E61 530d odd problem

E61 530d odd problem

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MarkoNoTVR

Original Poster:

1,139 posts

233 months

Friday 18th November 2016
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The problem in question began a few weeks ago and it only occurs if the temp overnight drops below about 3-4C. Above that, there's never an issue.

If it gets that cold, my E61 530d will show DBC and DSC faults within about 30secs of starting up. Shortly after, I'll get an Engine Management warning with 'Increased Emissions'. The car is undriveable as the revs end up all over the place; sometimes normal (with normal power) but quickly fluctuate between being locked at tickover (no throttle response) and running very lumpy (like a misfire).

The first time it happened I just kept stopping and restarting the car and it took about 20mins to clear. The EM light stayed on, but the DSC/DBC warning had gone and it drove normally.

Since then, I've found I can get it moving in about 10mins if:
- I spend 5mins switching between being in 'D' and stationary and moving backwards and forwards
- the following 5mins stationary but cycling between gears, i.e. D-N-R-N-D......

I've seen other reports like this saying battery (mine is less than 12 months old), speed sensor, etc. are at fault, but none have ever mentioned ambient temp as an issue.

Anyone else experienced anything like this and even more important, found a solution?

Blu3R

2,362 posts

198 months

Friday 18th November 2016
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With admittedly zero knowledge of this particular fault could it be the gearbox? If you've done high mileage have you considered changing the oil?
On cold days its worth using it in manual to keep it from changing up too soon. This usually saves wear and allows the oil to warm quicker, providing better lubrication. Have you tried just driving off with all the faults still showing?

MarkoNoTVR

Original Poster:

1,139 posts

233 months

Friday 18th November 2016
quotequote all
I thought it may be gearbox related, as making it work seems to solve the problem; however, I couldn't think of what in a auto 'box would be troubled by ambient temperatures like that (oil viscosity should be OK still).

That said, you may be right in that an oil change could be on the cards; there's 133k miles on the clock and I've not changed it in the 36k I've done in it. I guess if it's half sludge in there, getting cold will be no help at all. Seems like a bit of a ballache from what I've read, though....???

Can't drive off with all the faults showing, it does all the mad stuff described (low power, fixed revs, 'misfiring'/juddering, etc.) However, once the DBC/DSC fault is gone (triangle in the circular arrow), it's fine.....the EM light can still be on and there's no issue.



Edited by MarkoNoTVR on Friday 18th November 14:49

MarkoNoTVR

Original Poster:

1,139 posts

233 months

Friday 25th November 2016
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Sytner Birmingham should be running some diags on it in the next day or two; if they come up with anything tangible, I'll post it back here to help any other poor sods who come across this. smile

farbbm

306 posts

189 months

Friday 25th November 2016
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My 2007 30d X5 had a similar issue but would only present itself when after a few miles of driving the emissions light would come on with the message 'Reduced Power' and then stall, which is quite unnerving in an Auto! Mine would only do it intermittently so it was difficult to track and didn't produce a diagnostic fault. My indy replaced the fuel sensor deep inside the engine which has touching wood has re-occurred since.

MarkoNoTVR

Original Poster:

1,139 posts

233 months

Wednesday 30th November 2016
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Well, I don't think I'm going to be able to give you all any useful update, unfortunately. The initial diagnostics revealed nothing of use about the problem and given some other new faults recently, I need to throw some cash at those instead of chasing this one down.

Boring_Chris

2,348 posts

121 months

Thursday 8th December 2016
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I have similar symptoms and it's looking like a cracked manifold.

Mine's an e60, though.

Not sure if thats any help but the symptoms are very much the same. i.e. 'increased emissions', fluctuating power etc.