So my car stranded me today...

JimD · 09-27-2014, 04:04 PM

I don't think making mistakes is a function of the brand. Wasn't BP the company that had a big oil leak? But there is a theory that the additives in each brand tend to do well except for particular types of deposits. Rotating brands would avoid a buildup of deposits, sticking purely with one brand would allow a buildup.

I usually use Shell but occasionally use other brands. I hope the OP's car is OK. I had a coworker who's teenage daughter filled up with kerosene. It wasn't the gas stations fault, she just got the wrong nozzle. Her mom was in the car too. That cost a couple thousand.

edisapimp · 09-27-2014, 06:20 PM

Yeah, you're right, I don't think it's every shell that has problems, I just found it ironic that I had some woes with shell fuel, too. Anyhow, hope the OP's problems don't turn out to be too extensive.

SteveAZ · 09-27-2014, 08:17 PM

A couple things...

Running 87 instead of 91 or 93 will not cause this kind of issue. It would make it more likely to knock and that would cause an issue, but only at higher loads. Normal cruising would not be affected.

If there is a contamination issue...not only should the LPFP assembly be replaced because as mentioned there is a pre-filter, but the filter/regulator assembly on the drivers side should also be replaced. The pre-filter on the LPFP assembly is just that...a pre-filter, and is more of a screen than a true filter.

While unlikely that any contamination other than water, or diesel actually made it to the HPFP...there is also a filter in the HPFP and one in each of the injectors.

Good luck OP and let us know how everything turns out.

zx10guy · 09-27-2014, 11:00 PM

This is an interesting discussion.

I have always been steadfast about not going below the manufacturer's required and recommended octane. Even though all modern automobiles have knock sensors, I don't even want to take the chance.

Maybe others on here with more experience than me with BMW cars can comment. But with my experience wrenching on my past GM cars, the knock sensors used were nothing more than just a "microphone" tuned to trigger on the harmonics generated by pinging. When the ECM sees this from the knock sensor, then timing is backed out. To me in this situation, pre-ignition is already occurring. So based on my knowledge of knock sensors, it's a fail safe of last resort and a reactive not a predictive measure.

But as always, it's your car.

JimD · 09-28-2014, 07:13 PM

I've never heard my bimmer ping even when I was running the one tank of 87 octane. My SUV is supposed to be able to handle 87 but pings on a hard pull in hot weather unless I use at least 89. It's got knock sensors but they evidently cannot retard the timing enough. It runs fine but I back off when it starts pinging.

integra891 · 09-29-2014, 09:18 AM

Contaminated fuel! Only got confirmation today even though I told them the story and my suspicions. Called my insurance, an adjuster is coming out. Left a message with corporate office of the gas station. We will see where that leads.

I just want to know if my car will run the same? Even after all the repairs, will it run like it used to? I am concerned about long term issues and reliability now.

integra891 · 09-29-2014, 09:23 AM

Update: Gas station manager called me back. Stated that there was some kind of underground water pump that bursted and flooded the premium and midgrade underground tanks. The gas station will reimburse the full costs of the repair. So I am going to go out of my insurance, cause I dont want to deal with insurance bullcrap. At least they acknowledged it and are going to take care of it.

integra891 · 09-29-2014, 10:01 AM

Out of pocket cost they quoted was $1300. They are going to warranty the high pressure fuel pump which they say also needs to be changed. Not as bad as I was expecting. Should be ready tomorrow.

MightyMouseTech · 09-29-2014, 10:21 AM

Glad everything is working out. Don't worry about the long term issues. I have seen this many times, and after getting the car running, have never seen any long term issues.

Mach1er · 09-29-2014, 10:23 AM

Congrats @integra891, hopefully things go smoothly and you get back to driving your 1 ASAP!

integra891 · 09-29-2014, 10:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MightyMouseTech

Glad everything is working out. Don't worry about the long term issues. I have seen this many times, and after getting the car running, have never seen any long term issues.

Good to hear. I love my car. That machine makes it worthwhile to drive to work every morning and when I have a rough day, it always puts a smile on my face when i see it waiting for me in the lot. So I am looking forward to getting it back. This Hyundai I am renting does nothing for me.

P7X · 09-29-2014, 11:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rukuss

Your the man Dackel

^^^ This

integra891 · 10-09-2014, 06:15 PM

PROBLEMS! NEED SOME HELP FROM THE EXPERTS

So 9/25/2014 the car goes down for the count because of contaminated gas. I dont get the car back till 10/7/2014. They did this:

Drop the fuel tank and cleaned
Fuel filter and fuel cleaning

Let it run, low fuel pressure:
Replaced high pressure fuel pump

Let it run, misfiring cylinders:
Replaced all 6 injectiors, seals, and spark plugs

$4200

Gave me the car, it ran fine for about 100 miles, then on my way home from work, the car shakes violently, goes into limp mode with diminished power. Im only a few miles from home so I very slowly make my way home.

Gonna call bmw roadside, decide to try to turn on the car. It turns on and check engine light goes away. I decide to try to drive it, live in a small city downtown area, so under light loads, no issues. The moment I try to accelerate a little bit harder, the car starts shaking, let off the gas and drives okay. If i keep pressing accelerator as car shakes, car goes into limp mode.

So I take the car to dealer, its like 5pm. They dont know whats going on, give me a loaner and tell me they will call me tomorrow.

What do you guys think is the problem? From the previous posts, I noticed the dealer didnt change the low pressure fuel pump. Sounds like the car isnt getting enough gas maybe, then goes into limp mode?

On another crappy note, told the gas station about the 4200 bill, they are refusing to pay. Now i am in a crap place, they initially told me they would cover reasonable charges, now they are renigging. Thats why i didnt go through insurance. Gonna have to get a lawyer i guess.

fun2drv · 10-09-2014, 06:40 PM

Good luck!!! The gas station will ultimately have to pay for the repairs... They have no other option. Get a lawyer and they will pay even more covering your attorney fees...

Golden3ye · 10-09-2014, 07:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fun2drv

Good luck!!! The gas station will ultimately have to pay for the repairs... They have no other option. Get a lawyer and they will pay even more covering your attorney fees...

pretty much this. they already admitted fault, lawyer up

Dackelone · 10-09-2014, 07:21 PM

@integra891 just go thru your insurance. A comp claim can not hurt your driving record. And your insurance company has teams of lawyers for just this purpose!

IDK... could be your low pressure fuel pump and the tank pickup on the "other side" of the saddle tank. Maybe the tech did not code the new fuel injectors to the car?

Did you ever refill the gas tank with good fuel? Really it could be anything. The tech will just need to read the code, clear it and then see what happens at WOT under load.

Good Luck & interested in the final outcome.
Dackel

ChrisCote · 10-09-2014, 09:18 PM

File a complaint with the Better Business Bureau (or BBB) and then send the owner a letter of demand

Ed P · 10-09-2014, 09:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dackelone

@integra891 just go thru your insurance. A comp claim can not hurt your driving record. And your insurance company has teams of lawyers for just this purpose!

IDK... could be your low pressure fuel pump and the tank pickup on the "other side" of the saddle tank. Maybe the tech did not code the new fuel injectors to the car?

Did you ever refill the gas tank with good fuel? Really it could be anything. The tech will just need to read the code, clear it and then see what happens at WOT under load.

Good Luck & interested in the final outcome.
Dackel

+1 on the comprehensive ins. route... good luck, please update us when you can!

lastMleft · 10-09-2014, 10:25 PM

The station should definitely pay for repairs.

Dackelone · 10-21-2014, 03:43 PM

Any updates?

Dackelone · 10-23-2014, 04:32 PM

I saw this today on Jalopnik...

Why You Should Get A Receipt Every Single Time You Get Gas
http://carbuying.jalopnik.com/why-yo...get-1648937540

integra891 · 10-23-2014, 09:17 PM

I have been saving receipts on my car since I purchased it.

Got it back, put 500 miles on it so far, no issues. They replaced the low pressure pump, sensor and a spark plug (?). Runs like a champ so far.

Got a lawyer to draft me a letter of demand, we will see where that goes.

Just happy to get the car back in a functional condition.

09-27-2014, 04:04 PM	#23
JimD Brigadier General 368 Rep 3,547 Posts Drives: 128i convertible Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Lexington, SC iTrader: (0)	I don't think making mistakes is a function of the brand. Wasn't BP the company that had a big oil leak? But there is a theory that the additives in each brand tend to do well except for particular types of deposits. Rotating brands would avoid a buildup of deposits, sticking purely with one brand would allow a buildup. I usually use Shell but occasionally use other brands. I hope the OP's car is OK. I had a coworker who's teenage daughter filled up with kerosene. It wasn't the gas stations fault, she just got the wrong nozzle. Her mom was in the car too. That cost a couple thousand. __________________ 128i Convertible, MT, Alpine White, Black Top, Taupe Leatherette, Walnut, Sport Ordered 5/22/09, Completed 6/4/09, At Port 6/9/09, On the Georgia Highway 6/13/09, Ship Arrived Charleston 6/24/09 at 10pm, PCD 7/21/09
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09-27-2014, 06:20 PM	#24
edisapimp Civil Rights Activist 115 Rep 949 Posts Drives: E46 Sedan, E88 Vert Join Date: Apr 2013 Location: Long Island iTrader: (0)	Yeah, you're right, I don't think it's every shell that has problems, I just found it ironic that I had some woes with shell fuel, too. Anyhow, hope the OP's problems don't turn out to be too extensive. __________________ E88 Crimson Red Vert MSport 6MT - Listing your mods in your signature is lame. BMS DCI/MHD E30 Flash!!/AA Sport FMIC/VRSF CP w Tial BOV/VRSF 3" DPs/550i clutch w SPEC SMFW/Apex EC-7s/Whiteline RSFB/E92 M3 FCAs/Bilstein B12 Pro Kit/VRSF inlets
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09-27-2014, 08:17 PM	#25
SteveAZ Captain 60 Rep 654 Posts Drives: 135i Cab Join Date: Jul 2012 Location: Phoenix, AZ iTrader: (5)	A couple things... Running 87 instead of 91 or 93 will not cause this kind of issue. It would make it more likely to knock and that would cause an issue, but only at higher loads. Normal cruising would not be affected. If there is a contamination issue...not only should the LPFP assembly be replaced because as mentioned there is a pre-filter, but the filter/regulator assembly on the drivers side should also be replaced. The pre-filter on the LPFP assembly is just that...a pre-filter, and is more of a screen than a true filter. While unlikely that any contamination other than water, or diesel actually made it to the HPFP...there is also a filter in the HPFP and one in each of the injectors. Good luck OP and let us know how everything turns out. __________________ 2008 E88--Fuel-It! Stage 4 LPFP & PI--PS2 turbos--JB4/MHD--FBO--662whp/604wtq 2011 E90--Fuel-It! S2BL LPFP and PI--PS2 Turbo--JB4/MHD--FBO--546whp/589wtq 2013 Mini JCW--Tune--DP--FMIC--a couple Fuel-It! goodies--265whp/320wtq 2013 F10--JB4/BM3 2015 F82--Fuel-It! Stage 3 LPFP & PI--PS2 Turbos-- JB4/BM3-FBO
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09-27-2014, 11:00 PM	#26
zx10guy Brigadier General 5150 Rep 3,241 Posts Drives: 2013 135i Join Date: Feb 2014 Location: DC iTrader: (0)	This is an interesting discussion. I have always been steadfast about not going below the manufacturer's required and recommended octane. Even though all modern automobiles have knock sensors, I don't even want to take the chance. Maybe others on here with more experience than me with BMW cars can comment. But with my experience wrenching on my past GM cars, the knock sensors used were nothing more than just a "microphone" tuned to trigger on the harmonics generated by pinging. When the ECM sees this from the knock sensor, then timing is backed out. To me in this situation, pre-ignition is already occurring. So based on my knowledge of knock sensors, it's a fail safe of last resort and a reactive not a predictive measure. But as always, it's your car.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

09-28-2014, 07:13 PM	#27
JimD Brigadier General 368 Rep 3,547 Posts Drives: 128i convertible Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Lexington, SC iTrader: (0)	I've never heard my bimmer ping even when I was running the one tank of 87 octane. My SUV is supposed to be able to handle 87 but pings on a hard pull in hot weather unless I use at least 89. It's got knock sensors but they evidently cannot retard the timing enough. It runs fine but I back off when it starts pinging. __________________ 128i Convertible, MT, Alpine White, Black Top, Taupe Leatherette, Walnut, Sport Ordered 5/22/09, Completed 6/4/09, At Port 6/9/09, On the Georgia Highway 6/13/09, Ship Arrived Charleston 6/24/09 at 10pm, PCD 7/21/09
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09-29-2014, 09:18 AM	#28
integra891 Private 8 Rep 59 Posts Drives: 135i Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: USA iTrader: (0)	Contaminated fuel! Only got confirmation today even though I told them the story and my suspicions. Called my insurance, an adjuster is coming out. Left a message with corporate office of the gas station. We will see where that leads. I just want to know if my car will run the same? Even after all the repairs, will it run like it used to? I am concerned about long term issues and reliability now.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

09-29-2014, 09:23 AM	#29
integra891 Private 8 Rep 59 Posts Drives: 135i Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: USA iTrader: (0)	Update: Gas station manager called me back. Stated that there was some kind of underground water pump that bursted and flooded the premium and midgrade underground tanks. The gas station will reimburse the full costs of the repair. So I am going to go out of my insurance, cause I dont want to deal with insurance bullcrap. At least they acknowledged it and are going to take care of it.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

09-29-2014, 10:01 AM	#30
integra891 Private 8 Rep 59 Posts Drives: 135i Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: USA iTrader: (0)	Out of pocket cost they quoted was $1300. They are going to warranty the high pressure fuel pump which they say also needs to be changed. Not as bad as I was expecting. Should be ready tomorrow.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

09-29-2014, 10:21 AM	#31
MightyMouseTech Major General 4338 Rep 6,196 Posts Drives: 13 135i 6MT LeMans Blue MSport Join Date: Feb 2013 Location: Ottawa, Canada iTrader: (0)	Glad everything is working out. Don't worry about the long term issues. I have seen this many times, and after getting the car running, have never seen any long term issues.
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09-29-2014, 10:23 AM	#32
Mach1er Lieutenant 88 Rep 524 Posts Drives: '13 128i Join Date: Mar 2013 Location: Austin, TX iTrader: (0)	Congrats @integra891, hopefully things go smoothly and you get back to driving your 1 ASAP! __________________ '13 128i \| 6MT \| SGM \| Black Boston \| Black Gloss \| Lighting \| Premium \| Tech \| HK \| Anti-Theft \| [CDV-Delete \| Clutch Stop \| 30% Pinnacle] Ordered 2.23 \| Production Begin 3.7 \| Ends 3.15 \| Released to carrier 3.18 \| At port 3.19 \| Departed 3.23 (K-line to Brunswick) \| Arrived 4.7 \| Truck 4.12 \| Dealer 4.19
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10-09-2014, 06:15 PM	#35
integra891 Private 8 Rep 59 Posts Drives: 135i Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: USA iTrader: (0)	PROBLEMS! NEED SOME HELP FROM THE EXPERTS So 9/25/2014 the car goes down for the count because of contaminated gas. I dont get the car back till 10/7/2014. They did this: Drop the fuel tank and cleaned Fuel filter and fuel cleaning Let it run, low fuel pressure: Replaced high pressure fuel pump Let it run, misfiring cylinders: Replaced all 6 injectiors, seals, and spark plugs $4200 Gave me the car, it ran fine for about 100 miles, then on my way home from work, the car shakes violently, goes into limp mode with diminished power. Im only a few miles from home so I very slowly make my way home. Gonna call bmw roadside, decide to try to turn on the car. It turns on and check engine light goes away. I decide to try to drive it, live in a small city downtown area, so under light loads, no issues. The moment I try to accelerate a little bit harder, the car starts shaking, let off the gas and drives okay. If i keep pressing accelerator as car shakes, car goes into limp mode. So I take the car to dealer, its like 5pm. They dont know whats going on, give me a loaner and tell me they will call me tomorrow. What do you guys think is the problem? From the previous posts, I noticed the dealer didnt change the low pressure fuel pump. Sounds like the car isnt getting enough gas maybe, then goes into limp mode? On another crappy note, told the gas station about the 4200 bill, they are refusing to pay. Now i am in a crap place, they initially told me they would cover reasonable charges, now they are renigging. Thats why i didnt go through insurance. Gonna have to get a lawyer i guess.
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10-09-2014, 06:40 PM	#36
fun2drv Lieutenant 262 Rep 561 Posts Drives: '23 M5 Comp Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Columbia, TN iTrader: (0) Garage List 2023 BMW M5 [10.00] 2023 BMW M5 [0.00]	Good luck!!! The gas station will ultimately have to pay for the repairs... They have no other option. Get a lawyer and they will pay even more covering your attorney fees...
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10-09-2014, 07:21 PM	#38
Dackelone European Editor 10539 Rep 22,992 Posts Drives: N54 e82 Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Bayern, Germany iTrader: (1)	@integra891 just go thru your insurance. A comp claim can not hurt your driving record. And your insurance company has teams of lawyers for just this purpose! IDK... could be your low pressure fuel pump and the tank pickup on the "other side" of the saddle tank. Maybe the tech did not code the new fuel injectors to the car? Did you ever refill the gas tank with good fuel? Really it could be anything. The tech will just need to read the code, clear it and then see what happens at WOT under load. Good Luck & interested in the final outcome. Dackel __________________ Dackel's European Delivery Museum Guide
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10-09-2014, 09:18 PM	#39
ChrisCote Private First Class 3 Rep 164 Posts Drives: 135i Join Date: Oct 2012 Location: Atlanta/Tuscaloosa iTrader: (0)	File a complaint with the Better Business Bureau (or BBB) and then send the owner a letter of demand
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10-09-2014, 10:25 PM	#41
lastMleft Major 30 Rep 1,364 Posts Drives: e92 M3 Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Portland iTrader: (0)	The station should definitely pay for repairs.
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10-21-2014, 03:43 PM	#42
Dackelone European Editor 10539 Rep 22,992 Posts Drives: N54 e82 Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Bayern, Germany iTrader: (1)	Any updates? __________________ Dackel's European Delivery Museum Guide
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10-23-2014, 04:32 PM	#43
Dackelone European Editor 10539 Rep 22,992 Posts Drives: N54 e82 Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Bayern, Germany iTrader: (1)	Why You Should Get A Receipt Every Single Time You Get Gas I saw this today on Jalopnik... Why You Should Get A Receipt Every Single Time You Get Gas http://carbuying.jalopnik.com/why-yo...get-1648937540 __________________ Dackel's European Delivery Museum Guide
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10-23-2014, 09:17 PM	#44
integra891 Private 8 Rep 59 Posts Drives: 135i Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: USA iTrader: (0)	I have been saving receipts on my car since I purchased it. Got it back, put 500 miles on it so far, no issues. They replaced the low pressure pump, sensor and a spark plug (?). Runs like a champ so far. Got a lawyer to draft me a letter of demand, we will see where that goes. Just happy to get the car back in a functional condition.
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