08 AM

Glad all is well in The QC now... *smile*

EspressoBoy

Did you have a bad exp with slaw? I can't get enough of the stuff myself. (mind you I only like the creamy one that I make myself.)

EspressoBoy · 12-16-2008, 10:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by atr_hugo

Your engine would need to look like this BMW assembly in order to replace a cylinder. ; -)

Now that would make a great wall clock!

EspressoBoy

atr_hugo · 12-16-2008, 10:26 AM

I don't how well it'd idle at 60 rpm. ; -)

12-15-2008, 12:55 AM	#1
Uptown Bully I hate coleslaw! 4 Rep 170 Posts Drives: Join Date: Apr 2008 iTrader: (0)	Engine trouble, help! I bought my 135i about six months ago and haven't had an issue until today. It's been cold out as of late and when I got in my car to start it, it took a while to get going. When it finally did, the revs went up and down, and it sounded like it was about to die. Never did. The "engine icon" came on in yellow, meaning Limp Home Mode, and the Service Engine Soon light did too. Water was shooting out of the exhaust and "smoke" (remember it was cold, could simply ve the usual stuff you see) was coming out of only ONE of the pipes. Tried driving it around the parking lot and it's barely move and sort of shook. I'm under warranty of course, but...bad battery? Something to do with the coolant? I get NO other warning lights other than Service Engine. Actually last week, the "snowflake" icon came on once, hasn't since. I fear trying to drive it to the dealer. I don't know if they'll come get it or not, or if that's a free service. Pissed this is happening to a six month old car but she doesn't want to run at all. Any ideas?
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12-15-2008, 01:02 AM	#2
EspressoBoy 1addict, and proud 40 Rep 1,019 Posts Drives: BMW 135i 08 Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Canada iTrader: (1)	Call your Dealer. They should be able to tell you what to do. Good luck...sorry this happened. EspressoBoy PS I have had my windows freeze up, and having them smash against the trim was not fun. I hear ya, this sucks... Let us know Monday after you call. __________________
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12-15-2008, 04:58 AM	#3
clived Captain 39 Rep 812 Posts Drives: Evolved 1M Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: UK iTrader: (0)	Don't you have BMW Assist in the US? __________________ 2019+ BSM M2C 2011-2012: VO 1M Coupe, many toys, Evolve Stage 3. 2008-2011: 135i M Sport Le Mans Blue / Lemon / HGSL. Evolve OBD remap - 390bhp. Also in the family: X3 M40d / Audi S4 (V8)
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12-15-2008, 05:20 AM	#4
AussieRacer Major 24 Rep 1,058 Posts Drives: 2008 135i Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Aust iTrader: (0)	Bad high-pressure fuel pump? __________________ Current: 135i Auto, Le Mans Blue - w/ Bridgestone RE-11 rears, GP Thunder 7500k angels, & "golf tee" mod plus a few M3 suspension bits and pieces...
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12-15-2008, 07:06 AM	#5
arrutled Colonel 104 Rep 2,474 Posts Drives: Olsa Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Western Mass iTrader: (0)	Yeah, that puppy(HPFP) is toast, they should hook you up with a new one! __________________ AW 135i w/ blackette, performance short shift kit, BMW alarm, Performance rotors, APEX ARC-8 wheels, Direzza Star Spec 235/275, Dinan stage 3 suspension, M3 wishbones/tension rods/front sway/rear subframe bushings and thats all folks!
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12-15-2008, 07:17 AM	#6
atr_hugo No longer moderate 325 Rep 4,401 Posts Drives: '13 135i Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: - iTrader: (0)	As advised, get it to the dealer. What puzzles me is your mention of water and smoke. There's some missing info there, it could be completely normal. Was it oil smoke or water vapor? Was it water or coolant? The problem in reading what you describe is that water vapor is normal, but oil smoke is not (at least on a new car - don't ask about race cars with looser ring tolerances ; -). And water, a byproduct of the combustion process, does come out of the tailpipe especially right after startup since all the various parts have yet to heat up sufficiently to vaporize water. But if you're seeing coolant (smoke or liquid) that is usually associated with a blown head gasket.
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12-15-2008, 08:29 AM	#9
Uptown Bully I hate coleslaw! 4 Rep 170 Posts Drives: Join Date: Apr 2008 iTrader: (0)	Well, I try it this morning and it starts up fine. The Service Engine light is still on though (gas cap is tight). I read some threads last night after posting this, and I figured it was the fuel pump. I also read some concerning that how the problem can come and go. So, I'll make an appointment and have them check it over. But at least I can drive it there myself. I was worried about trying to drive it in limp mode, and didn't want to have to pay for a tow. Though...isn't that a free service?
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12-15-2008, 03:29 PM	#10
Uptown Bully I hate coleslaw! 4 Rep 170 Posts Drives: Join Date: Apr 2008 iTrader: (0)	And the answer is: cylinder. I think he said #1. Had to replace it. I pick it up tomorrow as I don't want to drive in rush hour traffic with a friend to get it tonight. He said it came up in the diag. and it's usually either fuel pump or cylinder.
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12-15-2008, 07:32 PM	#11
WyattHerb Private First Class 5 Rep 125 Posts Drives: 2008 BMW 135i Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Seattle, WA iTrader: (0)	Its been in the low 30's high 20's the last couple of days here and when I started my car today (27 degrees outside) the same thing happened. The limp mode light came on and it sounded weird but I did not get a CEL. I let it run for about a minute then shut it off. When I ignited it again seconds later everything was fine. I didn't monitor anything exhaust wise, though. No lights, noises, etc. I took it for a spin and everything sounded and ran fine. I suppose the real question is for those who might or may be experiencing the same thing is if this is abnormal, harmful, and what the reasoning is. __________________ 2008 Jet Black 135i Coupe
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12-15-2008, 07:35 PM	#13
randomquickness Brigadier General 219 Rep 3,668 Posts Drives: 996tt Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Georgetown, TX iTrader: (13)	everything described in this thread happened to my car...and it was the HPFP __________________
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12-15-2008, 10:10 PM	#14
Uptown Bully I hate coleslaw! 4 Rep 170 Posts Drives: Join Date: Apr 2008 iTrader: (0)	Well crap, now I worry. I'll get the exact problem tomorrow on the print out, but he definitely said the word cylinder. I'm crap with cars though. He may have said "plug" too. It was very cold when all the issues started, but damn, you think a car could handle the cold and I live in the South!
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12-16-2008, 12:22 AM	#15
Chewyjr15 1 addict and proud! 42 Rep 570 Posts Drives: jb 135 on order Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: irvine, ca iTrader: (0)	do the 09's have the hpfp problem? Or has it been corrected? Just wondering because i take delivery in a bout a month.
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12-16-2008, 08:00 AM	#17
atr_hugo No longer moderate 325 Rep 4,401 Posts Drives: '13 135i Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: - iTrader: (0)	Your engine would need to look like this BMW assembly in order to replace a cylinder. ; -) Attached Images
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12-16-2008, 09:57 AM	#19
Uptown Bully I hate coleslaw! 4 Rep 170 Posts Drives: Join Date: Apr 2008 iTrader: (0)	Sorry for all the n00b talk. I got it back just now. It was the injector. FP #13-53-7-565-138. He said it was in the number one cylinder...and I guess that's all my ears heard the other day.
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12-16-2008, 10:08 AM	#20
EspressoBoy 1addict, and proud 40 Rep 1,019 Posts Drives: BMW 135i 08 Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Canada iTrader: (1)	Glad all is well in The QC now... smile EspressoBoy Did you have a bad exp with slaw? I can't get enough of the stuff myself. (mind you I only like the creamy one that I make myself.) __________________
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12-16-2008, 10:26 AM	#22
atr_hugo No longer moderate 325 Rep 4,401 Posts Drives: '13 135i Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: - iTrader: (0)	I don't how well it'd idle at 60 rpm. ; -)
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