Check engine soon light 540i/6...help? - BMW Forum

gcbimmer · 11-17-2010, 07:55 PM

I was just driving my '01 540i/6 and it started to sputter and the check engine soon light started to blink then went solid. The car did not stall and I got to my destination with the car still sputtering and less power. Let car sit for about an hour and it started and drove home with same symptoms. I'm guessing possible O2 sensor. The car might have sputtered a bit this afternooon, but not enough for me to suspect a problem, maybe the cold. But after tonight and the sudden change and warning light something is up. Any help is appreciated.

Thank you in advance!!

gcbimmer · 11-17-2010, 09:32 PM

I just took it for a quick ride and the light blinks then becomes solid. When in neutral the idle is pretty steady, no excessive ups or downs. It does not feel like it is going to stall, but the sputter is very steady when accelerating, especially at low rpm. I will have to take it to get the codes read, but wanted some knowledge beforehand.
Thanks.

BroKenT00L · 11-18-2010, 12:12 AM

The loss of power is due to a (limp home mode) the computer goes into once it detects a problem, drops total power to 60% i do believe. I know the 3 series has the limp home mode, im pretty sure it goes for all BMW models. The sputtering could be caused by several things and could also aid to the loss of power, but the bright side is with the check engine being on always leaves a clue. GL with your problem and hope everything goes well.

gcbimmer · 11-18-2010, 08:23 AM

Should the car be ok to drive to Autozone to get a code check? About 4 miles each way. Car still sputtering this morning and yellow service engine soon light is on and steady. It was blinking yesterday when problem first occured, but has been solid yellow ever since.

gcbimmer · 11-18-2010, 05:05 PM

Went to Autozone:

Pulled three Codes:

P1341 - Definition = multiple cylinder misfirewith fuel cut off.

P1343 - Definition = misfire cylinder 1 with fuel cut off.

P1345 - Definition = misfire cylinder 2 with fuel cut off.

Suggestions? Should I just replace the two spark plugs and take it from there? Is it ok to have two new plugs with the other six. Not sure what kind of plugs are in there now, do they all have to be the same kind of plug? Is it necessary to switch all (8)?

brettski · 11-19-2010, 07:25 AM

Has there been any work done on this car recently, or a change in fuel supply where you might have picked up some dirty fuel?
Is there any oil sitting around the spark plugs that could be causing the misfiring?
Have you pulled the plugs out to check their condition as yet? Its unusual that two plugs should go at the same time, I'd be suspicious that there is something else going on here.

gcbimmer · 11-20-2010, 05:14 PM

I got together with another forum member and did a switch and swap of plugs and coils. came up with one definate bad coil and replaced. Running well, but light still on. Going to drive it a bit to see if it goes off. If not to Autozone for reset and take it from there. There was a little noticable oil on the top portion of the thread of the plug. Will be changing all plugs tomorrow.

brettski · 11-20-2010, 07:58 PM

There is a gasket that is a known weak spot around the plugs. Just keep an eye on it from time to time to monitor how bad it is leaking, and make your own judgement call on when it needs replacing. If you get too much oil around the plugs it can impact on their performance, and possibly other issues.

gcbimmer · 11-22-2010, 10:42 AM

After the install of the new coil I drove for 17 miles and the light went off. I was told it could take up to 50 miles. I then installed all new plugs (NGK 3199) yesterday. All is running well...no service engine soon light!! I will keep an eye on the gasket too. I couldn't have done it without the help...thanks all!!