Help!
 

The other day I was driving back from work with low gas light on. The gas station I always use was closed...so I kept driving. (Distance to empty was 40 miles) All of a sudden SES light comes on 1 mile before I got home. The next morning I top the tank off and come back home to read the codes. (Actron CP9135) said P0171 and P0174 System too lean bank 1 and 2.
I cleared them and with in 25 miles came back on. Now I know I did something wrong when I drove it with no gas...I put a post on bimmerfest but I didn't like their attitude...I removed the engine cover and as I was looking around I saw the two hoses way in the back to be collapsed...They looked like vacuum hoses to me but they are too big to be vacuum hoses. Anyway, replaced them with 19mm heater hose cleared the codes one more time and drove for 30 miles the SES came back on...This time it won't idle...it drives smooth, but once at a stop light it dies...In steptronic going easy on the gas pedal it will accelerate past 5000 rpm. If I go hard it stops around 3400 rpm and car goes nowhere. There is no difference between engine warm or cold. Neutral will also not bring the rpm past 3400 when giving it full throttle, partial throttle will brink the rpm's to the red line. So I had to use gas/brake to get home, I pulled the codes, same ones, no new ones. I pulled the MAF sensor, sprayed brake fluid, let it air-dry, put it back on and this is were I am right now, I have to go to work tomorrow. I was going to take it to the dealer but since I don't like them I am afraid they will butcher me...I was thinking of replacing the fuel filter, car has 49000 miles and the o2 sensor was replaced at 37000 under warranty. Car is a 01 4.4i.
Thanks in advance for your help!

sorry, i have no idea. btw, feel wlcome to the BOARD

I have no idea either but :xoutpost: . The one thing you won't find here is "attitude". Oh, I think the SES light was a mere coincidence with the gas situation. I have driven mine many times with only 15 miles left :D

If there are any reputable independent mechanics in your area that specialize in BMW's, I'd personally opt to go there to have it diagnosed instead of the dealer.

:goodluck: and :xoutpost:

one time i was in downtown and there is like gas stations where i am in downtown and it said 37 miles to go so i drowve home whichis 26miles and by the time i got to my area it said 7miles left and i didnt notice anything with the car it drove normal not a single difference. i know this doesnt help your situation but thats my experience with low gas...

7 miles, you win :dancing: :p

Thanks guys, 5 replies with in 15 minutes! That's what I am talking about!!!
Will take it in on Wed when I get back from work, I will keep you posted!

i have rolled into the gas station with 1 mile left...no problems
welsome to the board - everyone is great on here and no attitudes whatsoever

Once I put in 24.92 gallons, damn if I know what I was driving on :rolleyes: - Isn't it supposed to be a 24.8 gallon tank? :dunno:

Interesting about the 2 'collapsed pipes'. My RR used to collapse the small pipe that went from the top of the rocker box to the air plenum and this used to cause havoc. I wonder if there are any other pipes blocked or iffy (technical term). The small one I was talking about was actually just attacked by the oil and perished which had made it 'grow' inside and therefore block.

John

Not proud of this at all but, I have driven with --- plenty of times, that's no miles left....tonight in fact.....even with them blinking once, ok maybe twice....:p.....Never had a problem.

:xoutpost:


Katt :D

Here is the scoop: I got back from work and after talking to a friend of mine I swapped the MAF sensor with my wife's Range Rover...same part number, Bosch made believe it or not..I took it for a drive and it works fine! I have been driving for a couple of days now and I feel no hesitation in all ranges of RPM's. I order my new MAF sensor and I will put the old one back into the Range Rover. I am also replacing all of the vacuum hoses since they look dry with superficial cuts.

May be off base but the Too lean Bank 1 & 2 can also be a software issue. Nothing to do with how little gas in the tank etc.

TSB SI B 12 07 04

P0171 And P0174
 

I'm having the same problem with my 2001 X5 4.4I. SES light is on and my code scanner is showing p0171 and p174. I looked over the vacuum lines and and found nothing obvious wrong. I plan on changing the Mass Air Flow Sensor to see if this fixes the problem. I'll keep everbody posted as I get more info.