ATTENTION: MODEL(s): E38 (7 Series), E39 (5 series) E53 (X5) and Z8 with the M62TU or

[wgf1960]

Bad News For New E38-E39 Owners-What BMW DOES NOT WANT YOU TO KNOW) Tell Tale Sign is DME CODE # 80 and 81,
These codes cannot be cleared from DME memory which will prevent the car from passing smog tests in strict emission states such as California.

It requires the Disassembly and Assembly of both Cylinder heads to clear or remove the carbon obstruction.
Bad mechanical design On BMWs part.

BMW ref materials ref: SI B11 05 04 Feb 2005 rev 1 / rev 2 June 2005
Area: ENGINE (problem normally occurs at approx 35,000 miles)
.................................................. .................................................. ....
BMW Service Bulletin-dated: June 2005-supercedes SI B11 05 04 (Feb-2005)
SUBJECT: M62TU/S62 Secondary Air Diagnostics and Air Delivery Passage Cleaning Procedure.
This procedure requires DISSASSEBLY of the engine to gain access to the cylinder head (MAJOR ENGINE WORK Approximatly 40 hours)

This problem affects motors listed below:
MODEL(s): E38 (7 Series), E39 (5 series) E53 (X5) and Z8 with the M62TU or S62 Engine:
.................................................. .................................................. ....
SITUATION: When accumulated vehicle usage exceeds 35,000 miles, a small number of vehicles listed may experience illumination of "Check Engine Light"
And the setting of Secondary Air Delivery Passages within the cylinder Heads.

CORRECTION: A Tool kit has been developed that will remove the guesswork in the diagnosis of of CLOGGED Secondary air passages and provide a method to remove the buildup CARBON deposits (FAULT CODES # 80 & 81 in DME MEMORY THESE CODES WILL PREVENT YOU FROM PASSING SMOG TEST IN STATES SUCH AS CALIFORNIA.) which are the cause of the FAULT. This tool already has been distributed to all BMW Service Centers via the Automatic Tool Shipment Program. Additional cleaning kits, PART number 99 00 0 006 668 may be purchased through your PDC. Refer to Parts Information Bulletin # 01 01 95 for Warranty Details..
KIT CONTENTS:
1) Cylinder head back pressure diagnostic tool
2) Set of 4 mm nylon final clean up brushes
3) Core plug installer
4) Drill bit to enable use of core plug remover
5) Reamer for 4 mm air passages
6) Set of 10 mm brass brushes to clean out main air passage.
.................................................. ....................................
NOTE:
The main secondary passage core plugs (12 mm) are not included in the latest production kits the core plugs-PN: 11 121 736 330 have to be ordered separately from PDCs (wty 3 per vehicle)

PROCEDURE:

IN CASE WHERE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT IS ON and CODE 80, 81 (or both) are stored in DME memory, its necessary to first verify that all external secondary air components are functioning. After following the applicable test PLAN in DISplus, proceed with the calibration of the cylinder head back pressure tool.
.................................................. .................................................. ..

LABOR CODES: Approx: 12 FRUs Disassemble and Assemble Both Cylinder heads.
LABOR ALLOWANCE: 20 FRUS
LABOR Operation: 00 55 761
Approximately $5,000.00 job.

[njmurvin]

Area: ENGINE (problem normally occurs at approx 35,000 miles)
Does this mean those of us who have made it to 95,000 miles or more are not likely to have this problem or are we sitting on time bombs?

[NickAD]

Yea, I'm hoping that the fact that I have accumulated around 95k and had no problems getting ti smogged means I don't have to worry about it...

[masurati]

mine has 47K and an extended warranty. if it happens to my car an extended warranty should cover it right?
why does it happens to only those engines? other engines burn fuel too same way as those cars, so how do other cars dispose of carbon so it does not clog the air ways?

[Dan]

M62TU... that's the v8 with VANOS right? 99 and up for 540's right?

[autophile]

I have a 97 540iA, VIN WBADE6323VBW53028

I know the engine is M62, but how do I know if it is M62TU? or are they the same thing?

I currently have an intermittent (mostly on) CEL. OBDII codes are "Air/Fuel Mixture" and my mechanic says symptoms are classic carbon build-up.

Edit: My car has 111,500 miles on it. CEL came on around 95k. Other than a rough idle first thing on cold mornings, no problems. MPG is normal since running some injector cleaner through it.

If it is this problem, is it detrimental to run the car in this condition? Or will it run OK, just not pass emissions?

TIA!

[The Fifth Element]

Man I may just have to sell this car I can't afford this kind of stuff. :(

[wgf1960]

Just keep emailing BMWUSA. Let them know that we are concerned BMW owners with significant investments on fairly new cars.

[MartinV]

With my luck it will happen to my car a mile after the warranty expires!

[LavaBurns]

yay for 528

[eb2cool]

Is there any preventative stuff that can be done?

[LJSE34]

I'll be in the market for an E39 soon. Reading things like this is really making me sway towards a 528i. This sounds like a nasty problem.

[wilsodh]

Is there any preventative stuff that can be done?

There seems to be a fair amount of lack of understanding about this issue.


No, there is nothing preventive.
No, BMW will not cover this under warranty because there are no 'broken parts'. It is considered a 'field quality issue' (ie, poor gas quality and/or owner maintenance related).
Yes, it is a nasty problem that leaves owners in the lurch with a very expensive repair bill.I would invite concerned readers to the M5board (e39) for detailed discussion of the carbon build-up issue (as it pertains to the S62). Look under "FAQ on the Carbon Build-up Issue". It is parked at the top of the board.

Cheers,
Dave

[hpinfo]

FYI - Mercedes had the exact same issue with the previous generation 4 valve V8 1991-1999 (last available in the 1999 S-class.) A few posts scared the heck out of me when I had my 1997 E420 but nothing ever came of it. I figure its just another reason to wind to motor out under max load regularly. IMHO, I believe this is critical to the continuing proper operation of an engine (especially anything European) and fun to boot!!!!

BTW - I am going on 6 weeks since selling my 1997 540i 6-speed and REALLY missing it!! Plus I sold it to a guy at work and have to see it every day - TORTURE!!! I keep telling myself eventually I'll get an E39 M5, but until then, this is a real drag.:(

[RonaldH]

I have the M52TU, so I guess I'm spared.

But this reminds me of the problem with the 535i (don't know the engine designation, may be M30) where the injectors would clog quickly due to heat. BMW came up with the famous method of removing the head and blasting with walnut shells. Then everyone had to add Techron to their gas about 20 times a year to keep the carbon down.

Good article.

Thanks
Ron
1999 528i, A4S310 automatic, M52TU engine
1988 535i, Manual

[GMSutton]

I figure its just another reason to wind to motor out under max load regularly. IMHO, I believe this is critical to the continuing proper operation of an engine (especially anything European) and fun to boot!!!!

That's what I thought when this first happened to my 2000 M5. But "winding the motor out" regularly won't prevent or cure the carbon buildup in the secondary air system. This is an emissions system that has nothing to do with engine operation. It's only used when the engine is cold to prevent excess emissions. It doesn't affect the driveability of the car at all.

Mike

[eric77]

So I know this has happened to a number of e39 m5's, but has this happened to anyone with an m62tu? I have never heard of this porblem on the 540 and I frequent here and roadfly quite a bit.

[TBrown]

I have repaired E38s, E39 540s, and E39 M5s with this problem.

[Mohamed 525i]

my E38 740il car has about 110.000 Km and don't know if there is such problem

No check engine light is there and I didn't use the car so much coz it is in painting shop


I'll check it soon

thanx guys

[silverback530i]

Don't worry about somethinf\g you don't have any control over. Take today for today enjoy your car today and worry about tommorow if you need to when it comes.:)

[turbospool]

i heard if you drive hard kinda often carbon buildup is less likely or it help clears it:dunno

[Omniflipatron]

i heard seafoaming can help against carbon buildup (granted, im not sure about this, a friend said he was going to do that to his car), would this help with this problem at all?

[fm.illuminatus]

Does this have any effect on performance or does it just have to be done to statisfy the kalifornia smog nazis? (i.e. the DMV)

[autophile]

I have repaired E38s, E39 540s, and E39 M5s with this problem.

TBrown - I have a 97 e39 540i w/ m62 that exhibits classic carbon build-up problems: rough idle on cold start, occasional rough idle at stop lights.

Does this only affect m62TU? Or could I have this problem? Is there any DIY info on the fix?

Thanks in advance ...

[Hotswimmer]

Clean your MAF and idle control valve and that will likely cure your problems. The carbon issue affects M62TU's - the '99 and later dual VANOS engines.


TBrown - I have a 97 e39 540i w/ m62 that exhibits classic carbon build-up problems: rough idle on cold start, occasional rough idle at stop lights.

Does this only affect m62TU? Or could I have this problem? Is there any DIY info on the fix?

Thanks in advance ...

[autophile]

Clean your MAF and idle control valve and that will likely cure your problems. The carbon issue affects M62TU's - the '99 and later dual VANOS engines.

Thanks. I'll do that asap.

[Boosted2003]

I know I'm bringing the top from the dead, but I am looking to get a bmw 540i 6 speed.

Should I be looking for a 98 instead of 99-01 to maintence costs less?

[Wide open]

I don't know if anyone is still watching this thread, but i'm looking for an E34 540i, E32 740i, or E39 '95 740i. Does this problem occur with the 4.0L M60 engine?

[Hotswimmer]

I don't know if anyone is still watching this thread, but i'm looking for an E34 540i, E32 740i, or E39 '95 740i. Does this problem occur with the 4.0L M60 engine?


No it doesn't. However, the E34's have that Nikasil cylinder problem which is just as bad or worse - total engine replacement. I don't know the E34 line well, so ask the boys on the E34 subforum - they can tell you what years and engines are affected.

[BKphoto]

i'm glad i have a 97....

i would like to see what the actual # of cases vs. # of cars sold...


http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j190/e39ner/01.jpg

[lingenfelter194]

My check engine light is on and i had no idea why, hopefully that is not it.

[BKphoto]

97 does not have this problem...

[kingchorizo]

Excuse my ignorance for not knowing this, but I have a '03 530i w/ 54k miles (car built date 05/03) and not sure if I my car would apply? Where and how can I check if I have that "M62TU" engine?

[BKphoto]

what about this "terra clean" anti carbon process....? anyone else hear about this...? i saw it on the TV show "Dreamcar Garage"

[Hotswimmer]

Excuse my ignorance for not knowing this, but I have a '03 530i w/ 54k miles (car built date 05/03) and not sure if I my car would apply? Where and how can I check if I have that "M62TU" engine?

The M62TU is the 1999+ VANOS-equipped V-8. It does not affect ANY 6-cylinder car, or the '97-'98 non-VANOS V-8 cars.

[HomeSlice]

My check engine light has always been on the Mecanic said it is running lean. He said not to worry.

[kingchorizo]

The M62TU is the 1999+ VANOS-equipped V-8. It does not affect ANY 6-cylinder car, or the '97-'98 non-VANOS V-8 cars.

thanks Hotswim...I was beginning to break a sweat and worried I may have this issue.

[BKphoto]

My check engine light has always been on the Mecanic said it is running lean. He said not to worry.

could be O2 sensors...don't ignore this...

[Hopz]

Bad News For New E38-E39 Owners-What BMW DOES NOT WANT YOU TO KNOW) Tell Tale Sign is DME CODE # 80 and 81,
These codes cannot be cleared from DME memory which will prevent the car from passing smog tests in strict emission states such as California.

It requires the Disassembly and Assembly of both Cylinder heads to clear or remove the carbon obstruction.
Bad mechanical design On BMWs part.
..........

LABOR CODES: Approx: 12 FRUs Disassemble and Assemble Both Cylinder heads.
LABOR ALLOWANCE: 20 FRUS
LABOR Operation: 00 55 761
Approximately $5,000.00 job.

YES. YES! I6 FTW!! :stickoutt

[BKphoto]

what about this "terra clean" anti carbon process....? anyone else hear about this...? i saw it on the TV show "Dreamcar Garage"

again...has anyone heard anything about this...

[HomeSlice]

could be O2 sensors...don't ignore this...
I asked him about the O2 sensore. He told me that is was not a O2 sensor. He thinks that my throttle control Modual is on the slow fritz.

[PaliE39]

YES. YES! I6 FTW!! :stickoutt

i'm sorry but i've been dying to ask this.. what does FTW stand for? thanks

"someone who asks a question is a fool for one minutes, someone who doesnt ask is a fool forever" ;)

[WebDev]

97 does not have this problem...

Yay!


i'm sorry but i've been dying to ask this.. what does FTW stand for? thanks

For the win.

1997 540 ftw!