Title says it all. Trying to find likely cause of above codes. Car actually is driving fine, though perhaps just a tick longer to start cold. SES light came on a little less than half a tank. Cap looks fine. Evap purge valve possible, vacuum leak? My spidey sense is telling me the fuel pump is getting ready to go, but they're not cheap and I don't like throwing expensive parts at a problem. SES light has since gone out without me resetting it.
I'm thinking my next step is to check fuel pressure.
I'd welcome any thoughts. TIA!
02Pilot
PowerDork
4/25/23 10:02 a.m.
Can you get a real BMW scanner on it to get the manufacturer DTCs instead of just P-codes? I've seen P-codes end up being quite deceptive on these cars.
I would try and download INPA or get a Foxwell scanner as 02Pilot mentioned, it will make life easier.
Not familiar with INPA, would that work on a laptop? Interface cable?
Any Foxwell scanner? I see one on Amazon for 70. Useful for other makes? Might be time to upgrade my cheapo Actron Pocket Scan.
In reply to 1988RedT2 :
INPA is BMWs software and needs to be installed on a laptop. You need a cable that connects to the OBD2 port and has a USB on tbe other end for your laptop. You can find the cables on Amazon.
Foxwell 510 is what I have.
INPA download
Example of cable
I need the scanner as I am flying out on 5/7 and picking up a car. If you think you can get it back to me by then, I will be happy to mail it to you tomorrow. It might be close though.
In reply to Slippery :
I appreciate that, but not necessary. Thank you!
In reply to Slippery :
So you're happy with the Foxwell 510? Is amazon a good place to source it? I see some negative reviews and people ranting about viruses, but overall pretty highly favorable.
In reply to 1988RedT2 :
I am happy with it on my e46, not as happy on the newer or older cars. I think the e39 is as close to an e46 as it gets.
Never had a virus, but I just bought it, updated it and never hooked it up to a laptop since.
I actually bought mine from ECS Tuning and its branded as Schwaben. Foxwell is the one that makes them though.
Edit: to expand on the above. I have the round pin adaptor for my e30 and e36, but it will not do much on those cars. I could not connect to my wife's F31 (2014) at all. And I was not able to program the battery on a 2009 e92. The only car that connects and works well is the e46, which is a 2004.
Honestly, I'm liking the idea of the INPA software and a cable, if it really is that easy. Now I just need a cheap windows laptop, which I have sitting here on the floor, but needs a display. Hmmm.....
In reply to 1988RedT2 :
INPA is great on an e39. Some things might be in german, but thats where your phone comes in handy.
Cheapest option and worth a try.
In reply to 1988RedT2 :
I think we're local to each other - I've got at least one old Dell Latitude around that I bought for pandemic school that I don't need anymore. Let's make a deal so I can get rid of some stuff.
In reply to szeis4cookie (Forum Supporter) :
Keep talking. 
Win 10, right?
I can trade you a style 42 wheel that needs refinishing. Nice OEM tire from 2003 with zero miles on it. Museum-quality tire. 
Slippery said:
In reply to 1988RedT2 :
INPA is great on an e39. Some things might be in german, but thats where your phone comes in handy.
Cheapest option and worth a try.
Just installed a new display screen on a laptop my son was using that got accidentally destroyed. Two days and 58 bucks and I have a laptop. Who knew it was so easy to put a new display on a laptop?
I have INPA downloaded. Guess I'll see how the install goes tomorrow.
Thanks!
Hmmmm. Some progress. Driver package install failed. Trying to figure that out now.
I'm thinking driver install fail is caused by lack of an available COM1 port. I don't even see a line in win10 device manager for "ports". How do I get to a place where I can designate com port names?
Stupid windows. Any BMW diagnostic software run under Linux?
Edit: Ah! Found it. Add "legacy hardware." Legacy, indeed!
I still maintain that Microsoft OS's reached their zenith with MS-DOS 5.0
Well, Yee haw! It works. Hardest part was getting the port configured and installing drivers for the cable. And, if I'm honest, it wasn't really that hard.
Tons of info available. Now I need to learn more about what it all means. I kinda wish it was raining today. It's too nice to be inside on the computer.
Just saw this. Yes, make sure the com port matches! My bad for not checking more often!
There is a small learning curve, but once you get it that's it.
If you get stuck, I will plug it into my e46 and take some screen shots of to guide you.
So, one observation: INPA pulls codes that are different than P codes, but where the heck can you decipher them? Finding very little online.
Fer instance: What's an 18, NW_A Fehler???
Curiously, I'm also getting a P0365, which apparently is exhaust side camshaft position sensor with a regular code reader. Is that the same sensor, or not in agreement with INPA?
Yep, same error. No signal from the sensor.
Clear it and see if it comes back.
I think the sensor is at the front of the engine, not sure. I need to check, its an M50/52 right? Or an M54?
M54B30 I've already cleared it once. There's some oil leaking from that area, and the car has 170k miles on it, so I'm happy to throw a new sensor in there. It's right on the front of the passenger side of the engine, tucked neatly down between the coolant overflow and the head where it's all but invisible and nearly inaccessible. 
Yeah, the oil probably did it in. I wonder if it came through the sensor's o-ring or somewhere else?
The valve cover gasket was done a couple years ago. Might be from the VANOS solenoid? Isn't leaking oil what an old BMW does best?
Not coincidentally, when the crank position sensor gave up, it was leaking oil out the connector. The plastic body was split.
In reply to 1988RedT2 :
I am so sorry, I lost track of this thread. I see you got it resolved...but yes, it's Win10.
