No disrespect intended - seriously, I have nothing but respect for Andrewwynn, and I am sure HF has different things at different times, but after visiting two different HFs the only kit I found that had a Schrader adapter was the $300 "Master Kit", and if I'm going to spend $300 for a fuel pressure gauge it probably won't be from HF. On top of that, while the first location had no one who knew what a fuel pressure gauge was, the guy at the second location made clear to me that he believed the only way to solve my problem was to go to a bicycle shop and get a valve removal tool.

I saw a bunch of kits on HF's website, from $14.95 to the $299.00 one. I even read the PDF users manuals for them, but other than, maybe, the "Master" kit I couldn't identify any that seemed to have the right adapter - they might be there, if HF is close go look! Amazon has a lot of kits that say they have Schrader adapters. Do they fit? I don't know. That's why I spent extra money for the 5630 which said it did. But it didn't, really.

The OTC gauge itself seems pretty high quality, it has a pressure relief valve (good) and a very long hose for the extra gas. I HATE that it was packed in a blister pack and there were zero extra adapters (crazy for the price). I am NOT an Amazon fan. If you can find better at HF God bless, I just got frustrated after driving 30 miles in two different directions only to be disappointed. Just my POV. In my case the OTC worked (imperfectly) on both an '01 and an '05. Price is a bit crazy for imperfect, but I wanted answers so I paid it,

Who knows for sure that BMW might've used differently threaded valve on the same production run; as they used up valves made by one supplier, the next batch they used may have been from a second supplier, of a slightly different spec. My 2001 may have a different valve than an earlier 2001, and so forth.

I think I'll get a set from Amazon with several adapters to try (one of the $50 sets). I'll bet they're all made in the same Chinese factory as the OTC & Harbor Freight test kits.

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EWS3.3 wire testing.
Grab your voltmeter and check each EWS wire. Is fuse 11 okay? Check for voltage drop across it. It's where my X5 is having amp draws of 500 mA! Yet, the module tests okay and responds to scanning. Two items may have faults: starter or transmission shift inputs. Knowing when it should and shouldn't have power is great information.

So is the EWS synchronized or not? Since that would cause all of your symptoms exactly, it seems like it would be worth getting it re-synchronized should be done before you spend money on tools to check fuel pressure, right?

Yeah the kit I bought from HF was defective and I had to exchange. 2nd copy worked though. $25-30

I believe EWS sync problem had been confirmed. Current problem is getting scanner connected to module to reset it.


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That is what I believe. That may not be the only problem but it seems like it needs to be cured next. I'll update if I make progress.

Thanks, I'll do this ASAP.

Search xo for a recent thread about the topic. Somebody got his EWS to sync with just a key sequence


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I've been looking, but I haven't found that thread yet. I have learned a lot! I had no idea how common the EWS sync issue is. Note to self: never let the battery run down or leave the key in the ignition. If anyone wants an overview of EWS there's a pretty good one here:

http://www.unofficialbmw.com/images/BMW_EWS.pdf
(We use version 3.3)

It was a busy weekend (but I have tomorrow!). I inspected and cleaned the contacts on my OBD II port but that didn't make any difference. I did finally realize that I could find the manufacture date of my EWS ECU with the diagnostic function on the Foxwell. My EWS was built year '05, CW16 (which I am guessing means Calendar Week). That would put the build in April of '05 which makes sense since my car was built in May. That means I am pretty sure that inputting a March '05 build date (next option is September) should be right. I had been trying all sorts of permutations so it's nice to confirm that.

I may try to see if I can get BMW scanner going or maybe a proper update of the Foxwell (the last attempt failed).