Warning Light - "Engine Malfunction - Reduced Power"

RiversideE90 · 03-07-2009, 03:16 PM

It is a nice saturday afternoon here in SoCal so I decided to wash my car. I wash it at my parents house who live about a mile away. I had just come back from the gym - car was fine. I get in to start the car again and I get "Engine Malfunction - Reduced Engine Power" warning. Turn the car off - start it again - warning goes away - car feels fine. Drive over to the parents, wash the car - everything seems good. Turn the car back on to go home and it takes it a second to turn on (cranking)...car starts...im about 1/2 way home and it gets SUPER shaky...light comes back on...

Is this the fuel pump problem showing up in the 09s? Anyone else have this in an 09?

I called the dealer and they of course cannot look at the car till Monday. So at the moment I am super pissed.

I do however have a nice clean, $50k car with less than 5k miles on it to sit in the garage for the weekend. Great.

bsamoul · 03-07-2009, 03:32 PM

It's the fuel pump.

methodtim · 03-07-2009, 03:38 PM

Aw crap, now I'm scared. I have an 09 335i with 4k miles on it sitting in the garage too. I was really hoping that the HPFP issue was resolved some way, some how. Please keep us posted with your progress.

RiversideE90 · 03-07-2009, 04:08 PM

Car is going in Monday morning...I will keep the thread updated.

kidcolton · 03-07-2009, 04:12 PM

my 09 335xi at 2800km started to shake and lose power on the hiway, couldnt get over 3000rpm in any gear. my kids were freaked out. i needed gas at the time, so we stopped at the next station. filled up, started the car, and it was fine, like nothing ever happened. none of the warning lights on the dash came on. its now 6 weeks later, and the car has about 4500km on it and the problem has never reoccurred. thought it was just a computer glitch that needed resetting. for you american guys, thata about 1750miles and 2800 miles.

hope it is not the begginning of fuel pump problems.

RiversideE90 · 03-07-2009, 04:21 PM

I just filled up yesterday using 91...about 3/4 a tank left.

shaddai · 03-07-2009, 07:01 PM

Welcome to HPFP hell.

mrbrett · 03-07-2009, 08:27 PM

I had one replaced, it's not hell anymore, they changed mine out in a few hours. It sucks but it's not that bad. It's a known issue and the dealers stock the HPFP, so they should be able to fix it same day. Mine went bad at like 500 miles, so you got farther than me, lol.

TTG · 03-07-2009, 09:13 PM

Wow, it is still happening on the 09's as well.

Please keep us posted.

shaddai · 03-07-2009, 11:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cars4lyfe

Is this happening to all turbo bmw cars or just 3 series? The new 7 only offers a turbo v8.

Pay closer attention. They have a slightly different tuned N54 in the 740i.

Dark_Sub_Rosa · 03-08-2009, 01:40 AM

HPFP. Mine went out at 10k miles. Everybody has theirs replaced.

tjnptel1 · 03-08-2009, 10:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by shaddai

Welcome to HPFP hell.

it's not really that bad anymore.

It was hell before because they didn't have 'em in stock and cars had to be in shop ~ 30 days. Now it's just a matter of 1 - 2 work days.

acuratech · 03-08-2009, 10:34 AM

nobody beats mine i got my 08 335 on a thursday night went to tint it on friday and it didnt start after getting tinted let it sit for 2 hours started and went to dealer they had my car for a week and i had a hot 335i loaner no regrets beating the hell out of it, oh and i had 78 miles on my car when this all happened

tjnptel1 · 03-08-2009, 10:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by acuratech

nobody beats mine i got my 08 335 on a thursday night went to tint it on friday and it didnt start after getting tinted let it sit for 2 hours started and went to dealer they had my car for a week and i had a hot 335i loaner no regrets beating the hell out of it, oh and i had 78 miles on my car when this all happened

mine went in the shop for 30 days, while in the shop the loaner's HPFP went bad and ended up getting an X5 loaner.

hanmaas · 03-08-2009, 10:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RiversideE90

I just filled up yesterday using 91...about 3/4 a tank left.

You should NEVER use 91. Might be part of the reason why your pump is failing at this point in time.

Rando · 03-08-2009, 10:50 AM

Yup, my HPFP seems to be at the end of its life too... at 29,800 miles. (I thought I was safe, since my car happened to be built out of BMW's "recall" date ranges.)

Definitely feels like EVERY car is going to have this problem at some point...

One interesting observation though: the wastegate actuators were *just* replaced a week ago... and now the HPFP fails. Coincidence? Or are they related? The engine was definitely a little stonger and lag was a little lower after the fix, so maybe that puts more load on the HPFP? (Completely wild guess on that one.)

Also, yes... it all started with a few engine malfunctions here and there ("Engine malfunction... reduced power" -- but NO "Service Engine Soon" light. Restarting cleared the code and restored the engine. [This was weeks/months ago -- maybe 3 times total.]

Then the engine got weak after some longer (~1 hour) trips... just not pulling properly, definitely reduced torque and HP. Eventually the "Engine malfunction" message came also, but still no "Service Engine Soon" light. [This was a few days ago.]

Then long cranks started... and the dreaded "Service Engine Soon" light came -- sometimes there were harsh engine vibrations, almost like one cylinder was not firing correctly. Sounded like a very old car. I am hoping there is one start left in it to take it to the dealer! [This was yesterday.]

I hope this info helps people identify when their fuel pump is on a bad path...

RiversideE90 · 03-09-2009, 05:13 PM

Just a quick update on my car...

Took it into the dealer this morning...problem is apparently the fuel pump and some cylinder misfiring and they are still working on diagnosing fault codes.

And of course - I ask for a loaner car - "this dealer does not provide loaner cars."

Time to call BMW Corporate I think. This is a $50k car with less than 5k miles on it and now I am having to borrow cars from family members? seriously?

methodtim · 03-09-2009, 05:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RiversideE90

Just a quick update on my car...

Took it into the dealer this morning...problem is apparently the fuel pump and some cylinder misfiring and they are still working on diagnosing fault codes.

And of course - I ask for a loaner car - "this dealer does not provide loaner cars."

Time to call BMW Corporate I think. This is a $50k car with less than 5k miles on it and now I am having to borrow cars from family members? seriously?

That's outrageous, they should have at least provided you with a rental...

RiversideE90 · 03-09-2009, 05:31 PM

The dealer did offer to split the rental with me. But I do not feel I should have to be out any funds for this car - at this point.

Just called BMW Corporate...they said they can't force the dealer to give me a loaner, as the loaner car program is completely up to the dealers. This is crazy! Felt splitting the rental was reasonable, especially considering I did not buy the car there.

Guess I will see what tomorrow holds....luckily I have family close by that does not need a car beyond getting to and from work - so I get to play taxi in exchange for use of a car. Exactly why I spent $50k on a BMW!

audioMeth · 03-09-2009, 05:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hanmaas

You should NEVER use 91. Might be part of the reason why your pump is failing at this point in time.

cali doesn't have anything higher, well other then race gas.

shaddai · 03-09-2009, 06:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tjnptel1

it's not really that bad anymore.

It was hell before because they didn't have 'em in stock and cars had to be in shop ~ 30 days. Now it's just a matter of 1 - 2 work days.

So it's Purgatory then. It's still uncalled for, especially at this price point.

tctic · 03-09-2009, 09:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hanmaas

You should NEVER use 91. Might be part of the reason why your pump is failing at this point in time.

The US has a different rating for Octane. I believe 91 in US=98 in Europe.

03-07-2009, 03:16 PM	#1
RiversideE90 Enlisted Member 10 Rep 43 Posts Drives: 2009 e90 335i Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Irvine, CA iTrader: (0)	Warning Light - "Engine Malfunction - Reduced Power" - 2009 335i Sedan It is a nice saturday afternoon here in SoCal so I decided to wash my car. I wash it at my parents house who live about a mile away. I had just come back from the gym - car was fine. I get in to start the car again and I get "Engine Malfunction - Reduced Engine Power" warning. Turn the car off - start it again - warning goes away - car feels fine. Drive over to the parents, wash the car - everything seems good. Turn the car back on to go home and it takes it a second to turn on (cranking)...car starts...im about 1/2 way home and it gets SUPER shaky...light comes back on... Is this the fuel pump problem showing up in the 09s? Anyone else have this in an 09? I called the dealer and they of course cannot look at the car till Monday. So at the moment I am super pissed. I do however have a nice clean, $50k car with less than 5k miles on it to sit in the garage for the weekend. Great. Last edited by RiversideE90; 03-07-2009 at 04:01 PM..
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03-07-2009, 03:32 PM	#2
bsamoul Major General 165 Rep 7,433 Posts Drives: E90 325i Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Walnut Creek, California iTrader: (2)	It's the fuel pump. __________________ -Brian 2X 2006 BMW 325i [Electric Red & Mystic Blue] \| ZPP \| V1 \| Rear Fogs \| M3 Lip Spoiler \| EAS RemoteKey \| BMS Powerbox \| Projector90 Headlights w/ LED AE \| LED plate lights \| OEM Blacklines http://www.tech-shine.com
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03-07-2009, 03:38 PM	#3
methodtim Brigadier General 374 Rep 3,883 Posts Drives: Audi RS Q8 Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Darkness there, and nothing more iTrader: (0) Garage List 2021 Audi RS Q8 [0.00] 2021 BMW X3 M40i [0.00] 2017 Toyota Tacoma [0.00]	Aw crap, now I'm scared. I have an 09 335i with 4k miles on it sitting in the garage too. I was really hoping that the HPFP issue was resolved some way, some how. Please keep us posted with your progress. __________________
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03-07-2009, 04:08 PM	#4
RiversideE90 Enlisted Member 10 Rep 43 Posts Drives: 2009 e90 335i Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Irvine, CA iTrader: (0)	Car is going in Monday morning...I will keep the thread updated.
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03-07-2009, 04:12 PM	#5
kidcolton New Member 4 Rep 9 Posts Drives: 2016 M4 MG/SO DCMT Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: toronto ontario iTrader: (0)	my 09 335xi at 2800km started to shake and lose power on the hiway, couldnt get over 3000rpm in any gear. my kids were freaked out. i needed gas at the time, so we stopped at the next station. filled up, started the car, and it was fine, like nothing ever happened. none of the warning lights on the dash came on. its now 6 weeks later, and the car has about 4500km on it and the problem has never reoccurred. thought it was just a computer glitch that needed resetting. for you american guys, thata about 1750miles and 2800 miles. hope it is not the begginning of fuel pump problems.
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03-07-2009, 04:21 PM	#6
RiversideE90 Enlisted Member 10 Rep 43 Posts Drives: 2009 e90 335i Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Irvine, CA iTrader: (0)	I just filled up yesterday using 91...about 3/4 a tank left.
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03-07-2009, 07:01 PM	#7
shaddai former N54 owner 11 Rep 607 Posts Drives: 2008 Audi S4 DTM Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Bay Area, CA iTrader: (0) Garage List 2008 335i [0.00]	Welcome to HPFP hell. __________________ +lemon
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03-07-2009, 08:27 PM	#8
mrbrett Second Lieutenant 98 Rep 245 Posts Drives: 2022 M4 Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: SoCal iTrader: (0)	I had one replaced, it's not hell anymore, they changed mine out in a few hours. It sucks but it's not that bad. It's a known issue and the dealers stock the HPFP, so they should be able to fix it same day. Mine went bad at like 500 miles, so you got farther than me, lol.
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03-07-2009, 09:13 PM	#9
TTG ... 935 Rep 4,326 Posts Drives: M340 Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Seattle, WA iTrader: (3) Garage List 2011 BMW M3 [7.84] 2007 335 Coupe (ret ... [9.00]	Wow, it is still happening on the 09's as well. Please keep us posted. __________________ 2020 G20 M340 xDrive - Portimao Blue - ZDA\|ZPP\|ZPX\|1CR\|1PE\|6NW\|6WD 2016 F10 535i xDrive - AW - Retired 2011 E92 M3 - AW……………....ED April 29th, 2010 - Retired 2007 E92 335i -Space Gray.....ED Oct 19th, 2006 - Retired
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03-08-2009, 01:40 AM	#11
Dark_Sub_Rosa Captain 14 Rep 674 Posts Drives: Not sure Join Date: May 2008 Location: Nashville, TN iTrader: (0)	HPFP. Mine went out at 10k miles. Everybody has theirs replaced. __________________ R.I.P. Rolf..Ich vermisse dich
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03-08-2009, 10:34 AM	#13
acuratech Enlisted Member 4 Rep 36 Posts Drives: 08 335i 4dr Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: philadelphia iTrader: (1) Garage List 93 honda delsol [0.00] 08 335i sedan [0.00]	nobody beats mine i got my 08 335 on a thursday night went to tint it on friday and it didnt start after getting tinted let it sit for 2 hours started and went to dealer they had my car for a week and i had a hot 335i loaner no regrets beating the hell out of it, oh and i had 78 miles on my car when this all happened
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03-08-2009, 10:50 AM	#16
Rando Lieutenant 52 Rep 487 Posts Drives: BMW Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: CA iTrader: (0)	Yup, my HPFP seems to be at the end of its life too... at 29,800 miles. (I thought I was safe, since my car happened to be built out of BMW's "recall" date ranges.) Definitely feels like EVERY car is going to have this problem at some point... One interesting observation though: the wastegate actuators were just replaced a week ago... and now the HPFP fails. Coincidence? Or are they related? The engine was definitely a little stonger and lag was a little lower after the fix, so maybe that puts more load on the HPFP? (Completely wild guess on that one.) Also, yes... it all started with a few engine malfunctions here and there ("Engine malfunction... reduced power" -- but NO "Service Engine Soon" light. Restarting cleared the code and restored the engine. [This was weeks/months ago -- maybe 3 times total.] Then the engine got weak after some longer (~1 hour) trips... just not pulling properly, definitely reduced torque and HP. Eventually the "Engine malfunction" message came also, but still no "Service Engine Soon" light. [This was a few days ago.] Then long cranks started... and the dreaded "Service Engine Soon" light came -- sometimes there were harsh engine vibrations, almost like one cylinder was not firing correctly. Sounded like a very old car. I am hoping there is one start left in it to take it to the dealer! [This was yesterday.] I hope this info helps people identify when their fuel pump is on a bad path...
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03-09-2009, 05:13 PM	#17
RiversideE90 Enlisted Member 10 Rep 43 Posts Drives: 2009 e90 335i Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Irvine, CA iTrader: (0)	Just a quick update on my car... Took it into the dealer this morning...problem is apparently the fuel pump and some cylinder misfiring and they are still working on diagnosing fault codes. And of course - I ask for a loaner car - "this dealer does not provide loaner cars." Time to call BMW Corporate I think. This is a $50k car with less than 5k miles on it and now I am having to borrow cars from family members? seriously?
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03-09-2009, 05:31 PM	#19
RiversideE90 Enlisted Member 10 Rep 43 Posts Drives: 2009 e90 335i Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Irvine, CA iTrader: (0)	The dealer did offer to split the rental with me. But I do not feel I should have to be out any funds for this car - at this point. Just called BMW Corporate...they said they can't force the dealer to give me a loaner, as the loaner car program is completely up to the dealers. This is crazy! Felt splitting the rental was reasonable, especially considering I did not buy the car there. Guess I will see what tomorrow holds....luckily I have family close by that does not need a car beyond getting to and from work - so I get to play taxi in exchange for use of a car. Exactly why I spent $50k on a BMW!
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