E70 35d - Rough Idle & Misfire - SOLVED!

[Algold415]

That's very informative, thanks.

I did hear a weird sound a few times when the car was still running rough, as I would gas it up from idle, it would occasionally sound like 'loose bolts in a metal can'. The same sound happened when I tried to accelerate in motion and the X5 shut off right after it started knocking. Hopefully no bent rods or valves..

Cyl 1 injector was very oily/wet when I took it apart, looked like there wasn't any ignition in that cylinder in a while.

Will see what happens when it's all back together..

[robnitro]

You will see and don't forget to code the new injector.
It'll take some cranking since you removed all injectors.
Once idle stabilizes and you're up to temp run the smooth running test in ista.
I think it's under troubleshooting, service functions lists it but doesn't give a link to the test. The ista interface is annoying like that.
If android, b- tool paid version can see injector balance , smooth running control also.

[Algold415]

Thanks. Would you recommend installing a new injector in place of the failed Cyl 1 injector, or should I install one of the 5 old ones into Cyl 1 and install the new injector into any Cyl 2-6?

I just read a few posts where that reportedly had spun rod bearings and/or bent rods on these engines. And they had a very similar knocking sound like I had. I don't want to destroy a brand new injector if I end up having a bigger problem than non-functional injector.

[robnitro]

It's not going to kill the injector, but no harm in switching if you remember to code it right.
Your knocking could just been from misfiring... Smooth running control will tell you and i think once you burn off the oil it'll run fine.

[Algold415]

UPDATE:

Hey all, just wanted to close the loop. I've been away for a few weeks but finally managed to install the injectors and put the 35D back together. It finally runs and drives! THE FINAL SOLUTION TO THE ROUGH IDLE WAS A NEW INJECTOR. So here's a quick recap if anybody ever has a similar issue.

I cleaned the injector bores, installed new injectors and all fuel lines. During the time that the car sat disassembled, I cleaned the intake manifold assembly (by soaking all the parts in Purple Power). After soaking for 2 days, the manifold, swirl flaps, etc, all came out carbon free, I just needed to wash it all off with water and dry it. Once the manifold and all the miscellaneous items were installed, I bled the fuel lines via the Foxwell scanner. Coded the injectors (kept 4 in the same place, but switched #1 (new Bosch) and #3(old #1 Bosch injector). After a couple of cranks, the 35D started right up, no more shaking and rough idle!!

After warming up the engine, I took it for a test drive around the neighborhood. Right away it was smoking heavily, a bluish cloud was blowing out of the tailpipes any time I accelerated. It seems that a lot of oil was accumulated in #1 cylinder and since there was finally combustion in that cylinder, all the oil was being burned off. After about 5 minutes, the smoke dissipated and the 35D ran fine.

After a couple more start cycles I did get a few more codes, one for a failed #1 cylinder glow plug, another for passive tank low circuit. Time to take off the manifold again.. The glow plug came out with a missing carbon tip, I tried to vacuum out the broken tip with thin straw via the glow plug hole, but it didn't work. I'm not sure if that tip is now somewhere in the DPF filter or still in the cylinder.. Anyways, I installed a new glow plug, re-installed the manifold, added a bunch of DEF fluid to both passive and active tanks and started driving the car. After almost 400 miles, the 35D is code free and runs like a champ.

Just passed the smog here in CA last week (with 2 monitors not ready), and finally registered the car in my name. I'm still not completely sure why #1 cylinder injector failed but it was the only injector that was covered with oil, so I'm guessing the oil plugged up the injector and it failed over time. I'm not sure if this was the culprit, but I did have a cracked CCV hose that I also replaced during the down time. Hopefully the fixes should give the 35D a lot more time on the road.

Just wanted to say a big THANKS for the input and words of wisdom to all that contributed to this thread. Could not have fixed it without you all!

[ard]

Originally Posted by Algold415

Just passed the smog here in CA last week (with 2 monitors not ready),!

Took me 4 months to get my E39M5 to set all readiness monitors. But here in CA for gassers they only allow a one readiness monitor- the EVAP test- to be not ready.... No others.


(I wound up downloading the ECM, hex editing out certain, uh, settings....total PITA)





Thanks for closing the loop!

[MillerMav]

I don't know if I provided any valuable help but I'm glad you got it figured out. When everything is said and done these are not complicated machines (especially the diesels when deleted). It needs fuel and air, that's about it.

[crystalworks]

Nice work. Always nice to solve a problem like this. Add "solved" to the thread title for future owners experiencing similar symptoms.