How To Fix A Rough Idle / Cold Start issues on a BMW E90 N52 Engine - Problem Solved!

Got a rough idle on your BMW N52 engine? In this video, we diagnose using INPA what our MAF values are and then smoke test the engine to check for vacuum leaks.
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[@eugenesiyingwa4724]

Best video on vacuum leak diagnosis & resolution

[@buildanddrive]

Trying my best! I've actually done this twice now on my engine. Very helpful to find the real issue, normally a small gasket gone bad. I can't imagine someone having to go to a mechanic and pay to do this when they get a small check engine code. Hope the video was helpful! Feel free to share it 👍🏽

[@Holdeenio]

Really appreciated this video. I have the 325i N53 motor and the rough idle is killing me right now! Have replaced injectors, sparks, coils… now thinking it could be a basic leak from one of the gaskets…

[@buildanddrive]

My engine is also again, stalling on startup. So I assume the CCV or another gasket is gone 🤷. Helpful to have a tool like this. I've seen people use a cigarette too

[@losidude11]

Dude everything about your videos is spot on 👌 dope music and highly detailed content. Thank u dude

[@buildanddrive]

Yo! I really appreciate that dude! 🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼

[@romainjacquet2712]

Nice vido, very good to learn. Viewing INPA window over the car image is a good idea.

[@buildanddrive]

Thanks

[@THEOGGUNSHOW]

@buildanddrive That soldering iron hack is genius 👏 👌

[@THEOGGUNSHOW]

Another idea that I just had (and I don't believe that I have seen) is trying dry ice. It's cheap and there are no extra steps

[@buildanddrive]

Took the idea from someone else on KZbin. Was the cheapest way to make a smoke machine for 7$ and some change

[@Johnathan_Waters]

This video helped me big time~!! Thank you!

[@buildanddrive]

So glad. What kind of car do you have.

[@Johnathan_Waters]

I have a Mercedes personally, but im an auto mechanic, and i was working on a 2008 BMW X3 3.0si!~ @@buildanddrive

[@florimbaj]

Thanks for posting this great video man i don't have this issue on my bmw but I enjoy watching it,and what I like to know is what that scanner you're using thanks again..

[@buildanddrive]

It's called inpa. You can download it with 'Mikes BMW tools'

[@battlehrfred]

great information great fix sir!! my 2013 x5 35ix 3.0 litre N55 Engine, do not have these desa valves, but great way to do a smoke test!! what and where is the Lambda Sensors?? if a MAFS (mass air flow sensor) was defective, wouldnt it store a code if it was a problem/ defective sensor?? ty sir 100-100

[@vincentcooray9269]

Bro, waiting patiently for your next upload. It's been a while. Come on man 😊

[@buildanddrive]

😬😬😬

[@buildanddrive]

What do you wanna see. I have so much in the pipeline it's tough as I'm waiting on parts and some other stuff

[@vincentcooray9269]

😀 well everything you got bro. But in all seriousness was waiting on the rebuild of your original engine. Just your videos are very interesting to watch 👍

[@buildanddrive]

Vincent. I appreciate you bro 👊

[@bounzig]

If you wanna confirm an intake leak the fast way you can spray starter fluid at the parts you suspect are leaking, if rpms are rising you have a leak where you sprayed. I've never been a fan of smoke tests when trying to find this sort of leaks on NA engines since you put pressure on the system from inside, when in reality it's designed to seal pressure from the outside, this can lead to a false positive.

[@buildanddrive]

Didn't think of that, smart. These engines have so many points of leaking it's tough to diagnose. The smoke is helpful 👍🏼

[@Telstar_1]

Was this a lasting solution to your rough idle on cold start, or any further causes identified? Thanks.

[@buildanddrive]

Yes, I fixed the disa valve air leak and the vanos gaskets and it went away for about 2 years. I have another air leak somewhere now. It gives me the same issue where it stalls right away after startup.

[@who8dapple]

On a somewhat similar situation...I'm looking at a used 2007 328xi wagon w/170,000. Owner is selling due to a random misfire and a p0300 code. He's gotten frustrated with it and has replaced spark plugs, intake manifold gasket, valve cover w/CCV valve and crank case hoses. He said that headgasket is fine, as well as compression. He's check the ignition coils, and did mention wanting to do a smoke test to check for vacuum leaks, but has not had the time nor opportunity. The owner is a BMW motorcycle mechanic and seems very knowledgeable, which has me questioning if I'm simply opening up Pandora's Box? It's in beautiful condition in and out. Is it worth taking the risk at $3k?

[@buildanddrive]

Well, if he has checked everything, it could be something with the wiring. A misfire could be from vacuum leaks after the MAF sensor but normally you should check bad coils and plugs first. I've had pretty bad vacuum leaks and it just pulls timing and reduces power. I'm not sure what it could be, but if he's a mechanic and wanting to get rid of it, what are you skill set and access to tools like?

[@Saicopateful]

Do you even have MAF? Some N52s came with some without (only with a air temp sensor). For the latter the kg/h value is calculated by the DME.

[@buildanddrive]

I can double check in realoem

[@buildanddrive]

In realoem.com its called a Hot Film Air Mass Meter part: 13627520519 I assume that this is a mass air flow sensor

[@sebbekartellen6493]

i have this exact issue on my 2013 BMW M135i with the N55 engine. The idle is extremely rough on cold starts. The colder it is the worse it gets. At temperatures below 5f / -15c the engine may even stall a few times. once the engine is warmed up it runs perfectly fine. Could this be caused by a vacuum leak?

[@buildanddrive]

I would check for vacuum leaks and it maybe sounds like either your lambda sensors or map sensor could also not be working.

[@battlehrfred]

Hi Sir, did you ever get your N55 2013 FIXED?? was it a vacuum leak? does your vehicle has these Desa valves as this guy was saying???? i dont think its on a 2013 n55 engine?? i have 2013 x5 n55 30 litre that is same as yours, the colder it gets the worse it is and do flutter and chug for 5-6 seconds and i let it warms up and sometimes if it very cold, it shuts off but starts up fine and the rpm do go up and down when first started cold , it do throw a 28A0 Code and it is a nuisance to see the service engine light on most all of the time. my vehicle MUST be warmed up otherwise it will throw coses say misfiring on 1, 2 3, 4 5 6 cylinders and will store these codes. how did you fix yours ??? thank you for your thought and your input!! ty

[@deanbashley7220]

My oil light comes on but it's shows the oil is full on my e90 330i .what could be the issue

[@buildanddrive]

It could be an oil pressure issue

[@speedy1367]

I’m having the same issue. What app/website did u use to get that information?

[@buildanddrive]

Realoem.com

[@buildanddrive]

Wait for which information?

[@speedy1367]

@@buildanddrive I’m having issues with my car. 2010 335i N54 Rough idle and shuts off by itself automatically. No check engine light or codes come up on MHD. Changed new spark plugs.coil packs. Charge pipe. vanos solenoid. Index 12 injectors. Vacuum line. And still don’t know what’s wrong with it. When the car shuts off I turn it back on light black smoke comes out. But that’s about it. I was wondering if you know what’s going on if you had to make a guess?

[@buildanddrive]

When you start the car is there a puff of smoke out the back every time? It could be a turbo seal.

[@buildanddrive]

But you should smoke test the car. It could be as simple as an air leak or a malfunctioning sensor (lambda, maf etc)

[@jayhamilton8201]

What code reader are you using?

[@buildanddrive]

the carly app

[@Toxedd]

This car is always broken.Till this day i didnt understud did you fixed oil issue, or it was just worthless engine replace

[@buildanddrive]

This car was my worst purchase ever. The e90 is definetly a 'hobbyist' vehicle. If you have to take it a shop for every little thing that goes wrong, the car is not worth it. I thought I could fix it and we did fix a lot of things, the car runs great and is awesome to drive on the autobahn/nurburgring. Its just that it burns a bit of oil due to the bad piston design. I am running my 5w50 test now after repairing all oil leaks, so only time will tell if this helps improve oil consumption.

[@Toxedd]

@@buildanddrive my wife drive 325i witch is also eats oils 500km/liter . Changed stem rubbers , oil breather system,cleaned vanos , still same shit. I just buy cheap oil at supermarket and will run till it till it dies 😀 well 5w50 never tried , please report later how it is on fuel consumption also

[@buildanddrive]

Will do 👍🏼. I was buying 20L for about 70 euros at a time. Cheap stuff eBay.

[@domascivilka8759]

Same story here. I'm now feeding cheap ELF 5w50 oil on top on my 5w30. Consumption is slowly coming down. It's curently on 1l/1000km and I'm after 3 ltrs of 5w50. Will see ;)

[@buildanddrive]

@@domascivilka8759 what was the oil consumption before the 5w50?

[@JT-ol7hx]

I may regret saying this but, my 2006 325i has just started getting a little stutter in it. Okay, it could be many possibilities,(vanos, coil packs, timing,...) myself, I think my little car is just getting tired. One hundred ninty one thousand + miles and still running fairly decent. Personally, I'm more concerned about the recall that has just come to light. PCV over heating, to which BMW has no fix for. I wonder how long they new of this before notifying BMW owners.

[@buildanddrive]

The CCV system I've had to fix almost every year. If you have the magnesium valve cover, it's the one under the intake. Terrible system. But if your car has a stutter all the time, maybe it's just a spark plug or coil. Those went first on my engine, then it was so vacuum leaks.

[@JT-ol7hx]

Yes, mine has the magnesium valve cover, it's the actual N52 with a single phase manifold. I just replaced the spark plugs about 8,000 miles ago, and left them at factory settings(.044). Usually, I reset the spark plugs to .045, really didn't consider it would make that much difference, so I will probably pull them for a recap first chance I get. The positive crank case ventilation is an issue that BMW dealership is liable for to my understanding. My main problem has been with my heater system in the winter. Car will sit idling and heater works great, drive speed limit for about 5 min., and it quits. Changed water pump and thermostat, didn't help. Haven't found a vent that's malfunctioning, so this is a little puzzling. Overall condition of my auto is above normal, interior is in great condition,..... the best part though is this little cars gitty-up and go. Yes! It's still stock, I'm trying to locate another 2006 3.0 motor along with the transmission(automatic) and do a complete overhaul, and just might install the electric turbo charger just to see if it can actually boost thehorse-power. P.S. I RESPECT ALL INFORMATION I MAY RECEIIVE IN REGAR OF MYP

[@buildanddrive]

@@JT-ol7hx I would bleed the coolant system properly on level ground. This could help fill the heater core correctly. I also had some issues with the heater only working on full blast and not at like 25C. It only worked at 28C.

[@perpetualintellectual2026]

@@JT-ol7hx do you have disa valves?

[@buildanddrive]

Yes 2 disa valves

[@lifenthefastlane]

How did you get inpa on mac. I thought it was windows only

[@buildanddrive]

I used parallels software to install windows on the Mac