rough idle post head gasket repair - BMW Forum

e39 5ive · 04-29-2006, 12:00 AM

BIG problem! Got into a small accident that did, what I thought was, "light damage." Once I got the car back it started to overheat. Now, I've read all the horror stories of the head gasket problem, and was accually for-warned when I bought the car of easy gasket failure. BUT, that's not my problem.
After I received my car for the head gasket repair, check engine light popped on, and ithe car has a rough idle @ around 800 rpm's in park. At first it was throwing out codes p1519 and p1250. checked google and, P1519 was cam positioning sensor. Found a couple of different definitions for p1250. Sent it back to the mech. He said he fixed the p1519 code problem, and gave the car back with no check engine light on. Only, the rough idle remained. Now the check engine light comes on and off every now and again. Popped the hood, and it seems like the motor is shaking a little. No over heating at all, just this rough idle.
Any clues, anyone? I've really just shelled out alot of green on this whole ordeal. I don't want to give up on the car. Up until this accident, I had not one problem in all the years I owned the car. I really need some HELP! Thanks.

saltshaker185 · 04-29-2006, 12:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by e39 5ive

BIG problem! Got into a small accident that did, what I thought was, "light damage." Once I got the car back it started to overheat. Now, I've read all the horror stories of the head gasket problem, and was accually for-warned when I bought the car of easy gasket failure. BUT, that's not my problem.
After I received my car for the head gasket repair, check engine light popped on, and ithe car has a rough idle @ around 800 rpm's in park. At first it was throwing out codes p1519 and p1250. checked google and, P1519 was cam positioning sensor. Found a couple of different definitions for p1250. Sent it back to the mech. He said he fixed the p1519 code problem, and gave the car back with no check engine light on. Only, the rough idle remained. Now the check engine light comes on and off every now and again. Popped the hood, and it seems like the motor is shaking a little. No over heating at all, just this rough idle.
Any clues, anyone? I've really just shelled out alot of green on this whole ordeal. I don't want to give up on the car. Up until this accident, I had not one problem in all the years I owned the car. I really need some HELP! Thanks.

if the idle is just set too low, id tighten up the throttle cable... if its jumping then clean out the ICV... if its just has unssual shaking maybe if the mechanic did some work on your engine that he needed to get underneath the engine for maybe he jacked up the engine and saw your engine mounts were worn so he replaced your engine mounts with stiffer ones and your just not used to it?
these are just guesses but let us know what exactly you are experienceing with "rough idle"

e39 5ive · 05-03-2006, 11:10 PM

Car feels like it's just boggy. It stays pretty consistant. My guess would be some type of fuel delivery problem. I also noticed mpg needle acting funky. When I'm stopping needle acts erratic. Acceleration doesn't seem right either. Keeps throwing check engine light in my face. Need to create time to get the obd2 read again.
On a lighter note , put my wheels back on, as the weather has gotten warmer. It just looks so nice. Got to get some pics up.

da_bull · 05-04-2006, 05:14 AM

possibly a vacuum line off, that'll make them idle rough, etc.

e39 5ive · 05-07-2006, 10:15 PM

Does the mpg needle acting eratic give any clues

da_bull · 05-07-2006, 10:32 PM

not sure how the E39 is, but the way my mpg needle moves, mine looks totally vacuum operated

e39 5ive · 05-09-2006, 11:18 PM

Checked code today. P0154 calls for bank 2 o2 sensor, P0173 bank 2 fuel trim malfunction and P1189 pump speed signal failure. I'll swap both o2 sensors out, and reset check engine light. I think that will cure the fuel trim code as that might be related to the o2 sensors. How hard is it to do myself? Anyone ever swapped both o2 sensors on an e39 528i?
The other question is what pump is the signal failing from? Fuel or god forbid water. I guess fuel as car is nut overheating. Could this also be related to o2 sensors, too?

LOS · 05-10-2006, 03:42 PM

If you're thinking in replacing the o2 sensors, try www.autohausaz.com low prices, oem (sometimes) and good customer service. The sensors are not that difficult to replaced.
check out www.realoem.com for a pictorial on your exhaust. It will show the location/position of your sensors. I actually bought a tool from bavauto when I replaced mine on my 540ia. It just made it easier but it's possible to use a regular socket/wrench

Did they remove the ignition coils when they replaced the gasket? check the coils and make sure they're properly secure. Just a thought!

LOS