Another EGR Cooler (P2457) Thread...

[Thecastle]

Originally Posted by 12PGM35D

Could you suggest a reasonably price scan tool that will show BMW specific codes? As I mentioned in my OP, I'm assuming the EGR cooler has a crack in it as there is soot near the common leak area.

Carly (from google playstore) with a BT adapter is probably the cheapest. I also like the Foxwell NT-510 I have both. Carly is cheap but buggy. The reason I suggest looking at the codes is that; EGR plausibility is a DDE calculated value based on airflow though the engine. Any sensor that is off or big enough leaks, failures, etc. could trigger a code. Address whats wrong to ensure if you tune it will actually address the issue.

Originally Posted by 12PGM35D

I've seen the block off plates but I would prefer to do the Race Pipe. If the EGR Cooler is cracked might as well get the EGR valve out of there too. Cleaner setup & a little better air flow going into the motor.

Yeah the EGR coolers crack fairly often on these cars. But typically a crack won't throw a code. You'll usually get a strong smell of exhaust too with a crack.... Where are you seeing soot at? Are you loosing coolant (another sign of a crack)?

Originally Posted by 12PGM35D

If I decide to go with the Race Pipe I would be getting rid of the item that creates the carbon build up. So if I do Race pipe & tune, might as well do CBU cleaning too, maybe get a little more hp & mpg out of the X5 with all that done at once.

CBU cleaning if done right would be a good thing, but its spendy, typically about $1500, if nothing else brakes. Water meth can help mechanically clean the intake tract but won't remove backed on carbon.

You may also want to check your vacuum lines, red boost hose and vibration damper, these all fail at your milage.

P.S. if you really want to read about mods/fixes for your car the e90post diesel forums are the most active.