Help please Smoking Diesel
 

Hi all,
Need some help with a smokey X. I am getting really bad smoke on acceleration. I mean real bad like a smoke screen. Only on acceleration. Its fine at idle and when in P and revving.
Any ideas. I have heard that this could be caused by a faulty inlet manifold (crack) I was going to be doing the swirl flap mod soon so obviously would rather put the £s towards a modified inlet manifold. Anyone out there had this problem with the smoke? What was the fault/outcome.
Any help would be great.

I don't know much about the diesel, but I remember seeing this post. Hope this can help.

http://www.xoutpost.com/bmw-sav-foru...ir-filter.html

Thanks for the reply. Sorry should have explained. This vehicle has been serviced recently. Air filters etc.. new.

What colour is the smoke, black or blue(ish)? Black smoke points to over fuelling. Blue points to buring oil, if its very bad it could be a failed oil seal in the turbo. I have read on other forums that some supermarket diesel (if you use it) is "less pure" than branded garages - it could be worth running a few tank os different diesel to see if it makes a difference.

Re: the air filter change, I have heard a few stories about air filters not being changed even if it is supposed to be part of the service. Air filters on the diesel model are very time consumiong to change and some garages "forget" to do it!

RE: swirl flaps. I have seen much discussion about these failing. Has your car actually got swirl flaps? When I looked into doing mine, I found out that it was never fitted with them. This was also confirmed by putting the cars serial number into realoem and that showed my year didn't have them installed.

Hi Laurence,
The smoke is black. Gets really really bad when I floor it. The car gets a good motorway run every week. I rarely use supermarkey fuel. I did the filter changes myself so know they have not been forgotten. 100% I have the swirl flaps. Do know where I can get the turbo sorted???

Hi,
You dont have any warning lights on?......Has your car been remapped?
Seems a case of too much fuel and not enough air!First thing to do is ascertain when did you car start smoking and if anything was done to it.Did it start smoking after you carried out the service?
Since you looked at some essentials yourself,(air-filter,etc)...you need to check the following:-
1.MAF(try disconnecting it and see if it smokes less)
2.MAP sensor(also hook car up to a Diag and read boost pressure)
3.N75 EGR and Turbo solenoids(these have a mesh filter which gets blocked)
4.Check your EGR system,egr valve could be stuck open!
5.Rail Pressure sensor
6.Could be the Flaps stuck open,but check the rest before hand.

You are free to call my friend Dan at TRD (TURNER RACE DEVELOPMENTS).He is in Stroud,glos.(01453 766739).I do remaps for him (He recently prepared an A3-2.0TDi with a GT3067 turbo which I mapped).Call him and say Fernando ("thats me") gave you his contact!

Fernando,

Thanks for the advice. Sure it was smoking prior to filter changes. I will check all those things out. Is it ok to drive with the maf disconnected for a test drive? I pressume that if it smokes less with it disconnected then thats the fault. Could you give me an idea (pictures would be great) of the locations of the Egr, rail pressure and turbo sensors please. Can i read boost pressure using carsoft?
I will try all these things first.
Thanks again

Its fine to drive with MAF off.Ecu will assume factory default values.I am not sure what software version in your car!Some cars may not even start with MAF off.No harm in trying...If its smokes less,then ,yes,thats the fault.
Not sure if you can read boost with carsoft!I hate it ,its a dinosaur system Diag system.Any scanner which reads LIVE DATA can read the Boost and very accurately!
But do connect it to a fault reader,before you start inspecting other sensors.
The Egr system is vacuum operated and can be plugged out without you getting a error code!The EGR is almost always open (exhaust gases pass to inlet manifold) on short trips around town and this what blocks the swirl flaps,which is a common issue with the 3.0D.
Also the inlet manifold being plastic ,it is open to cracks but only if you run higher boost pressures that standard.

Fernando,
What diag system do you use then? Ive heard alot about inpa some good some bad. Obviously for home use only what software would you advise? Sorry for all the questions

Hi,
I disregard Carsoft because for a BMW specific software its very limited,as it hardly does any coding.They should learn from ross tech!
For home use ,just get an Autec MS509. from Ebay or from TTMC.co.uk.I been buying products from Mike for years and he sells good stuff.
MS509 does live data and very complete but it wont reset your oil services.You are better off getting a stand alone equipment just for that.
Have you disconnected the MAF?

Yeah used Mike a few times before. Couldn't aggree more use the vag-com for my vw's and audis and its a great piece of kit. I have fixed cars with air-bag lights on etc for friends that even the main dealer couldn't do. I prefer the laptop based software as already have the vag-com gear on it and have the leads already but I will have to get on mikes site and check it out. Haven't had the chance the other half got me checking another problem with the car this morning and shes gone off to work now. A very annoying noise from rear when turning right. I've started a thread. Anyway back to first fault, if it is the maf and I change it how will i get it coded? Ive been told these have to be to ensure car starts.

~

You are well informed.You need to get it coded ,otherwise the ecu will not even know its there!
We usually always get the Bmw dealer where we buy our parts to code items we buy there....
Make sure you do get an oem MAF ,if this is the case,and then just mention it at parts if they can arrange for the car to be coded!
Alternatively,just buy the MAF and then book the car in for diagnostics!Should be about 30 minutes...

Hey guys

Has anyone tried fuel additive on their car before ?

Cost Effective Maintenance - FTC Decarboniser

BTW, replacing the air filter got rid of most of my smoke problem however, I am still getting smoke under heavy acceleration especially when the piggy back chip kicks in. Might need to look into the EGR valves too. I will report back after trying this FTC decarbonator.

Hello, I have had much expirience with diesel engines. Let me point you to the fact that all diesels need excellent filtration. If you have a dirty air filter it will certainly hamper the engines breathability. Lack of airflow causes an overfueling condition which raises the soot levels creating carbon smoke. Fuel filters are another issue that can cause performance issues. Make sure your filters are up to snuff, and you will have an easy ride.

Also I understand on the new Bmw diesel models there is a washer for the cat. A soot washer so to speak. I don't know if it is in the Euro versions but I would check to see if the washer reservoir is full for it, this could also cause carbon to accumulate and leave a cloud behind you while under acceleration. Goodluck.

Yes, I have run redline diesel cetane, and lubricity enhancer in my diesels. My diesels are all pre emissions and need lubricity since the Epa has removed sulpher in diesel fuels.

Red Line Synthetic Oil - Diesel Fuel Additives - 85 Plus

I also run a gallon of b20 fuel for lubricity when I feel like getting it,and use Howe's diesel treat. I like Stanadyne products also, but they are harder to find.

://www.howeslube.com/ Most OTR truckers use this,I did too.

Thank you for the info Supernatural,

All filters are good. I had a go with the maf disconnected and that is my fault on this occasion. It is interesting to read that I am not the only person who has had this problem. Thanks for the input and comments. I do not believe I have the cat washer you mention. I wonder if these could be retrofitted just like a particulate filter.

Thanks again

Hi Powers1,

You were correct. Maf fault. New one on order. Quick question for you. Can the maf be programmed using GT1???? Or is it 100% main dealer job??

Glad to know I was able to help.
You should be able to code it with Gt1.More important you will need a steady 13 v power supply before the ecu will accept any coding.

I have noticed all the threads state that. Friend is going to come round and program the unit for me when it arrives. Might get him to have a good check round the whole car with it while hes at it.
Do you know anything about suspension noises anyone???? I have started another thread but not getting much feedback on it :confused:

I can only see your thread on the powerflex bushes?......And you´ve sorted that!

http://www.xoutpost.com/bmw-sav-foru...oise-rear.html

and here

http://www.xoutpost.com/bmw-related-...lp-please.html

Here it is! Strange how it hasn't appeared. Let me know if you can help

Thx Supernatural

I dont think I can get those items in OZ but should be similar stuff around. Thx for advise. BTW, how often do u treat ur diesel?

I have a Idi Na Vw Jetta Mk2 diesel. Mercedes 300cdt diesel. A 1982 Cadillac Eldorado Biarritz with 5.7 olds diesel:bustingup all need lubricity because of their age and internal components in the IP's without additional fuel enhancers they are all prone to early failure. I try to add 6 oz. between fill ups. If i could use B20-B100 all the time I would be fine without anything, but I live in the NE part of the US, and would be prone to radical fuel gelling without adding some mineral spirits or equivilent.

How do i tell if my OEM system has EGR?

I got a local Diesel Injection Specialist to look at my smoke problem and they mention that there is no EGR system on my X5.

Try this link. RealOEM.com Online BMW Parts Catalog :thumbup: Enter details. And it should tell you.

Good luck

Diesel Injection specialist and he cant find your EGR system?:bustingup:bustingup
Unless someone removed it and blocked the exhaust side with a gasket and bolted a new pipe straight on to you Inlet Manifold,then you will have an EGR valve before the Inlet manifold!
Remove the front black plastic cover and its right underneath.:thumbup:

On 2004+ 3.0D the EGR system also has a water radiator to cool down the exhaust gases before they enter the inlet manifold:)

Vsx05,
Have you found your EGR yet?:)

Anyone fitted an egr delete ?? Are they worth while ??

Oh yes....!It will stop all that gunk getting into your inlet valves....
I am in Portugal at the moment but if you call LLoyd at EGRvalve.co.uk - EGR Systems Resource Site
He will help you out.
Rgds
Fernando

Well worth having then !!! Any ideas what a good price is to pay ??

Sorry if im going over what some of u might already know but i thought i share some info.

Had a nice chat with SA at Brisbane BMW regarding the serving diesel engine. Diesel engines has no inspection II service like the petrol engines. Instead, according to the guildlines, every 3rd oil change extra work needs to be done which include fuel filter, micro filter and air filter. So technically I was suppose to get that all replaced during the last service last month but because the SA that looked after me this time was a newbie so he forgot to get it done for me.

Might book car in to get the rest of the stuff changed. Apparently according to the dealership, oil separator, which im guess is fuel filter, if not replaced will cause smoke in exhaust.:dunno:

But still, i think I will get dealership do the extra service every 2nd oil change instead of 3rd oil change just to keep the car at optimal condition.

I check the realoem.com website but it only show the europe spec BMWs which shows EGR valve. I will need to get the dealship to double check if ERG is block in my car.

BTW, does any know when BWW started fitting DPF in their car?
And if EGR fitted on all 2nd gen diesel?

I have physically seen DPFs on 2004 3.0D here in Europe!
With regards to EGR,all X5s should have them!Have you checked the engine bay?

Around 60.00 quid:)

Really!? DPF in 2004 diesel... Shit, our 530d which is 2006 April production doesn't even have them. I was told DPF only started coming in OZ the last 2-3 years. I think it is because the emissions law in Australia is such a joke so BMW Australia probably did not bring them in till recently.

I think i might book my car in with stealership in the next few weeks. I need to get them to check EGR valve and change some of the part they forgot to replace last time:rolleyes:. I might ask them to check MAF too while they at it. Maybe it is faulty so sending the wrong signal and suffing up fuel:air.

Cheers

Hey guys
Got the car back during the weekend after a visit with dealership regardin smoke problem.

They replaced fuel filter, microfilter and a breather. What is a breather anyway?:dunno:

Other than the service, they also checked and confirm all sensors r ok. EGR value was cleaned out as they have found valve getting close to clogging up which could contribute to smoke.

They also mention that there was a fault code stored for EGR valve which might be result of my piggy back chip. Im now considering buying a Evolve tune box or a Bluefin box for my car now and ditching the piggy back module.

What do u all think? Evolve or Bluefin? I simple chose these 2 coz i can remotely tune car in Australia and also return car setting back to standard when i go back to service each time.

Cheers

I'm fairly sure my 2002 diesel doesn't have an EGR, if I put my chassis number into realoem it doesn't list it, but it does list it on later years.

Do you have a photo of the EGR system so that I can see exactly what I'm looking for?

BMW does seem to have various emission controls that aren't applied to some years of manufacture - for example, the use of swirl flaps (which are notorious for breaking and destroying engines), these are fitted to most, but not all 3.0 diesel engines - again, my year doesn't seem to have them but an equivalent year 5 series 3.0 diesel does. Go figure :dunno: