BMW Diagnostic Trouble Codes
OBD2 fault codes seen on BMW vehicles, with what each code means, its typical repair cost range, and notes on specific BMW models.
Electrical
"A" Camshaft Position Actuator Circuit (Bank 1)
BMW 3 Series • 2005-2024
BMW VANOS solenoids on the N52 and N54 engines are a common failure point. BMW calls this the VANOS ...
Intake Camshaft Position - Timing Over-Retarded (Bank 1)
BMW 3-Series N52 • 2006-2013
N52 VANOS solenoids gum up with oil varnish. Pulling both solenoids, cleaning them with brake cleane...
Throttle Position Sensor/Switch A Circuit Range/Performance Problem
BMW 3-Series • 2006-2013 (E90/E91/E92, N52 and N54)
On N54 twin-turbo cars, P0121 can appear with boost-related codes. Check the plastic charge pipe (a ...
Throttle/Pedal Position Sensor/Switch A Circuit Low Input
BMW 3-Series • 2006-2013 (N52, N54, N55)
BMW uses dual redundant TPS in both the pedal and throttle actuator. P0122 usually pairs with P2135 ...
Throttle/Pedal Position Sensor/Switch A Circuit High Input
BMW 3-Series • 2001-2011
The E46 M54 and E90 N52 can log P0123 when the throttle actuator (DK-Motor) potentiometer starts fai...
Engine Oil Temperature Sensor
BMW 3 Series • 2005-2024
On most modern BMW petrol and diesel engines there is no separate screw-in oil temperature sender. O...
Engine Oil Temperature Sensor
BMW 5 Series • 2005-2024
The 5 Series uses the same sump-mounted oil condition sensor as the rest of the modern BMW range, so...
Engine Oil Temperature Sensor Range/Performance
BMW 3 Series • 2005-2024
On most modern BMW engines there is no standalone oil temperature sender. The oil temperature comes ...
Engine Oil Temperature Sensor Range/Performance
BMW 5 Series • 2005-2024
The 5 Series uses the same sump-mounted oil condition sensor as the rest of the modern BMW range, so...
Engine Overspeed Condition
BMW 3 Series • 2005-2024
BMW models with the ZF 8-speed automatic can occasionally log P0219 during aggressive Sport mode dri...
Knock Sensor 1 Circuit Malfunction (Bank 1 or Single Sensor)
BMW 3 Series • 2000-2013
M54, N52 and N54 inline-6 engines. The knock sensors bolt to the engine block on the intake side, un...
Knock Sensor 1 Circuit Low Input (Bank 1 or Single Sensor)
BMW 3 Series • 2005-2024
On BMW N52 inline-6 engines the two knock sensors bolt to the block underneath the intake manifold, ...
Glow Plug / Heater Circuit "A" Malfunction
BMW 320d • 2005-2019
BMW diesels (M47, N47, B47) use a glow plug control module that reports circuit faults. On the N47, ...
Vehicle Speed Sensor "A" Range/Performance
BMW 3 Series • 2005-2024
E90 and F30 3 Series commonly trigger P0501 from a failing rear ABS wheel speed sensor at high milea...
Vehicle Speed Sensor "A" Circuit Low Input
BMW 3 Series • 2005-2024
On E90 and F30 3 Series, P0502 typically follows a complete ABS wheel speed sensor failure, often at...
Vehicle Speed Sensor "A" Intermittent/Erratic/High
BMW 3 Series • 2005-2024
E90 and F30 3 Series tend to set P0503 from a partially failed rear ABS wheel speed sensor that prod...
Brake Switch "A"/"B" Correlation
BMW 3 Series • 2005-2024
F30 3 Series with push-button start commonly fail to crank when the brake light switch loses correla...
Engine Oil Pressure Sensor/Switch Circuit Malfunction
BMW 3-Series • 2012-2019
The N20 has a separate engine oil pressure and temperature sensor on the side of the engine block, r...
Engine Oil Pressure Sensor/Switch Range/Performance
BMW 3-Series • 2006-2015
The N52 uses an oil pressure switch on the oil filter housing, while the N55 has an oil pressure sen...
System Voltage Low
BMW 3 Series • 2005-2024
BMW uses an intelligent battery sensor (IBS) on the negative terminal that can fail and give false l...
ECM/PCM Processor Fault
BMW 3 Series • 2005-2024
On the E90 and F30 3 Series, the DME (Digital Motor Electronics) sits in the cowl tray under the win...
Glow Plug Control Module Circuit
BMW 320d • 2005-2019
BMW diesels (M47, N47, B47) use a glow plug control module that the DDE engine controller monitors. ...
Cylinder 1 Glow Plug Circuit
BMW 320d • 2005-2019
On the 320d the cylinder 1 plug is monitored by the glow plug control module and reported to the DDE...
Cylinder 2 Glow Plug Circuit
BMW 320d • 2005-2019
On the 320d the cylinder 2 plug is monitored by the glow plug control module and reported to the DDE...
Cylinder 3 Glow Plug Circuit
BMW 320d • 2005-2019
On the 320d the cylinder 3 plug is monitored by the glow plug control module and reported to the DDE...
Cylinder 4 Glow Plug Circuit
BMW 320d • 2005-2019
On the 320d the cylinder 4 plug is monitored by the glow plug control module and reported to the DDE...
Lost Communication With ECM/PCM 'A'
BMW 3-Series (E90/E91/E92, N52/N54) • 2006-2013
The footwell module (FRM) on these cars is better known for failing after a low-voltage event or an ...
Lost Communication With Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) Control Module
BMW 3-Series • 2006-2013 (E90/E91/E92, N52 and N54)
DSC module (ATE MK60) failures are well documented on the E90. BMW modules are voltage-sensitive: a ...
Emissions
"A" Camshaft Position - Timing Over-Advanced or System Performance (Bank 1)
BMW 3 Series • 2005-2024
The N52 and N54 engines are known for VANOS system issues causing P0011. Oil condition matters on th...
Camshaft Position B - Timing Over-Advanced or System Performance (Bank 1)
BMW 3 Series • 2006-2024
BMW calls its system VANOS, and the exhaust solenoid is a frequent P0014 trigger on the N20, N26, an...
"A" Camshaft Position - Timing Over-Advanced or System Performance (Bank 2)
BMW 3 Series • 2005-2024
P0021 on a BMW 3 Series implies a V8 model: the M3 with the S65 V8. The S65 has known VANOS solenoid...
"A" Camshaft Position - Timing Retarded (Bank 2)
BMW 3 Series • 2005-2024
P0022 on a 3 Series implies the 2008-2013 M3 (E90, E92, E93) with the S65 V8, the only V engine in t...
Intake Air Temperature Sensor 2 Circuit High
BMW 3 Series • 2015-2024
On B46, B48 and B58 engines two different sensors report an air temperature to the ECU, and confusin...
Manifold Absolute Pressure/Barometric Pressure Circuit Low
BMW 3 Series • 2015-2024
BMW uses a combined temperature and pressure sensor that screws straight into the intake manifold on...
Oxygen Sensor Circuit No Activity Detected (Bank 1, Sensor 1)
BMW 3 Series • 1999-2013
The E46 M54 and the E90 N52 are inline-sixes with two upstream sensors, one for cylinders 1-3 (bank ...
O2 Sensor Heater Circuit Malfunction (Bank 1, Sensor 1)
BMW 3 Series • 2006-2024
BMW upstream sensors on the N52, N55 and B48 are Bosch units, and the turbocharged N55 and B48 place...
O2 Sensor Circuit Malfunction (Bank 1, Sensor 2)
BMW 3 Series • 2006-2024
On the N52 and N55 the downstream sensor runs roughly 60 to 200 euros depending on where you buy it,...
O2 Sensor Circuit Low Voltage (Bank 1, Sensor 2)
BMW 3 Series • 2006-2024
On the N52 there are two downstream sensors, one after each catalytic converter (bank 1 = cylinders ...
O2 Sensor Circuit High Voltage (Bank 1, Sensor 2)
BMW 3 Series • 2006-2024
On direct-injection engines such as the N20 and N55, a leaking fuel injector can cause a real rich c...
O2 Sensor Circuit Slow Response (Bank 1, Sensor 2)
BMW 3 Series • 2006-2024
On the N52 the downstream sensor ages with mileage like any other, and a slow response is usually th...
O2 Sensor Circuit No Activity Detected (Bank 1, Sensor 2)
BMW 3 Series • 2006-2024
On the N52 and N55 the downstream sensor connector clip becomes brittle with age and can break. A br...
O2 Sensor Heater Circuit Malfunction (Bank 1, Sensor 2)
BMW 3 Series • 2006-2024
BMW uses Bosch sensors. The N52 downstream sensor is accessible but may require removing an underbod...
O2 Sensor Circuit Malfunction (Bank 2, Sensor 1)
BMW 3 Series (E46 325i/330i) • 2000-2006
The M54 in the 325i and 330i is an inline-six, but its exhaust is split in two: BMW's training mater...
O2 Sensor Circuit Malfunction (Bank 2, Sensor 1)
BMW 5 Series (545i/540i/550i) • 2003-2010
The N62 V8 in the 545i, 540i and 550i has a pre-cat sensor for each bank: bank 1 covers cylinders 1-...
O2 Sensor Circuit Low Voltage (Bank 2, Sensor 1)
BMW 5 Series (545i/540i/550i) • 2003-2010
The N62 V8 in the 545i, 540i and 550i has a pre-cat sensor for each bank: bank 1 covers cylinders 1-...
O2 Sensor Circuit Low Voltage (Bank 2, Sensor 1)
BMW 3 Series (E46 325i/330i) • 2000-2006
The M54 in the 325i and 330i is an inline-six, but its exhaust is split in two: BMW's training mater...
O2 Sensor Circuit High Voltage (Bank 2, Sensor 1)
BMW 5 Series (545i/540i/550i) • 2003-2010
The N62 V8 in the 545i, 540i and 550i has a pre-cat sensor for each bank: bank 1 covers cylinders 1-...
O2 Sensor Circuit High Voltage (Bank 2, Sensor 1)
BMW 3 Series (E46 325i/330i) • 2000-2006
The M54 in the 325i and 330i is an inline-six, but its exhaust is split in two: BMW's training mater...
O2 Sensor Circuit Slow Response (Bank 2, Sensor 1)
BMW 5 Series (545i/540i/550i) • 2003-2010
The N62 V8 in the 545i, 540i and 550i has a pre-cat sensor for each bank: bank 1 covers cylinders 1-...
O2 Sensor Circuit No Activity Detected (Bank 2, Sensor 1)
BMW 3 Series (E46 325i/330i) • 2000-2006
The M54 in the 325i and 330i is an inline-six, but its exhaust is split in two: BMW's training mater...
O2 Sensor Heater Circuit Malfunction (Bank 2, Sensor 1)
BMW 3 Series (E46 325i/330i) • 2000-2006
The M54 in the 325i and 330i is an inline-six, but its exhaust is split in two: BMW's training mater...
O2 Sensor Circuit Malfunction (Bank 2, Sensor 2)
BMW 3 Series • 2005-2013
The N52 and N54 straight sixes in the E90-generation 3 Series split the exhaust into two groups of t...
O2 Sensor Circuit Malfunction (Bank 2, Sensor 2)
BMW 5 Series • 2003-2010
On the N62 V8 in the 545i, 540i and 550i, each cylinder bank has its own catalytic converter built i...
O2 Sensor Circuit Low Voltage (Bank 2, Sensor 2)
BMW 3 Series • 2005-2013
On the N52 and N54 straight sixes the bank 2 downstream sensor sits after the catalyst for cylinders...
O2 Sensor Circuit Low Voltage (Bank 2, Sensor 2)
BMW 5 Series • 2003-2010
Bank 2 on the N62 V8 is cylinders 5-8, and BMW's N62 training material shows the catalysts built int...
O2 Sensor Circuit High Voltage (Bank 2, Sensor 2)
BMW 3 Series • 2005-2013
Because the bank 2 downstream sensor on the N52 and N54 only sees cylinders 4-6, a rich fault on one...
O2 Sensor Circuit High Voltage (Bank 2, Sensor 2)
BMW 5 Series • 2003-2010
Each N62 bank has its own fuel trim, so a rich fault on cylinders 5-8 shows up on the bank 2 sensors...
O2 Sensor Circuit Slow Response (Bank 2, Sensor 2)
BMW 3 Series • 2005-2013
The N52 and N54 treat cylinders 4-6 as bank 2, with their own catalyst and downstream sensor. If P01...
O2 Sensor Circuit Slow Response (Bank 2, Sensor 2)
BMW 5 Series • 2003-2010
The N62's downstream sensors are conventional switching sensors used to check the catalysts, not the...
O2 Sensor Circuit No Activity Detected (Bank 2, Sensor 2)
BMW 3 Series • 2005-2013
On the N52 and N54 the bank 2 downstream sensor serves the catalyst for cylinders 4-6. A flat signal...
O2 Sensor Circuit No Activity Detected (Bank 2, Sensor 2)
BMW 5 Series • 2003-2010
Bank 2 on the N62 V8 is cylinders 5-8, and its post-catalyst sensor is a separate part from the broa...
O2 Sensor Heater Circuit Malfunction (Bank 2, Sensor 2)
BMW 3 Series • 2005-2013
The bank 2 downstream sensor on the N52 and N54 (after the catalyst for cylinders 4-6) has its own h...
O2 Sensor Heater Circuit Malfunction (Bank 2, Sensor 2)
BMW 5 Series • 2003-2010
On the N62 V8 each bank has its own downstream sensor with its own heater circuit; bank 2 is cylinde...
Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) Flow Insufficient
BMW 3 Series • 2006-2024
BMW diesels (N47, B47) are notably prone to EGR trouble, and the valve and cooler are often sold as ...
Exhaust Gas Recirculation Flow Excessive Detected
BMW 3 Series • 2007-2024
The 320d with N47 and later B47 engines is notorious for EGR-related faults. Carbon buildup at the E...
Exhaust Gas Recirculation Control Circuit Malfunction
BMW 3 Series • 2007-2024
The N47 and B47 diesel EGR valve solenoid is a frequent failure point on the 320d and 318d. The conn...
Exhaust Gas Recirculation Control Circuit Range/Performance
BMW 3 Series • 2007-2024
On the N47 and B47 320d, P0404 typically appears around 100,000-130,000 km as carbon accumulates at ...
Exhaust Gas Recirculation Sensor "A" Circuit Low
BMW 3 Series • 2007-2024
The N47 and B47 320d EGR position sensor sits in a heat-soaked location near the turbo, and is integ...
Exhaust Gas Recirculation Sensor "A" Circuit High
BMW 3 Series • 2007-2024
On the N47 and B47 320d the EGR position sensor is built into the valve, so when P0406 appears with ...
Secondary Air Injection System Malfunction
BMW 3 Series • 2006-2020
The N52 and N55 engines use an electric secondary air pump that commonly fails after 80,000-120,000 ...
Secondary Air Injection System Incorrect Flow Detected
BMW 3 Series • 2006-2020
On the N52 engine, P0411 is frequently caused by a deteriorated check valve that allows exhaust gas ...
Catalyst System Efficiency Below Threshold (Bank 1)
BMW 3 Series • 2006-2024
On 3 Series with N52 and N55 engines, P0420 often appears alongside VANOS-related codes that cause r...
Warm Up Catalyst Efficiency Below Threshold (Bank 1)
BMW 3 Series • 2006-2024
On the N52 inline-six the catalytic converters are built into the two exhaust manifolds, so replacin...
Main Catalyst Efficiency Below Threshold (Bank 1)
BMW 3 Series • 2006-2024
P0422 on BMW 3 Series with N52, N55, or B58 inline-6 engines typically points to the main underfloor...
Catalyst System Efficiency Below Threshold (Bank 2)
BMW 3 Series • 2006-2024
BMW's N52 and N54 inline-sixes have two exhaust manifolds, each with its own catalytic converter and...
Warm Up Catalyst Efficiency Below Threshold (Bank 2)
BMW 3 Series • 2007-2013
P0431 on the 3 Series specifically applies to V8 variants such as the E90 and E92 M3 (S65 V8). The S...
Main Catalyst Efficiency Below Threshold (Bank 2)
BMW 3 Series • 2006-2013
On the 3 Series the classic two-bank case is the E90/E92/E93 M3 with the S65 V8; there was no V8 3 S...
Heated Catalyst Temperature Below Threshold (Bank 2)
BMW 3 Series • 2020-2024
Current 3 Series engines are inline fours and inline sixes, including the S58 in the M3, and the las...
Post Catalyst Fuel Trim System Too Lean Bank 1
BMW 3-Series • 2007-2015
On the N52 six-cylinder, unmetered air from the crankcase ventilation system can lean the mixture, a...
O2 Sensor Signal Biased/Stuck Lean (Bank 1, Sensor 1)
BMW 3 Series • 2006-2024
BMW 3 Series engines, especially the N20 and N52, are prone to vacuum and crankcase ventilation leak...
Intake Air System Leak
BMW 3-Series N54/N55 (E90/E92) • 2007-2013
N54 plastic charge pipes crack at the throttle body flange, especially with a tuned car. N55 valve c...
Diesel Particulate Filter Differential Pressure Too Low (Bank 1)
BMW 3 Series Diesel • 2009-2024
BMW 3 Series diesel models (320d, 330d, 335d) with the N47, N57, B47 and B57 engines commonly throw ...
Diesel Particulate Filter Differential Pressure Too High (Bank 1)
BMW 3 Series Diesel • 2009-2024
BMW diesels with the N47, N57 and B47 engines are sensitive to short-trip duty cycles. A BMW used as...
Ignition
Crankshaft Position - Camshaft Position Correlation (Bank 1 Sensor A)
BMW 3 Series • 2006-2024
The N47 diesel (if applicable) and N20/N26 4-cylinder turbos are known for timing chain issues. The ...
Crankshaft Position - Camshaft Position Correlation (Bank 1 Sensor B)
BMW 3 Series • 2005-2024
The N47 diesel and N20 4-cylinder turbo petrol are the major P0017 risk engines. The N47 has the tim...
Crankshaft Position - Camshaft Position Correlation (Bank 2 Sensor A)
BMW 3 Series • 2005-2024
No 3 Series has been built with a V6, and the only V8 is the S65 in the 2008-2013 M3 (E90, E92, E93)...
Crankshaft Position - Camshaft Position Correlation (Bank 2 Sensor B)
BMW 3 Series • 2005-2024
P0019 on a 3 Series implies the 2008-2013 M3 (E90 saloon, E92 coupe, E93 convertible) with the S65 V...
Knock Sensor 1 Circuit High Input (Bank 1 or Single Sensor)
BMW 3 Series • 2006-2024
BMW N52 and N55 commonly log P0328 from wiring damage in the knock sensor harness routed under the i...
Crankshaft Position Sensor "A" Circuit Malfunction
BMW 3 Series • 2005-2024
The N46 and N52 engines have the crankshaft sensor at the rear of the block near the flywheel, requi...
Camshaft Position Sensor Circuit Malfunction
BMW 3 Series • 2006-2024
BMW inline-6 and four-cylinder engines (N52, N55, B48, B58) run intake and exhaust CMP sensors, and ...
Camshaft Position Sensor "A" Circuit Low Input (Bank 1 or Single Sensor)
BMW 3 Series • 2006-2024
The N52 commonly sets P0342 after the intake cam sensor wiring fatigues at the back of the cam cover...
Camshaft Position Sensor "A" Circuit High Input (Bank 1 or Single Sensor)
BMW 3 Series • 2006-2024
N52 and N55 3 Series can set P0343 after the intake or exhaust cam sensor fails open. The sensors ar...
Ignition Coil A Primary/Secondary Circuit Malfunction
BMW 3-Series • 2007-2015
N54 and N55 turbocharged sixes are hard on coils. A coil fitted over a worn plug works harder, so ch...
Ignition Coil B Primary/Secondary Circuit Malfunction
BMW 3-Series (E90/E92) • 2006-2013
N52 and N54 engines run pencil coils that fail with age and heat. Cylinder 2 is second back from the...
Ignition Coil C Primary/Secondary Circuit Malfunction
BMW 3-Series • 2007-2013 (E90/E92, N54/N55 turbo inline-6)
N54 and N55 engines are hard on coils because of boost pressure and higher secondary voltage demand....
Ignition Coil D Primary/Secondary Circuit Malfunction
BMW 3-Series • 2007-2015
N54 (335i) and N55 (335i/435i) are hard on coils when the plugs are past their service interval. Fit...
Ignition Coil E Primary/Secondary Circuit Malfunction
BMW 5 Series 545i / 550i (N62 V8) • 2003-2010
The port-injected N62 V8 is known for valve stem seals that harden and let oil into the combustion c...
Ignition Coil E Primary/Secondary Circuit Malfunction
BMW X5 xDrive50i (N63 twin-turbo V8) • 2011-2018
The N63 is a direct-injection twin-turbo V8 with both turbochargers inside the V, and fuel injector ...
Ignition Coil F Primary/Secondary Circuit Malfunction
BMW 5 Series 545i / 550i (N62 V8) • 2003-2010
The port-injected N62 V8 is known for valve stem seals that harden and let oil into the combustion c...
Ignition Coil F Primary/Secondary Circuit Malfunction
BMW X5 xDrive50i (N63 twin-turbo V8) • 2011-2018
The N63 is a direct-injection twin-turbo V8 with both turbochargers inside the V, and fuel injector ...
Ignition Coil G Primary/Secondary Circuit Malfunction
BMW 5 Series 545i / 550i (N62 V8) • 2003-2010
The port-injected N62 V8 is known for valve stem seals that harden and let oil into the combustion c...
Ignition Coil G Primary/Secondary Circuit Malfunction
BMW X5 xDrive50i (N63 twin-turbo V8) • 2011-2018
The N63 is a direct-injection twin-turbo V8 with both turbochargers inside the V, and fuel injector ...
Ignition Coil H Primary/Secondary Circuit Malfunction
BMW 5 Series 545i / 550i (N62 V8) • 2003-2010
The port-injected N62 V8 is known for valve stem seals that harden and let oil into the combustion c...
Ignition Coil H Primary/Secondary Circuit Malfunction
BMW X5 xDrive50i (N63 twin-turbo V8) • 2011-2018
The N63 is a direct-injection twin-turbo V8 with both turbochargers inside the V, and fuel injector ...
Fuel System
Fuel Rail/System Pressure - Too Low
BMW 3 Series • 2006-2024
The N54 twin-turbo petrol (335i up to 2010) is known for high-pressure fuel pump (HPFP) failures, wh...
Mass Air Flow Sensor Range/Performance
BMW 3 Series • 2006-2024
BMW uses Bosch MAF sensors. The N52 intake boot (between MAF and throttle body) is a notorious failu...
Mass or Volume Air Flow Circuit Low Input
BMW 3 Series • 2006-2024
Among the 3 Series petrol engines, the naturally aspirated N52 uses a Bosch hot-film MAF, and the N5...
Mass or Volume Air Flow Circuit High Input
BMW 3 Series • 2006-2024
On the N52, and on the N55 which also carries a MAF, the Bosch hot-film element can fail and output ...
System Too Lean (Bank 1)
BMW 3 Series • 2006-2024
The 3 Series with the N52 engine is notorious for DISA valve and intake manifold flap failures causi...
System Too Rich (Bank 1)
BMW 3 Series • 2006-2024
On the N52 and N55 a sticking VANOS solenoid can shift valve timing enough to push the mixture rich ...
Fuel Trim Malfunction (Bank 2)
BMW 3 Series • 2006-2024
No 3 Series has been built with a V6, and the only V8 is the S65 in the 2008-2013 M3 (E90, E92, E93)...
System Too Lean (Bank 2)
BMW 3 Series • 2006-2024
The N52 and N54 inline-sixes in the E90-generation 3 Series (and the older M54) do set P0174: each g...
System Too Rich (Bank 2)
BMW 3 Series • 2006-2015
P0175 applies to two kinds of 3 Series engine. The E90/E92 M3's S65 V8 has two cylinder banks, and a...
Fuel Rail Pressure Sensor Circuit Range/Performance
BMW 3 Series • 2006-2024
The N54 and N55 engines have a fuel rail pressure sensor that can fail and mimic HPFP symptoms. BMW ...
Injector Circuit / Open - Cylinder 1
BMW 3 Series • 2005-2024
Direct-injection petrol engines (N20, N55, B48) use solenoid or piezo injectors with connectors that...
Injector Circuit / Open - Cylinder 2
BMW 3 Series • 2005-2024
Direct-injection petrol engines (N20, N55, B48) use solenoid or piezo injectors with connectors that...
Injector Circuit / Open - Cylinder 3
BMW 3 Series • 2005-2024
Direct-injection petrol engines (N20, N55, B48) use solenoid or piezo injectors with connectors that...
Injector Circuit / Open - Cylinder 4
BMW 3 Series • 2005-2024
Direct-injection petrol engines (N20, N55, B48) use solenoid or piezo injectors with connectors that...
Injector Circuit / Open - Cylinder 5
BMW 3 Series • 2005-2024
The inline-6 petrol (N52, N54, N55, B58) and diesel (M57, N57) engines all have a cylinder 5. Petrol...
Injector Circuit / Open - Cylinder 6
BMW 3 Series • 2005-2024
The inline-6 petrol (N52, N54, N55, B58) and diesel (M57, N57) engines all have a cylinder 6. Petrol...
Turbocharger/Supercharger "A" Overboost Condition
BMW 3 Series • 2006-2024
The N54 twin-turbo engine uses electronic wastegate actuators that can fail, causing overboost. The ...
Idle Air Control System RPM Higher Than Expected
BMW 3 Series • 2006-2024
BMW electronic throttle bodies on N52/N55/B48 can develop carbon deposits. The N52 is especially pro...
System Too Lean at Idle (Bank 1)
BMW 3 Series • 2005-2024
On the E90 with the naturally aspirated N52, unmetered air at idle often comes from the crankcase ve...
System Too Rich at Idle (Bank 1)
BMW 3 Series • 2005-2024
The E90 with the N52 uses port injection, so a rich Bank 1 there usually traces to a leaking port in...
Cooling System
Engine Coolant Temperature (ECT) Circuit
BMW 3 Series • 2006-2024
On BMW 3 Series engines the coolant temperature sensor sits in the cylinder head or, on many models,...
Engine Coolant Temperature (ECT) Circuit Range / Performance
BMW 3 Series • 2006-2024
BMW 3 Series engines commonly use an electrically heated map thermostat that can fail and cause slow...
Engine Coolant Temperature (ECT) Circuit Low
BMW 3 Series • 2006-2024
On BMW 3 Series engines a shorted coolant sensor will trigger the cooling fan to run at full speed, ...
Engine Coolant Temperature (ECT) Circuit High
BMW 3 Series • 2006-2024
On BMW 3 Series engines, P0118 can come from connector fretting or a failed sensor in the cylinder h...
Coolant Thermostat Below Regulating Temperature
BMW 3 Series • 2006-2024
BMW uses electronically controlled, map-controlled thermostats on most modern engines such as the N5...
Cooling Fan 1 Control Circuit Malfunction
BMW 3-Series • 2006-2013
On N52 and N54 cars the electric fan and its shroud sit between the radiator and the engine, pulling...
Misfire
Random/Multiple Cylinder Misfire Detected
BMW 3 Series • 2006-2024
The N54 and N55 turbo engines are well known for ignition coils and spark plugs failing early and tr...
Cylinder 1 Misfire Detected
BMW 3 Series • 2006-2024
The N54, N55, and B58 turbo engines are well known for ignition coil and plug wear. Cylinder 1 sits ...
Cylinder 3 Misfire Detected
BMW 3 Series • 2006-2024
On the N52 and N54 engines, cylinder 3 is centrally located and tends to run hotter than outer cylin...
Cylinder 5 Misfire Detected
BMW 3-Series E90/E92 (N54, N55) • 2007-2013
The N54 and N55 turbocharged inline-sixes are hard on ignition coils and spark plugs, so check both ...
Cylinder 6 Misfire Detected
BMW 3 Series • 2005-2024
On the E90 330i with the N52 inline-six, cylinder 6 is the rearmost cylinder, next to the bulkhead. ...
Cylinder 7 Misfire Detected
BMW 5 Series 545i / 550i (N62 V8) • 2003-2010
The N62 is a port-injected 90-degree V8 with Valvetronic variable valve lift. Its valve stem seals h...
Cylinder 7 Misfire Detected
BMW X5 xDrive50i (N63 twin-turbo V8) • 2011-2018
The N63 places both turbochargers inside the V between the cylinder banks and was BMW's first direct...
Cylinder 8 Misfire Detected
BMW 5 Series 545i / 550i (N62 V8) • 2003-2010
The port-injected N62 V8 has a well-documented valve stem seal problem: the seals harden, oil reache...
Cylinder 8 Misfire Detected
BMW X5 xDrive50i (N63 twin-turbo V8) • 2011-2018
The N63 is a direct-injection V8 with both turbochargers mounted inside the V between the banks. Fue...
EVAP System
Evaporative Emission Control System Malfunction
BMW 3 Series • 2005-2024
BMW uses a leak detection pump (LDP) mounted near the charcoal canister to actively test the EVAP sy...
Evaporative Emission System: Incorrect Purge Flow
BMW 3 Series • 2006-2024
On the BMW 3 Series the purge valve (BMW calls it the tank vent valve) is a frequent P0441 cause, pa...
Evaporative Emission System Leak Detected (Small Leak)
BMW 3 Series • 2006-2024
BMWs with an EVAP leak test use a leak detection pump (LDP, called DMTL on many models) to pressuris...
Evaporative Emission System Vent Control Circuit
BMW 3 Series • 2006-2024
BMW EVAP systems are more complex than most, with multiple valves and a fuel tank leak detection pum...
Evaporative Emission Control System Vent Control Circuit Open
BMW 3 Series • 2005-2024
BMW E90/F30 vehicles use a leak detection pump assembly that combines the vent valve and a pump moto...
Evaporative Emission Control System Vent Control Circuit Shorted
BMW 3 Series • 2005-2024
BMW E90/F30 vehicles with an EVAP leak test use a leak detection pump assembly with an integrated ve...
Evaporative Emission Control System Vent Valve/Solenoid Circuit Malfunction
BMW 3 Series • 2005-2024
BMW vehicles set P0449 frequently when the leak detection pump assembly fails. The LDP combines the ...
Evaporative Emission Control System Pressure Sensor Intermittent
BMW 3 Series • 2005-2024
BMW E90/F30 fuel tank pressure sensor is integrated with the fuel level sensor on top of the tank. A...
Evaporative Emission System: Very Small Leak
BMW 3 Series • 2006-2024
BMW 3 Series and 1 Series with the DMTL pump (Diagnostic Module Tank Leakage) can throw P0456 when t...
Evaporative Emission Control System Leak Detected (Fuel Cap Loose/Off)
BMW 3 Series • 2005-2024
The 3 Series uses a screw-type fuel cap that clicks when properly tightened, so a cap not turned to ...
Evaporative Emission System: High Purge Flow
BMW 3 Series • 2006-2024
On the 3 Series the purge (tank vent) valve is the most common P0496 cause, and it often sticks open...
Transmission
Transmission Control System Malfunction
BMW 3 Series • 2006-2024
The F30/G20 3 Series uses the ZF 8HP automatic transmission, which is generally reliable but can tri...
Transmission Range Sensor Circuit Malfunction (PRNDL Input)
BMW 3-Series • 2006-2013
E90/E91 with ZF 6HP19/6HP21: the range sensor lives inside the mechatronic unit. The well-known mech...
Torque Converter Clutch Circuit Performance/Stuck Off
BMW 3 Series • 2006-2024
The F30/G20 3 Series with the ZF 8HP automatic transmission can develop P0741 when the transmission ...
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