[blueh88]

Hi all,

Is anyone able to advise what causes this vibration at idle? Link below. Once some throttle is applied, it goes away. It can be felt constantly at any time whether engine is hot or cold and can be felt when sat inside too. I didn't pay much attention to it initially but after sitting in another same model car, that felt much smoother in comparison. FYI my car has an Allard EGR bypass, DPF delete, swirlflap delete and custom remap.

https://drive.google.com/open?id=1IY...OV9LvvOf7Uqygw

Also, I have noticed some oil on the pipe in the centre of the image on the link below. Is this something to worry about? Also, what is this pipe? I do seem to need to top up on oil more often than what I would consider normal i.e. in less than 1000 miles I would need to add another litre.

https://drive.google.com/open?id=1FG...x4jxSVZ3qbVhjQ

[MrSweet1991]

Hmm, that metal pipe goes onto the turbo I think.. as for losing that amount of oil in just 1000 miles that is a bit alarming from what ive read, pull the dipstick out when the engine is warm is see if white smoke comes out, if it does it may indicate warn piston rings which may explain the oil loss (I'm in a similar situation but I don't lose oil)

Your engine to me sounds okay, although I couldn't listen to it that well as I'm out.

You'll need some more replies as I'm not experienced enough yet but hopefully the oil loss isn't a serious issue.

[blueh88]

Yep, white smoke when I pull the dipstick out. What's the damage on the piston rings replacement then??

It was the vibration I was trying to show rather than the sound. I can't hear anything obscure, it is the vibration you can see when I put the allen key on top of the engine cover.

Appreciate your response!

[dragerboy]

My 2006 330d vibrates as yours I think. Can't remember whether its got worse or has always been like that. I know I have glow plug faults and probably need a new breather filter.

[blueh88]

Breather...something else I was thinking. I might just change that to see if it makes a difference. Cheap to do too! Thanks!

[MrSweet1991]

Originally Posted by blueh88

Breather...something else I was thinking. I might just change that to see if it makes a difference. Cheap to do too! Thanks!

Breather is well worth doing as they can fail and the damage it can cause can be quite significant. It's not hard to change to be honest, it just takes a little while to get to but there is a video on YouTube showing how to change it.

Hopefully yours is sorted after the breather is changed, mine didn't Unfortunately but given I don't lose oil or have much smoke I can't really see piston rings being the culprit.

If you need any help changing the breather just let us know, use the website RealOEM to find the part number for the crankcase breather and then contact bmw cotswold for a discount (quote the forum) I got mine for £49.73.

[MrSweet1991]

Originally Posted by dragerboy

My 2006 330d vibrates as yours I think. Can't remember whether its got worse or has always been like that. I know I have glow plug faults and probably need a new breather filter.

I leave my engine cover off, but mines not smooth so to speak and I'd say mine would do the same if I put an Allen key on top haha. I also have glow plug activation issues on all 6 cyclinders yet it starts no problem at all... given they help only on cold starts and my dpf is hollow I'm in no rush to change them haha.

[blueh88]

Thanks MrSweet, appreciate your responses. I have it booked in for a service next week and just phoned to ask them to change the breather too so that will be done. Hopefully that will sort things out. I would have done it myself but seeing as it is in the garage, might as well get them to do it.

I have also asked them to check around to see if they can find any other faults for piece of mind.

I've got the Carly app, will plug it in to see if there are any fault codes coming up. If it saying glow plug activation issues on all 6 then would it not be the control unit? Not sure myself just thinking out loud.

[MrSweet1991]

Originally Posted by blueh88

Thanks MrSweet, appreciate your responses. I have it booked in for a service next week and just phoned to ask them to change the breather too so that will be done. Hopefully that will sort things out. I would have done it myself but seeing as it is in the garage, might as well get them to do it.

I have also asked them to check around to see if they can find any other faults for piece of mind.

I've got the Carly app, will plug it in to see if there are any fault codes coming up. If it saying glow plug activation issues on all 6 then would it not be the control unit? Not sure myself just thinking out loud.

Good to see you're getting it done at BMW, it's nice to get down on paper that you've had the breather changed as anyone who does a little research about these cars will soon enough hear about them and the issues they can cause.

And that was my thoughts mate, however after speaking with a few people they actually said all 6 of there's was dead so not to jump to the conclusion that it's the relay just because all 6 have issues.. I'll plug it in again later to see if I can get anymore information about the faults. But right now it starts fine so it's not a priority yet.

Also, beings as your cars in have you enquired about the air filter? it takes just as long to remove the air filter as it does the crankcase breather because the rear panels and strut bars need to come off to gain access. I purchased a Bosch filter from eurocarparts for £20.

Let us know how it goes and what Carly says.

[ade146]

Mine is very much the same and I know it wasnt always like that. Ive spent ages investigating and have come to the conclusion it is probably the engine mounts. They soften below about 900rpm or rather they are supposed to. Hence when driving even slowly the engine is normal but at idle when on full soft they probably arent.
Engine breather is an internet myth. Years ago they had a different breather that used to block up. E90 have never had this system and in fact it is just an empty box. Not really likely to block that. Ive said it many times but the rumour persists. If you change it open the old one and post back how it works. There are no working parts in it ! If Im wrong I will eat my keyboard.

[blueh88]

Originally Posted by MrSweet1991

Good to see you're getting it done at BMW, it's nice to get down on paper that you've had the breather changed as anyone who does a little research about these cars will soon enough hear about them and the issues they can cause.

And that was my thoughts mate, however after speaking with a few people they actually said all 6 of there's was dead so not to jump to the conclusion that it's the relay just because all 6 have issues.. I'll plug it in again later to see if I can get anymore information about the faults. But right now it starts fine so it's not a priority yet.

Also, beings as your cars in have you enquired about the air filter? it takes just as long to remove the air filter as it does the crankcase breather because the rear panels and strut bars need to come off to gain access. I purchased a Bosch filter from eurocarparts for £20.

Let us know how it goes and what Carly says.

I would never take it to BMW with the prices they charge! Haha. A good independent is carrying out the work and is also close family so have full faith in their work.

Yep, I know the woes of changing the air filter but thankfully it got done at a major service about 9,000 miles ago. This service is just a minor so only an oil/filter change.

Still yet to plug it in so will post back if anything shows once I plug it in.

[blueh88]

Originally Posted by ade146

Mine is very much the same and I know it wasnt always like that. Ive spent ages investigating and have come to the conclusion it is probably the engine mounts. They soften below about 900rpm or rather they are supposed to. Hence when driving even slowly the engine is normal but at idle when on full soft they probably arent.
Engine breather is an internet myth. Years ago they had a different breather that used to block up. E90 have never had this system and in fact it is just an empty box. Not really likely to block that. Ive said it many times but the rumour persists. If you change it open the old one and post back how it works. There are no working parts in it ! If Im wrong I will eat my keyboard.

Very interesting! Thanks for the response ade. Well, it makes sense as I have seen pics and it isn't like the old style with an actual filter element. As I have already told the garage to change it now, it will be interesting to see if the breather makes a difference or not. If doesn't, then no problem at least that I have eliminated that. I will definitely post back with the results.

Now that you mention engine mounts, I remember sitting in a few highly modded cars (non-bmw) with solid engine mounts and I recollect them having this vibration at idle...so you very well could be right in that they have degraded and not giving the full dampening.

[ade146]

They are vacuum controlled by a solenoid. Possibly a vac leak or maybe the bellows in the mounts stop working, not really sure but as I said they move to the soft position below 900rpm I think. I suspect there is an issue there somewhere and its probably common and most dont notice. Anything above 900 is going to be normal so it will only be at idle where the fault can be seen.
All just a guess from my investigations but I dont think Im going to change the mounts to find out. It could even be a hose has come adrift but they are pretty hard to find laced under the subframe.

[blueh88]

First of all, I am so surprised our cars have these "Active" engine mounts! I thought it was a very modern thing to have i.e. in the last couple of years on much more expensive cars.

I will see if the garage can check the vac pipes if it is easier once it is on a ramp!

I am more concerned about the oil leak and usage!

[Digitalize]

My M47N2 has smoke coming from the oil cap when I open it, and also an oil leak I think is from the cylinder head cover gasket. I've assumed the smoke is normal, a by-product of the oil getting hot.

It also has a vibration at idle. I've always assumed it's worn engine mounts and the engine being less balanced at low RPM. Lifting the RPM slightly smooths it right out.

[blueh88]

Originally Posted by Digitalize

My M47N2 has smoke coming from the oil cap when I open it, and also an oil leak I think is from the cylinder head cover gasket. I've assumed the smoke is normal, a by-product of the oil getting hot.

It also has a vibration at idle. I've always assumed it's worn engine mounts and the engine being less balanced at low RPM. Lifting the RPM slightly smooths it right out.

The smoke I have ruled out as being an issue now. As you say, it is a by-product of hot oil. It subsides after a few minutes anyway.

Yep, exactly the same for me regarding the vibration.

[Digitalize]

My other thought with the idle being rough is that the injectors are worn, so the car has less fine control over the amount of fuel, and its spray pattern, not a problem as soon as they're working but on idle it could be.

Obviously I'm planning to fix the oil leak, but the rest I think are pretty normal as the engine wears.

[blueh88]

Originally Posted by Digitalize

My other thought with the idle being rough is that the injectors are worn, so the car has less fine control over the amount of fuel, and its spray pattern, not a problem as soon as they're working but on idle it could be.

Obviously I'm planning to fix the oil leak, but the rest I think are pretty normal as the engine wears.

Hmm, yes injectors could potentially be the issue. Big cost

Is your head gasket issue a big fix or relatively straight forward?

[MrSweet1991]

Originally Posted by blueh88

Very interesting! Thanks for the response ade. Well, it makes sense as I have seen pics and it isn't like the old style with an actual filter element. As I have already told the garage to change it now, it will be interesting to see if the breather makes a difference or not. If doesn't, then no problem at least that I have eliminated that. I will definitely post back with the results.

Now that you mention engine mounts, I remember sitting in a few highly modded cars (non-bmw) with solid engine mounts and I recollect them having this vibration at idle...so you very well could be right in that they have degraded and not giving the full dampening.

I changed mine mate, reduced the white smoke considerably. Was you interested in seeing what's inside the vortex breather as I have the old one lying about?

[blueh88]

Originally Posted by MrSweet1991

I changed mine mate, reduced the white smoke considerably. Was you interested in seeing what's inside the vortex breather as I have the old one lying about?

Yeah I am still going to get mine changed regardless. Yeah sure, if you could post a pic that would be great!

[ade146]

You had a vortex cartridge in an E90 ?

[MrSweet1991]

Originally Posted by blueh88

Yeah I am still going to get mine changed regardless. Yeah sure, if you could post a pic that would be great!

Good to hear, seems a lot of people say it's wise to change as a faulty breather can cause a lot of problems and blow seals.. right when I get back I'll take a few pictures and crack it open to see what's inside