DEF low only 200km to go

andrewb_1985 · 07-18-2017, 07:28 PM

Hello, everyone. First off I have been a diesel owner for 15 years but this is my first BMW and first "modern" diesel with all the fancy (and expensive) emissions components.

I searched this forum and others and have read lots of threads of people with scr problems and spending big money on repairs, but no real how to's or diy fixes. So here is my problem. Any help would be appreciated

about 500km after I bought my 335d the check control low level countdown came on at 1600km remaining. I went and bought a jug of def (9.4L) and filled the system. Only the lower of the 2 ports took any fluid. I believe that is the passive tank. Now after maybe 200km the low level countdown came on again but this time started at only 300km.

My research so far points to the active tank level sensor but I am wondering if the tank needs flushing or perhaps there is an issue why the active tank didnt take any fluid?

335stoner · 07-19-2017, 06:28 AM

http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1388785

they extended the warranty on the SCR tank

335dFan · 07-19-2017, 07:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by andrewb_1985

Hello, everyone. First off I have been a diesel owner for 15 years but this is my first BMW and first "modern" diesel with all the fancy (and expensive) emissions components.

I searched this forum and others and have read lots of threads of people with scr problems and spending big money on repairs, but no real how to's or diy fixes. So here is my problem. Any help would be appreciated

about 500km after I bought my 335d the check control low level countdown came on at 1600km remaining. I went and bought a jug of def (9.4L) and filled the system. Only the lower of the 2 ports took any fluid. I believe that is the passive tank. Now after maybe 200km the low level countdown came on again but this time started at only 300km.

My research so far points to the active tank level sensor but I am wondering if the tank needs flushing or perhaps there is an issue why the active tank didnt take any fluid?

Here is a diagram of the ports. The top fill point is the passive tank; the lower one is the active tank. The passive tank holds 12.7 liters; the active 7.4 liters. The one and only time I restocked mine I put 1/2 gallon in the active tank, but if I were trying to completely top it up I would probably fill both of them. Having said that, I have never needed to do that, so it is uncharted territory for me.

The SCR system is known to get "gummed" up, so it is possible that the passive tank could not transfer its load to the active tank.

andrewb_1985 · 07-19-2017, 07:28 PM

Thanks, I realized which port was which when I removed the def tank. Wasn't a difficult job. However after flushing with distilled water and refilling def, still counting down to no start. I've got an appointment for diagnostic on Friday. Will post back with results after that.

If it is a bad sensor has anyone done any repair or diy replacement for it?. Dealer wants $2500 parts only for a new tank. ...starting to miss my vdub already...

Owen81 · 07-19-2017, 09:34 PM

Did they extend the warranty on these in Canada or just the US?

You can get a VW part to replace the sensor instead of doing the whole tank. Check out this thread:

http://www.e90post.com/forums/showth...t=level+sensor

andrewb_1985 · 07-19-2017, 10:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Owen81

Did they extend the warranty on these in Canada or just the US?

You can get a VW part to replace the sensor instead of doing the whole tank. Check out this thread:

http://www.e90post.com/forums/showth...t=level+sensor

I honestly don't know about the warranty in Canada. I've been a Bimmer owner for 2 weeks now so my knowledge is rather limited. My mileage is at 257000 km so it would be outside the coverage anyway.

That link is exactly what I've been looking for. Thank you. I'm going to wait for my service appointment so I know for sure what the codes are.

That no start indication, how many perimeters is it monitoring? Other threads people are talking about engine lights and stuff which I don't have. I haven't found any info on the no start alert other than the level is low. Is there a different indication for the passive tank sensors or temp sensor?. Just wondering if the alert could be something else.

Owen81 · 07-20-2017, 04:38 AM

If you wouldn't mind asking the dealership about the warranty extension next time you talk to them, that would be much appreciated.

Also, check out the owners map. There could be someone near you with Carly or INPA that could run the codes for you. BMW will likely charge you an hour labour for the codes. I'm not sure what else would come up, but more than likely a tank or efficiency code I would think?

07-18-2017, 07:28 PM	#1
andrewb_1985 New Member 2 Rep 18 Posts Drives: 2009 BMW 335d Join Date: Jul 2017 Location: Hamilton Ontario iTrader: (0)	DEF low only 200km to go - need help! Hello, everyone. First off I have been a diesel owner for 15 years but this is my first BMW and first "modern" diesel with all the fancy (and expensive) emissions components. I searched this forum and others and have read lots of threads of people with scr problems and spending big money on repairs, but no real how to's or diy fixes. So here is my problem. Any help would be appreciated about 500km after I bought my 335d the check control low level countdown came on at 1600km remaining. I went and bought a jug of def (9.4L) and filled the system. Only the lower of the 2 ports took any fluid. I believe that is the passive tank. Now after maybe 200km the low level countdown came on again but this time started at only 300km. My research so far points to the active tank level sensor but I am wondering if the tank needs flushing or perhaps there is an issue why the active tank didnt take any fluid?
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07-19-2017, 06:28 AM	#2
335stoner BRR tuned 220 Rep 646 Posts Drives: 335D black Join Date: Nov 2016 Location: cypress tx iTrader: (0)	http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1388785 they extended the warranty on the SCR tank
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07-19-2017, 07:28 PM	#4
andrewb_1985 New Member 2 Rep 18 Posts Drives: 2009 BMW 335d Join Date: Jul 2017 Location: Hamilton Ontario iTrader: (0)	Thanks, I realized which port was which when I removed the def tank. Wasn't a difficult job. However after flushing with distilled water and refilling def, still counting down to no start. I've got an appointment for diagnostic on Friday. Will post back with results after that. If it is a bad sensor has anyone done any repair or diy replacement for it?. Dealer wants $2500 parts only for a new tank. ...starting to miss my vdub already...
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07-19-2017, 09:34 PM	#5
Owen81 Lieutenant 83 Rep 432 Posts Drives: 335d, 17/22 TDI Join Date: May 2015 Location: Alberta, Canada iTrader: (0)	Did they extend the warranty on these in Canada or just the US? You can get a VW part to replace the sensor instead of doing the whole tank. Check out this thread: http://www.e90post.com/forums/showth...t=level+sensor
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07-20-2017, 04:38 AM	#7
Owen81 Lieutenant 83 Rep 432 Posts Drives: 335d, 17/22 TDI Join Date: May 2015 Location: Alberta, Canada iTrader: (0)	If you wouldn't mind asking the dealership about the warranty extension next time you talk to them, that would be much appreciated. Also, check out the owners map. There could be someone near you with Carly or INPA that could run the codes for you. BMW will likely charge you an hour labour for the codes. I'm not sure what else would come up, but more than likely a tank or efficiency code I would think?
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