BMW X5 - "Increased Emissions"

[Origin Unknown]

My car threw this fault day before yesterday via the iDrive. Pulled the codes today and found the following 3:

4501 Exhaust-gas recirculation control deviation
4212 Glow plug, cylinder 1, activation
4222 Glow plug, cylinder 2, activation

Cleared the codes and went for a run. It threw the same codes within 10 seconds of driving. Am I right in thinking EGR is coked up?

Found this DIY guide, any thoughts? https://www.google.co.uk/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=...

Finally, the glow plug codes reappeared after clearing, I assume they need replacing?

[TheEnd]

Glow plugs- common to fail, but wouldn't cause the check engine light.

The EGR would be the one causing the light, and either the valve is gummed up, or the vacuum pipes to it (or vacuum reservoir) might be leaking.

It's not a major issue, disabling the EGR is fairly popular.

[Origin Unknown]

Thanks.

Removed and cleaned the EGR, reinstalled, cleared codes, started and same EGR code thrown. Which is quite irritating.

Oddly, the EGR is very noisy when the car is off. Quick google throws this up http://carrepairsvideo.com/bmw-x5-e70-noisy-egr-va... which is exactly the same sound as mine.

Any thoughts on next steps?

[TheEnd]

Ah, you've got the electric one.

Options are a new EGR valve, or try disconnecting the plug (it should shut up and be quiet)and you can get a remapper to cancel the EGR fault code.

If you do experience power loss in the near future, unplug that connector and you'll probably find everything returns to normal (apart from the check engine light for it)

[TheEnd]

scrub that, you should have the vacuum one, but it's just behind part of a bracket to you can't see it.

http://www.realoem.com/bmw/enUS/showparts?id=FF02-...

EGR valve is part one, the vacuum connection is the little spigot on the right hand side middle.

Part 3 is the electric throttle with the plug.

Some of the newer engines have an electric EGR valve which can play up, but it looks like you have the older vacuum type. I'm wondering if the noise is coming from the throttle instead.

[Origin Unknown]

Thanks again!

Your second post is correct, it is the vacuum type. Reasonable deduction that part 3 is the piece making the noise too, it is as noisy as the video depicts which is very odd. Not sure how to proceed.

[Origin Unknown]

Solved.

Troubleshooting identified no vacuum on pipe connected to EGR. Found to be split vacuum pipe as it joined the pressure converter, the hardest part to get to out of the entire vacuum system. Difficult to root cause but lots of the vacuum pipes and other pipes in the vicinity were not mounted in their designated clamps.

[mat205125]

Morning all,

I've had the same engine warning light pop up at the end of last week, and associated message on the iDrive.

I spent a couple of hours over the weekend, removing, cleaning and refitting the EGR valve, however the light remains on. Will the fault clear itself, or do the codes need resetting? (I don't have a reader)

Car runs fine, with no effect on performance, economy, or visible output from the exhausts.

Any input anyone has would be greatly appreciated.

[TheEnd]

There could be any one of at least a hundred different things that could put that light on.

It doesn't mean anything specific, just that an error might have an effect on economy and emissions.

The lights usually will reset themselves after a while, provided they self check the system enough times and are happy the issue has gone.

[Origin Unknown]

How mucky was the EGR?

[mat205125]

Thanks both.

EGR was dirty, however nowhere near the worst I've seen.

Certainly not clogged to the point that it could have restricted flow, and not so much that the valve should have been prevented from operating.

I'll try and get the fault codes read over the Xmas period to see what has triggered (is triggering) the light.

[Hughieross]

Hi all

Interesting thread.
I have a 2009 X5 30d. I got the engine warning light come on a few weeks ago - ERG fault. I had the ERG valve replaced at a local garage.

2nd time driving the car today and the error message has returned.

All glow plugs were replaced about 6 weeks ago.

Advice on what to do next?

Do you think there would be any benefit in getting one of these engine carbon cleans?

Thanks!

[Origin Unknown]

Have you confirmed it’s not a vacuum problem? You’ll need a competent human and the right gear to test that there is negative pressure where there should be.

[Sardonicus]

Glow plug DTC's/codes are often a failed glow plug controller IME on these glow plugs can be checked 1st in situ however and always should