E91 automatic diesel problem

RazvanCristian · 12-30-2022, 02:42 AM

Hi guys,
I'm new here and I must admit I would not have an account if my wonderful BMW would run perfect. For that I apologise.
It is a 2012 diesel, with automatic gearbox and 156000km.
About a year ago it started losing power at low speed (20 -30km/h) before switching into 2nd. Not for long...just short flashes of power loss. At high speed everything was and is normal.
I spoke with a mechanic specialised in automatic gearboxes and I was persuaded into changing the filter and the gearbox oil.
Not only that it continued doing the same but it also started having an oscillation
in revs while standing still, in drive or reverse. It does not do the same if in neutral or parking with the brake pedal not pressed. This would go away when I turned off the A/C system.
After a complete computer and car check, I was told that the battery power is a little low and that might be the problem as there is not enough juice to power everything at once, especially since I don't drive more than 60km per day and not all at once. So I've replaced the battery with a new BOSCH battery.
Still the same.
Yesterday while driving at 20-25 Km/h the car lost power completely and the engine stopped. I turned the ignition off and re-started it. It immediately showed that the tires were losing pressure (this I erased while waiting at a stop light).
I took it immediately to the mechanic and after a computer check there were 3 errors present...the valve that re-circulates the hot gas back into the engine (sorry for the description, I have no idea what it is called), the A/C system and some other small thing. They were all erased and the car runs like everything is perfect. It ran without any problems for the remainder of the day.
Has anybody had the same problem?
I really don't want to take it to BMW as I am 100% sure the will not find anything wrong and will invoice me a few hundred euro only for checking.
The mechanic I usually take it to thinks that it might me a gearbox sensor but he is not sure about it.
Thank you in advance for taking the time to read this and maybe answer.
Cheers.

Tambohamilton · 12-30-2022, 02:56 AM

We need the error codes in order to give any useful advice, really. Also what is the exact model of the car?

RazvanCristian · 12-30-2022, 06:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tambohamilton

We need the error codes in order to give any useful advice, really. Also what is the exact model of the car?

Hi,
Thank you for the prompt reply.
Unfortunately I did not take any photos of the error codes and the mechanic does not have them saved.
It is a BMW 3 Touring (E91) 318 d, 1995 cm3, 143 PS, 105 kW, 09/07 up to 06/12, N47 D20 A, N47 D20 C.

Antchi · 01-02-2023, 08:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RazvanCristian

there were 3 errors present...the valve that re-circulates the hot gas back into the engine (sorry for the description, I have no idea what it is called)
Cheers.

That's the EGR valve and does fit the symptoms you're having. Might just need cleaning. At the moment it's the easiest and (possibly) only free fix. It is easy to get to and can easily be done by anyone. There are pleanty of DIYs on youtube where you can get some inspiration

mifesto · 01-02-2023, 02:36 PM

Sounds like your car went into limp mode, maybe it needs carbon cleaning?

12-30-2022, 02:42 AM	#1
RazvanCristian Registered 0 Rep 2 Posts Drives: E91 Join Date: Dec 2022 Location: Germany iTrader: (0)	E91 automatic diesel problem Hi guys, I'm new here and I must admit I would not have an account if my wonderful BMW would run perfect. For that I apologise. It is a 2012 diesel, with automatic gearbox and 156000km. About a year ago it started losing power at low speed (20 -30km/h) before switching into 2nd. Not for long...just short flashes of power loss. At high speed everything was and is normal. I spoke with a mechanic specialised in automatic gearboxes and I was persuaded into changing the filter and the gearbox oil. Not only that it continued doing the same but it also started having an oscillation in revs while standing still, in drive or reverse. It does not do the same if in neutral or parking with the brake pedal not pressed. This would go away when I turned off the A/C system. After a complete computer and car check, I was told that the battery power is a little low and that might be the problem as there is not enough juice to power everything at once, especially since I don't drive more than 60km per day and not all at once. So I've replaced the battery with a new BOSCH battery. Still the same. Yesterday while driving at 20-25 Km/h the car lost power completely and the engine stopped. I turned the ignition off and re-started it. It immediately showed that the tires were losing pressure (this I erased while waiting at a stop light). I took it immediately to the mechanic and after a computer check there were 3 errors present...the valve that re-circulates the hot gas back into the engine (sorry for the description, I have no idea what it is called), the A/C system and some other small thing. They were all erased and the car runs like everything is perfect. It ran without any problems for the remainder of the day. Has anybody had the same problem? I really don't want to take it to BMW as I am 100% sure the will not find anything wrong and will invoice me a few hundred euro only for checking. The mechanic I usually take it to thinks that it might me a gearbox sensor but he is not sure about it. Thank you in advance for taking the time to read this and maybe answer. Cheers.
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12-30-2022, 02:56 AM	#2
Tambohamilton Brigadier General 3072 Rep 3,925 Posts Drives: E91 330d Join Date: Apr 2019 Location: Herefordshire iTrader: (0)	We need the error codes in order to give any useful advice, really. Also what is the exact model of the car?
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01-02-2023, 02:36 PM	#5
mifesto Private First Class 26 Rep 142 Posts Drives: 2008 335xi Join Date: Aug 2016 Location: nj iTrader: (1)	Sounds like your car went into limp mode, maybe it needs carbon cleaning?
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