Headers installed. Rough idle and engine vibration. How long?

Nafy · 03-29-2018, 07:07 PM

I had the headers installed at reputable bmw shop two days ago and applied the BPC tune yesterday.

Right after the headers install, I noticed the rough idle (jumping between 500-900rpms) and the engine vibration is pretty scary. It stays the same after the bpc tune.

I searched the forum and understand that it is going to take time for the car to adapt. How long would it take though? Can someone with aftermarket headers installed share your opinion?

I sometimes wonder if the shop had mixed up O2 sensors order or damaged the sensors.

Many thanks!

Eins Suchtig · 03-29-2018, 07:40 PM

On mine it felt strange for about 100 miles....

Biginboca · 03-29-2018, 08:01 PM

Mine was like that. Rough idle after tune took maybe 30 miles driving and it was very smooth after that.

Nafy · 03-29-2018, 08:41 PM

100miles and 30miles? Any others? Fast and slow learner haha. Is it all random? Or depends on the driving?

rick100 · 03-29-2018, 08:47 PM

did they reset the adaptations by any chance

honestly mine did not take even a day to feel right. I think within the first 30 miles there was hesitation once, after that it was fine

I m only talking about erratic idle and hesitation, it took longer to feel the power , lucky enough I had a long trip 2 days later

Nafy · 03-29-2018, 08:58 PM

I dont think the shop did. Is it important to reset adaptation?

My car has been having consisent eratic idle for the last 30miles

W37V · 03-29-2018, 09:29 PM

Rough idle might be present up to 400 miles or about a tank of fuel. However, it will significantly improve after about 100 miles.

3002 tii · 03-29-2018, 09:40 PM

Any misfires? Did u pull codes? Wonder if they swapped o2’s by accident.

Nafy · 03-29-2018, 10:31 PM

W37V, 100miles.. i m only half way.. cant wait to get there

3002tii, dont know how misfires feel like.. i ll pull code from my Carly when i get time

3002 tii · 03-29-2018, 10:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nafy

W37V, 100miles.. i m only half way.. cant wait to get there

3002tii, dont know how misfires feel like.. i ll pull code from my Carly when i get time

Pretty much this...

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nafy

Right after the headers install, I noticed the rough idle (jumping between 500-900rpms) and the engine vibration is pretty scary. It stays the same after the bpc tune.

6ixSpd · 03-30-2018, 12:40 AM

Swapped O2 sensors could also do this. If this problem persist, check that they're connected to their right spots/banks.

Nafy · 03-30-2018, 01:37 AM

Did a diagnosis with Carly and got the following codes:

29e1 - mixture control 2
29e0 - mixture control
29cd - misfiring, cylinder 1
29ce - misfiring, cylinder 2
29cc - misfiring, several cylinders

Will they go away?
Or should I get the shop to check my car?

W37V · 03-30-2018, 08:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nafy

W37V, 100miles.. i m only half way.. cant wait to get there

3002tii, dont know how misfires feel like.. i ll pull code from my Carly when i get time

Btw. when I first time I flashed my car, car had to "learn" how to idle separately depending if AC was on or off. So, don't be alerted if you experience erratic idle when you turn on/off your AC.

W37V · 03-30-2018, 08:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nafy

Did a diagnosis with Carly and got the following codes:

29e1 - mixture control 2
29e0 - mixture control
29cd - misfiring, cylinder 1
29ce - misfiring, cylinder 2
29cc - misfiring, several cylinders

Will they go away?
Or should I get the shop to check my car?

Did you clear all the codes after the tune install? (you should've).

What's the mileage on your car and did you change your plugs yet? Per BMW they are supposed to last about 100k, but I would change them after 50k miles. If you haven't changed them yet, do it. You get back few lost hp.

Eins Suchtig · 03-30-2018, 06:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Biginboca

Mine was like that. Rough idle after tune took maybe 30 miles driving and it was very smooth after that.

I didn't reset adaptations. After about 100 miles (gradual change) the car felt perfect. Strong as hell!

Eagle1oh7 · 03-30-2018, 09:56 PM

Keep in mind that the tune needs time to adjust and that your brand new headers still have all the factory junk that has to burn off.

Nafy · 03-30-2018, 10:37 PM

Thanks guys. There is a significant improvment today. Idle has calmed quite a bit, still some minor fluctuations. Hopefully it will be back to normal soon. Seems like the install was done correctly!

PORTMOODY · 04-04-2018, 11:50 PM

I don't recall this happening and i've installed headers a couple times on my previous e90 n52. Keep checking codes. This shouldn't persist. Either there is an issue with the tune or the install if it keeps up.

Delusive · 04-07-2018, 03:23 AM

If problem persists there can be a chance they mixed the O2 sensors, I made notes on which sensors went on what bank/header since I switched my headers out a lot for smog reasons. Also it's impossible to mix the pre and post cat O2 sensors on each headers since the pre-cat ones can only go so far when using the original wire routing.

Bank 1 - Front Header (closest to front of engine when facing front of car)
Both O2 Sensor sleeves should be black

Bank 2 - Rear Header (closest to firewall when facing front of car)
Both O2 sensor sleeves should be gray

Nafy · 04-09-2018, 02:01 PM

I am still having an idle issue. Took the car back to the shop and they said all the O2 sensors are wired correctly. They said the O2 sensors are responding slowly because the O2 the sensor locations are farther away from the engine on the Supersprint than the OEM. They said they got the most experience mechanic to check them and nothing can be done.

I am currently getting codes 002C39 and 002C3A.

I will double check the wiring myself in the next few weeks. Don’t know if I can trust the shop or the mechanic.

So for you guys with AA or SS headers installed correctly, no idle issue at all right?

justpete · 04-09-2018, 03:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nafy

I am still having an idle issue. Took the car back to the shop and they said all the O2 sensors are wired correctly. They said the O2 sensors are responding slowly because the O2 the sensor locations are farther away from the engine on the Supersprint than the OEM. They said they got the most experience mechanic to check them and nothing can be done.

I am currently getting codes 002C39 and 002C3A.

I will double check the wiring myself in the next few weeks. Don’t know if I can trust the shop or the mechanic.

So for you guys with AA or SS headers installed correctly, no idle issue at all right?

Nope, none over 20K miles other than the occasional bump and settle around idle. Otherwise no issues.

Noir · 04-09-2018, 03:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nafy

I am still having an idle issue. Took the car back to the shop and they said all the O2 sensors are wired correctly. They said the O2 sensors are responding slowly because the O2 the sensor locations are farther away from the engine on the Supersprint than the OEM. They said they got the most experience mechanic to check them and nothing can be done.

I am currently getting codes 002C39 and 002C3A.

I will double check the wiring myself in the next few weeks. Don't know if I can trust the shop or the mechanic.

So for you guys with AA or SS headers installed correctly, no idle issue at all right?

I think with AA's tune, my idle was pretty ruff.
Got BPC's and it definitely settled alot but I still have those suuuper tiny fluctuations visible on the cluster. I cant tell what it is, but as far as driving goes, it doesnt give me problems, so Im kinda ignoring it..

03-29-2018, 07:07 PM	#1
Nafy Lieutenant 49 Rep 431 Posts Drives: 11 328i sedan Join Date: Feb 2013 Location: Vancouver, BC iTrader: (0)	Headers installed. Rough idle and engine vibration. How long? I had the headers installed at reputable bmw shop two days ago and applied the BPC tune yesterday. Right after the headers install, I noticed the rough idle (jumping between 500-900rpms) and the engine vibration is pretty scary. It stays the same after the bpc tune. I searched the forum and understand that it is going to take time for the car to adapt. How long would it take though? Can someone with aftermarket headers installed share your opinion? I sometimes wonder if the shop had mixed up O2 sensors order or damaged the sensors. Many thanks! __________________ 328i E90 LCI, 6MT, CDV Del, Msport front, Z4M heated steering, ZHP knob, PSS, XIce3, Bellof led angel & fogs, Ohlins R&T, front swift, Alcon front bbk, Ferodo DS3000, Awron gauge, M3 driver seat, HRE FF15s, M3 Mirrors, coated SS headers, BPC tune, m3 f arms NA Inline 6, RWD, 6-speed manual, Hydraulic Steering, 4 door sedan! No lsd tho... Last edited by Nafy; 03-29-2018 at 08:39 PM..
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03-29-2018, 07:40 PM	#2
Eins Suchtig Private First Class 61 Rep 164 Posts Drives: 2011 SGM 128i MSport Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Puerto Rico iTrader: (3)	On mine it felt strange for about 100 miles....
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03-29-2018, 08:01 PM	#3
Biginboca Colonel 3764 Rep 2,738 Posts Drives: 2009 E92 328i 6MT Join Date: Jun 2017 Location: Boynton Beach, FL... USA iTrader: (3)	Mine was like that. Rough idle after tune took maybe 30 miles driving and it was very smooth after that.
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03-29-2018, 08:41 PM	#4
Nafy Lieutenant 49 Rep 431 Posts Drives: 11 328i sedan Join Date: Feb 2013 Location: Vancouver, BC iTrader: (0)	100miles and 30miles? Any others? Fast and slow learner haha. Is it all random? Or depends on the driving?
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03-29-2018, 08:47 PM	#5
rick100 Colonel 551 Rep 2,293 Posts Drives: 328 Join Date: Oct 2013 Location: canada iTrader: (0)	did they reset the adaptations by any chance honestly mine did not take even a day to feel right. I think within the first 30 miles there was hesitation once, after that it was fine I m only talking about erratic idle and hesitation, it took longer to feel the power , lucky enough I had a long trip 2 days later
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03-29-2018, 08:58 PM	#6
Nafy Lieutenant 49 Rep 431 Posts Drives: 11 328i sedan Join Date: Feb 2013 Location: Vancouver, BC iTrader: (0)	I dont think the shop did. Is it important to reset adaptation? My car has been having consisent eratic idle for the last 30miles
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03-29-2018, 09:29 PM	#7
W37V [Oo=\|\|=oO] 1103 Rep 2,470 Posts Drives: e92n52 & f15n57 Join Date: Aug 2014 Location: DMV iTrader: (0)	Rough idle might be present up to 400 miles or about a tank of fuel. However, it will significantly improve after about 100 miles.
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03-29-2018, 09:40 PM	#8
3002 tii Lieutenant General 2283 Rep 12,565 Posts Drives: Z4 M, X5, GX460 Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: CT iTrader: (99) Garage List F15 X5 xDrive35i [8.75] E86 Z4 M [10.00] F10 550i (Retired) [9.17] F25 X3 xDrive35i (R ... [9.43] E82 135is (Retired) [9.50] E85 Z4 M (Retired) [9.41] E90 328i xDrive (Re ... [9.25] E86 Z4 3.0si (Retired) [9.24]	Any misfires? Did u pull codes? Wonder if they swapped o2’s by accident. __________________ Follow for latest mods
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03-29-2018, 10:31 PM	#9
Nafy Lieutenant 49 Rep 431 Posts Drives: 11 328i sedan Join Date: Feb 2013 Location: Vancouver, BC iTrader: (0)	W37V, 100miles.. i m only half way.. cant wait to get there 3002tii, dont know how misfires feel like.. i ll pull code from my Carly when i get time
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03-30-2018, 12:40 AM	#11
6ixSpd Save the manuals! 6015 Rep 6,746 Posts Drives: '16 M3, '23 718 Spyder Join Date: Feb 2016 Location: 416 iTrader: (4)	Swapped O2 sensors could also do this. If this problem persist, check that they're connected to their right spots/banks. __________________ '16 M3 \| '23 718 Spyder Past: E92 M3, F87 M2, E39 M5, etc
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03-30-2018, 01:37 AM	#12
Nafy Lieutenant 49 Rep 431 Posts Drives: 11 328i sedan Join Date: Feb 2013 Location: Vancouver, BC iTrader: (0)	Did a diagnosis with Carly and got the following codes: 29e1 - mixture control 2 29e0 - mixture control 29cd - misfiring, cylinder 1 29ce - misfiring, cylinder 2 29cc - misfiring, several cylinders Will they go away? Or should I get the shop to check my car?
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03-30-2018, 09:56 PM	#16
Eagle1oh7 Lieutenant Colonel 287 Rep 1,710 Posts Drives: '11 328i Sedan Join Date: Oct 2012 Location: Chula Vista CA iTrader: (0)	Keep in mind that the tune needs time to adjust and that your brand new headers still have all the factory junk that has to burn off. __________________ DONE: Seibon CF Hood, M3 Rep, MSport rear w/DD CF Diffuser, M3 Rep Skirts, Seibon CSL trunklid, Forgestar F14 18s w/Michelin PSS, Eisenmann catback, AA Headers, BPC Stage 2, Charcoal Delete+revMotor+AFE Drop In filter FUTURE MODS: LED headlights, CF rooftop, M3 Suspension Conversion, Dinan CAI Mod
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03-30-2018, 10:37 PM	#17
Nafy Lieutenant 49 Rep 431 Posts Drives: 11 328i sedan Join Date: Feb 2013 Location: Vancouver, BC iTrader: (0)	Thanks guys. There is a significant improvment today. Idle has calmed quite a bit, still some minor fluctuations. Hopefully it will be back to normal soon. Seems like the install was done correctly!
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04-04-2018, 11:50 PM	#18
PORTMOODY Captain 141 Rep 635 Posts Drives: Coal Roller Join Date: Mar 2014 Location: Vancouver, BC iTrader: (1)	I don't recall this happening and i've installed headers a couple times on my previous e90 n52. Keep checking codes. This shouldn't persist. Either there is an issue with the tune or the install if it keeps up.
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04-07-2018, 03:23 AM	#19
Delusive Lieutenant Colonel 136 Rep 1,598 Posts Drives: Bagged E92 Join Date: May 2012 Location: Bay Area, CA iTrader: (9)	If problem persists there can be a chance they mixed the O2 sensors, I made notes on which sensors went on what bank/header since I switched my headers out a lot for smog reasons. Also it's impossible to mix the pre and post cat O2 sensors on each headers since the pre-cat ones can only go so far when using the original wire routing. Bank 1 - Front Header (closest to front of engine when facing front of car) Both O2 Sensor sleeves should be black Bank 2 - Rear Header (closest to firewall when facing front of car) Both O2 sensor sleeves should be gray __________________ Instagram Youtube
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04-09-2018, 02:01 PM	#20
Nafy Lieutenant 49 Rep 431 Posts Drives: 11 328i sedan Join Date: Feb 2013 Location: Vancouver, BC iTrader: (0)	I am still having an idle issue. Took the car back to the shop and they said all the O2 sensors are wired correctly. They said the O2 sensors are responding slowly because the O2 the sensor locations are farther away from the engine on the Supersprint than the OEM. They said they got the most experience mechanic to check them and nothing can be done. I am currently getting codes 002C39 and 002C3A. I will double check the wiring myself in the next few weeks. Don’t know if I can trust the shop or the mechanic. So for you guys with AA or SS headers installed correctly, no idle issue at all right?
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