[krhodes1]

Getting a CEL with code 2AD8 on my '11 N51 128i. "Environmental Catalyst
sensor radiator temperature correlation". Seems to indicate that the stupid sensor for the coated radiator is not reading the radiator temperature correctly. I assume that if there were an actual temperature regulation issue I would get other codes as well?

Car is within miles and time for the SULEV warranty until June 2025, as well as being registered (though not located) in a "CA Emissions" state. The coated radiator and sensor are DEFINITELY covered parts unique to the N51.

Before I take it in and risk owing the dealer a ridiculous diagnostic fee in case it's something not covered - do y'all concur? Hoping that my spending the extra every year to keep it registered at my place in Maine vs. my place in Florida is going to pay off.

I do need to take it in for the PCV recall anyway, so procrastinating that has paid off as well- the dealer is an hour away.

I will say I do get why people get frustrated with these cars. After four years of needing nothing but scheduled annual services, in the past two months it's needed the rear window reglued, windshield washer pump, HVAC blower, a front wheel speed sensor and rear shocks replaced, and now this. Cheap and easy stuff to DIY, but I can only imagine what a shop would have charged, and given what an N51 radiator costs, probably well more than a grand just for this latest at the $tealer.

[M-technik-3]

BMW sure lost money with N51 cars. Hope you get it sorted.

[krhodes1]

Originally Posted by M-technik-3

BMW sure lost money with N51 cars. Hope you get it sorted.

I very much doubt they did. The Clean Air credits they got for selling them let them sell other much more profitable cars, or the credits themselves ala Tesla.

[Cal122]

Originally Posted by krhodes1

Before I take it in and risk owing the dealer a ridiculous diagnostic fee in case it's something not covered - do y'all concur?

It's definitely listed under covered SULEV items and that code sure does sound like the sensor - RADIATOR W/DORS (AUTOMATIC TRANS) RADIATOR W/DORS (MANUAL TRANS). If there's a code stored that doesn't clear and they run through the test plan in ISTA, it should be covered.

Interested to see what they say, or if they try to hit you with replacing all of the coolant hoses under your own dime. I'm still under SULEV warranty and going to be replacing most of my coolant hoses and I'd normally do the radiator at the same time, but with it still being under warranty, I'm thinking to hold off on it.

Originally Posted by M-technik-3

BMW sure lost money with N51 cars. Hope you get it sorted.

Don't worry, I'm sure they will more than make up on it selling us these parts once they're out of warranty!