HELP!!! E92 Limp Mode 2 to 3 times a day

mace23 · 08-29-2019, 10:35 AM

HELP PLEASE!!!! I have a 2008 BMW 328 coupe e92 that has been going to limp mode at least twice a day for about couple weeks now. Usually, this happens when coming from a stop OR at very low speed about 10-15MPH. When it goes to the limp mode it would show me the gear icon and would struggle to accelerate and the car only goes 20MPH max then I would turn off the car wait at least a minute then start it again and everything would seem to be fine like nothing happened. It does not throw a service engine soon light or any fault codes. So I replace the spark plugs all of 6 of them thinking it would fix the issue. The car ran pretty well after a day of replacing the plugs and then it happen again, the same issue from a stop or just running about 10-15 MPH. Weird thing is that it does not go limp mode if I drive it manual/sport mode. What else could it be? Does this have anything to do with transmission at all or any other sensors that would trigger the computer to go into limp mode, car drives perfectly when im running at 40 MPH and above?

tony55343 · 08-29-2019, 11:28 AM

read codes ?

mace23 · 08-29-2019, 11:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tony55343

read codes ?

No Codes not even Service Engine Soon light is on

e90yyc · 08-29-2019, 12:00 PM

Just one pill prevents limp mode for up to 36 hours.

e90yyc · 08-29-2019, 12:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mace23

No Codes not even Service Engine Soon light is on

What device, software, or app are you using to read codes? There’s no way there aren’t codes being thrown. I suspect whatever you’re using to read codes is a generic OBDII scanner, and is therefore not capable reading BMW-specific hex codes/addressing the many modules in your car.

If you are using BMW-specific software/app/device, then that is super strange if you aren’t seeing anything.

mace23 · 08-29-2019, 12:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by e90yyc

What device, software, or app are you using to read codes? There’s no way there aren’t codes being thrown. I suspect whatever you’re using to read codes is a generic OBDII scanner, and is therefore not capable reading BMW-specific hex codes/addressing the many modules in your car.

If you are using BMW-specific software/app/device, then that is super strange if you aren’t seeing anything.

I took it to my local euro car shop which they plug in a supposedly BMW specific obd reader and it didn't read any codes. Would it give you codes even the SES light is not on? I'm planning to buy a Carly ready maybe with this im able to read codes. What do you think?

Pladi · 08-29-2019, 12:20 PM

Transmission related codes can only be pulled with ISTA or INPA..

The yellow COG is a transmission limp. You need to access the transmission control to pull logs.

You probably need a mechatronics rebuild if you never had that done for a 11 year old car. Especially if you have never serviced the fluid. It can maybe even be a transfer case fluid related code..

Hard to say you need to pull the codes with correct tool

mace23 · 08-29-2019, 12:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pladi

Transmission related codes can only be pulled with ISTA or INPA..

The yellow COG is a transmission limp. You need to access the transmission control to pull logs.

You probably need a mechatronics rebuild if you never had that done for a 11 year old car. Especially if you have never serviced the fluid. It can maybe even be a transfer case fluid related code..

Hard to say you need to pull the codes with correct tool

Damn, I probably need to take it to the dealer and get it to figure out. I thought it may relate to like VANOS or MAF sensor something simple that I can replace my self.

b92 · 08-29-2019, 01:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mace23

Damn, I probably need to take it to the dealer and get it to figure out. I thought it may relate to like VANOS or MAF sensor something simple that I can replace my self.

I would avoid the dealer, they will charge you to just read the codes and then replace 10 things that they could be related to. Any reputable BMW/German shop will have the software to read the codes and won't bend you over a barrel.

Pladi · 08-29-2019, 01:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mace23

Damn, I probably need to take it to the dealer and get it to figure out. I thought it may relate to like VANOS or MAF sensor something simple that I can replace my self.

You dont have to take it to a dealer. ISTA is free.

The mechanical looking COG gear icon is only visible with transmission issues.

Nothing to do with vanos or valvetronic

It also makes sense that it comes up during specific speeds winch is probably related to shifts..

mace23 · 08-29-2019, 01:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pladi

You dont have to take it to a dealer. ISTA is free.

The mechanical looking COG gear icon is only visible with transmission issues.

Nothing to do with vanos or valvetronic

It also makes sense that it comes up during specific speeds winch is probably related to shifts..

How do I download ISTA software do I just need to but OBD connector?

Pladi · 08-29-2019, 02:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mace23

How do I download ISTA software do I just need to but OBD connector?

this is where i stop helping. I hate to spoon feed. Aint nobody got time for that lol If you are not willing to do any research or put any effort then take it to the dealer..

mace23 · 08-29-2019, 02:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pladi

this is where i stop helping. I hate to spoon feed. Aint nobody got time for that lol If you are not willing to do any research or put any effort then take it to the dealer..

Don't be a member here if you are not willing to help. That's is why there's forums like this to help each other out.

Pladi · 08-29-2019, 02:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mace23

Don't be a member here if you are not willing to help. That's is why there's forums like this to help each other out.

Stop talking nonsense and go do your homework.

macheff03 · 08-29-2019, 02:44 PM

Ok so I had this problem. Limp mode gives you a heart attack and ever since whenever my car beeps my heart drops... lol

Anyway you need to get it checked out. Something to do with the transmission and you could be damaging it every time you drive. Mine was slipping and I got it repaired l, NOT REPLACED, contrary to what some people wanted me to do. Get your options and take it to a reputable euro mechanic. Not any mechanic and not the dealer.

Basically the most expensive job is a cheap one, you'll need to get it done again or worse...

mace23 · 08-29-2019, 02:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by macheff03

Ok so I had this problem. Limp mode gives you a heart attack and ever since whenever my car beeps my heart drops... lol

Anyway you need to get it checked out. Something to do with the transmission and you could be damaging it every time you drive. Mine was slipping and I got it repaired l, NOT REPLACED, contrary to what some people wanted me to do. Get your options and take it to a reputable euro mechanic. Not any mechanic and not the dealer.

Basically the most expensive job is a cheap one, you'll need to get it done again or worse...

That's what ill do thank you.

macheff03 · 08-29-2019, 03:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mace23

Quote:

Originally Posted by macheff03

Ok so I had this problem. Limp mode gives you a heart attack and ever since whenever my car beeps my heart drops... lol

Anyway you need to get it checked out. Something to do with the transmission and you could be damaging it every time you drive. Mine was slipping and I got it repaired l, NOT REPLACED, contrary to what some people wanted me to do. Get your options and take it to a reputable euro mechanic. Not any mechanic and not the dealer.

Basically the most expensive job is a cheap one, you'll need to get it done again or worse...

That's what ill do thank you.

The transmission is not the place to mess up
Get it done right

dpaul · 08-30-2019, 06:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mace23

How do I download ISTA software do I just need to but OBD connector?

OK, Pladi has a point but I'm a bleeding heart so here's a spoonful

Get the $45 cable at Bimmergeeks.com. They also have links for free downloads of both BMW standard tools (INPA, WinKFP, NCSExpert) software for factory engineers that is lean and powerful but has a learning curve) and ISTA/D (software for dealers that is bloated but can be operated by anyone, such as the typical BMW dealership mechanic lacking the ability or desire to think critically)

Pladi · 08-30-2019, 08:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dpaul

OK, Pladi has a point but I'm a bleeding heart so here's a spoonful

Get the $45 cable at Bimmergeeks.com. They also have links for free downloads of both BMW standard tools (INPA, WinKFP, NCSExpert) software for factory engineers that is lean and powerful but has a learning curve) and ISTA/D (software for dealers that is bloated but can be operated by anyone, such as the typical BMW dealership mechanic lacking the ability or desire to think critically)

Yes see the issue i have with spoon feeding is the fact that you underestimate the task because you never get to learn about what is involved and what it takes to install ISTA. When you research it then you know. If someone tells you this is the link and this is the cable then you assume that oh thats all. But there is way more to it.

If you do not attempt to do your own research then you do not have the DIY spirit and you should not touch anything. Chances are you will screw up more than youll fix anything.

I can tell he needs a good shop not ISTA instructions.

dpaul · 08-30-2019, 10:25 AM

Respectfully disagree. Let the OP buy the cable and download the applications. He'll then be motivated to go further. Everyone has to start at the beginning

08-29-2019, 10:35 AM	#1
mace23 New Member 3 Rep 7 Posts Drives: 2008 BMW 328i coupe e92 Join Date: Aug 2019 Location: Las Vegas, Nevada iTrader: (0)	HELP!!! E92 Limp Mode 2 to 3 times a day HELP PLEASE!!!! I have a 2008 BMW 328 coupe e92 that has been going to limp mode at least twice a day for about couple weeks now. Usually, this happens when coming from a stop OR at very low speed about 10-15MPH. When it goes to the limp mode it would show me the gear icon and would struggle to accelerate and the car only goes 20MPH max then I would turn off the car wait at least a minute then start it again and everything would seem to be fine like nothing happened. It does not throw a service engine soon light or any fault codes. So I replace the spark plugs all of 6 of them thinking it would fix the issue. The car ran pretty well after a day of replacing the plugs and then it happen again, the same issue from a stop or just running about 10-15 MPH. Weird thing is that it does not go limp mode if I drive it manual/sport mode. What else could it be? Does this have anything to do with transmission at all or any other sensors that would trigger the computer to go into limp mode, car drives perfectly when im running at 40 MPH and above?
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08-29-2019, 11:28 AM	#2
tony55343 First Lieutenant 104 Rep 330 Posts Drives: 08 335i coupe 6mt Join Date: Jul 2018 Location: MN iTrader: (1)	read codes ?
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08-29-2019, 12:00 PM	#4
e90yyc Art Collector 2427 Rep 3,450 Posts Drives: 2007 328xi (GM-delete 6MT) Join Date: Feb 2018 Location: Canada iTrader: (0)	Just one pill prevents limp mode for up to 36 hours. __________________ When I'm dead, just throw me in the trash.
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08-29-2019, 12:20 PM	#7
Pladi Lieutenant Colonel 719 Rep 1,753 Posts Drives: 2011 335i xdrive Join Date: Nov 2017 Location: Waterloo, ON Canada iTrader: (0)	Transmission related codes can only be pulled with ISTA or INPA.. The yellow COG is a transmission limp. You need to access the transmission control to pull logs. You probably need a mechatronics rebuild if you never had that done for a 11 year old car. Especially if you have never serviced the fluid. It can maybe even be a transfer case fluid related code.. Hard to say you need to pull the codes with correct tool
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08-29-2019, 02:44 PM	#15
macheff03 Second Lieutenant 63 Rep 268 Posts Drives: 2006 BMW 325i Join Date: Mar 2019 Location: South Carolina Coast iTrader: (0)	Ok so I had this problem. Limp mode gives you a heart attack and ever since whenever my car beeps my heart drops... lol Anyway you need to get it checked out. Something to do with the transmission and you could be damaging it every time you drive. Mine was slipping and I got it repaired l, NOT REPLACED, contrary to what some people wanted me to do. Get your options and take it to a reputable euro mechanic. Not any mechanic and not the dealer. Basically the most expensive job is a cheap one, you'll need to get it done again or worse... __________________ ‘06 325i
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08-30-2019, 10:25 AM	#20
dpaul Lieutenant Colonel 654 Rep 1,893 Posts Drives: 2009 E90 335xi, 2011 E93 M3 Join Date: Dec 2012 Location: Boston iTrader: (3)	Respectfully disagree. Let the OP buy the cable and download the applications. He'll then be motivated to go further. Everyone has to start at the beginning Last edited by dpaul; 08-31-2019 at 03:34 PM..
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