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Thread: E46 with engine code p1478

  1. #1
    Join Date
    Mar 2019
    Location
    Union city,ca
    Posts
    10
    My Cars
    2000 323i

    Talking E46 with engine code p1478

    Whats up guys, new and have a question. Got the car about 6 months ago (2000 323i) and after trying and failing smog decided to plug in scanner and got p1478 which is a evap leak?i didn’t want to deal with it at the time so ended up getting it to pass smog in ca for $300 . I have about a year until I need to smog again . I have taken it to shop here in the Bay Area that only works on bmws and mechanic could not find the source? So far I have replaced the gas cap and Evap canister at mechanics request, also gone though with a smoke test in the evap system but nothing still. I know there is a leak where the headers and engine block connect but I’m not sure if that would cause the code. I have been looking through posts but can’t find anything, looking for any suggestions in my next steps..... Thanks in advance 🤔😁

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Jan 2016
    Location
    Ca
    Posts
    6,981
    My Cars
    2001 525it
    I wonder if up dating the dme programming would help BMW has released tech bullitens over the years dealing with e46 smog problems

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Mar 2019
    Location
    Union city,ca
    Posts
    10
    My Cars
    2000 323i
    Have you heard f this fixing the problem? And how would I go upon doing an update?

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Jul 2011
    Location
    Arlington, VA
    Posts
    9,933
    My Cars
    2018 BMW M240i
    Go to www.bimrs.org to find a reputable indie shop that specializes in bimmers. The shop needs to have the BMW specific software to update the engine computer (DME in BMWspeak) software. Is the gas cap (where you put gas into the tank) properly sealing? It may be worn out and need replacing. Some parts stores can test it for free.

  5. #5
    Join Date
    Mar 2019
    Location
    Union city,ca
    Posts
    10
    My Cars
    2000 323i
    Thanks bro I’ll check the link, and print on cap looks good, it was first thing I did. Should I take it to a shop there and see what they say? First time I took the car to bimmeronly in Fremont and mechanic recommended I fix the exhaust leak

  6. #6
    Join Date
    Jul 2011
    Location
    Arlington, VA
    Posts
    9,933
    My Cars
    2018 BMW M240i
    The exhaust leak has nothing to do with the evaporator code. Have a parts store test the cab regardless how it looks. Hey, it’s free. The crap system scavenged fuel fumes from the tank and routes the fumes to an activated charcoal canister located below and behind the intake manifold. There’s a purge valve located near the front of the intake manifold that is controlled by the DME. There’s also a small pump located in the right rear wheel inner fender that’s tests the system for leaks. Somewhere you have a rubber hose that’s leaking. Take the car to an indie shop that specializes in bimmers. The shop has seen this problem many times.

  7. #7
    Join Date
    Mar 2019
    Location
    Union city,ca
    Posts
    10
    My Cars
    2000 323i
    Yeah I was thinking the same about the exhaust leak, and forgot to mention I have also replaced the purge valve. What’s a cab? And I’m saving some money to take it in, how much you think they charge just to take alook?

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