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Thread: 1997 540i died on the highway, threw a bunch of codes, now not starting.

  1. #1
    Join Date
    Oct 2017
    Location
    Buffalo
    Posts
    4
    My Cars
    1997 540i Standard

    1997 540i died on the highway, threw a bunch of codes, now not starting.

    ~one month ago, I replaced valve cover gaskets
    engine was throwing code for ICV and P0420, so I replaced ICV and cleaned MAF, no more codes
    ~3.5 weeks ago P0420 came back. I didnt clear the code.
    ~2.5 weeks ago started car in morning, massive cloud of white smoke. Never came back.
    ~2 weeks ago noticed subtle misfire at idle, not always just once every few days it would stutter for a second
    ~1.5 weeks ago driving my 540i home and suddenly my speed started to decrease, and hitting the gas resulted in the engine sounding like it was choked. Eventually slowed to a stop. CEL was flashing like a mf. I tried to restart the car, and could get it to idle but very rough sounding. Lots of noises like pings and plunks. Didnt have enough power to put the car in gear without stalling. Had it towed home. Code reader said P0420, P0304, P0303, P0302, P0301, P1384, P0101 P0420. Some of these may have been prior to that day.
    ~1 week ago tried to start car again. Could get it to rough idle, and could eventually get it to sound stable at about 3k
    ~Yesterday i replaced all spark plugs with bosch 2x platinum, cylinder 1 (I think, drivers side closest to headlight) spark plug had almost no electrode/tip.
    Now the car will not even start. I bought a knock sensor replacement but am not sure if this could be the problem. OBD code says knck sensor 3 circuit. Not sure which bank this is either.
    If anyone has any input on either how to test knock sensor or if they think they know the problem let me know. Motor has about 208k miles on it, never gave me any problems before this.

    PLanning on testing spark and fuel later today.

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Oct 2010
    Location
    San Jose, CA
    Posts
    11,537
    My Cars
    1997 BMW 540i 6 speed
    White smoke indicates coolant. Do a compression test.

    Unlikely that the knock sensor is preventing starting. Might be a cable fault.

    Unplug the MAF sensor and try starting. Do not plug it in when the engine is running.

    Symptom sounds like a bad cam sensor, but that typically sets a code.

    BTW, next time you post codes, attach the description, so we don't have to waste time looking them up. That's the least you can do if you want help.
    Last edited by edjack; 10-19-2017 at 12:32 PM.


    Ed in San Jose '97 540i 6 speed aspensilber over aubergine leather. Build date 3/97. Golden Gate Chapter BMW CCA Nr 62319.

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Oct 2017
    Location
    Buffalo
    Posts
    4
    My Cars
    1997 540i Standard
    @edjack thank you for the response. I forgot to mention that I did try unplugging the MAF and it still did not start. I will do a compression test later. Is there a test I can perform on the cam pos sensor?

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Oct 2010
    Location
    San Jose, CA
    Posts
    11,537
    My Cars
    1997 BMW 540i 6 speed
    Not to my knowledge, other than replacement, and then only with OEM.


    Ed in San Jose '97 540i 6 speed aspensilber over aubergine leather. Build date 3/97. Golden Gate Chapter BMW CCA Nr 62319.

  5. #5
    Join Date
    Aug 2015
    Location
    Oconomowoc, Wisconsin
    Posts
    2,582
    My Cars
    01 750il, E38/9 Parts
    For testing I can pull one off my M62. Probably lots of miles but it worked before I pulled the engine

    Sent from my Nexus 6P using Tapatalk
    --- 750il Maintenance/Restoration Thread --- E38/9 Parts Cars --- YouTube Channel ---



  6. #6
    Join Date
    Oct 2017
    Location
    Buffalo
    Posts
    4
    My Cars
    1997 540i Standard
    Quote Originally Posted by ColtonBH View Post
    For testing I can pull one off my M62. Probably lots of miles but it worked before I pulled the engine

    Sent from my Nexus 6P using Tapatalk
    Yes please that’s would help me a lot. Thank you

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