2003 3.0 diesel misfire

[Nwr161282]

ok so I got a 2003 x5 a few months ago and every now and then when idling it would misfire cause the whole car to shake. Once revs went above 1000rpm it would clear and drive perfectly well.

Yesterday when stuck behind a lorry I noticed that there is now a misfire when I'm traveling at 50mph. Revs are between 1500 and 2000rpm. Once over all becomes fine again.

When idling and misfiring I have pulled all the injector wiring plugs off 1 at a time to see if there is any difference. When I pulled off injector 3 wiring there was no note change to the engine so I'm guessing there is an issue with injector 3 but wondered if anyone has had a similar problem and found a solution for it.

[bandite53]

Seems you have pretty much diagnosed the fault yourself there mate.
You can buy them re-man on ebay relatively cheap now.
Unless you pull it out and find buggered seal.
Have you got access to a scan tool to code check?
There are lots of things to try such as fuel additives etc, but best starting simple.
Code check.
Harness check
Pull injector, get it tested.
Comp test.

BMW X5 E53 X3 E83 Common Rail Dtech Remanufactured Diesel Fuel Injector | eBay

[ants_oz]

Could also be continuity in the injector wiring harness for that cylinder.

[SMOKEY53]

Would advise a scan for codes, then a leak down test on the injectors if you want to isolate that as the problem before you go ripping into it.


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[Nwr161282]

I'll try get a fault code reader on it tomorrow. Can anyone recommend a good fault code reader for BMWs. I have some software for vauxhalls and also audi, vw etc but I don't have anything for bmw.

I might try checking the wiring today guessing I'm just checking the wire for breaks. Are the injectors easily removed if I have to go down that route of replacing it?

[Nwr161282]

So I had the x5 hooked up to a fault code reader this morning and it threw up 2 codes.

P1613 - engine stability controller
P3503 - Glow system.

I'm thinking that it's the p1613 code that is giving me the issues I have. I've not had a starting problem other than when the battery was flat.

Anyone had the same symptoms and codes?

[SMOKEY53]

This sounds similar to an issue I had with mine when I first got it.

Threw the same codes and also tried a lot of the same diagnosis - removing injector plugs etc.

You need to do a balance test on the engine and a back flow test on the injectors. I would say that could be where your problem is - a blocked injector. Sometimes they get carbon build up and at low pressure they can't atomise the fuel properly - it sort of just dribbles out and you get rough running. It's worth getting it diagnosed with these tests before you go ripping the manifold off and replacing things. If they do diagnose an injector, don't let them convince you to just scrub it off with a wire brush - it's asking for trouble.

Have a read of my thread here:

http://www.xoutpost.com/showthread.php?t=98737

Don't be too concerned about the glow plug code. Lots of BMW diesels with a few kms on then will throw this code, but as you said, if you're not having trouble starting it cold then it's probably not a major concern.


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[Nwr161282]

Smokey53 thanks for the reply. I've looked thru your thread and it seems like the leak test and balance test would be my next way to go.

How is the back flow test carried out. Is this something easily done at home or garage work? Thinking about buying a code reader for for my x5. Is there 1 out there that can read codes and also let me check the injector balance that's not a crazy price or am. Best to get my local dealer to do it.

[SMOKEY53]

Best bet is to buy BMW Scan1.4.0 off ebay. Should set you back about $30. You just plug it into a Windows laptop and it will scan for codes and put it into English for you.

As for the backflow and balance test - this needs to be done at a shop. Balance test is done using full BMW diagnostic software and backflow is done with a special bit of kit - looks like a row of bottles connected with tubes to the return lines on the injectors.

Shouldn't cost you much for a diagnosis but obviously you'd want to go somewhere trustworthy so they don't give you a laundry list of probs.

Probably also a good idea to get your fuel filter done as well. It's in a tricky spot so might want to leave it to an Indy.


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[Nwr161282]

Ok so after a bit of research I've carried out my own back flow test and all injectors are producing the same amount of fuel. So guess next stop is a balance test.