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Chat Area => General Car Chat => Topic started by: JamesV6CDX on 26 October 2015, 12:54:11

Title: BMW E39 530d Fuel / Performance problem
Post by: JamesV6CDX on 26 October 2015, 12:54:11
This question relates to my 2000 registered BMW E39 530d, which is a commonrail 2.9 litre Turbo Diesel Straight 6 lump + Slushbox, which I've had for just under a month. 156,000 Miles.

For the first two weeks of ownership I drove around really carefully, only using about half of the throttle travel, and didn't notice any problem - a little amount of throttle returns good torque/pull.

In the last week however I have done some longer runs, and gone for a couple of overtakes etc - and having opened her up fully, I have encountered a problem.

The best way I can describe it, is that, driving along at say 50mph, you want to go for an overtake. You put your foot into the carpet. It kicks down, but then really refuses to pull at all, after just over 3,000 rpm. Take your foot off, to say half throttle, and it pulls much better than at full throttle.

Having experimented on a variety of roads, when there is a demand on the engine, it is struggling to get over 3,000 to 3,500 rpm. One one occasion, it blew off an intercooler pipe whilst struggling at 3,000 rpm, which made me suspect a turbo issue of some sort!

I read the initial codes (Its not ODB compliant, I've had to use the round connector under the bonnet) and found the following. (The MAF Code is likely to be me, I unplugged it to see if it would make a difference, which it didn't).
Title: Re: BMW E39 530d Fuel / Performance problem
Post by: JamesV6CDX on 26 October 2015, 12:55:04
           E R R O R   M E M O R Y   R E P O R T
           -------------------------------------
Date:      10/26/15 08:55:13 ECU:       DDE40KW0 JobStatus: OKAY Variant:   DDE40KW0
-------------------------------------------------------------
RESULT:    4 errors in error memory !
-------------------------------------------------------------
13573 glow device         
Error frequency : 255 Logistic counter: 40
   Error occured 1. times at:
   Engine speed                               849.15  1/min   Coolant temperature                         28.61  Grad C   Einspritzmenge                              10.24  mm^3   RPC rail pressure                          379.52  bar   Fehler aufgetreten bei                   229360.00  km
   Error occured 2. times at:
   Engine speed                               849.15  1/min   Coolant temperature                         14.95  Grad C   Einspritzmenge                              12.29  mm^3   RPC rail pressure                          379.52  bar   Fehler aufgetreten bei                   251280.00  km
   Error occured 3. times at:
   Engine speed                               849.15  1/min   Coolant temperature                         14.95  Grad C   Einspritzmenge                              12.29  mm^3   RPC rail pressure                          379.52  bar   Fehler aufgetreten bei                   251280.00  km
   Error present   Sporadic error   Glow system - Glow-plug or Glow-plug relay
Errorcode: 35 05 28 FF FC 80 22 66 14 3F 59 98 80 22 52 18           3F 62 28 80 22 52 18 3F 62
-------------------------------------------------------------
5232  boost pressure control
Error frequency : 16 Logistic counter: 12
   Error occured 1. times at:
   Engine speed                              3096.90  1/min   Coolant temperature                         89.37  Grad C   Einspritzmenge                              37.38  mm^3   Boost pressure                            2480.00  mbar   Fehler aufgetreten bei                   233410.00  km
   Error occured 2. times at:
   Engine speed                              3896.10  1/min   Coolant temperature                         81.86  Grad C   Einspritzmenge                              50.69  mm^3   Boost pressure                            2480.00  mbar
   Fehler aufgetreten bei                   251100.00  km
   Error occured 3. times at:
   Engine speed                              3896.10  1/min   Coolant temperature                         81.86  Grad C   Einspritzmenge                              50.69  mm^3   Boost pressure                            2480.00  mbar   Fehler aufgetreten bei                   251100.00  km
   Error not present   Sporadic error   neg. deviation / Boost pressure to big
Errorcode: 14 70 0C 10 F8 20 7C BF 49 9B 5B 2D 20 9C B4 63           9B 62 16 20 9C B4 63 9B 62
-------------------------------------------------------------
7728  Charge-air pressure control or charge-air pressure actuator
Error frequency : 2 Logistic counter: 12
   Error occured 1. times at:
   Engine speed                              1648.35  1/min   Coolant temperature                         83.22  Grad C   Einspritzmenge                              27.65  mm^3   Boost pressure                             992.00  mbar   Fehler aufgetreten bei                   241990.00  km
   Error occured 2. times at:
   Engine speed                              3471.53  1/min   Coolant temperature                         94.15  Grad C   Einspritzmenge                              13.82  mm^3   Boost pressure                             960.00  mbar   Fehler aufgetreten bei                   251120.00  km
   Error not present   Sporadic error   Missing charge-air pressure tube
Errorcode: 1E 30 0C 02 F8 40 42 B6 36 3E 5E 87 40 8B C6 1B           3C 62 18 00 00 00 00 00 00
-------------------------------------------------------------
256   air mass meter
Error frequency : 2 Logistic counter: 40
   Error occured 1. times at:
   Engine speed                               849.15  1/min   Coolant temperature                         11.54  Grad C   Einspritzmenge                              10.75  mm^3   RPC rail pressure                          373.49  bar   Fehler aufgetreten bei                   241990.00  km
   Error occured 2. times at:
   Engine speed                                 0.00  1/min   Coolant temperature                         67.52  Grad C   Einspritzmenge                              25.09  mm^3   RPC rail pressure                           18.07  bar   Fehler aufgetreten bei                   250670.00  km
   Error present   Sporadic error   Signal open circuit or short circuit to B-   air mass flow to low
Errorcode: 01 00 28 02 FC 80 22 4D 15 3E 5E 87 10 00 9F 31           03 61 EB 00 00 00 00 00 00
=============================================================
Title: Re: BMW E39 530d Fuel / Performance problem
Post by: JamesV6CDX on 26 October 2015, 12:55:28
Having cleared the codes, I went for another drive.

When warm, I booted it at 40mph. The engine got just over 3,000 rpm, and died almost instantly, with "FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM" flashing on the computer.
It then refused to start at all, until the codes were cleared.

Between clearing the codes this morning, and it dying, the following codes were logged:
Title: Re: BMW E39 530d Fuel / Performance problem
Post by: JamesV6CDX on 26 October 2015, 12:56:01
E R R O R   M E M O R Y   R E P O R T
           -------------------------------------
Date:      10/26/15 11:14:38 ECU:       DDE40KW0 JobStatus: OKAY Variant:   DDE40KW0
-------------------------------------------------------------
RESULT:    4 errors in error memory !
-------------------------------------------------------------
13573 glow device         
Error frequency : 1 Logistic counter: 40
   Engine speed                               849.15  1/min   Coolant temperature                          9.49  Grad C   Einspritzmenge                              15.36  mm^3   RPC rail pressure                          379.52  bar   Fehler aufgetreten bei                   251490.00  km
   Error present   Glow system - Glow-plug or Glow-plug relay
Errorcode: 35 05 28 01 74 80 22 4A 1E 3F 62 3D 00 00 00 00           00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00
-------------------------------------------------------------
4496  Rail-pressure plausibility
Error frequency : 2 Logistic counter: 39
   Error occured 1. times at:
   Engine speed                              3121.88  1/min   fuel pre-supply pressure                     2.45  bar   Einspritzmenge                              54.28  mm^3   RPC rail pressure                          542.17  bar   Fehler aufgetreten bei                   251490.00  km
   Error occured 2. times at:
   Engine speed                              3121.88  1/min   fuel pre-supply pressure                     2.22  bar   Einspritzmenge                              15.36  mm^3   RPC rail pressure                          132.53  bar   Fehler aufgetreten bei                   251490.00  km
   Error present   Sporadic error   leakage   Control deviation over engine speed too great
Errorcode: 11 90 27 02 7C 20 7D 99 6A 5A 62 3D 30 7D 8B 1E           16 62 3D 00 00 00 00 00 00
-------------------------------------------------------------
2550  Rail pressure control at start
Error frequency : 9 Logistic counter: 39
   Error occured 1. times at:
   Engine speed                               249.75  1/min
   fuel pre-supply pressure                     1.23  bar   Einspritzmenge                              24.58  mm^3   RPC rail pressure                           18.07  bar   Fehler aufgetreten bei                   251490.00  km
   Error occured 2. times at:
   Engine speed                               199.80  1/min   fuel pre-supply pressure                     1.22  bar   Einspritzmenge                              24.58  mm^3   RPC rail pressure                           18.07  bar   Fehler aufgetreten bei                   251490.00  km
   Error occured 3. times at:
   Engine speed                               174.83  1/min   fuel pre-supply pressure                     1.95  bar   Einspritzmenge                              25.60  mm^3   RPC rail pressure                            0.00  bar   Fehler aufgetreten bei                   251490.00  km
   Error not present   Sporadic error   Rail-pressure build up
Errorcode: 09 F6 27 09 78 10 0A 4D 30 03 62 3D 10 08 4C 30           03 62 3D 10 07 7A 32 00 62
-------------------------------------------------------------
4704  Pre-supply pressure monitoring
Error frequency : 1 Logistic counter: 40
   Engine speed                               224.78  1/min   Air-temperature                             17.00  Grad C   Einspritzmenge                              24.58  mm^3   fuel pre-supply pressure                     1.31  bar   Fehler aufgetreten bei                   251490.00  km
   Error present   Pre-supply press.below min.value for eng.start
Errorcode: 12 60 28 01 74 04 09 55 30 52 62 3D 00 00 00 00           00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00
=============================================================
Title: Re: BMW E39 530d Fuel / Performance problem
Post by: JamesV6CDX on 26 October 2015, 12:56:40
I am thinking that maybe, the issue with this car, is one of the lift pumps failing? I think it's a common issue reading the interweb. There is one pump under the passenger floor area, and one in the tank. Apparently the one under the seat is quite a common failure, causing loss of performance etc.


I'd be grateful for any thoughts! :y
Title: Re: BMW E39 530d Fuel / Performance problem
Post by: btc on 26 October 2015, 16:40:56
I maybe wrong but did these not have a proplem with swirl flaps that affected performance  :-\
Title: Re: BMW E39 530d Fuel / Performance problem
Post by: JamesV6CDX on 26 October 2015, 16:45:58
Not to my knowledge. There was an issue with flaps being sucked into the engine causing valve damage but not Performance issues.. And certainly not fuel system codes :y
Title: Re: BMW E39 530d Fuel / Performance problem
Post by: serek on 26 October 2015, 20:29:08
just replace inline fuel pump and fuel filter, would say do injector leak off test 


Title: Re: BMW E39 530d Fuel / Performance problem
Post by: Omegatoy on 26 October 2015, 21:21:44
if memory serves, top gear had this problem on thier 530d endurance racer, ? was a tiny little part but buried right at the rear of the engine? something to do with fuel delivery and caused by using the wrong fuel? may be worth a look?
my mate 530d manual has now done 250k and never missed a beat, pulls like a steam train,very impressive motor
Title: Re: BMW E39 530d Fuel / Performance problem
Post by: Broomies Mate on 26 October 2015, 21:33:54
if memory serves, top gear had this problem on thier 530d endurance racer, ? was a tiny little part but buried right at the rear of the engine? something to do with fuel delivery and caused by using the wrong fuel? may be worth a look?
my mate 530d manual has now done 250k and never missed a beat, pulls like a steam train,very impressive motor

Their 330d suffered a blown turbo.  It was re-built but still wasn't running right, so they placed the injector rail (and injectors without the correct tool).  IIRC, they just unbolted the rail and turned the engine over until it literally blew the injectors out of their holes, leaving 6 nice dents in the bonnet!  ;D
Title: Re: BMW E39 530d Fuel / Performance problem
Post by: hoody on 27 October 2015, 08:39:32
Sounds like the same problem my mates rangerover had,was the previously mentioned pump.
Title: Re: BMW E39 530d Fuel / Performance problem
Post by: JasonH on 27 October 2015, 16:20:23
It could just be a clogged fuel filter I'd start there.

I think the wiring to the fuel pressure sensor can also get chaffed causing an issue like this.
Title: Re: BMW E39 530d Fuel / Performance problem
Post by: biggriffin on 27 October 2015, 17:34:40
First place to start when a diesel has performance issues is filters, and fuel lines, as a new problem being experienced with diesel's is bio-fuels growing sludge and blocking fuel line's.
Title: Re: BMW E39 530d Fuel / Performance problem
Post by: 05omegav6 on 27 October 2015, 18:29:03
Diesel 'bug' is only an issue if you leave the car stood for long periods of time with less than a brimmed tank, or repeatedly use dubious fuel :y
Title: Re: BMW E39 530d Fuel / Performance problem
Post by: biggriffin on 27 October 2015, 20:34:29
Diesel 'bug' is only an issue if you leave the car stood for long periods of time with less than a brimmed tank, or repeatedly use dubious fuel :y

It is becoming a common issue, with bio-diesel, fuel company's are very reluctant to publishes anything about it, dubious fuel is bleached, the bleach or acid that is used to remove the dye, kills the bacteria, is a common power loss on Volvo and scarnia's.
Title: Re: BMW E39 530d Fuel / Performance problem
Post by: GastronomicKleptomaniac on 27 October 2015, 21:48:29
Diesel 'bug' is only an issue if you leave the car stood for long periods of time with less than a brimmed tank, or repeatedly use dubious fuel :y

Possibility given that Jamester has just bought it, PO may have left it around a bit...
Title: Re: BMW E39 530d Fuel / Performance problem
Post by: JamesV6CDX on 27 October 2015, 23:27:47
Just for clarity... the day after I bought her.... full engine service, so Oil, all filters, etc.
When I changed the fuel filter, I filled the new filter up with the wynns diesel magic type stuff. It's also done 600 miles since on Shell V power diesel :y
Title: Re: BMW E39 530d Fuel / Performance problem
Post by: Broomies Mate on 27 October 2015, 23:31:10
Semi blocked Intercooler?
Title: Re: BMW E39 530d Fuel / Performance problem
Post by: JamesV6CDX on 27 October 2015, 23:41:10
Further to my previous posts on this, a bit of an update -

I have found out that, the only time it completely cuts out and give the "fuel injection system error" is when the tank is quite low, eg range reading around 60 miles. I popped 5 gallons in today, and, whereas before, I could replicate the fault code / shut down by driving at high revs - I now cannot.

However, even with a full tank, performance is still not right, and the car is intermittently holding right back, between 3 and 4,000 rpm. It has on a couple of occasions also failed to start first time, with the range on about 100/150 miles.

I looked at the pre-supply pressure on the live data, with a decent amount of fuel in the tank. This value is supposed to be 4 bar. Mine was 3.6 to 3.7 bar, so under, but not enormously - this dropped to about 3 to 3.1 bar when revving stationary - whereas it's never supposed to drop below 3.8 bar even when driving at full chat.

SO I concluded the pressure was lower than it should be. So, so many forum posts suggested the pre supply pump under the car is the common cause of this fault. So I went to the lovely Euro Parts. They only had a "HAAS" one on the shelf, for about £70 with a discount code, and I bought this. I got back and fitted it, and the noise it made was AWFUL! Also, the pre supply pressure, whereas on the old pump was 3.7 bar, with the new one, it was 3.4 bar, dropping to 2.5 bar when given some revs!

So to cut a long story the new pump went straight back, as it's absolutely rubbish, and can be heard over the diesel engine! I now have a genuine pump ready to fit, but I haven't got around to it yet.

I am thinking I may also just do the one in the tank as well, for the sake of futureproofing. Hopefully then my issues will also go away.

Title: Re: BMW E39 530d Fuel / Performance problem
Post by: Broomies Mate on 28 October 2015, 00:43:15
Best of luck with it James.  You certainly have the ability to get it right!  :y
Title: Re: BMW E39 530d Fuel / Performance problem
Post by: Sir Tigger KC on 28 October 2015, 00:44:25
You've got an air leak somewhere in your fuel system.  :)
Title: Re: BMW E39 530d Fuel / Performance problem
Post by: Kevin Wood on 28 October 2015, 10:05:30
There was also an overboost code in one of the logs you posted. That might explain why it suddenly goes flat when you really boot it. Maybe the wastegate / vane actuator is sticking?
Title: Re: BMW E39 530d Fuel / Performance problem
Post by: YZ250 on 28 October 2015, 10:41:09
Just out of curiosity was the fuel filter a genuine part. The reason I ask is that my son had similar symptoms after he had just serviced his diesel a while back. A few miles after it had been serviced it would not rev in the higher band, would cut out just as he was pulling away from a junction and would need the codes clearing before it would re-start etc etc.
He tried swapping out the valve in the fuel pressure rail, Swapping pumps etc etc but with no change. After advice from a fellow owner he bought a genuine part fuel filter and it came back to life again. It's been fine since then. Not a bmw by the way.
Not saying it is that but thought it worth a mention.  :-\

Did it go ok when you bought it or have you never booted it prior to this to find out?
Title: Re: BMW E39 530d Fuel / Performance problem
Post by: JamesV6CDX on 28 October 2015, 15:45:07
I fitted the genuine pump today before work.

Pre supply pressure exactly the same. 3.7 bar dropping to 3.1 when revved. No codes stored.

Test drive - 15 mile spanking, went well.

Then from nowhere lost all guts. Felt like a 1 litre. Struggling to pull at all. After ten mins back to normal

2 new codes

Pre supply pressure too low

Boost pressure too big

Arrrrrgh!!!!!!!!!
Title: Re: BMW E39 530d Fuel / Performance problem
Post by: 05omegav6 on 28 October 2015, 17:01:53
At least you now know why it was cheap ;)
Title: Re: BMW E39 530d Fuel / Performance problem
Post by: Sir Tigger KC on 28 October 2015, 17:54:16
At least you now know why it was cheap ;)

Oooo Bitch!  :o  ::)  ;D
Title: Re: BMW E39 530d Fuel / Performance problem
Post by: 05omegav6 on 28 October 2015, 18:34:12
At least you now know why it was cheap ;)

Oooo Bitch!  :o  ::)  ;D
Not at all :D the pessimist in me always presumes there's a catch somewhere ;)
Title: Re: BMW E39 530d Fuel / Performance problem
Post by: serek on 28 October 2015, 20:46:17
I fitted the genuine pump today before work.

Pre supply pressure exactly the same. 3.7 bar dropping to 3.1 when revved. No codes stored.

Test drive - 15 mile spanking, went well.

Then from nowhere lost all guts. Felt like a 1 litre. Struggling to pull at all. After ten mins back to normal

2 new codes

Pre supply pressure too low

Boost pressure too big

Arrrrrgh!!!!!!!!!
do you have number for those codes?

Title: Re: BMW E39 530d Fuel / Performance problem
Post by: JasonH on 28 October 2015, 22:04:49
The overboost error will cause "limp mode" until the ignition is turned off and on again. The car will feel horrifically underpowered when this happens.

This usually happens if the wastegate isn't opening quickly enough. It could be stiff or if vacuum operated you could have a vacuum leak or a faulty pressure converter. It could also be the adjustment of the wastegate (move the nuts on the threaded rod to ensure it's just closed when not being actuated).

I still suspect the fuel filter or a blockage in the fuel supply for the other issue.
Title: Re: BMW E39 530d Fuel / Performance problem
Post by: JamesV6CDX on 29 October 2015, 01:12:22
At least you now know why it was cheap ;)

And on that note.... Why it was sold with a brimmed tank of diesel!!!

The car only properly misbehaves (and logs codes) with less than quarter of a tank..

I'm starting to suspect the in-tank lift pump. As opposed to the inline pump under the car?

I just can't see a physical turbo problem. If there was a turbo fault, why does it fly at half throttle, but is less rapid at WOT?

I still think this is a fuel issue, and the turbo code secondary? It only ever logs a turbo code, (boost too big) when there is the fuel code (supply pressure too low).

I've been over the system and found no leaks.

I can only think of the in tank pump. What else will make the pre supply pressure drop away under revs?

Thanks chaps :y

Title: Re: BMW E39 530d Fuel / Performance problem
Post by: JamesV6CDX on 29 October 2015, 01:49:03
Serek, boost pressure code is 5232, pre supply fuel code is 4704 :y
Title: Re: BMW E39 530d Fuel / Performance problem
Post by: Broomies Mate on 29 October 2015, 03:38:26
My level of Diesel engined car's is nil.  However, I have experience of Turbo vehicles.

Check ALL hoses.  Anything slightly weak can contract 'on boost' causing the ECU to see a problem.
Title: Re: BMW E39 530d Fuel / Performance problem
Post by: Sir Tigger KC on 29 October 2015, 10:20:07
My level of Diesel engined car's is nil.  However, I have experience of Turbo vehicles.

Check ALL hoses.  Anything slightly weak can contract 'on boost' causing the ECU to see a problem.

Yes this is why I think it's something fairly simple like a weak joint somewhere.  I had similar issues with my old Merc C250TD, which started and ran fine with a full tank or parked facing downhill, but didn't like starting and was down on power otherwise.

I don't know zip about Jame's BMW engine to be honest, but I replaced all the low pressure fuel pipes and seals on my Merc and that solved the problem.  It cost about £60 but only because I changed the plastic pipes which had become hard and brittle.  I probably could have got away with just changing all the O rings for just a couple of quid!  ;)

On the Merc it was a quick and easy job and I reckon it's worth a try before spending out on new pumps etc, and just because you can't see a fuel leak that dosn't mean that air isn't leaking into the system.  ;)
Title: Re: BMW E39 530d Fuel / Performance problem
Post by: Kevin Wood on 29 October 2015, 10:55:45
The car only properly misbehaves (and logs codes) with less than quarter of a tank..

I'm starting to suspect the in-tank lift pump. As opposed to the inline pump under the car?

Sounds plausible. If it's sensitive to fuel level in the tank, it can't be anything much further upstream.

I just can't see a physical turbo problem. If there was a turbo fault, why does it fly at half throttle, but is less rapid at WOT?

As Jason says, it's because the ECU sees too much boost, and backs off the fuel quantity to a "get you home" value to protect the engine. At half throttle, the boot pressure is limited by your right foot, so no problem.

I can't see how this can be related to a fuel supply issue. I think you have two problems.
Title: Re: BMW E39 530d Fuel / Performance problem
Post by: JamesV6CDX on 07 November 2015, 17:15:46
Lift pump in the tank changed today.

Fuel pressure at idle has now risen to the expected 4 bar, not dropping below 3.5 even under demand. Which is correct operation (it was dropping under 2 bar!)

I've yet to road test but looking good (other than I stink of diesel!)

Ref the turbo possible issue, there are an array of vaccum pipes which feel very soft and in poor condition, I shall replace them all and report back.

Now starts first time too, whereas before she'd really struggle under quarter a tank :y
Title: Re: BMW E39 530d Fuel / Performance problem
Post by: Omegatoy on 07 November 2015, 20:47:19
Great news James!!
thing that gets me is its exactly the same symptoms as an Omega td when it gets to a quarter tank
lol :y
Title: Re: BMW E39 530d Fuel / Performance problem
Post by: Shackeng on 07 November 2015, 22:10:19
Great news James!!
thing that gets me is its exactly the same symptoms as an Omega td when it gets to a quarter tank
lol :y

Not with mine!