anyone ever have a fix for the infamous N51 rough idle?

hongsc · 10-15-2014, 02:12 PM

Got a a call this morning as the other poster mentioned, they diagnosed it as Eccentric Shaft Sensor. Was told it might be ready this afternoon.

The cause of rough idle according to the invoice was collapsed rubber engine mounts. Also had my VANOS Solenoids replaced.

Jkegarch · 10-19-2014, 07:01 PM

Check out this video
I had the exact symptom shown here. Would stumble and almost stall when stopped at a light, etc. Dealer replaced the vanos solenoids after I showed the head tech. this video. Been perfect ever since.

bNks334 · 11-12-2014, 01:38 PM

I just recently switched from 93 to 89 octane for the winter, and I noticed that the car doesn't stumble on cold starts like it did. Over the past 3 weeks it has only done it once. It was very mild compared to the head jerking that went on previously.

Lots of people claim their stumble issue went away after a tune. Maybe the stock tune is at fault? Or, maybe it was just coincidence? either way I will be bringing the issue up with my SA in December.

1QuikWS6 · 11-12-2014, 02:45 PM

My 09' N51 does the same thing now that it has turned cold. Happens only when engine is cold and 1st couple miles, then goes away.

My car has a tune and 40k miles

Car runs fine in warm temps so I'm thinking this is more of a mechanical issue vs. A software issue.

I haven't had a chance to take it in yet since it just started happening

moonsin · 11-15-2014, 10:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by paulm3251

Might be eccentric shaft sensor....just had mine done similar symptoms and it fixed the problem. At red lights I would have idle surging felt like it was going to stall. Checked the eccentric shaft sensor and now it runs fine no problems with idle or surging.

+1....my rough idle went away after I changed my eccentric shaft sensor around 60k 2 years ago...no issues since replacement (20k miles since)

Lowly328 · 12-04-2014, 09:28 AM

New battery cured my cold rough idle issue.

GreaseJunkie · 12-11-2014, 03:51 PM

Eccentric shaft sensor

1QuikWS6 · 12-11-2014, 04:01 PM

Finally took my car in to dealer for same problem. They stated there is a TSB for this that involves installing new software to car to first try and solve the problem.

My car has tons of coding done and it would be a shit storm if they install software and overwrite my coding, so I didn't allow it.

My question to them was how would updated software fix the problem when the car ran fine on the original software for 45k miles till just recently?

I have no codes being thrown, but have the surging idle.

They did clean the Vanos solenoids for me and said if that doesn't fix the problem, they will go from there...

GreaseJunkie · 12-11-2014, 04:12 PM

Updating the DME shouldn't have any effect on your coding since most of it is done in the FRM and other lesser modules

1QuikWS6 · 12-11-2014, 04:23 PM

Car is tuned also so wouldn't tune be erased?

My Kombi module is majorly coded to accept my //M gauge cluster retrofit, FRM also for all exterior LED lights and HID fogs.

Yes, I could code that all back in, but I don't want to, nor do I want to deal with all the error codes till I get a chance to.

My contention was that this is a mechanical issue, not software related since car ran fine for 45k miles on the original software.

GreaseJunkie · 12-11-2014, 04:30 PM

Have you contacted the tuner to see of you could get a re flash at a discount? Assuming the update fixes you problem.

bNks334 · 12-15-2014, 11:09 AM

so many varying takes on this...

I had been running 89/91 for about a month without a single issue. There was noticeable power loss and slightly lower fuel econ, but with the weather so cold I didn't see the need to run 93.

I switched back to 93 since gas has dropped in price so much. The rpm stutter came back within 1 fill. It is persistent on a daily basis again on cold starts. Makes sitting in traffic a little annoying when your car bucks as you roll to stop behind someone.

I don't think any of the posted suggestions would help in my situation. I am tempted to try a 93 octane tune.

1QuikWS6 · 12-15-2014, 11:13 AM

Update on my car

45k miles
N51

I have a 93 octane specific tune, run 93 all year round & still had the problem once temps dropped only 1st thing in morning when car was cold.

Dealer just removed/cleaned both Vanos solenoids late last week & the problem is gone (at least that worked in my case)

markus037 · 12-15-2014, 07:42 PM

did that improve the way acceleration feels when the enigne is cold?

1QuikWS6 · 12-16-2014, 03:37 PM

Never had a complaint as to how the car performs when cold vs warm.

Only the surging idle that started just recently that would occur during 1st 15min of driving.

After Vanos cleaning I really don't notice any great difference in cold driving (maybe a leetle snappier on the throttle), but it did cure the idle surge for the time being at least...

compdr59 · 12-25-2014, 02:09 PM

Mine was fixed with a software update for the DME issue. Most of my coding a settings were lost. I just traded for another 2011 and it also has an idle issue. Service appointment pending in Jan.

bNks334 · 12-26-2014, 03:53 PM

I mentioned my issue to my SA and he had the Tech come down and look at the car. The tech mentioned the software update to me.

I just call letting me know that they did apply a software update to my 2013 128i (N51). I am hoping it helps!

xxxjecxxx · 12-28-2014, 10:03 PM

I had rough idle when cold. After sitting for a few hours.. turn on the car and it would sound like misfire. I'm at 144k

Just replaced my alternator and no more rough idle.

The way to test the alternator.. Remove the belt from it. Stick a screw driver inside the alternator to stop it from spinning. Then try to turn the pulley. It should work like a ratchet and only turn to one side. If it's locked then you need a new alternator.

I found that advise on a pelican parts website.

bNks334 · 12-30-2014, 04:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bNks334

I mentioned my issue to my SA and he had the Tech come down and look at the car. The tech mentioned the software update to me.

I just call letting me know that they did apply a software update to my 2013 128i (N51). I am hoping it helps!

Car hasn't hesitated since the software update. Does anyone have the SIB notes for what they actually changed with this update? The car feels smoother all around. As others have mentioned, the rpms settle faster on cold starts and teh exhaust note is toned down a bit.

compdr59 · 01-30-2015, 09:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bNks334

Car hasn't hesitated since the software update. Does anyone have the SIB notes for what they actually changed with this update? The car feels smoother all around. As others have mentioned, the rpms settle faster on cold starts and teh exhaust note is toned down a bit.

The only note is SIB 12 21 12 on my service ticket.

10-15-2014, 02:12 PM	#23
hongsc Captain 153 Rep 982 Posts Drives: 2011 BMW 328i Join Date: Jul 2013 Location: Amazon Prime iTrader: (1)	Got a a call this morning as the other poster mentioned, they diagnosed it as Eccentric Shaft Sensor. Was told it might be ready this afternoon. The cause of rough idle according to the invoice was collapsed rubber engine mounts. Also had my VANOS Solenoids replaced. Last edited by hongsc; 10-17-2014 at 01:47 AM..
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10-19-2014, 07:01 PM	#24
Jkegarch Registered 0 Rep 3 Posts Drives: 2011 328i xdrive Join Date: Jan 2014 Location: Ct iTrader: (0)	Check out this video I had the exact symptom shown here. Would stumble and almost stall when stopped at a light, etc. Dealer replaced the vanos solenoids after I showed the head tech. this video. Been perfect ever since.
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11-12-2014, 01:38 PM	#25
bNks334 Major 427 Rep 957 Posts Drives: '11 135i (N55) Join Date: May 2014 Location: New York iTrader: (1)	I just recently switched from 93 to 89 octane for the winter, and I noticed that the car doesn't stumble on cold starts like it did. Over the past 3 weeks it has only done it once. It was very mild compared to the head jerking that went on previously. Lots of people claim their stumble issue went away after a tune. Maybe the stock tune is at fault? Or, maybe it was just coincidence? either way I will be bringing the issue up with my SA in December.
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11-12-2014, 02:45 PM	#26
1QuikWS6 No 55mph 1622 Rep 8,476 Posts Drives: F32 435ix MSport Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Blitzburgh, PA iTrader: (113) Garage List 2022 BMW M440ix Vert [0.00] 2015 BMW 435ix MSport [0.00] 2000 Pontiac Trans Am [0.00]	My 09' N51 does the same thing now that it has turned cold. Happens only when engine is cold and 1st couple miles, then goes away. My car has a tune and 40k miles Car runs fine in warm temps so I'm thinking this is more of a mechanical issue vs. A software issue. I haven't had a chance to take it in yet since it just started happening __________________ F32 435ix//MGM//M Sport-Prem-Tech-Driver Assist-Lighting-Cold Weather-Dyn Handling Pkgs//M4 Black Lthr Int w/M4 Alum Blade Trim//HK w/Bavsound Stg3//763M//M4 Euro LCI Tails//M4 Mirrors w/CF Covers//AWCarbon CF F/R Spoilers-Side Splitters-Diffuser 6WB/ID6 HU+HUD/IND M4 Alcantara Armrest//PURE S2 Turbo//AA FMIC+DP//ER CP+TIC//3.5bar TMAP/TS DV//AWE Tuning Exh w/Blk Tips//Turner MS CF Intake//BM3 Cary Jordan Tune//MPerf Diff//PrecRW Ignition Kit
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12-04-2014, 09:28 AM	#28
Lowly328 New Member 4 Rep 22 Posts Drives: 2009 328i xdrive Join Date: Sep 2014 Location: Winchester, KY iTrader: (0)	New battery cured my cold rough idle issue.
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12-11-2014, 03:51 PM	#29
GreaseJunkie First Lieutenant 17 Rep 328 Posts Drives: 2006 E90 330i Black Sapphire Join Date: Apr 2014 Location: Virginia iTrader: (0)	Eccentric shaft sensor
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12-11-2014, 04:01 PM	#30
1QuikWS6 No 55mph 1622 Rep 8,476 Posts Drives: F32 435ix MSport Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Blitzburgh, PA iTrader: (113) Garage List 2022 BMW M440ix Vert [0.00] 2015 BMW 435ix MSport [0.00] 2000 Pontiac Trans Am [0.00]	Finally took my car in to dealer for same problem. They stated there is a TSB for this that involves installing new software to car to first try and solve the problem. My car has tons of coding done and it would be a shit storm if they install software and overwrite my coding, so I didn't allow it. My question to them was how would updated software fix the problem when the car ran fine on the original software for 45k miles till just recently? I have no codes being thrown, but have the surging idle. They did clean the Vanos solenoids for me and said if that doesn't fix the problem, they will go from there... __________________ F32 435ix//MGM//M Sport-Prem-Tech-Driver Assist-Lighting-Cold Weather-Dyn Handling Pkgs//M4 Black Lthr Int w/M4 Alum Blade Trim//HK w/Bavsound Stg3//763M//M4 Euro LCI Tails//M4 Mirrors w/CF Covers//AWCarbon CF F/R Spoilers-Side Splitters-Diffuser 6WB/ID6 HU+HUD/IND M4 Alcantara Armrest//PURE S2 Turbo//AA FMIC+DP//ER CP+TIC//3.5bar TMAP/TS DV//AWE Tuning Exh w/Blk Tips//Turner MS CF Intake//BM3 Cary Jordan Tune//MPerf Diff//PrecRW Ignition Kit
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12-11-2014, 04:12 PM	#31
GreaseJunkie First Lieutenant 17 Rep 328 Posts Drives: 2006 E90 330i Black Sapphire Join Date: Apr 2014 Location: Virginia iTrader: (0)	Updating the DME shouldn't have any effect on your coding since most of it is done in the FRM and other lesser modules
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12-11-2014, 04:23 PM	#32
1QuikWS6 No 55mph 1622 Rep 8,476 Posts Drives: F32 435ix MSport Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Blitzburgh, PA iTrader: (113) Garage List 2022 BMW M440ix Vert [0.00] 2015 BMW 435ix MSport [0.00] 2000 Pontiac Trans Am [0.00]	Car is tuned also so wouldn't tune be erased? My Kombi module is majorly coded to accept my //M gauge cluster retrofit, FRM also for all exterior LED lights and HID fogs. Yes, I could code that all back in, but I don't want to, nor do I want to deal with all the error codes till I get a chance to. My contention was that this is a mechanical issue, not software related since car ran fine for 45k miles on the original software. __________________ F32 435ix//MGM//M Sport-Prem-Tech-Driver Assist-Lighting-Cold Weather-Dyn Handling Pkgs//M4 Black Lthr Int w/M4 Alum Blade Trim//HK w/Bavsound Stg3//763M//M4 Euro LCI Tails//M4 Mirrors w/CF Covers//AWCarbon CF F/R Spoilers-Side Splitters-Diffuser 6WB/ID6 HU+HUD/IND M4 Alcantara Armrest//PURE S2 Turbo//AA FMIC+DP//ER CP+TIC//3.5bar TMAP/TS DV//AWE Tuning Exh w/Blk Tips//Turner MS CF Intake//BM3 Cary Jordan Tune//MPerf Diff//PrecRW Ignition Kit Last edited by 1QuikWS6; 12-11-2014 at 04:41 PM..
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12-11-2014, 04:30 PM	#33
GreaseJunkie First Lieutenant 17 Rep 328 Posts Drives: 2006 E90 330i Black Sapphire Join Date: Apr 2014 Location: Virginia iTrader: (0)	Have you contacted the tuner to see of you could get a re flash at a discount? Assuming the update fixes you problem.
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12-15-2014, 11:09 AM	#34
bNks334 Major 427 Rep 957 Posts Drives: '11 135i (N55) Join Date: May 2014 Location: New York iTrader: (1)	so many varying takes on this... I had been running 89/91 for about a month without a single issue. There was noticeable power loss and slightly lower fuel econ, but with the weather so cold I didn't see the need to run 93. I switched back to 93 since gas has dropped in price so much. The rpm stutter came back within 1 fill. It is persistent on a daily basis again on cold starts. Makes sitting in traffic a little annoying when your car bucks as you roll to stop behind someone. I don't think any of the posted suggestions would help in my situation. I am tempted to try a 93 octane tune.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

12-15-2014, 11:13 AM	#35
1QuikWS6 No 55mph 1622 Rep 8,476 Posts Drives: F32 435ix MSport Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Blitzburgh, PA iTrader: (113) Garage List 2022 BMW M440ix Vert [0.00] 2015 BMW 435ix MSport [0.00] 2000 Pontiac Trans Am [0.00]	Update on my car 45k miles N51 I have a 93 octane specific tune, run 93 all year round & still had the problem once temps dropped only 1st thing in morning when car was cold. Dealer just removed/cleaned both Vanos solenoids late last week & the problem is gone (at least that worked in my case) __________________ F32 435ix//MGM//M Sport-Prem-Tech-Driver Assist-Lighting-Cold Weather-Dyn Handling Pkgs//M4 Black Lthr Int w/M4 Alum Blade Trim//HK w/Bavsound Stg3//763M//M4 Euro LCI Tails//M4 Mirrors w/CF Covers//AWCarbon CF F/R Spoilers-Side Splitters-Diffuser 6WB/ID6 HU+HUD/IND M4 Alcantara Armrest//PURE S2 Turbo//AA FMIC+DP//ER CP+TIC//3.5bar TMAP/TS DV//AWE Tuning Exh w/Blk Tips//Turner MS CF Intake//BM3 Cary Jordan Tune//MPerf Diff//PrecRW Ignition Kit
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12-15-2014, 07:42 PM	#36
markus037 Lieutenant 74 Rep 417 Posts Drives: Alpine White 2010 328Xi Join Date: Jan 2014 Location: Pottstown, PA iTrader: (0)	did that improve the way acceleration feels when the enigne is cold? __________________ ASE Master Certified PA Safety and Emissions inspector
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12-16-2014, 03:37 PM	#37
1QuikWS6 No 55mph 1622 Rep 8,476 Posts Drives: F32 435ix MSport Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Blitzburgh, PA iTrader: (113) Garage List 2022 BMW M440ix Vert [0.00] 2015 BMW 435ix MSport [0.00] 2000 Pontiac Trans Am [0.00]	Never had a complaint as to how the car performs when cold vs warm. Only the surging idle that started just recently that would occur during 1st 15min of driving. After Vanos cleaning I really don't notice any great difference in cold driving (maybe a leetle snappier on the throttle), but it did cure the idle surge for the time being at least... __________________ F32 435ix//MGM//M Sport-Prem-Tech-Driver Assist-Lighting-Cold Weather-Dyn Handling Pkgs//M4 Black Lthr Int w/M4 Alum Blade Trim//HK w/Bavsound Stg3//763M//M4 Euro LCI Tails//M4 Mirrors w/CF Covers//AWCarbon CF F/R Spoilers-Side Splitters-Diffuser 6WB/ID6 HU+HUD/IND M4 Alcantara Armrest//PURE S2 Turbo//AA FMIC+DP//ER CP+TIC//3.5bar TMAP/TS DV//AWE Tuning Exh w/Blk Tips//Turner MS CF Intake//BM3 Cary Jordan Tune//MPerf Diff//PrecRW Ignition Kit
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12-25-2014, 02:09 PM	#38
compdr59 Private 3 Rep 71 Posts Drives: 2018 430i xDrive Convertible Join Date: Sep 2013 Location: Long Island, NY iTrader: (0)	Mine was fixed with a software update for the DME issue. Most of my coding a settings were lost. I just traded for another 2011 and it also has an idle issue. Service appointment pending in Jan.
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12-26-2014, 03:53 PM	#39
bNks334 Major 427 Rep 957 Posts Drives: '11 135i (N55) Join Date: May 2014 Location: New York iTrader: (1)	I mentioned my issue to my SA and he had the Tech come down and look at the car. The tech mentioned the software update to me. I just call letting me know that they did apply a software update to my 2013 128i (N51). I am hoping it helps!
	Appreciate 0 Quote

12-28-2014, 10:03 PM	#40
xxxjecxxx Banned 247 Rep 966 Posts Drives: F30 335i M sport Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Orlando, FL iTrader: (1) Garage List 2013 BMW 335i [0.00] 2006 BMW 325i [0.00]	I had rough idle when cold. After sitting for a few hours.. turn on the car and it would sound like misfire. I'm at 144k Just replaced my alternator and no more rough idle. The way to test the alternator.. Remove the belt from it. Stick a screw driver inside the alternator to stop it from spinning. Then try to turn the pulley. It should work like a ratchet and only turn to one side. If it's locked then you need a new alternator. I found that advise on a pelican parts website.
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