Diesel Downer

[Whizzo]

After three trouble free years, the diesel has decided to camp in a service bay for couple of days.

Just two weeks after the annual service/oil change, including refilling the two urea tanks with Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF), and on our first long trip in the US (after returning from Germany) we get a warning: "Incorrect DEF." This is quite different from the more common "Low DEF," which allows 999 miles to replenish the supply before disabling restart. This disables restart after 180 miles, apparently figuring you are trying to violently circumvent federal emissions laws! The DEF is of course full, and the correct chemical. Hard to do much travel with a car disabling problem.

So far, they've tried replacing two of the NOX emissions sensors, and reflashed the emissions firmware, and left everything to sit overnight for a cold restart of all the modules.

We just happened to be near a larger dealership (BMW of Minnetonka, Minnesota), and it is the first time their service team has seen this problem. They currently have it as an 'escalated issue' with BMW NA.

Maybe I've just been lucky, but touring, towing, cruising and bragging about 29 MPG have all been great up to now. Just hope I'm not going to break that streak for long.

[johnmn]

Sorry to hear. Good news is you picked the better of two BMW dealerships in Minneapolis!

[ard]

first time I've read of this issue. And forums tend to see more than a single dealer would see.....

[Whizzo]

Now a national open issue with BMW NA. Apparently there is one other same case in work, so we may have a new problem baseline.

Basic problem: vehicle still thinks DEF is incorrect/bad, when it is correct and fully filled. CEL on, but with no code logged. In testing, vehicle did go to "no restart mode," though about 20 miles after 188 mile cutoff limit indicated.

Actions tried thus far:
Full flush and refill of the urea injection system
Replacement of NOX emissions sensors
Reflash of emissions firmware
Full cold reset of emissions computer modules

Current line of approach:
Sensor control module is misreading sensor inputs or generating false inputs, so replace sensor computer

[Thunder22]

This is on a 2009?

[Whizzo]

Yes, that's the year - production date was July 2009

[blktoptrvl]

Bad batch?

[Whizzo]

We're going with bad batch of the latest software, rather than vehicle production batch.

Apparent resolution, which cleared the errors, was to flash back to an older software version. Test drive seems to show all clear. Here's hoping.

[motordavid]

Whizzo, good to read that you may be fully fixed...
That glitch would be a fun/expensive fix after warranty.
GL, mD

[ard]

Originally Posted by Whizzo

Now a national open issue with BMW NA. Apparently there is one other same case in work, so we may have a new problem baseline.

Basic problem: vehicle still thinks DEF is incorrect/bad, when it is correct and fully filled. CEL on, but with no code logged. In testing, vehicle did go to "no restart mode," though about 20 miles after 188 mile cutoff limit indicated.

Actions tried thus far:
Full flush and refill of the urea injection system
Replacement of NOX emissions sensors
Reflash of emissions firmware
Full cold reset of emissions computer modules

Current line of approach:
Sensor control module is misreading sensor inputs or generating false inputs, so replace sensor computer

Originally Posted by motordavid

Whizzo, good to read that you may be fully fixed...
That glitch would be a fun/expensive fix after warranty.
GL, mD

You got that right...each time they'll say "well, this was bad so we fixed it- pay us $1000"

then "well, this other thing then broke, so pay us $1500"

and then ""well, that must have caused this thing to break, so pay us $3500"

and finally "With all the new parts, we need to refresh the software, so pay us $500

It is frigging diabolical.


Or I'm just jealous I cant run my business like that!

One thing is certain: One you are out of warranty and PUMA isnt controlling what the dealer can do (and what they can charge) consumers will be amazingly hosed....