N51 Issue

maxor · 05-08-2018, 04:15 PM

Hello,

So for the past few weeks i've been having this issue with my 2008 bmw 328i.

On a cold start, the rpm's jump up and down, not erratically but they do move slightly up and down.

During idle, when the car is warm i can feel vibrations in the cabin, seats are vibrating etc...

On acceleration the car feels kind of jerky, as i give it more gas it sort of hesitates and stops then accelerates.

Any Ideas?

After some research i'm thinking it may be related to the vanos solenoid, but i could be wrong.

Edit :
During idle if i rev to 1k rpm it drops slowly back down but cabin shaking worsens while lowering rpms back to normal.

Update :

Managed to get the car running, Drove around for a bit car starts shaking around 2k rpm and dies. no codes stored.

AoS810 · 05-08-2018, 04:21 PM

How many miles do you have? Get the car scanned and pull the codes.

Typical items related to the symptoms you described are changing the spark plugs and ignition coils.

I've also had similar rough idle with an eccentric shaft sensor or crankshaft position sensor, both of which are covered under SULEV warranty (15 yr / 150K miles) which you have if you have an N51.

maxor · 05-08-2018, 07:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AoS810

How many miles do you have? Get the car scanned and pull the codes.

Typical items related to the symptoms you described are changing the spark plugs and ignition coils.

I've also had similar rough idle with an eccentric shaft sensor or crankshaft position sensor, both of which are covered under SULEV warranty (15 yr / 150K miles) which you have if you have an N51.

That was my next guess, just wanted to get a second opinion on what it could be.

Spark plugs where changed about 23k miles ago, currently at 147k so i'm still under the SULEV warranty. Luckily...

Currently am not getting any CEL or codes, dash is completely fine, just the symptoms. Would the Eccentric shaft sensor throw a code?

Would like to diagnose the issue first to see what else it could be before taking it to the dealer as a last resort (Or to get warranty work done)

maxor · 05-09-2018, 07:27 PM

So i managed to clean the vanos solenoids, shaking improved quite a bit however problem still lies.

Took it out for a drive for a few blocks and the engine started stalling around 2k rpm, i decided to head back and i made it luckily to my driveway before the engine completely shut off with CEL.

Pulled codes, nothing stored either.

Would hate to take it the dealer

AoS810 · 05-09-2018, 07:43 PM

Are you using a generic code reader or a BMW specific scanner? Wasn't aware it was possible for a CEL to go off without a code stored.

*EDIT* nvm see you're using INPA.

rjahl · 05-09-2018, 09:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AoS810

Are you using a generic code reader or a BMW specific scanner? Wasn't aware it was possible for a CEL to go off without a code stored.

*EDIT* nvm see you're using INPA.

I did not think it was possible to pull a CEL light without a code being stored. It's part of the EPA regulations.

Are you looking at both the current errors and history? They are on the same menu in INPA.

maxor · 05-09-2018, 11:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rjahl

I did not think it was possible to pull a CEL light without a code being stored. It's part of the EPA regulations.

Are you looking at both the current errors and history? They are on the same menu in INPA.

I am pulling the codes from engine -> errors -> read

No errors listed.

After i restarted the car, CEL light turned off and everything returned to normal.

Edit : Gonna run some more diagnostics tomorrow and test to see how it is, hopefully i can pull something.

maxor · 05-10-2018, 09:53 PM

After hours of trying I Finally got the car to throw a code, P0341.

P0341 - Camshaft Position Sensor Circuit Range / Performance

I've checked the wiring on the sensor and everything seems fine. Back probed the connector and am receiving correct voltage.

Gonna order a new sensor and will keep updated.

maxor · 05-12-2018, 05:13 PM

So just replaced the camshaft sensor and no change.

Below is the scanned fault memory (Before camshaft sensor change)

Here is INPA rough running screen

Any ideas what the issue could be?

After replacing camshaft sensor, i cleared the error memory and no more fault codes for the crankshaft, however rough idle still exists.

xiaodong1102 · 05-16-2018, 07:36 PM

Could be inlet camshaft bearing ledge grooved issue?

05-08-2018, 04:15 PM	#1
maxor Private 28 Rep 87 Posts Drives: E90 BMW 328i Join Date: Jan 2018 Location: Los Angeles, CA iTrader: (0)	N51 Issue Hello, So for the past few weeks i've been having this issue with my 2008 bmw 328i. On a cold start, the rpm's jump up and down, not erratically but they do move slightly up and down. During idle, when the car is warm i can feel vibrations in the cabin, seats are vibrating etc... On acceleration the car feels kind of jerky, as i give it more gas it sort of hesitates and stops then accelerates. Any Ideas? After some research i'm thinking it may be related to the vanos solenoid, but i could be wrong. Edit : During idle if i rev to 1k rpm it drops slowly back down but cabin shaking worsens while lowering rpms back to normal. Update : Managed to get the car running, Drove around for a bit car starts shaking around 2k rpm and dies. no codes stored. Last edited by maxor; 05-10-2018 at 03:37 PM..
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05-08-2018, 04:21 PM	#2
AoS810 Lieutenant 100 Rep 417 Posts Drives: 2008 E90 N51, 2011 E91 N52 Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Los Angeles, CA iTrader: (6)	How many miles do you have? Get the car scanned and pull the codes. Typical items related to the symptoms you described are changing the spark plugs and ignition coils. I've also had similar rough idle with an eccentric shaft sensor or crankshaft position sensor, both of which are covered under SULEV warranty (15 yr / 150K miles) which you have if you have an N51.
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05-09-2018, 07:27 PM	#4
maxor Private 28 Rep 87 Posts Drives: E90 BMW 328i Join Date: Jan 2018 Location: Los Angeles, CA iTrader: (0)	So i managed to clean the vanos solenoids, shaking improved quite a bit however problem still lies. Took it out for a drive for a few blocks and the engine started stalling around 2k rpm, i decided to head back and i made it luckily to my driveway before the engine completely shut off with CEL. Pulled codes, nothing stored either. Would hate to take it the dealer
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05-09-2018, 07:43 PM	#5
AoS810 Lieutenant 100 Rep 417 Posts Drives: 2008 E90 N51, 2011 E91 N52 Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Los Angeles, CA iTrader: (6)	Are you using a generic code reader or a BMW specific scanner? Wasn't aware it was possible for a CEL to go off without a code stored. EDIT nvm see you're using INPA.
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05-10-2018, 09:53 PM	#8
maxor Private 28 Rep 87 Posts Drives: E90 BMW 328i Join Date: Jan 2018 Location: Los Angeles, CA iTrader: (0)	After hours of trying I Finally got the car to throw a code, P0341. P0341 - Camshaft Position Sensor Circuit Range / Performance I've checked the wiring on the sensor and everything seems fine. Back probed the connector and am receiving correct voltage. Gonna order a new sensor and will keep updated.
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05-12-2018, 05:13 PM	#9
maxor Private 28 Rep 87 Posts Drives: E90 BMW 328i Join Date: Jan 2018 Location: Los Angeles, CA iTrader: (0)	So just replaced the camshaft sensor and no change. Below is the scanned fault memory (Before camshaft sensor change) Here is INPA rough running screen Any ideas what the issue could be? After replacing camshaft sensor, i cleared the error memory and no more fault codes for the crankshaft, however rough idle still exists.
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05-16-2018, 07:36 PM	#10
xiaodong1102 New Member 2 Rep 20 Posts Drives: e92 328i Join Date: May 2016 Location: Pleasanton CA iTrader: (0)	Could be inlet camshaft bearing ledge grooved issue?
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