Carbon Buildup: Baiting the dealer

austinla335d · 09-19-2013, 01:19 PM

When I had a 335i, my service advisor was insane, in a good way, and would help me get my car taken care of beyond what was known or needed. If you need an explanation, read the paragraph below. Otherwise, skip to "335D"

I knew him well and I'd drop my car off to address a stuttering idle, but when I got my printout of issues, it mentioned "brake pedal pulses under heavy load" "loose steering feel at times" "knock under braking while turning", etc. I would come back and have new brakes, tie rods and bushings, wheel bearings. It was awesome

One time I got a new fuel pump, new injectors and two new turbos. Those things were probably necessary but the others were added by him as a favor I suppose.

335D: I feel like my car might be one of the carbon buildup cars out there based on a few threads on the topic, but I'm curious how to bait the dealer into verifying if this is indeed an issue. I can't take it in and say "Is my car suffering from carbon buildup??". They want to get paid by BMW for the work they do and I want to get this checked. With that said, what statement should I have prepared beforehand to ensure they check for carbon buildup?

I don't want to mention something that would normally throw a code because they'll check for codes and then excuse my statement.

By the way, the last time I went to the dealer they blamed my suspension woes (knocking) on my non- run flat tires. They were not an approved tire. I also asked them to aim my headlights, which were pointing downward way too much. Now I get people flashing me all of the time as if I'm driving with my brights on. They actually point at the sky, the right headlight is pointing awkwardly higher than the left. I feel like a new dealer might be a good idea!

AzureHaze · 09-19-2013, 03:34 PM

Not to question your conclusion to the fact that you're car is suffering from carbon buildup in a bad way but how exactly sure are you? What are the symptoms that you're experiencing?

White D · 09-19-2013, 07:49 PM

On a side note,
Adjust your head lights your self. Very easy to do.
All you need is a phillips head screw driver. There is an adjustment screw on top of the head lights. Just park close to a wall and watch the lights as you turn the screw.

Got_Diesel · 09-19-2013, 11:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AzureHaze

Not to question your conclusion to the fact that you're car is suffering from carbon buildup in a bad way but how exactly sure are you? What are the symptoms that you're experiencing?

I was wondering the same.

diaz92376 · 09-20-2013, 01:17 AM

My car was having ruff idle as well and threw a SES light got new injectors and still had the same problem. Took it again after i went into DS and getting another SES. Second time around they found out it was carbon build up. Try driving in ds see if you get the same SES i got. But if your car is running fine after all the work why mess with it?

austinla335d · 09-20-2013, 01:20 AM

My idle is indeed rough and the car feels sluggish. Nothing obvious or hiccuping to be heard of. It's like it's working harder than it has to under throttle.

diaz92376 · 09-20-2013, 01:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by austinla335d

My idle is indeed rough and the car feels sluggish. Nothing obvious or hiccuping to be heard of. It's like it's working harder than it has to under throttle.

Well my friend you might be right same problem with my car only difference is the ses light which turned on, on the way to the dealer for service. Like i said try driving in ds mode might set it off.

Mark M · 09-20-2013, 08:46 AM

OP, I'm with ya. Been wondering the same thing. I'm at 46k miles and have been curious how to get them to inspect before 50k. Technically I have CPO on the car so I should be good, but gut tells me it would be an easier fight if it were diagnosed before 50k. Same here, I have good rapport with my SA at the local dealer.

As for my 335d, it runs great, no hiccups or issues. Getting 32mpg per tank ~70% highway.

Puerto Rican 335d · 09-20-2013, 09:20 AM

Mark M you gave me a bright idea Im going to ask my mechanic whom happens to be the friend of the Local BMW dealer to have my car inspected for free and have pics taken, if so i will post the pics for all of u to see ok!!

F32Fleet · 09-20-2013, 10:21 AM

Liqui Moly Pro-Line Diesel Intake Cleaner perhaps? Beats opening up the engine.

Puerto Rican 335d · 09-20-2013, 10:32 AM

uumm Socom somewhat I suggested awhile ago but related to the intake cleaner gassers use, where can i get it Pep Boys or what?

austinla335d · 09-20-2013, 11:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Socom

Liqui Moly Pro-Line Diesel Intake Cleaner perhaps? Beats opening up the engine.

BMW is so particular on what you can and can't use. My e46 330i gaskets hardened and cracked from using Mobil 1 synthetic instead of castrol synthetic because of viscosity and ingredients differences.

GreekboyD · 09-20-2013, 12:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Socom

Liqui Moly Pro-Line Diesel Intake Cleaner perhaps? Beats opening up the engine.

Wonder how it might affect our DPF.

Would be interesting to see what LM has to say about it.

I wouldn't bother until knowing the truth.

bdwyer · 09-20-2013, 12:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GreekboyD

Wonder how it might affect our DPF.

Would be interesting to see what LM has to say about it.

I wouldn't bother until knowing the truth.

Yeah, if these intakes are really gunked up, all this cleaner would do is run it through the engine... I don't think the DPF would like it one bit!

F32Fleet · 09-20-2013, 01:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bdwyer

Yeah, if these intakes are really gunked up, all this cleaner would do is run it through the engine... I don't think the DPF would like it one bit!

Are you saying that the DPF would not like soot that that was destined for the DPF to begin with?

Just trying to think logically.

F32Fleet · 09-20-2013, 01:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Puerto Rican 335d

uumm Socom somewhat I suggested awhile ago but related to the intake cleaner gassers use, where can i get it Pep Boys or what?

I found another thread on a different forum where it was available from IDPARTS.COM.

I'd like to try it myself but I don't have the tools or a lift (must remove charge tube connected to EGR in order to gain access to the intake). Maybe I'll have a VW or Benz shop help me.

AWD Addict · 09-20-2013, 01:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by austinla335d

BMW is so particular on what you can and can't use. My e46 330i gaskets hardened and cracked from using Mobil 1 synthetic instead of castrol synthetic because of viscosity and ingredients differences.

That's BS.

bdwyer · 09-20-2013, 06:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Socom

Are you saying that the DPF would not like soot that that was destined for the DPF to begin with?

Just trying to think logically.

Yes, that's exactly what I'm thinking. I would think the temporary increase in concentration of soot particles could be damaging. I would assume the DPF is designed to handle X ratio of PPM (parts per million of particulate) / CFM in exhaust gasses. Running all that crud directly through the engine, its gotta go somewhere, and something tells me the DPF wouldn't like it... I'm no expert, but from reading around it seems these DPF's have a life expectancy, and in the unlikely case that this product could get all the buildup out, I would guess it would end up in the DPF.

austinla335d · 09-22-2013, 05:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AWD Addict

Quote:

Originally Posted by austinla335d

BMW is so particular on what you can and can't use. My e46 330i gaskets hardened and cracked from using Mobil 1 synthetic instead of castrol synthetic because of viscosity and ingredients differences.

That's BS.

Head on over to e46 forums

austinla335d · 09-22-2013, 05:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GreekboyD

Quote:

Originally Posted by Socom

Liqui Moly Pro-Line Diesel Intake Cleaner perhaps? Beats opening up the engine.

Wonder how it might affect our DPF.

Would be interesting to see what LM has to say about it.

I wouldn't bother until knowing the truth.

Yeah, if there's a pile of crud getting removed, it isn't being eliminated... Just relocated.

BB_cuda · 09-24-2013, 02:21 PM

I was thinking more along the lines of the chemical itself messing up the DPF. We've heard about folks spraying seafoam into their gassers (vacuum port is where they put it in) and them running porly and stinking for alittle while. Not a DPF thing there but same principle of chemical making it past the combustion chamber and out of the exhaust valves.

This is where it gets fiunny. If the EGR were post DPF, the soot would not get into EGR and thus back into intake. There should be a redesign to simply DPF filter before EGR but stay on the high pressure side of the turbo inlet.

What i'm trying to say is the soot freed up from cleaning should have went to the DPF by design in the first place not sidetracked through EGR prior to DPF!!!!

Puerto Rican 335d · 09-24-2013, 02:26 PM

16k to go amigos!!!

09-19-2013, 01:19 PM	#1
austinla335d Captain 55 Rep 686 Posts Drives: 2011 335d Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: Los Angeles, CA iTrader: (1)	Carbon Buildup: Baiting the dealer When I had a 335i, my service advisor was insane, in a good way, and would help me get my car taken care of beyond what was known or needed. If you need an explanation, read the paragraph below. Otherwise, skip to "335D" I knew him well and I'd drop my car off to address a stuttering idle, but when I got my printout of issues, it mentioned "brake pedal pulses under heavy load" "loose steering feel at times" "knock under braking while turning", etc. I would come back and have new brakes, tie rods and bushings, wheel bearings. It was awesome One time I got a new fuel pump, new injectors and two new turbos. Those things were probably necessary but the others were added by him as a favor I suppose. 335D: I feel like my car might be one of the carbon buildup cars out there based on a few threads on the topic, but I'm curious how to bait the dealer into verifying if this is indeed an issue. I can't take it in and say "Is my car suffering from carbon buildup??". They want to get paid by BMW for the work they do and I want to get this checked. With that said, what statement should I have prepared beforehand to ensure they check for carbon buildup? I don't want to mention something that would normally throw a code because they'll check for codes and then excuse my statement. By the way, the last time I went to the dealer they blamed my suspension woes (knocking) on my non- run flat tires. They were not an approved tire. I also asked them to aim my headlights, which were pointing downward way too much. Now I get people flashing me all of the time as if I'm driving with my brights on. They actually point at the sky, the right headlight is pointing awkwardly higher than the left. I feel like a new dealer might be a good idea!
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09-19-2013, 03:34 PM	#2
AzureHaze Lieutenant Colonel 70 Rep 1,766 Posts Drives: 2011 335d Sport Join Date: Apr 2013 Location: SoCal iTrader: (1)	Not to question your conclusion to the fact that you're car is suffering from carbon buildup in a bad way but how exactly sure are you? What are the symptoms that you're experiencing? __________________ JBD @ 100% \| KW ST Coilovers \| M3 rep. front bumper \| 888Concepts AE Upgrade \| GP Thunder 7500k fogs \| Cyba 4" carbon tips \| BSW Stage 1 \| APEX ARC-8 W/ Michelin PSS \| Ziza LED interior \| Weisslicht LED side lenses \| Sprint Booster \| Euro side mirrors \| M-Sport semi-conversion \| Coded \| LOTS of carbon fiber
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09-19-2013, 07:49 PM	#3
White D Private 0 Rep 60 Posts Drives: 2011 335d Sport Join Date: May 2013 Location: United States - Houston iTrader: (0)	On a side note, Adjust your head lights your self. Very easy to do. All you need is a phillips head screw driver. There is an adjustment screw on top of the head lights. Just park close to a wall and watch the lights as you turn the screw. __________________
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09-20-2013, 01:17 AM	#5
diaz92376 First Lieutenant 25 Rep 376 Posts Drives: 2015 435i Join Date: Jan 2013 Location: So Cal I.E iTrader: (1)	My car was having ruff idle as well and threw a SES light got new injectors and still had the same problem. Took it again after i went into DS and getting another SES. Second time around they found out it was carbon build up. Try driving in ds see if you get the same SES i got. But if your car is running fine after all the work why mess with it?
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09-20-2013, 01:20 AM	#6
austinla335d Captain 55 Rep 686 Posts Drives: 2011 335d Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: Los Angeles, CA iTrader: (1)	My idle is indeed rough and the car feels sluggish. Nothing obvious or hiccuping to be heard of. It's like it's working harder than it has to under throttle.
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09-20-2013, 08:46 AM	#8
Mark M Major 245 Rep 1,294 Posts Drives: E30M3 E83X3 E90335D Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Lancaster, PA iTrader: (0)	OP, I'm with ya. Been wondering the same thing. I'm at 46k miles and have been curious how to get them to inspect before 50k. Technically I have CPO on the car so I should be good, but gut tells me it would be an easier fight if it were diagnosed before 50k. Same here, I have good rapport with my SA at the local dealer. As for my 335d, it runs great, no hiccups or issues. Getting 32mpg per tank ~70% highway.
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09-20-2013, 09:20 AM	#9
Puerto Rican 335d Brigadier General 236 Rep 3,488 Posts Drives: Montego Blue 335d Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: Puerto Rico(Dominican Republic 03/2017) iTrader: (0)	Mark M you gave me a bright idea Im going to ask my mechanic whom happens to be the friend of the Local BMW dealer to have my car inspected for free and have pics taken, if so i will post the pics for all of u to see ok!! __________________ RENNtech Flash(Lenny Wu)/WAGNER IC Enkei Rajin 18"/Execuhitch Hitch/Koni FSD Soft Ride Bike Rack/Brava Synthetic Motor Oil(Made in Puerto Rico)/Meth(in the works)/CBU done w Andrew EGR Race Pipe (whoa! what an animal it is now)
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09-20-2013, 10:21 AM	#10
F32Fleet Lieutenant General 3986 Rep 10,664 Posts Drives: 2015 435i Join Date: May 2005 Location: Southeastern US iTrader: (0)	Liqui Moly Pro-Line Diesel Intake Cleaner perhaps? Beats opening up the engine.
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09-20-2013, 10:32 AM	#11
Puerto Rican 335d Brigadier General 236 Rep 3,488 Posts Drives: Montego Blue 335d Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: Puerto Rico(Dominican Republic 03/2017) iTrader: (0)	uumm Socom somewhat I suggested awhile ago but related to the intake cleaner gassers use, where can i get it Pep Boys or what? __________________ RENNtech Flash(Lenny Wu)/WAGNER IC Enkei Rajin 18"/Execuhitch Hitch/Koni FSD Soft Ride Bike Rack/Brava Synthetic Motor Oil(Made in Puerto Rico)/Meth(in the works)/CBU done w Andrew EGR Race Pipe (whoa! what an animal it is now)
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09-24-2013, 02:21 PM	#21
BB_cuda Brigadier General 796 Rep 3,572 Posts Drives: 2011 335D Msport, 2013 X5D Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: Clear Lake, Texas iTrader: (0)	I was thinking more along the lines of the chemical itself messing up the DPF. We've heard about folks spraying seafoam into their gassers (vacuum port is where they put it in) and them running porly and stinking for alittle while. Not a DPF thing there but same principle of chemical making it past the combustion chamber and out of the exhaust valves. This is where it gets fiunny. If the EGR were post DPF, the soot would not get into EGR and thus back into intake. There should be a redesign to simply DPF filter before EGR but stay on the high pressure side of the turbo inlet. What i'm trying to say is the soot freed up from cleaning should have went to the DPF by design in the first place not sidetracked through EGR prior to DPF!!!!
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09-24-2013, 02:26 PM	#22
Puerto Rican 335d Brigadier General 236 Rep 3,488 Posts Drives: Montego Blue 335d Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: Puerto Rico(Dominican Republic 03/2017) iTrader: (0)	16k to go amigos!!! __________________ RENNtech Flash(Lenny Wu)/WAGNER IC Enkei Rajin 18"/Execuhitch Hitch/Koni FSD Soft Ride Bike Rack/Brava Synthetic Motor Oil(Made in Puerto Rico)/Meth(in the works)/CBU done w Andrew EGR Race Pipe (whoa! what an animal it is now)
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