[woptang22]

Well, this has been going on for a while. Ive had a boost leak for months now. At one point it seemed to stop after FMIC, and all connections were tightened. Then about a month later the boost leak was back. About 2 months ago everything seemed ok then doing a 3rd gear data log the boost leak was back. I had the car in for service at a local shop. Once again all "normal" boost leak connections were tightened and things seemed fine for a bit. Well I should say about a week. So yet again the boost leak was back. I get the P3OFF code when I go high in the RPMs. And it happened yesterday and Im just not sure what to do at this point. When the car was in the shop a few months back a smoke test was done but didnt show any leaks at all. A few people mentioned the boost solenoids as being the issue. But how is this confirmed? Or do I just need to spend the money and have the boost solenoids replaced? That doesnt seem like the best answer to me, but Im just not sure how to get this fixed. Any ideas?

[cn555ic]

To be honest maybe it's the FMIC again. I mean those connections are prone to leak especially with blow by oil that gets into the area. Maybe it's a defective hose to fmic.

[neilvosko]

similar issues here, guess the 07s and 08s are getting those miles on em and wearing out

[marv85]

Dude, whats up?

IF your already tightened the connections and did a smoke test... then it is boost control.

Did you check all the vaccum lines already?

From what you described, P30FF at high rpms in higher load gears (like 3rd), the problem seems to be the boost solenoids.

IF I were you I would have already swapped them out because i've been there. however, If you have doubts, try the solenoids from another car that has no issues.

[eric@helix]

Originally Posted by woptang22

Well, this has been going on for a while. Ive had a boost leak for months now. At one point it seemed to stop after FMIC, and all connections were tightened. Then about a month later the boost leak was back. About 2 months ago everything seemed ok then doing a 3rd gear data log the boost leak was back. I had the car in for service at a local shop. Once again all "normal" boost leak connections were tightened and things seemed fine for a bit. Well I should say about a week. So yet again the boost leak was back. I get the P3OFF code when I go high in the RPMs. And it happened yesterday and Im just not sure what to do at this point. When the car was in the shop a few months back a smoke test was done but didnt show any leaks at all. A few people mentioned the boost solenoids as being the issue. But how is this confirmed? Or do I just need to spend the money and have the boost solenoids replaced? That doesnt seem like the best answer to me, but Im just not sure how to get this fixed. Any ideas?

We can test those solenoids, John.

[woptang22]

Originally Posted by eric@helix

We can test those solenoids, John.

Awsome Eric, I didnt know there was a way to test the solenoids. Thank you for the info. Im hoping to make it to the dyno shootout saturday. Maybe we can set an appointment up then. Thanks again for your help.

[woptang22]

Hey Marwan how are you doing man? Whats new? As far as the vacuum lines, I personally havent checked anything. I dont know my way around a car to save my life, lol. I know, pretty sad. But I have everything tightened multiple times. But still have the P3OFF in high RPMs. But I didnt realize the boost solenoids could be checked. Thanks to Eric from Helix for letting me know that. Hes been a great help since Ive had my car. And Marwan I appreciate all your emails and time helping me also. I hope I can set something up with Helix to check this out and finally get it under control.

Originally Posted by marv85

Dude, whats up?

IF your already tightened the connections and did a smoke test... then it is boost control.

Did you check all the vaccum lines already?

From what you described, P30FF at high rpms in higher load gears (like 3rd), the problem seems to be the boost solenoids.

IF I were you I would have already swapped them out because i've been there. however, If you have doubts, try the solenoids from another car that has no issues.

[woptang22]

Originally Posted by neilvosko

similar issues here, guess the 07s and 08s are getting those miles on em and wearing out

How many miles do you have on your 335i? I just hit 40,000 the other day. Id imagine we should get plenty more miles out of our cars. Well hopefully without too many issues.

[woptang22]

Originally Posted by cn555ic

To be honest maybe it's the FMIC again. I mean those connections are prone to leak especially with blow by oil that gets into the area. Maybe it's a defective hose to fmic.

Im wondering if that could be it because both times FMIC connections were tightened, the boost leak stopped for about 2 weeks. Then the P3OFF came back. But I get the boost leak code alot so I really coundnt say its the FMIC connections for sure. I guess Ill need to get that checked. THanks for your help.

[cn555ic]

I am saying its the fmic connection because it came loose already twice and it seems as though that connection is compromised because all you probably did was tightened the clamp which it worked for a little bit. To do it correctly is to take the silicone hose and degrease it As there is probably oily from all the blow by oil. You also have to really clean the fmic connectors as that is all oily. Any type of oil within that fmic connection, even if you tightened it again, any flex of the hose and the oil residue will make that connection slip of a hair which will expose the leak again as its no longer held at that specific spot that u had tightened it at. I don't think it's the solenoids.

[woptang22]

Thank you for all your input. I really appreciate it. I really didnt realize that a loose connection to the FMIC could actually cause a boost leak. I understand if the FMIC connectors are falling off there would be a boost leak. But I didnt think there would be an issue if the bolts just needed a few turns. But like you said, it happened twice. This could definately be the issue. Thank you again for your help. The connections may be the issue.

Originally Posted by cn555ic

I am saying its the fmic connection because it came loose already twice and it seems as though that connection is compromised because all you probably did was tightened the clamp which it worked for a little bit. To do it correctly is to take the silicone hose and degrease it As there is probably oily from all the blow by oil. You also have to really clean the fmic connectors as that is all oily. Any type of oil within that fmic connection, even if you tightened it again, any flex of the hose and the oil residue will make that connection slip of a hair which will expose the leak again as its no longer held at that specific spot that u had tightened it at. I don't think it's the solenoids.

[Redrkt503]

Crank down those hose clamps, I put on a new fmic and thought my connections were nice and tight until a day later when I was getting about 5lbs of boost, checked my couplers and sure enough I was able to tighten the clamps even more, dont be afraid to go really tight

[woptang22]

Originally Posted by zanelefko

Crank down those hose clamps, I put on a new fmic and thought my connections were nice and tight until a day later when I was getting about 5lbs of boost, checked my couplers and sure enough I was able to tighten the clamps even more, dont be afraid to go really tight

Im sure I sound like an idiot, but with the hood open where are these clamps? I know I should know more about these cars but I dont. But can I get to these clamps when I open the hood or do I need to have the car on a lift and get under?

[cn555ic]

To get to clamps you need to take off the under panels from the front too see them and get access to them.

[Simple5]

FMIC connections for sure. Installed my FMIC and got the 30FF then went back in tightened everything. Few days later was on map 2 on the JB4 and was only boosting 8psi all the while hearing a whistling sound while boosting.

Crank those mofos down man. The second time I tightened the holy hell out of them and havent had an issue since.

[Simon76]

I had the same problem.
After 6 months of checking and rechecking every clamp and connection, smoketesting everything (ink vacuum lines), i finally replaced one of the boost solenoids..
Problem solved.

[cn555ic]

Originally Posted by Simon76

I had the same problem.
After 6 months of checking and rechecking every clamp and connection, smoketesting everything (ink vacuum lines), i finally replaced one of the boost solenoids..
Problem solved.

Although your case was solved with solenoid replAcement, OP has a history with his fmic clamps coming loose. So to add that it's a solenoid is not helping much as he first needs to check his problematic fmic connection before he entertains other things to troubleshoot

[Simon76]

Originally Posted by cn555ic

Although your case was solved with solenoid replAcement, OP has a history with his fmic clamps coming loose. So to add that it's a solenoid is not helping much as he first needs to check his problematic fmic connection before he entertains other things to troubleshoot

Well.. It might help..
But I agree, the most common cause for 30FF is probably a loose connection.

[woptang22]

I appreciate everyones suggestions. I think the FMIC connections could be the issue since they were tightened twice and the boost leal seemed to go away for a little. But not long. But I have to wait this hurricane out before anything is checked lol.

[tmurphy2]

solenoids....just went through the same issue last week.

[dominick]

Did you ever figure out the problem?

[woptang22]

Originally Posted by dominick

Did you ever figure out the problem?

Honestly I havent. I havent been able to get to any shops to have it checked out. And I havent done anymore data logs. With the cold weather in PA I dont get much traction anyway. But I havent seen the boost leak code again yet. Although I really havent been pushing the car hard. In all honesty Im kind of bummed out. I really havent been enjoying my car much. Im not sure if its because the cold slippery weather, lack of time, or just not pushing the car because Im worried about issues lol. But I need to get it figured out.