BMW / help engine trouble

stlrman · « **on:** 21 Dec 2015, 02:47 pm »

2010 BMW 328i with only 40,000 miles on it !!
Engine rumbling , not catching right away
Big yellow symbol showing up , looks like a half full reservoir . I looked in manual can't find that symbol.
Could it be transmission fluid symbol?
I am scheduled to take it in today.
Thanks

FullRangeMan · « **Reply #1 on:** 21 Dec 2015, 03:10 pm »

Seems engine oil is low.
Transmission dont dry oil, unless there is a leakage.

srb · « **Reply #2 on:** 21 Dec 2015, 04:13 pm »

If it's this dash indicator light, that would be the radiator coolant level.

stlrman · « **Reply #3 on:** 21 Dec 2015, 04:37 pm »

Thanks Gentleman !! I will check the oil level , and I think that is the indicator coming up so I will check the radiator coolant as well .
Thanks ,
Todd

stlrman · « **Reply #4 on:** 21 Dec 2015, 05:02 pm »

I will go to PepBoys after work. You saved me a long trip to my dealer. Thanks again !!

stlrman · « **Reply #5 on:** 21 Dec 2015, 09:02 pm »

Added fluid , car still fucked !!

FullRangeMan · « **Reply #6 on:** 21 Dec 2015, 09:21 pm »

What fluid you add? Oil or Radiator?
The warning light turn off?

kenreau · « **Reply #7 on:** 21 Dec 2015, 09:21 pm »

I've got the exact same car. Can you post a photo of the warning light? I suggest finding a local independent shop that does Euro cars and have them put the fault code reader on it. You can also purchase your own - google the Carly and BMWhat app readers for DIY approach.

Just guessing may be a bad ignition coil (one over each spark plug cylinder). Ours has about the same mileage and just had the front serpentine belt replaced along with a belt / pulley tension kit. Good as new now.

Best of luck.
Kenreau

DaveC113 · « **Reply #8 on:** 21 Dec 2015, 09:32 pm »

If you've been driving with low coolant and the temps got too high you may have a blown head gasket or worse... Engine "rumbling" could mean this happened, also if there's coolant in your oil or vice versa you're f#$#$#ked...

pansixt · « **Reply #9 on:** 21 Dec 2015, 09:43 pm »

Todd,

With engine off, turn the key on and off 3 or 4 times in quick succession (without actually engaging the starter) and see if it pops up a code which should be illuminated on the radio or dash. I should mention though that this will probably only work with a conventional key type ignition switch.

If a code pops up, search that code on the net for a possible solution. This works on a lot of vehicle makes. Not sure about BMW. Worked on my Daimler Jeep and saved me a goodly amount on what turned out to be any easy repair. I think it was a throttle sensor that time.

Good Luck,

James

richidoo · « **Reply #10 on:** 21 Dec 2015, 10:14 pm »

A common fault that causes rough running of N52 engine is failure of the Valvetronic eccentric shaft sensor. This senses the rotary position of the VANOS shaft, which is essentially the "throttle valve" for this engine. Typical symptom is rough running at startup which might improve when it warms up, but eventually gets worse until it won't start or run. It can also fail instantly and disable the car without warning. It is caused by oil infiltration inside the sensor itself which is inside the valve cover at the front of the engine. Mine failed at 100k gradually over a few weeks without setting any computer fault. It never got to the point of not starting, and it was still able to smooth out after warming up. Replacing it involves removing valve cover and VANOS motor. A BMW computer tool is needed to reset VANOS motor position, although it can be done without the tool if you remove the motor carefully. It took my son and I two days to do the job at a leisurely pace. I wouldn't want to do it again.

The symbol in your Check Control Message is "coolant level too low." If it went away when you topped up the coolant then it may not be related to the rough running. I have to top the coolant fairly often compared to my other cars.
https://wiki.bentleypublishers.com/display/tech/Check+Control+Message+Definitions+BMW+3-Series+E90+E91+E92+E93

zybar · « **Reply #11 on:** 21 Dec 2015, 10:24 pm »

Best bet is to go post and do research over in a dedicated BMW forum.

I like to use this one:

http://www.e90post.com/forums/

There is a forum just for your model and year.

Best of luck, I hope it isn't serious.

George

stlrman · « **Reply #12 on:** 22 Dec 2015, 12:57 am »

Thanks very much guys. The light was for the radiator fluid which I added.
The car never overheated, and I just put a couple of quarts of oil in a month ago.
It's still under an extended warranty that I bought. I will be taking it to BMW dealer asap .
I'm kind of frustrated at 40k something like this is happening.

I should not have bought a BMW , as I need low cost maintenance , and reliability .
My last vehicle was a Lexus suv . (Rx300) at 130,00 I never had a single problem with it . I think I prefer the seating position of an SUV as well. I'm only 5'3" and I feel like I'm getting in a small sports car, which is fine for a twenty min. ride, but driving it 5 hours for Uber in the city is getting old . Thinking about swapping it.
When the battery went , I called BMW , they said between $575-750$ . I was like , "what have I got myself into ? I got one at Autozone for $180.

Bob in St. Louis · « **Reply #13 on:** 22 Dec 2015, 01:24 am »

Quote from: stlrman on 22 Dec 2015, 12:57 am

I should not have bought a BMW , as I need low cost maintenance , and reliability .

You got that right.

Don't buy European of you're looking for any of those. Just save yourself the trouble and ditch it ASAP.

*Scotty* · « **Reply #14 on:** 22 Dec 2015, 01:44 am »

You might do a cylinder head pressure leak down test. This will help determine if you have a failing cylinder head gasket , which, if this is the case, would explain the disappearing radiator fluid. I would have this test done before purchasing any used car.
Scotty

bearman2 · « **Reply #15 on:** 22 Dec 2015, 01:49 am »

$180 for a battery makes me appreciate my 2000 4-runner that much more.

RDavidson · « **Reply #16 on:** 22 Dec 2015, 01:49 am »

European vehicles are great if:

A) You get them new or used with a good warranty program.

B) You accept that maintenance of Euro vehicles is generally more "involved" than perhaps other vehicles. Not that they're necessarily unreliable, but they can be quirky and small problems can be a common nuisance.

C) You understand B) and the maintenance cost is easily afforded and worthwhile to you.

D) You are willing to learn about your vehicle so you can perform the majority of maintenance (including preventive maintenance) yourself and take care of small problems yourself.......or you have a good friend who is a mechanic, specializing in Euro cars.

E) You are looking to become a good friend of a Euro car mechanic.

Bob2 · « **Reply #17 on:** 22 Dec 2015, 01:49 am »

Quote

I just put a couple of quarts of oil in a month ago.

Really? Sounds like you purchased a real... well made a poor buying decision.
Hard to believe a BMW would use that much oil unless it was abused...

*Scotty* · « **Reply #18 on:** 22 Dec 2015, 03:23 am »

Oil consumption, rings, cylinder head leak down test again. I should have mentioned testing for exhaust gas residue in the engine coolant when looking for a leaking head gasket as well. I had a failing head gasket a few years ago.
Scotty

stlrman · « **Reply #19 on:** 22 Dec 2015, 10:46 am »

Bob2, I bought the car in mint condition. It was five years old with 29,000 miles.
I have been driving it hard, as Ubering a bunch.
This is the second time I have added two quarts of oil. I thought synthetic oil burns up more quickly.