Hey all. It's been a few years since I've owned an E38. I looked specifically for a 1995 since I wanted the M60 without the timing chain guide problems but it did not come without a couple issues.
1. The car is running rich and smells of gasoline/exhaust fumes when I park and get out from a drive. I did the stomp test and got the code 1213 which is Lambada control 2, AKA o2 sensor. I'm not sure if this is an actual o2 sensor issue or something causing the car to run rich causing the CEL.
2. I noticed the transmission has a whining sound when in first and second gear. Until the motor is at operating temperature, first gear doesn't want to shift easy. It will often rev to approximately 3,000 RPM and then I will slow to a stop and then take off again and it will shift. Once the car is at operating temps, it shifts normally.
I have replaced the factory fluid with Pentosin ATF and it is still whining. Any suggestions? Am I looking at a new transmission? Thanks in advance
2001 Silver/Black E39 manual
It sounds like sucking air, meaning you're low on fluid, your filter is defective, or an o-ring is worn (Filter to VB, or VB to Trans) The fill procedure is notoriously tricky - you need to follow the instructions to a T, and stay far away from aftermarket filters. It absolutely needs to be done on a lift or 4 jack stands with the car completely level. http://www.e38.org/zf-5hp30-service.html I just had the same symptom on my '97, PO had a shop service it, and when I got in there I found a no-name filter. Replaced with genuine Filtran, and filled on a lift, with the engine running, watching the temp of the fluid to make sure it never got over 40c/100F - meaning do it fast, it warms up quick. GL
Thanks for the reply PEBKAC. I did the procedure as instructed but the transmission still has the whine/grind sound worrying me that it is due for a transmission :/
As for the first problem, I ordered an o2 sensor from FCP and am hoping that fixes the problem so we will see. I will report back when it is installed.
2001 Silver/Black E39 manual
An O2 (Lambda sensor) error is indicative of a mixture problem rather than the O2 failure - think of it like a temperature sensor which wouldn't get changed if it indicated a real over-temperature situation.
The two main causes of an over-rich mixture are a misfire (which passes raw fuel to the exhaust system) - or the Fuel Pressure Regulator (FPR) is not regulating the fuel-rail pressure. A FPR problem would effect both banks whereas a misfire would affect one bank - all this is discussed here:
https://www.meeknet.co.uk/e38/Diagnostics.htm
Check the vacuum line that runs from the FPR to the PCV - if this is cracked or missing the fuel-rail pressure will be too high as the vacuum to the FPR drops the pressure from 3.5 Bar to 3 Bar at idle and cruise. Fuel found in the vacuum line means that the FPR has internally failed and raw fuel is getting to the inlet manifold.
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Thanks for the reply, Timm. I have been told by troubleshooting with another BMW guru that my maf sensor is toast. Ordered one of those as well. I will also check the fpr and make sure it and the lines are good.
2001 Silver/Black E39 manual
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