[DanMZe90]

Hi,

I am still chasing why my 2005 e90 330D still feels intermittently hesitant at certain revs after cleaning EGR/MAF and a few other things.

After doing a bit more research I came across a thread somewhere which mentioned the potential of faulty thermostats and the DPF not regenerating causing symptoms like mine, so I plugged my Carly for BMW to look at some of the parameters.

Now I read somewhere that the coolant temp needs to get to above 75 degrees to initiate the DPF regeneration. If I look at the coolant temp after driving for half an hour it measures 76/77 degrees - is that 'normal'?

If I look at the 'distance traveled since the last regeneration' it says 298752 metres which I make out to be 185.63 miles. Considering I do 40 miles back and forth to work each day this tells me that it has been regenerating of its own volition -again would that be a correct assumption?

Confusingly there is another parameter that says 'Regeneration distance traveled' which is a figure much much larger than the aforementioned 'distance traveled since the last regeneration' - what is that parameter telling me?

My soot mass seems to be in the low 40 grammes, again I don't know what is high or 'normal'? Also what is 'ash mass'?

Thanks for any help on the above!

Dan

[Aragorn30d]

77degrees isnt normal. it should be up to 90c within 5 or so miles. Fairly typical of a bad thermostat. Replace both of them, and use genuine parts.

Your time-since-regen sounds acceptable.

soot up in the 40's is high, but its probably nearing regen anyway, it does it every 200miles or so. Ash is uncombustable deposits that the filter cant clear. they build up over time.

[DanMZe90]

Thanks for that. So that's the thermostat situated next to the turbo and the EGR thermostat?

Dan

[DanMZe90]

That's a 'yes' after looking through the forums a bit more! Will look to replace both with BMW parts.

Dan

[Aragorn30d]

aye the main stat is down the front of the engine, probably want to remove the fan and the EGR cooler to get at it!

[OGM2LCI]

I've got a similar issue with my 320d, only I've just replaced thermostat and waterpump and it still wont get up to 90 unless I get up to 70+ mph

[Aragorn30d]

you replaced both stats?

What does it get upto driving at normal speeds?

[OGM2LCI]

Originally Posted by Aragorn30d

you replaced both stats?

What does it get upto driving at normal speeds?

Mine doesn't have an EGR thermostat, gets up to 85 when driving around at normal speeds, the only way I can get it to 90+ is driving on dual carriageway or motorway, if it makes any difference I've never heard the fan running on my car, not even whilst queuing for a long way on the M5

[Aragorn30d]

85 is close enough.

[DanMZe90]

Thanks, one last question, where are you getting OEM parts from? Unless the norm is to buy through the local BMW dealership.

[Aragorn30d]

BMW Dealer or places online like Leebmann24.de

My local harry fairbairn does a forum discount, and i think theres another group that does a discount scheme too.

Leebmann usually can beat the dealer, but unless your buying a lot of stuff the shipping from germany usually kills it.

[Dibbles00]

Check out Phil on this forum. He sells genuine BMW parts and ships them next day. I bought a steering column from him and he was a decent bloke to deal with.
It's amazing how much difference a set of thermostats can make. Plus you'll see your fuel economy improve massively as your engine is able to work more efficiently at a higher temp (where it is designed to perform best).

[Vish8895]

My car had this exact same issues.

It was rearching 75 very quickly but never exceeding it! This turned out to be the EGR stat.

I had both replaced and sure enough the EGR stat was faulty (main stat was fine but replaced anyway).

A few weeks later my temps started dropping again and wouldn't exceed 65 even on a hard run!

Took the EGR stat off and it was fine, had the main stat replaced with an genuine BMW (stupidly didn't use genuine first time) and instantly got backup to 90.

Moral of the story. If it holds around 70+ its EGR stat. If it rapidly fluctuates below 70 its the main and USE GENUINE PARTS!

Just giving my experience as I had a right ordeal fighting thermostats!

[Aragorn30d]

it could be either, the temperature it gets to is no guarantee of anything, just depends how broke each part is.

Mine ran at 70ish, and i replaced the main stat first. It would then get into the middle 80's but take AGES to get there, despite reaching 65-70 pretty fast. EGR stat replaced and it then reached 90.

[Vish8895]

Originally Posted by Aragorn30d

it could be either, the temperature it gets to is no guarantee of anything, just depends how broke each part is.

Mine ran at 70ish, and i replaced the main stat first. It would then get into the middle 80's but take AGES to get there, despite reaching 65-70 pretty fast. EGR stat replaced and it then reached 90.

Good point! I had forgot this as both my stats failed wide open! Was ridicoulsy fuming that the GSF thermostat lasted less than 5 weeks and 500 miles!

[DanMZe90]

Thanks, I'll get both done at the same time. I have a main thermostat DIY PDF but I'm looking for a DIY on the EGR thermostat but can only find reference to the non-existent BMWLand website.

[Aragorn30d]

its two bolts and a pipe clip, doesnt really need any explanation!

[Vish8895]

Originally Posted by DanMZe90

Thanks, I'll get both done at the same time. I have a main thermostat DIY PDF but I'm looking for a DIY on the EGR thermostat but can only find reference to the non-existent BMWLand website.

It is literally as easy as this video!

[DanMZe90]

Thanks everyone, I feel so stupid...

Unfortunately I have got lazier as I was quite involved DIY wise with my last car and swore I wouldn't do work myself on the beemer just to save a few quid...however, after saving a reasonable amount of money fitting the convoluted air filter and cleaning the EGR I feel dis-inclined to hand over money to the local indie....

[Vish8895]

Originally Posted by DanMZe90

Thanks everyone, I feel so stupid...

Unfortunately I have got lazier as I was quite involved DIY wise with my last car and swore I wouldn't do work myself on the beemer just to save a few quid...however, after saving a reasonable amount of money fitting the convoluted air filter and cleaning the EGR I feel dis-inclined to hand over money to the local indie....

That's fair enough mate, a new oem egr stat will set you back about £25 and more than £10 labour is taking the piss it is literally a 15 minute job.