Service engine soon

bimmerlover_1983 · 06-18-2014, 11:09 PM

Hello,

I really i'm in big trouble

with the service engine soon light on for my bmw. Attached are the 3 codes that I pulled from Autozone (P0440, P0442 and P0304) and I have got the car diagnosed from a couple of mechanics in the DFW area and all have given me estimates of around $1000.

I cannot change spark plugs or coils on my own (have never one that before neither I want to take the risk.)

Any help / advise is highly appreciated.

My car is a 2009 128i Convertible and I'm in desperate needs to fix the issue.

The symptoms that I get are: 1. Delayed start of the car only when I fill in Gas.
2. Bad acceleration which is not smooth and feels like the car is running out of gas.

What have I done: Taken the car to 2 mechanics (and spent $150) to only get $1000 plus repair estimates. Took it to autozone for free code check (attached pics.)

Any help is highly appreciated. God bless!

Stay Puft · 06-19-2014, 03:36 AM

It's a BMW. This is to be expected. Take it to the dealer and get it fixed

Dackelone · 06-19-2014, 06:35 AM

federal emission warranty is 8 years or 80K miles. You might just have a dealer look at your car. Your NA spark plugs should be good for 100K miles.

http://www.epa.gov/obd/pubs/420f09048.pdf

Andrewcoja · 06-19-2014, 06:53 AM

You bought a BMW, it can be expensive to maintain. Get it fixed.

JimD · 06-19-2014, 07:00 AM

OK, the first two codes relate to the system which prevents gasoline from evaporating into the atomosphere. The gas cap has to on tight and then there is a pump that pulls a slight vacumn on the fill side of the tank and routes it through a charcol filter so gas vapor emissions are minimized. The first code suggests a valve could be malfunctioning. The second says you may not have put the gas cap on properly. The best thing to do to diagnose this system is to ask the service technician to do a smoke test. They have a small device that emits smoke and they can put that smoke around the features of the system to see if the pump and valves are working properly. This is a very simple test that shouldn't cost much. Repairs depend on what isn't working right. This system also has nothing to do with how the car runs. So you can also safely ignore it until you have the funds to repair it. I would do the smoke test, however, to see what is involved, it may not be expensive.

The third code is a misfire suggesting the fuel injector as the issue. You might try a tank or two of gas with fuel injector cleaner. It probably won't help but won't cost much to try. Otherwise you need to pay a mechanic to check the plugs, coils, and injectors and replace what is worn out or not working right.

Lastly, if your estimates come from the dealer, you should look for a good independent and/or try another dealer. A smoke test shouldn't be more than $100. I watched one done on my Zuk and it took maybe 15 minutes. Plugs, coils and injectors might add up to $1000, I guess, but that seems like a lot. Best to see if others agree it needs that. You didn't mention mileage but if you are around 100,000 it needs plugs, at the minimum. You could try that and see if it clears up.

takrdown · 06-19-2014, 08:01 AM

Here is a list of independent BMW mechanics near you:

http://www.bimmershops.com/search?q=addison%2C+tx

If I were you I would call them up and see which one you click with the best and form a good relationship with him/her. These people love their BMWs and take more pride in their work that the typical BMW dealership.

cmcdonald · 06-19-2014, 08:41 AM

Those codes suggest an issue with the EVAP purge solenoid. When you open your gas cap, do you hear a hissing sound like it is releasing pressure? If so the purge valve may not be opening properly, or one of the lines to it could be blocked. This is very common if you over fill the gas tank. This causes damage to the charcoal canister and eventually the valve as well. Luckily these tend to be cheap parts and easy to replace. As mentioned above it should be under $100. I had this issue on a Buick a few years back and it cost me less than $30 in parts and about ten minutes of my time to fix. I would suggest looking up the valve and canister location on your car. Once you find it take a look at how it's put together. I'm sure you'll decide this is a job you can easily tackle.

bimmerlover_1983 · 06-19-2014, 09:10 AM

Thanks for the replies, I have about 91500 miles on the car, The other option I thought is that I got the car appraised from a dealer and he is willing to buy the car in an as is condition for $13500 (please note that I still have a loan of $17000 on this car)

He is offering me a 36 months lease payments of $319 per month with a down payment of $7400 (this also covers the negative equity on my car) for a 2014 228i coupe base model.

But I'm not sure If I would like to go this route since essentially I will be going for a similar segment car and will be making payments towards a car that I would not own after 36 months. (I should be able to pay off my loan after 36 months for the 128i)

makrop · 06-19-2014, 09:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bimmerlover_1983

Thanks for the replies, I have about 91500 miles on the car, The other option I thought is that I got the car appraised from a dealer and he is willing to buy the car in an as is condition for $13500 (please note that I still have a loan of $17000 on this car)

He is offering me a 36 months lease payments of $319 per month with a down payment of $7400 (this also covers the negative equity on my car) for a 2014 228i coupe base model.

But I'm not sure If I would like to go this route since essentially I will be going for a similar segment car and will be making payments towards a car that I would not own after 36 months. (I should be able to pay off my loan after 36 months for the 128i)

Seriously? Thinking about selling your car because its almost due for routine maintenance? Change the plugs and coils, and move on...

Also, if you can turn a screwdriver, you can change your spark plugs. Look up a DIY for it, its incredibly easy once you find the right tool

drewnel22 · 06-19-2014, 11:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bimmerlover_1983

Thanks for the replies, I have about 91500 miles on the car, The other option I thought is that I got the car appraised from a dealer and he is willing to buy the car in an as is condition for $13500 (please note that I still have a loan of $17000 on this car)

He is offering me a 36 months lease payments of $319 per month with a down payment of $7400 (this also covers the negative equity on my car) for a 2014 228i coupe base model.

But I'm not sure If I would like to go this route since essentially I will be going for a similar segment car and will be making payments towards a car that I would not own after 36 months. (I should be able to pay off my loan after 36 months for the 128i)

Instead of running away from the problem. How about you try and fix it yourself. If you have a brain and 2 arms you can change the spark plugs and coils yourself. Its not difficult. Many youtube videos show you how to do it so you can see what you are getting yourself into before you start it.

Silenus · 06-20-2014, 12:45 AM

2 separate issues, IMO. DMTL pump or purge solenoid for your fuel evap system. Then probably a coil (but it could be a plug, you should do 6 anyways if your on the original) causing the misfire/rough running condition. Shouldn't be too bad, take it to an independent shop specializing in BMWs so you're not paying dealer prices.

Doug M · 06-20-2014, 05:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bimmerlover_1983

Thanks for the replies, I have about 91500 miles on the car, The other option I thought is that I got the car appraised from a dealer and he is willing to buy the car in an as is condition for $13500 (please note that I still have a loan of $17000 on this car)

He is offering me a 36 months lease payments of $319 per month with a down payment of $7400 (this also covers the negative equity on my car) for a 2014 228i coupe base model.

But I'm not sure If I would like to go this route since essentially I will be going for a similar segment car and will be making payments towards a car that I would not own after 36 months. (I should be able to pay off my loan after 36 months for the 128i)

From a financial perspective, this is crazy. You would be paying $3,500 to avoid a $1,000 repair bill.

At the end of 36 months, you would have an equity of $0.

Simply crazy.

MightyMouseTech · 06-20-2014, 06:57 AM

Still owe money on this car, take a hit and roll it into leasing a new car?

This is how you end up driving a $80,000 Honda Fit.

You have 90k miles, did you expect to drive for free forever?

rocketpop · 06-20-2014, 07:18 AM

Find a independent BMW shop. Start with new plugs (about $200 installed). Then check the coils by swamping them around to see if the problem moves with the coil. If it just a coil then its not that much. Now if its one injector, you don't have to do all 6. You may can find a replacement or worst case you only have to change the one bank (3 injectors).

Both changing the plugs and swapping coils can easily be done with DIYs. I know there are some videos around for both.

Don't over react.

Oh, I just noticed you are in Addison. I take my car to Spec Motorsports in McKinney. Great guys and super service! They just did my plugs and changed out 3 injectors a few months ago.

bimmerlover_1983 · 06-29-2014, 10:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rocketpop

Find a independent BMW shop. Start with new plugs (about $200 installed). Then check the coils by swamping them around to see if the problem moves with the coil. If it just a coil then its not that much. Now if its one injector, you don't have to do all 6. You may can find a replacement or worst case you only have to change the one bank (3 injectors).

Both changing the plugs and swapping coils can easily be done with DIYs. I know there are some videos around for both.

Don't over react.

Oh, I just noticed you are in Addison. I take my car to Spec Motorsports in McKinney. Great guys and super service! They just did my plugs and changed out 3 injectors a few months ago.

How much did they charge you for changing the plugs and the 3 injectors, also I have already brought 6 plugs from autozone so can they do the job with my plugs?

I will call them for sure to confirm?

rocketpop · 06-30-2014, 08:39 AM

It was about $130 for the plugs and labor. So I would say about an hour of labor if you bring your own plugs, so less then $100 for sure. It was about $730 for the 3 new injectors and labor.

Let them do your plugs and check the coils, you may not need the injectors.

bimmerlover_1983 · 07-01-2014, 08:35 PM

ok so I took my 6 spark plugs and the 1 ignition coil (for the 4th cylinder misfire) to a local mechanic and he put them on for $80.

Now, the car is throwing a 5th cylinder misfire and per him all the remaining need to be replaced as well.

I guess i will need to spend $250 more for the parts and more for the labor?

Any thoughts please?

Worra · 07-01-2014, 08:59 PM

Is your "local mechanic" a BMW shop? Take it to a legit shop and get it fixed. A $1000 repair bill after driving a BMW almost 100k miles actually sounds like a pretty good deal.

///Maria · 07-01-2014, 11:43 PM

Delayed start when fill the tank?? Smoke test for Vac Leaks / Activate Solenoids & or Components Via Scan tool.. Problem solved.. Bring it to San Antonio, Ill Help you out..

chdavis · 07-02-2014, 02:00 AM

This guy is insufferable...

OP, go lease a Civic.

Huecifer · 07-02-2014, 01:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chdavis

This guy is insufferable...

OP, go lease a Civic.

Phantom Menace · 07-02-2014, 02:14 PM

@bimmerlover

I recommend Stutgart Auto in Addison. He services my BMW's.

06-18-2014, 11:09 PM	#1
bimmerlover_1983 New Member 7 Rep 14 Posts Drives: 2009 bmw 128i Join Date: Oct 2012 Location: Addison, TX iTrader: (0)	Service engine soon - Please help Hello, I really i'm in big trouble with the service engine soon light on for my bmw. Attached are the 3 codes that I pulled from Autozone (P0440, P0442 and P0304) and I have got the car diagnosed from a couple of mechanics in the DFW area and all have given me estimates of around $1000. I cannot change spark plugs or coils on my own (have never one that before neither I want to take the risk.) Any help / advise is highly appreciated. My car is a 2009 128i Convertible and I'm in desperate needs to fix the issue. The symptoms that I get are: 1. Delayed start of the car only when I fill in Gas. 2. Bad acceleration which is not smooth and feels like the car is running out of gas. What have I done: Taken the car to 2 mechanics (and spent $150) to only get $1000 plus repair estimates. Took it to autozone for free code check (attached pics.) Any help is highly appreciated. God bless! Attached Images
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06-19-2014, 03:36 AM	#2
Stay Puft New Member 5 Rep 26 Posts Drives: 2008 Bmw 135I Join Date: May 2014 Location: Wilkes Barre, Pa iTrader: (0)	It's a BMW. This is to be expected. Take it to the dealer and get it fixed
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06-19-2014, 06:35 AM	#3
Dackelone European Editor 10528 Rep 22,992 Posts Drives: N54 e82 Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Bayern, Germany iTrader: (1)	federal emission warranty is 8 years or 80K miles. You might just have a dealer look at your car. Your NA spark plugs should be good for 100K miles. http://www.epa.gov/obd/pubs/420f09048.pdf __________________ Dackel's European Delivery Museum Guide
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06-19-2014, 06:53 AM	#4
Andrewcoja First Lieutenant 9 Rep 385 Posts Drives: 2011 135i MSport Join Date: Aug 2013 Location: Texas iTrader: (0)	You bought a BMW, it can be expensive to maintain. Get it fixed.
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06-19-2014, 07:00 AM	#5
JimD Brigadier General 368 Rep 3,547 Posts Drives: 128i convertible Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Lexington, SC iTrader: (0)	OK, the first two codes relate to the system which prevents gasoline from evaporating into the atomosphere. The gas cap has to on tight and then there is a pump that pulls a slight vacumn on the fill side of the tank and routes it through a charcol filter so gas vapor emissions are minimized. The first code suggests a valve could be malfunctioning. The second says you may not have put the gas cap on properly. The best thing to do to diagnose this system is to ask the service technician to do a smoke test. They have a small device that emits smoke and they can put that smoke around the features of the system to see if the pump and valves are working properly. This is a very simple test that shouldn't cost much. Repairs depend on what isn't working right. This system also has nothing to do with how the car runs. So you can also safely ignore it until you have the funds to repair it. I would do the smoke test, however, to see what is involved, it may not be expensive. The third code is a misfire suggesting the fuel injector as the issue. You might try a tank or two of gas with fuel injector cleaner. It probably won't help but won't cost much to try. Otherwise you need to pay a mechanic to check the plugs, coils, and injectors and replace what is worn out or not working right. Lastly, if your estimates come from the dealer, you should look for a good independent and/or try another dealer. A smoke test shouldn't be more than $100. I watched one done on my Zuk and it took maybe 15 minutes. Plugs, coils and injectors might add up to $1000, I guess, but that seems like a lot. Best to see if others agree it needs that. You didn't mention mileage but if you are around 100,000 it needs plugs, at the minimum. You could try that and see if it clears up. __________________ 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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06-19-2014, 08:01 AM	#6
takrdown Other car was a submarine 94 Rep 704 Posts Drives: i4M50 (waiting), 2013 R56 JCW Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Central CT iTrader: (7)	Here is a list of independent BMW mechanics near you: http://www.bimmershops.com/search?q=addison%2C+tx If I were you I would call them up and see which one you click with the best and form a good relationship with him/her. These people love their BMWs and take more pride in their work that the typical BMW dealership.
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06-19-2014, 08:41 AM	#7
cmcdonald Second Lieutenant 8 Rep 216 Posts Drives: 2012 BMW 128i Join Date: Dec 2013 Location: Chicago, IL iTrader: (0)	Those codes suggest an issue with the EVAP purge solenoid. When you open your gas cap, do you hear a hissing sound like it is releasing pressure? If so the purge valve may not be opening properly, or one of the lines to it could be blocked. This is very common if you over fill the gas tank. This causes damage to the charcoal canister and eventually the valve as well. Luckily these tend to be cheap parts and easy to replace. As mentioned above it should be under $100. I had this issue on a Buick a few years back and it cost me less than $30 in parts and about ten minutes of my time to fix. I would suggest looking up the valve and canister location on your car. Once you find it take a look at how it's put together. I'm sure you'll decide this is a job you can easily tackle.
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06-19-2014, 09:10 AM	#8
bimmerlover_1983 New Member 7 Rep 14 Posts Drives: 2009 bmw 128i Join Date: Oct 2012 Location: Addison, TX iTrader: (0)	Thanks for the replies, I have about 91500 miles on the car, The other option I thought is that I got the car appraised from a dealer and he is willing to buy the car in an as is condition for $13500 (please note that I still have a loan of $17000 on this car) He is offering me a 36 months lease payments of $319 per month with a down payment of $7400 (this also covers the negative equity on my car) for a 2014 228i coupe base model. But I'm not sure If I would like to go this route since essentially I will be going for a similar segment car and will be making payments towards a car that I would not own after 36 months. (I should be able to pay off my loan after 36 months for the 128i)
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06-20-2014, 12:45 AM	#11
Silenus Second Lieutenant 98 Rep 233 Posts Drives: 2017 M3 Join Date: Apr 2014 Location: Bay Area, CA iTrader: (0)	2 separate issues, IMO. DMTL pump or purge solenoid for your fuel evap system. Then probably a coil (but it could be a plug, you should do 6 anyways if your on the original) causing the misfire/rough running condition. Shouldn't be too bad, take it to an independent shop specializing in BMWs so you're not paying dealer prices.
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06-20-2014, 06:57 AM	#13
MightyMouseTech Major General 4338 Rep 6,196 Posts Drives: 13 135i 6MT LeMans Blue MSport Join Date: Feb 2013 Location: Ottawa, Canada iTrader: (0)	Still owe money on this car, take a hit and roll it into leasing a new car? This is how you end up driving a $80,000 Honda Fit. You have 90k miles, did you expect to drive for free forever?
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06-20-2014, 07:18 AM	#14
rocketpop Captain 60 Rep 865 Posts Drives: 135i Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Home iTrader: (0)	Find a independent BMW shop. Start with new plugs (about $200 installed). Then check the coils by swamping them around to see if the problem moves with the coil. If it just a coil then its not that much. Now if its one injector, you don't have to do all 6. You may can find a replacement or worst case you only have to change the one bank (3 injectors). Both changing the plugs and swapping coils can easily be done with DIYs. I know there are some videos around for both. Don't over react. Oh, I just noticed you are in Addison. I take my car to Spec Motorsports in McKinney. Great guys and super service! They just did my plugs and changed out 3 injectors a few months ago. __________________ Last edited by rocketpop; 06-20-2014 at 07:24 AM..
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06-30-2014, 08:39 AM	#16
rocketpop Captain 60 Rep 865 Posts Drives: 135i Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Home iTrader: (0)	It was about $130 for the plugs and labor. So I would say about an hour of labor if you bring your own plugs, so less then $100 for sure. It was about $730 for the 3 new injectors and labor. Let them do your plugs and check the coils, you may not need the injectors. __________________
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07-01-2014, 08:35 PM	#17
bimmerlover_1983 New Member 7 Rep 14 Posts Drives: 2009 bmw 128i Join Date: Oct 2012 Location: Addison, TX iTrader: (0)	ok so I took my 6 spark plugs and the 1 ignition coil (for the 4th cylinder misfire) to a local mechanic and he put them on for $80. Now, the car is throwing a 5th cylinder misfire and per him all the remaining need to be replaced as well. I guess i will need to spend $250 more for the parts and more for the labor? Any thoughts please?
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07-01-2014, 08:59 PM	#18
Worra Captain 49 Rep 970 Posts Drives: 2013 135is/6, 1995 540i/6 Join Date: Jul 2013 Location: SF Bay iTrader: (0) Garage List 1995 BMW 540i [0.00] 2013 BMW 135is [0.00]	Is your "local mechanic" a BMW shop? Take it to a legit shop and get it fixed. A $1000 repair bill after driving a BMW almost 100k miles actually sounds like a pretty good deal. __________________ 2013 Black Sapphire 135is (526/586) 1995 Jet Black 540i Past cars: 94 530i, 95 530iT, 09 328i, 90 325i
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07-01-2014, 11:43 PM	#19
///Maria Banned 5 Rep 51 Posts Drives: 235i, M3, 328i, A4, Ferrari360 Join Date: Jun 2013 Location: San Antonio iTrader: (0)	Delayed start when fill the tank?? Smoke test for Vac Leaks / Activate Solenoids & or Components Via Scan tool.. Problem solved.. Bring it to San Antonio, Ill Help you out..
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07-02-2014, 02:00 AM	#20
chdavis Private 3 Rep 71 Posts Drives: 2009 128i Sport Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: Bryn Mawr, PA iTrader: (0)	This guy is insufferable... OP, go lease a Civic. __________________ 2009 BMW 128i 6MT - Alpine White/Black Leatherette Sport Package, Comfort Access, Adaptive Xenon, HiFi Sound, Moonroof
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07-02-2014, 02:14 PM	#22
Phantom Menace New Member 4 Rep 16 Posts Drives: Jet Black 135I convertible Join Date: Apr 2014 Location: Dallas TX iTrader: (0)	@bimmerlover I recommend Stutgart Auto in Addison. He services my BMW's.
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