[Leytonaustin]

Hi all - new to this forum, so apologies if I'm in the wrong area.

Car is a 2015 335d Xdrive, just gone through 60k miles. Rather strange going's on today. Nice leisurely drive down the motorway, no problems at all. Came off, went to pull away from the junction, did so fine...

Nice smooth sound, and then all of a sudden sounded like a tractor for about half a second or so. Half a mile or so later, car comes up with 'Drivetrain' and is clearly in a limp mode.

Turning the car off and on clears the message, comes back on again most of the time at about c.2000rpm, same noise then reduced power.

Strangely, after me pursuing the recall, it is booked in for a new EGR cooler under warranty. Ive had the car 18 months and had no issues at all, except random loss of coolant. Recall letter gave this is as a symptom.

I now have a whistling noise ( when turbo is active) that is evident in the cabin, plus loss of power and the drive train fault.

Car is booked in for Friday, but just wondering if there is anyone local to Doncaster who could help out with a quick look at any codes that are active? Next door neighbour had a cheapo foxwell and couldn't find anything.

Final bizarre thing is that I tried replicating the issue on the way home from parents, still clearly a loss of power despite no error code showing, but had it in eco pro, comfort and sport and the error would not come back.

Should you, or not, use redex (or whatever it is called) in these BMW's to Clear the rubbish out? I believe it is all related to the EGR cooler mind.

[andrethaiss]

Had same issue happen to my 335i about 4 months ago, accelerated out of an intersection and a loud roaring noise came from the engine and car went to limp mode with the same warning message. Turned out to be a cracked charge pipe which seems to be a very common issue with these cars, that's what I think could be your issue.

[Leytonaustin]

There wasn't a loud roar, just a small blip in the engine note for like half a second with no power. Half a mile or so later the error came.

I'm fairly sure it's the EGR, but who knows. Friday before it's in. Frustrating and feel a bit disappointed really but never mind.

[jh_f30]

Did you at least check the chargepipe as the previous poster suggested?

[Leytonaustin]

I'm not sure where that pipe is. :-/ In all honesty, I know my basic way round under the bonnet. I checked all pipes and hoses that I could see without dismantling anything and there's no evidence of damage to any.

[jh_f30]

Originally Posted by Leytonaustin

I'm not sure where that pipe is. :-/ In all honesty, I know my basic way round under the bonnet. I checked all pipes and hoses that I could see without dismantling anything and there's no evidence of damage to any.

Of you can, lift the front of the car, remove the belly pan (20+ 8mm hex screws), and look right at the front where the intercooler is. The chargepipe is on the left (driver's side in US, passenger side for UK) and it goes from the intercooler up to the intake manifold.

Oem is black plastic that is known the fail, even under stock boost pressures. An aluminum aftermarket replacement is highly recommended.

[Leytonaustin]

I don't have anyway of lifting the front of the car up unfortunately. I did look as much as I could down the bottom of the engine bay, not well potentially, but could see no evidence of any spray or oil or anything.

Seriously considering getting forge pipes for under the bonnet throughout, cost a bit but perhaps worthwhile? I'm not too bothered about tuning.

[EDWYER]

Sounds like the chargepipe is cracked.

[Leytonaustin]

Hmmm. Is there a link for the after market part?? UK based, 2015 F31 Xdrive.

[Leytonaustin]

Contacted a number of companies for this part. MP-UK have come back and advised that there is no charge pipes available for the 335d? 😕😕

[jh_f30]

My mistake, I missed the part about it being a diesel. I'm not familiar with that drivetrain; I assumed gas/petrol. You can probably disregard the chargepipe recommendation. Sorry I can't be of more help, but good luck!

[Leytonaustin]

It's a faulty sensor from what I've been advised. Getting replaced and hopefully have the car back this afternoon.

[jh_f30]

Originally Posted by Leytonaustin

It's a faulty sensor from what I've been advised. Getting replaced and hopefully have the car back this afternoon.

That's relatively good news. Thanks for the update.

[Leytonaustin]

Sensor replaced, drove off, fault returned. Now back at bmw again. 🙄

[Leytonaustin]

Car is still sat in Bmw as they can't find the fault 🤨

[Leytonaustin]

So, further update. Car still in the garage.

As I thought it is the EGR cooler that is the root cause of all the issues. Unfortunately this has caused heat damage to the inlet manifold chamber, causing a vacuum leak. Everything is replaced minus a valve, actuator and the EGR cooler.

So, 1 week without my car and currently they have no idea when the cooler will be there so I can get my car back.

[KRS_SN]

haha. everytime i hear anyone say drivetrain error/limp mode nowadays i know its egr related. i experienced it recently. FFS they should give lifetime warranty on these things. The tyres in the car are probably more robust than the snowflake egr valves and coolers.