E39 528 sport, Running problems

[big_russ]

Hi all,
got myself a bit of a problem with my E39 528.
from a cold start, everything is o.k.

When started from warm, as I pull away, there is no power until i get up to about 2500 rpm.
gear changes are fine, and it still kicks down (it is an automatic), but no in gear low rpm acceleration.
if i kick down from a standing start, there is still nothing until 2500 rpm.
the car has always been serviced by a good independent garage (a friend of mine),
it has done 125k and i need to sell it asap as i have fallen on hard times.

any advice is greatly appreciated

[Remagel2507]

Not definatly sure if this is the cause of the problem but on the 6cyl BMW engines poor performance (in my experience) has been down the cam, crank and sometimes the mass air flow sensors. A diagnostic scan will be the best thing to do first though

[bazking69]

One of the three suggestions above I reckon, and my money is on the MAF.

[528Sport]

what happens if you drive it manually thru the gears?
I am wondering if 1st gear is duff.

Secondly as others said could be maf/cam sensors. Just unplug them and see if the fault go's away. ECU will store a fault/faults depending on what you unplug so when you /if you get the codes read explain what you have done.

I ran my 523 with maf and cam sensors unplugged to diagnose a fault. the ecu runns in a preset mode. It could also be a duff o2 sensor as when theya re hot they allow the ecu to ajust fuel mixture.

528

[big_russ]

thanks for the replies guys,
When i run through the gears in steptronic they all have the problem.

it seems like the problem is to do with engine starting as the fault never starts during driving, but never goes away during driving.
Also after car has been used sometimes it will crank but not start, only on the first attempt though, it always starts fine second time with or without the fault.
Lastly, if i plug into a fault code reader is it neccesary fpr a fault light to be on? I might seem thick but grasping the engineering in this car boggles the mind!!
Thanks again for all the advice, really helps me out!

[528Sport]

big_russ said:

thanks for the replies guys,
When i run through the gears in steptronic they all have the problem.

it seems like the problem is to do with engine starting as the fault never starts during driving, but never goes away during driving.
Also after car has been used sometimes it will crank but not start, only on the first attempt though, it always starts fine second time with or without the fault.
Lastly, if i plug into a fault code reader is it neccesary fpr a fault light to be on? I might seem thick but grasping the engineering in this car boggles the mind!!
Thanks again for all the advice, really helps me out!

So the gear box seems ok, thats good as its expensive to fix. Get the codes read. Not sure what you mean by FRP light, If you mean engine managment light they dont always light up. My 523 never lit up even thou I was driving round with thinks un plugged!
what year is the car?

[Shropshiremike]

big_russ said:

it seems like the problem is to do with engine starting as the fault never starts during driving, but never goes away during driving.
Also after car has been used sometimes it will crank but not start, only on the first attempt though, it always starts fine second time with or without the fault.

Worth getting the codes read - you won't need a light on to get them read.
Sounds like it could be a crank sensor. If you want to find out before you get the codes read, try unplugging it and see what it starts like - if just the same as before it may be failing.

Most BMW indys will read your fault codes for a few quid if you are going to fix it yourself

[big_russ]

Right,
I've just been to see my mate, who has read the fault codes, and I need;
an electronic thermostat controller
a camshaft sensor on the inlet side
an O2 sensor after the cat (not sure if its a knock or lambada sensor)

'fpr' light was a typo! should have read 'for'

First question, what is a electronic thermostat controller, I've had a few people tell me a few different things?

my next question, would second hand parts be worth sourcing as money is now very tight, as soon as it is fixed I want to sell the car, but don't want an angry buyer knocking on my door in a few weeks time!!

thanks again for the replies

eta its a 2000 (w) model

Edited by big_russ on Friday 9th April 17:55

[Remagel2507]

big_russ said:

my next question, would second hand parts be worth sourcing as money is now very tight, as soon as it is fixed I want to sell the car, but don't want an angry buyer knocking on my door in a few weeks time!!

thanks again for the replies

eta its a 2000 (w) model

Edited by big_russ on Friday 9th April 17:55

Even though only one sensor has flagged up I would change them both - always have done. Also you may need to clear the codes again and on some tools theres a function to tell the car the sensors have been changed so you may need to do that.

In regards to second hand parts I wouldnt bother unless you know they've been in for a short time - one of the cam sensors in cheaper from the dealer and I think I got the other one from ECP (Euro Car Parts)/GSF (German Swedish French).

I also did a full reset (adaptation values) of engine and gearbox before driving but its not neccesary

Edited by Remagel2507 on Friday 9th April 18:38

[Alistair H.]

big_russ said:

Hi all,
got myself a bit of a problem with my E39 528.
from a cold start, everything is o.k.

When started from warm, as I pull away, there is no power until i get up to about 2500 rpm.
gear changes are fine, and it still kicks down (it is an automatic), but no in gear low rpm acceleration.
if i kick down from a standing start, there is still nothing until 2500 rpm.
the car has always been serviced by a good independent garage (a friend of mine),
it has done 125k and i need to sell it asap as i have fallen on hard times.

any advice is greatly appreciated

Russ,

You made any headway on this yet? - I have EXACTLY the same fault on my 728. I did some reading up and it looked to be pointing toward one of the cam sensors.

[big_russ]

i still haven't found out what an electronic thermostat controller is, but i have found the o2 sensor and the cam sensor on ebay for 60 quid. Will have a go at fitting them at the end of the week.
I would definately get the codes read first though, it takes 10 monutes and could potentially save you a lot of time and money.

[Alistair H.]

big_russ said:

i still haven't found out what an electronic thermostat controller is, but i have found the o2 sensor and the cam sensor on ebay for 60 quid. Will have a go at fitting them at the end of the week.
I would definately get the codes read first though, it takes 10 monutes and could potentially save you a lot of time and money.

Ok - keep me abreast and good luck!