Reset DME adaptations, got "ENGINE FAILSAFE PROG", now have rough idle & low power

[cpf9]

Hello all, I think I made a dumb mistake. Car is an '03 530i.

I was using a code scanner (Creator C310+) on my car and hit "clear adaptations." I did this because I recently replaced the upper and lower intake boots, and read online that one should reset DME adaptations after doing this.

The immediate result was rough idle (like a serious misfire) and ENGINE FAILSAFE PROG on the cluster.

I turned off the car and restarted it, got the same thing, plus also the SES light. And this error code on the scanner: "73, Adaptation, engine throttle."

So I left it switched off for a while and came back about 10 mins later. I then followed these instructions to reset the throttle sensor, and restarted the car. This time there was no cluster message and the SES light was gone. So I took it for a short drive.

However, the car still felt down on power and like it was not idling correctly.

Any ideas what should I do now? I don't have INPA or any other BMW software - just my 310 scanner.

[JimLev]

Does the ‘03 530 still use a cable throttle and a throttle position switch?

This is what we do for the 540tu engines, which is 100% drive by wire.
Key in position 2 for at least 30 sec, longer is OK.
Turn key off.
Restart engine
Your done.

[sienayr]

This happened to me, but it was quite some time ago, it's something simple like you need to also clear out the error codes and it will be fine. That was using INPA though.

[Swerik]

Do it again without the engine running.

[BimmerBreaker]

Does the ‘03 530 still use a cable throttle and a throttle position switch?

This is what we do for the 540tu engines, which is 100% drive by wire.
Key in position 2 for at least 30 sec, longer is OK.
Turn key off.
Restart engine
Your done.

M52TU and M54 engines are drive-by-wire

[cpf9]

Thanks all for the replies.

I followed the instructions above and now have no error codes remaining. But the car still feels a bit sluggish and vibrates slightly (like a misfire) after startup. I haven't had time to drive it properly, so I might take it out for a highway spin when I get the chance.

New theory: I wonder if I have a vacuum leak of my own making?

When I replaced the intake boots, I removed the DISA to get more space to work. After I finished, I noticed a hissing noise from the DISA area that I don't believe was there before. Maybe I have a leak at the DISA, or from a boot beneath it that wasn't buttoned up properly? My thinking is that before I reset the adaptations, I didn't feel the consequent sluggishness entailed by a vacuum leak because DME was already compensating for it? But now I reset it, it's causing a problem? Or am I overthinking it?

Here's a video of the sound, around the 20 second mark is what makes me think it's coming from the DISA:

[cpf9]

Ok, first problem solved!

A gentleman on reddit suggested that the C310 scanner takes longer to reset the DME than you might think, and requires a good 30 second wait before restarting the car. I reset the DME again, waited the appropriate time, and the car seems to idle and run properly again.

However, I would appreciate any feedback on the video as to whether the hissing sound is normal or might be another leak.

Thanks!

[JimLev]

You said it seemed to be coming from the DISA valve area, start looking there.

[crazy4trains]

If that is the original DISA, and you removed and reinstalled it, then the gasket is likely toast. Start there, and with anything else that you removed and reinstalled.

[cpf9]

Yes- that is correct, it was the original DISA that I removed and reinstalled. And after doing some reading I too thought the gasket might need replacing. Have one on order from an ebay vendor!