Altitude Issues 08 X5 3.0

[bawareca]

You are correct on all your points about the car repair professionals, awareness and so on. I have started my car repair career ~30 years ago with fixing carburetors and ignition distributors. Often I got caught in this fashion computer stuff and hook-up the diagnostic computer before doing a visual inspection just to figure out that a connector is loose or fuse is burn. All of this doesnt change the fact that to properly diagnose or repair an infinitely complicated modern [BMW] car you need OEM tool. In OP's case, if there are any kind of Vanos or Valvetronic code you have no means to do any kind of testing or adaptation without OEM. Having it is not guarantee for anything, but it is a fighting chance.

[Joshdub]

Holy molely guys the OP is new and from the sounds of it on vacation. I doubt he has the luxury to install and setup dis/gt1/inpa ect. A standard obd scanner may be the best thing he currently has access to while away from home.

OP, get the codes from a generic scanner (local auto parts stores like Autozone can scan the car for free) and post them here. Someone will be able to give some guidance.

[jfoj]

Originally Posted by bawareca

You are correct on all your points about the car repair professionals, awareness and so on. I have started my car repair career ~30 years ago with fixing carburetors and ignition distributors. Often I got caught in this fashion computer stuff and hook-up the diagnostic computer before doing a visual inspection just to figure out that a connector is loose or fuse is burn. All of this doesnt change the fact that to properly diagnose or repair an infinitely complicated modern [BMW] car you need OEM tool. In OP's case, if there are any kind of Vanos or Valvetronic code you have no means to do any kind of testing or adaptation without OEM. Having it is not guarantee for anything, but it is a fighting chance.

You do not need any special tools or software to get an initial diagnoses with a modern BMW or any other modern vehicle. As I mentioned, IF the SES/CEL/MIL turns on ANY basic/generic OBDII tool can and will read ALL codes that triggered the SES/CEL/MIL.

Once you have the basic codes, Freeze Frame data and ability to look at Live/Realtime data, then if needed, you can make a determination about the next level of testing and tools that may or may not be required.

VANOS or Valvetronic problems rarely will cause a problem from what I see that will create misfiring, it can, but usually these will cause uneven power or loss of power, but not usually cause the vehicle to be undriveable.

But how about starting with the basics, I always do. Start with a basic generic OBDII tool, this will display ANY and ALL standard AND manufacturer specific codes that caused the SES/CEL/MIL to turn on. Then once you look over any and all codes that happen to be stored along with the Freeze Frame data you can then make a better determination what, if anything may be going on behind the scene that DID NOT trigger the SES/CEL/MIL. I often also find that much of the info a manufacturer proprietary tool or Pro level scan tool may display can sometimes cloud the picture. Sometimes errors left in the DME/ECU can be old or irrelevant data. Assuming the manufacturer proprietary data even has mileage referenced you may or may not be able to discount what is found. Any when it comes to my friends the Germans, so many times there are language translation errors or problems with a point of view or semantics that can cause misdirection when trying to identify and solve a problem. I know most of the these pitfalls, but a first time user of a some free software that has been downloaded, a novice may not understand where to look for these pitfalls and how to interpret or choose to ignore some of the data.

Even with the best of tools and/or software people can still miss the simple and basic things. Often with too much information, depending on the person, they may head down the wrong path. The first order of business is to listen to what the customers complaint is. Often this may be difficult to get clear from the customer depending on how the specific shop works. In many cases Service Writers are purposely "vague and general" to allow the maximum latitude when it comes to throwing parts at a repair or covering for a mis-diagnosis.

Anyone that owns a modern vehicle, 1996 or newer should own and carry a standard generic OBDII tool. With the smart phone Apps being so powerful and cheap, it is a no brainer. Then then next step is to become familiar with the tool and BENCHMARK the vehicle readings so one knows what are "Normal" readings. Additionally, just because there is not a SES/CEL/MIL lit on the dashboard, this does not mean everything is working properly. I see Fuel Trims and engine temperatures just on the edge of not triggering the SES/CEL/MIL all the time. So sometimes proactive and preventative inspection is a wise idea.

Until the OP can stop and get codes and Freeze Frame data it is all a guess. He is far more likely to be able to get access to a standard or generic OBDII tool than a more advanced Pro level or BMW specific tool or software while on the road. Since the SES/CEL/MIL has lit and is likely still on, a standard to generic OBDII tool WILL give some insight to what is likely going on. A standard or generic tool may give the entire picture or will at least offer enough information that someone with a decent background can make an informed decision on how to proceed.

DO NOT discount a tool because is may be a standard or generic low cost tool. If you know what tools are good, you can and will have more information to move forward as needed. OBDFusion is far superior to any sub $50 stand alone standard or generic OBD tool, and it can often be better than most sub $100 tools.

I can list a number of big name OBDII tool vendors that I would clearly stay away from and I will still take OBDFusion any day over almost any tool these big name vendors offer. Just because the tool vendor may be a big name does not mean the tool is as useful as it can be. I am especially disappointed by a number of the US and Canadian OBDII tool vendors. They offer tools that are often over prices and under perform as well as have glaring errors that they choose not to fix. I have contacted many of these vendors when I find problems and comments are disregarded and no action is taken.

So you have to do your homework with any tool or software package. There is also no single tool or software package that does it all. Even of you have the original manufacturers software or tool, I can tell you this is still not good enough and is often way overkill, like killing an ant with a sledgehammer. Start by being smart and using a good standard or generic OBDII App then move forward as needed.

Hopefully the OP has made it home safely, if not, find a local auto parts store and hopefully they have an OBDII tool you can borrow and use in the parking lot to gather data. Take pictures of the screen(s) and post them back here for review. If the tool supports Live/Realtime data, while the engine is warm and idling, get Fuel Trim, MAF and engine temperature values as well.