[flawlesskid]

Limp mode is driving me crazy! Anytime i WOT, i get limp mode. I suspect a Vanos Solenoid problem, but i don't have a code reader to verify this. Of course the auto parts stores can't pull the codes. Is there anybody in the Greensboro, Winston Salem area with a code reader that would like to help a fellow bimmer guy out? I've removed the Vanos Solenoids and cleaned them but no change. If anyone can help me out i'd appreciate it. If you know a shop that will pull the codes for the low, that would work as well.

[ncrzrbk]

Call Tom Carr at Carr Industries. I think he has a code reader. He has done some work for me. Quality guys!! PM if you need any other help.

[ncrzrbk]

Carr Industries is located near the airport in Greensboro.

[ncrzrbk]

Quick question. When the car goes into limp mode, what is the oil temps?

[flawlesskid]

Oil temp is normal. It'll happen as soon as i pull out of the garage in the morning and jump on the highway. If i push past 4k rpm it'll go limp.

[ncrzrbk]

Send me a pm if you need Tom's phone number.

[flawlesskid]

I looked them up. Are they a Monday thru Friday business?

[ncrzrbk]

They are opened on Saturday's some as well.

[GRLPWR]

Not sure why Advance or Auto Zone can't pull them for you, even if it's a generic P-code. I used to go there often for mine. That will at least give you a starting point and they don't charge. I had limp mode issues at 2500+ rpms when gunning it - ended up needing all injectors replaced.

[flawlesskid]

Originally Posted by GRLPWR

Not sure why Advance or Auto Zone can't pull them for you, even if it's a generic P-code. I used to go there often for mine. That will at least give you a starting point and they don't charge. I had limp mode issues at 2500+ rpms when gunning it - ended up needing all injectors replaced.

I'm not sure what the problem is with their scanners. Niether were able to get anything. They just kept saying there weren't any codes. Maybe they just didn't know what they were doing? *shrug*

[elm3]

There is a different between Fault Codes and Error Codes. Fault Codes are the ones that usually start with a P and then a number like P140. Error codes are hard codes in any of the car's modules. Only BMW or a Bavarian Technic cable and a laptop can read those. That is why you can not get the code for the Limp Mode with a regular scanner, you won't period. If you were near me, I would read it for you as I have the cable and I will do it for free. But you might have to call the dealer for this. Don't know if they will charge you to read and reset the error code.

[GRLPWR]

Are you getting any lights - SES or engine malfunction? I've heard of having codes w/o lights, but maybe your problem just isn't throwing any to be pulled. May be leading up to a code, but not enough of a problem to throw one. (?)

Side note: I purchased a reader/scanner on ebay (Innova 3130) and it reads every time. Although it only reads the generic P-codes, at least it gives me something to work with. It was $100, lightly used. You could spend $300 for a BT cable and get specific codes, but what I have is pretty useful. Lately, I've been throwing DMTL, post-cat fuel trim codes (no symptoms from car). It clears the codes as well.

[elm3]

Originally Posted by GRLPWR

Are you getting any lights - SES or engine malfunction? I've heard of having codes w/o lights, but maybe your problem just isn't throwing any to be pulled. May be leading up to a code, but not enough of a problem to throw one. (?)

Side note: I purchased a reader/scanner on ebay (Innova 3130) and it reads every time. Although it only reads the generic P-codes, at least it gives me something to work with. It was $100, lightly used. You could spend $300 for a BT cable and get specific codes, but what I have is pretty useful. Lately, I've been throwing DMTL, post-cat fuel trim codes (no symptoms from car). It clears the codes as well.

You are right, codes without the light are usually called "Phantom Codes" There is a code in the Brain, but is not turning the light on. And you are right about the scanner, you can just get your generic P codes, not the error codes that are in each module.

[flawlesskid]

I was going into limp mode a few times a day. But i have good news! I went to Carr Industries today. They read my codes for me for $47. I had 2 codes, 2f6c and 30ff. They told me 2f6c was likely caused by low fuel causing the fuel pump to overheat. 30ff was a vacuum line leak. He wanted me to come back when i could leave the car to cool so they could find the leak. He gave me my reciept along with a print out of a forum post from this very forum that described a vacuum line leak placed right behind the oil filter. After coming home and ripping off everything i could i wasn't able to find the leak. I pulled the vacuum lines from the vacuum canisters and forced a few low pressure burst through them from my compressor. I heard the leak and eventually found it in the very spot described in the forum post. 2 hours and $.52 cents worth of vacuum hose later, no fault codes and a whole lot of tire smoke!! Also my wastegates have gone SILENT! A HUGE thank you to ncrzrbk for the shop recommendation!

post: http://www.e90post.com/forums/showth...ht=vacuum+line

My Leak:



Notice the tape the previous owner used to try and fix it.

[ncrzrbk]

Glad those guys were able to get you on the right path!!!

[flawlesskid]

Originally Posted by ncrzrbk

Glad those guys were able to get you on the right path!!!

Thanks for your help man! Funny story. After getting everything back together, i went out for a test drive. As i'm jamming on the brakes at a stop sign, i realize i'm behind a 05ish Mustang GT and a riced out g35. How perfect of a situation to test out my repairs? LOL! Of course the g35 turned off, but the mustang wanted to show off. After he finished smoking his tires, he realized i was going around him! lol! I'm glad to be running full power again.

[elm3]

Congrats, I'm glad that you got her fixed....

[ncrzrbk]

Glad your back to full power!! Our cars are amazing when they function as they are suppose to. I am amazed at the torque when on the throttle.

[GRLPWR]

Originally Posted by flawlesskid

I was going into limp mode a few times a day. But i have good news! I went to Carr Industries today. They read my codes for me for $47. I had 2 codes, 2f6c and 30ff. They told me 2f6c was likely caused by low fuel causing the fuel pump to overheat. 30ff was a vacuum line leak.

Glad you were able to get it resolved. Would you happen to know the description of your codes? Seeing as how I can only read generics, I wanted to see if yours matched any I'm getting.