SES light on and off

sohcpunk · 07-16-2013, 04:59 PM

This is for an X5d but I would imagine it to be the same engine as the 335d. Received the light and brought it to the dealer. When the tech checked the car he didn't see a light nor could not find any faults stored. I received the car back and a few days later, the light comes back on, I take a picture of it to prove to my SA it happened and scanned the code. P21A9.

floydarogers · 07-16-2013, 05:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sohcpunk

Received the light and brought it to the dealer. When the tech checked the car he didn't see a light nor could not find any faults stored. I received the car back and a few days later, the light comes back on, I take a picture of it to prove to my SA it happened and scanned the code. P21A9.

Didn't get a chance to drop it off at the dealership today and it went away again. Wonder what could be wrong.

Appears to be a problem with the DEF active tank level sensor.

sohcpunk · 07-16-2013, 05:57 PM

Crap, I had that tank replaced a few months ago. Took 1 month to source the part.

AzureHaze · 07-16-2013, 11:24 PM

God these emissions-based issues are getting annoying...

Bet our cars would be perfect if they just ended up bellowing soot! Sorry planet Earth.

Puerto Rican 335d · 07-17-2013, 07:37 AM

Azure Im with you, most of the DIESELS around the world are doing just that throwing SOOT!!

Merv · 07-24-2013, 03:11 PM

My 335D has the same code! It come on just as I passed 52k. And I know my dealership is not happy at all with fixing anything for free after warranty runs out. I really don't want to replace a tank because of a bad sensor. As far as I've heard the tank has to be replaced.

joe_planet · 07-24-2013, 04:17 PM

just do a dpf bypass.. you know since you havent got warranty anymore anyways lol

AzureHaze · 07-25-2013, 12:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by joe_planet

just do a dpf bypass.. you know since you havent got warranty anymore anyways lol

+1. I'd rather do that and install a sweet sounding exhaust then getting bent over by the stealership for a new tank.

GreekboyD · 07-27-2013, 09:24 AM

A buddy of mine who also live in Toronto texted me last Wednesday saying his SES light came on during a family trip to Niagara Falls. I told him I'd swing by when he got back to read his code for him. He texted me on Thursday saying not to worry as he went for a long drive and the light went away. I told him it would come back and sure enough he texted me this morning saying it came back on.

Going by his place today to see what it is. Will keep you guys posted.

vanagonjon · 10-11-2013, 12:26 AM

Hello, this will be my first post!

I got an SES light last week, I read the code and after a bit of research realized it was likely the level sensor in the DEF reservoir. Since the car is out of warranty I took it to my local indy European shop and he confirmed the sensor is bad. He also told me what I had learned looking up this problem, which is the whole tank must be replaced since the sensor is not available as a replaceable component. Tank and all I think I can be out the door for $1500.

My question is, does anyone know what happens to the sensor to make it fail? Has anyone pulled one out of a tank and inspected it? Can it be fixed? There was a vague mention somewhere on the web where someone said they fixed the problem by cleaning the sensor. Could it be so simple? The cheapest tanks I've seen are in the $7-800 range. It seems like a silly waste of money to replace the whole unit.

If it comes to it I can replace the tank myself, it doesn't look like much of a job, but does the computer need to be programed to accept the new sensor?

Thanks, I would have made this a new topic but beginners aren't given permission until they have at least one post under their belt.

Puerto Rican 335d · 10-11-2013, 05:26 AM

Boy oh boy cant wait to eliminate that damn DPF!!!

chau · 10-11-2013, 08:22 AM

Yep, mine comes on for a few days every 2-3 weeks. Dealer quoted me about $2000 and 1-2 weeks wait for the part to come in. I'd rather spend that $2000 on getting rid of the DEF and DPF. No "you're gonna kill the planet" comments please

Puerto Rican 335d · 10-11-2013, 10:12 AM

Chau Im with you cant wait till I remove it I second your thought, wait till we get the mother earth friendlies we have here jajajajajaaj

AzureHaze · 10-11-2013, 10:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chau

No "you're gonna kill the planet" comments please

I highly doubt you're gonna hear that from any of us. I certainly didn't buy a diesel to improve the environment because I think Earth is done for and the only way it's gonna heal itself is if humans left the planet. Other than my questionable opinion, our DPF system does sucks balls.

chau · 10-11-2013, 10:46 AM

I did get in contact with RedLine Speedworx (US distributor for EcoTune) in NJ but wasn't ready to give my car up as the guinea pig. It's my daily driver and I commute to work everyday so I can't go without a car.

stevers314 · 10-11-2013, 11:04 AM

Shouldn't this be covered under the federal mandated emissions warranty?

Puerto Rican 335d · 10-11-2013, 11:05 AM

That sucks Chau it would of been great, have them provide a loaner I believe they might need your car for a week or so

F32Fleet · 10-11-2013, 11:22 AM

I wonder if flushing the Urea tank with distilled water would make a difference ?

F32Fleet · 10-11-2013, 11:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by stevers314

Shouldn't this be covered under the federal mandated emissions warranty?

Nope. CARB maybe (If the OP lives in a participating state).

Puerto Rican 335d · 10-11-2013, 11:40 AM

Socom come to think about it wouldnt hurt I guess

07-16-2013, 04:59 PM	#1
sohcpunk Second Lieutenant 20 Rep 289 Posts Drives: 2011 335d Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: Socal iTrader: (4) Garage List 2011 335d [0.00]	SES light on and off This is for an X5d but I would imagine it to be the same engine as the 335d. Received the light and brought it to the dealer. When the tech checked the car he didn't see a light nor could not find any faults stored. I received the car back and a few days later, the light comes back on, I take a picture of it to prove to my SA it happened and scanned the code. P21A9. Last edited by sohcpunk; 03-01-2014 at 12:46 PM.. Reason: typo
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07-16-2013, 05:57 PM	#3
sohcpunk Second Lieutenant 20 Rep 289 Posts Drives: 2011 335d Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: Socal iTrader: (4) Garage List 2011 335d [0.00]	Crap, I had that tank replaced a few months ago. Took 1 month to source the part.
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07-16-2013, 11:24 PM	#4
AzureHaze Lieutenant Colonel 69 Rep 1,766 Posts Drives: 2011 335d Sport Join Date: Mar 2013 Location: SoCal iTrader: (1)	God these emissions-based issues are getting annoying... Bet our cars would be perfect if they just ended up bellowing soot! Sorry planet Earth. __________________ JBD @ 100% \| KW ST Coilovers \| M3 rep. front bumper \| 888Concepts AE Upgrade \| GP Thunder 7500k fogs \| Cyba 4" carbon tips \| BSW Stage 1 \| APEX ARC-8 W/ Michelin PSS \| Ziza LED interior \| Weisslicht LED side lenses \| Sprint Booster \| Euro side mirrors \| M-Sport semi-conversion \| Coded \| LOTS of carbon fiber
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07-17-2013, 07:37 AM	#5
Puerto Rican 335d Brigadier General 229 Rep 3,489 Posts Drives: Montego Blue 335d Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: Puerto Rico(Dominican Republic 03/2017) iTrader: (0)	Azure Im with you, most of the DIESELS around the world are doing just that throwing SOOT!! __________________ RENNtech Flash(Lenny Wu)/WAGNER IC Enkei Rajin 18"/Execuhitch Hitch/Koni FSD Soft Ride Bike Rack/Brava Synthetic Motor Oil(Made in Puerto Rico)/Meth(in the works)/CBU done w Andrew EGR Race Pipe (whoa! what an animal it is now)
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07-24-2013, 03:11 PM	#6
Merv Enlisted Member 5 Rep 41 Posts Drives: 2011 335d Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: Chattanooga, TN iTrader: (0) Garage List 2011 BMW 335d [0.00]	My 335D has the same code! It come on just as I passed 52k. And I know my dealership is not happy at all with fixing anything for free after warranty runs out. I really don't want to replace a tank because of a bad sensor. As far as I've heard the tank has to be replaced.
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07-24-2013, 04:17 PM	#7
joe_planet Captain 41 Rep 800 Posts Drives: 2011 X5d Join Date: Apr 2013 Location: DFW iTrader: (1)	just do a dpf bypass.. you know since you havent got warranty anymore anyways lol
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07-27-2013, 09:24 AM	#9
GreekboyD Brigadier General 411 Rep 3,049 Posts Drives: 2009 BMW 335d Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: Toronto, ON, Canada iTrader: (0) Garage List 2009 BMW 335d [8.00]	A buddy of mine who also live in Toronto texted me last Wednesday saying his SES light came on during a family trip to Niagara Falls. I told him I'd swing by when he got back to read his code for him. He texted me on Thursday saying not to worry as he went for a long drive and the light went away. I told him it would come back and sure enough he texted me this morning saying it came back on. Going by his place today to see what it is. Will keep you guys posted.
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10-11-2013, 12:26 AM	#10
vanagonjon Registered 0 Rep 1 Posts Drives: 2009 335D Join Date: Oct 2013 Location: United States iTrader: (0)	Hello, this will be my first post! I got an SES light last week, I read the code and after a bit of research realized it was likely the level sensor in the DEF reservoir. Since the car is out of warranty I took it to my local indy European shop and he confirmed the sensor is bad. He also told me what I had learned looking up this problem, which is the whole tank must be replaced since the sensor is not available as a replaceable component. Tank and all I think I can be out the door for $1500. My question is, does anyone know what happens to the sensor to make it fail? Has anyone pulled one out of a tank and inspected it? Can it be fixed? There was a vague mention somewhere on the web where someone said they fixed the problem by cleaning the sensor. Could it be so simple? The cheapest tanks I've seen are in the $7-800 range. It seems like a silly waste of money to replace the whole unit. If it comes to it I can replace the tank myself, it doesn't look like much of a job, but does the computer need to be programed to accept the new sensor? Thanks, I would have made this a new topic but beginners aren't given permission until they have at least one post under their belt.
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10-11-2013, 05:26 AM	#11
Puerto Rican 335d Brigadier General 229 Rep 3,489 Posts Drives: Montego Blue 335d Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: Puerto Rico(Dominican Republic 03/2017) iTrader: (0)	Boy oh boy cant wait to eliminate that damn DPF!!! __________________ RENNtech Flash(Lenny Wu)/WAGNER IC Enkei Rajin 18"/Execuhitch Hitch/Koni FSD Soft Ride Bike Rack/Brava Synthetic Motor Oil(Made in Puerto Rico)/Meth(in the works)/CBU done w Andrew EGR Race Pipe (whoa! what an animal it is now)
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10-11-2013, 08:22 AM	#12
chau Second Lieutenant 28 Rep 234 Posts Drives: 335d Join Date: Mar 2013 Location: Philadelphia iTrader: (0)	Yep, mine comes on for a few days every 2-3 weeks. Dealer quoted me about $2000 and 1-2 weeks wait for the part to come in. I'd rather spend that $2000 on getting rid of the DEF and DPF. No "you're gonna kill the planet" comments please
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10-11-2013, 10:12 AM	#13
Puerto Rican 335d Brigadier General 229 Rep 3,489 Posts Drives: Montego Blue 335d Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: Puerto Rico(Dominican Republic 03/2017) iTrader: (0)	Chau Im with you cant wait till I remove it I second your thought, wait till we get the mother earth friendlies we have here jajajajajaaj __________________ RENNtech Flash(Lenny Wu)/WAGNER IC Enkei Rajin 18"/Execuhitch Hitch/Koni FSD Soft Ride Bike Rack/Brava Synthetic Motor Oil(Made in Puerto Rico)/Meth(in the works)/CBU done w Andrew EGR Race Pipe (whoa! what an animal it is now)
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10-11-2013, 10:46 AM	#15
chau Second Lieutenant 28 Rep 234 Posts Drives: 335d Join Date: Mar 2013 Location: Philadelphia iTrader: (0)	I did get in contact with RedLine Speedworx (US distributor for EcoTune) in NJ but wasn't ready to give my car up as the guinea pig. It's my daily driver and I commute to work everyday so I can't go without a car.
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10-11-2013, 11:04 AM	#16
stevers314 packet jockey 16 Rep 299 Posts Drives: 2011 335d M Sport Join Date: Jul 2013 Location: Austin iTrader: (0) Garage List 2011 335d [0.00]	Shouldn't this be covered under the federal mandated emissions warranty? __________________ 2011 335d With great torque comes great responsibility
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10-11-2013, 11:05 AM	#17
Puerto Rican 335d Brigadier General 229 Rep 3,489 Posts Drives: Montego Blue 335d Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: Puerto Rico(Dominican Republic 03/2017) iTrader: (0)	That sucks Chau it would of been great, have them provide a loaner I believe they might need your car for a week or so __________________ RENNtech Flash(Lenny Wu)/WAGNER IC Enkei Rajin 18"/Execuhitch Hitch/Koni FSD Soft Ride Bike Rack/Brava Synthetic Motor Oil(Made in Puerto Rico)/Meth(in the works)/CBU done w Andrew EGR Race Pipe (whoa! what an animal it is now)
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10-11-2013, 11:22 AM	#18
F32Fleet Lieutenant General 3570 Rep 10,351 Posts Drives: 2015 435i Join Date: May 2005 Location: Southeastern US iTrader: (0)	I wonder if flushing the Urea tank with distilled water would make a difference ?
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10-11-2013, 11:40 AM	#20
Puerto Rican 335d Brigadier General 229 Rep 3,489 Posts Drives: Montego Blue 335d Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: Puerto Rico(Dominican Republic 03/2017) iTrader: (0)	Socom come to think about it wouldnt hurt I guess __________________ RENNtech Flash(Lenny Wu)/WAGNER IC Enkei Rajin 18"/Execuhitch Hitch/Koni FSD Soft Ride Bike Rack/Brava Synthetic Motor Oil(Made in Puerto Rico)/Meth(in the works)/CBU done w Andrew EGR Race Pipe (whoa! what an animal it is now)
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