error code 115

[rocket64]

Wild night in Wisconsin, had to rescue e-46 in blizzard. Okay now for question, error code 115. This code is on, but if I clear it car runs fine. Once car is turned off eml, abs, traction control light all on. I am thinking something got wet? Just posting to get ideas.0152f8628bd1516c3bd9c3449f26007b10d1d18f22.jpg

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Once the code is cleared, car runs ok. If I turn it off and restart code and lights come back on.

[dworthy]

What year of E-46? There is an SIB out for the Throttle Body having issues.

You could try to clear all the adaptations and go from there to see if it comes back.

If it does, you are going to have to look at the Throttle body.

[rocket64]

Thank you for reply. I have had this code before. First I have changed throttle body(used one). worked for awhile. Next took it out and really cleaned it. Thinking maybe connector gets wet? What is SIB?

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2002 325 xi

[dworthy]

SIB= Service Information Bulletin.

I have attached the SIB that may apply to you, have a read.

Also when you replaced the TB, did you clear all the adaptations then too?

[rocket64]

Adaptations where cleared. I am going to remove and clean throttle body again. The SIB has different code numbers, can I cross reference ? Dme I believe has to be programmed to car with fob also (not sure on this) ?

[bmwdirtracer]

You do not have to remove the throttle body to clean it. Make sure the ignition is off, remove the rubber intake elbows, and open the throttle flap with your finger or a tool, spray like hell with throttle body / carb cleaner, and wipe with rags. That said, if you've replaced this in the not too distant past, and cleaned the new one, that's unlikely to be your problem.

What exactly are the WORDS of the code? Real diagnostic scanners read words, not numbers alone. What device are you using to read codes and clear adaptations? EML codes can be set by the throttle pedal potentiometers, as well as the throttle motor potentiometers.

The electrical plug of the throttle body does not easily get wet - it's in a very sheltered place.

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I just tried Googling BMW error code 115, and got everything from MAF failure to pedal potentiometers to ABS modules. That's why it's crucial to use a top-quality diag scanner which speaks in words,,,,,,

[rocket64]

Little update, car sat in heated(60 degrees) garage 10 hrs. Started up no lights,but code 115 and 160 mtc position controller pi checksumme. Car is running fine. Chasing gremlins I guess. What else is there to do during blizzard?

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using INPA to read. 115 TPS-adaption 160 mtc position controller pi checksumme

[rocket64]

Throttle body looks clean (looking at in car). Intake manifold inside by disa valve is oily and gas (I guess normal)

[328 Power 04]

I would replace the throttle body, they're cheap in used form.
The cold can affect the electrical internals.
It was common enough of a problem.
Try disconnecting, cleaning, and reconnecting the plug to it, but I doubt it would help.

EDIT...


I had one MS45 dme fail in a similar manner though. I consider it rarer, and yours is MS43 dme. A checksum error may point to dme. Still worth starting with throttle.

[rocket64]

First thank you to everyone. 328 the car when it is running ok has had a little fluctuation in tach(jumping around a little). Could this point to dme? Last night had to go out and rescue son and car, checked with INPA, code 115, once cleared ran fine. If car was turned off and restated, runs bad and code 115 came back. Left parked in heated garage. Started this morning, ran good, checked codes 115 and 160.

[dworthy]

Chris doesn't use INPA, so that is why he is asking the questions he is.

Have you tried to watch live data thru INPA yet? There is a section for throttle input, I think it is in the Digital 1 submenu.

[rocket64]

I have it shows pwg mgk. Pwg poti 1 and 2 move. Mdk does not

[bmwdirtracer]

From 1999 to about 2002, BMW had a hell of a time, chasing throttle issues. Back then, the progression was this:
1) clean the TB (almost never worked)
(2) replace the TB (an ~85% fix)
(3) replace DME (10%)
(4) replace wiring harness.

Be aware that the throttle control changed massively during (as I recall) the 2000 model year, with the switch from M52tu to the M54 engine...the M54 is drive by wire, no longer having a throttle cable from the pedal.

Of course, the above is assuming that the car has throttle body codes, not pedal potentiometer codes.

Interestingly, a good friend and fellow instructor had his wife's '99 528 (M52tu) towed in this week, after it went into limp mode and showed an EML light. I ran down the above probability list for him. I watched live data for the throttle body potentiometers, and, engine off, no throttle applied, the numbers did not agree. When I removed the intake elbows, it was apparent that the throttle flap bore was FILTHY with thick crusty build-up. Cleaning it took a while, but immediately fixed the problem, proven by the car running perfectly, and the data from each potentiometer matching.

I'd agree with Abel; buy a used throttle body, and try that first, it's by far the most likely culprit. You don't want your son's car going into limp mode during a blizzard....

[dworthy]

+1

I would go with getting another throttle body.

Also clean the heck out of the new one, and install a new seal to boot to ensure you don't get any vacuum leaks.

[rocket64]

I cleaned plug, looked at throttle body(which looks very clean).I am looking in to a used throttle body.

[rocket64]

Also cleared codes, ran car a little(can't get out of driveway) codes all gone.

[bmwdirtracer]

Quite often, two separate engine starts are required to set a code. The system will self-test the throttle unit at each start.

[rocket64]

Started car multiple times now code 125 E-fan, no other codes. Running fine.

[rocket64]

Trying to test coolant fan, when ac compressor is on should fan run? Also found info if I disconnect temp sensor on lower hose it should turn on. Have not found a way to check with INPA yet.

[rocket64]

Does anyone know of way to test fan? I trust you guys more than other sites.

[shadowpuck]

code 125 e-fan is for the e-box fan in the engine compartment, FYI - not the main cooling fan at front of the compartment.

[328 Power 04]

I think 125 (7D hex) is for radiator cooling fan. It was named e-fan in internal BMW diag.
But I have been wrong before.

[shadowpuck]

I could be wrong too but I really thought I read somewhere that 125 is the e-box fan.

[rocket64]

Wow this car is fun, coolant fan did not kick in. Now I blew upper radiator hose. Ran car to just before red, shut down. This is when I noticed 1 on the wires on connector for fan was pulled out of connector. By the time I got to it hose blew. I do not think engine over heated, hose was old. Done for night,new hose tomorrow and fresh coolant. So the fan in code is not at radiator?

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What is e-box?

[rocket64]

I looked up e-box fan, I don't think this car has one, not really sure not automatic transmission it is manual. I am going to look around dme, never notice any fan.