BMW E90 Sedan Manual Transmission - Engine Stop While Driving

pecson_328i · 12-20-2011, 03:05 PM

Hi everyone,

Just in case anyone experienced/experiences this similar scenario:

On a cold morning, I started my car and drove 2 blocks from my house (driving about 50 kms/h) and my engine completely shutoff while moving (just the engine lights went on). I started the car again, it started right away with no issues. Here I am thinking that I didn't let it warm up enough so I let the car warm up at a parking lot for about 10-15mins, drove out of the plaza and the engine shutoff while driving again...started it up and it ran fine...

2 days later, on a relatively warm day it happened again, twice in the same day! I have a certified series so I booked an appointment with my local BMW shop. (everyone online was saying it was just a software issue)

Long story short...the key didn't show any errors but when they did further investigations they found error 2A41 and 2A43. They ended up replacing the magnetic wheel, sensor and cylinder head. I paid the warranty deductible $50 but I'm told it would've cost $900-$1500 for the parts plus labour... so far so good but if you experience this and you're car still has warranty get it checked!

325isdan · 12-20-2011, 03:20 PM

The only thing I can add is that you should not let your BMW "warm up". It is not called for and is not recommeded by BMW.

Deep 3.2TL · 12-20-2011, 08:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 325isdan

The only thing I can add is that you should not let your BMW "warm up". It is not called for and is not recommeded by BMW.

soooo.... I guess you just hammer off at a cold temp?

325isdan · 12-20-2011, 10:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Deep 3.2TL

soooo.... I guess you just hammer off at a cold temp?

Yes, that is exactly what I do.

Dr. Flyview · 12-22-2011, 05:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pecson_328i

Hi everyone,

Just in case anyone experienced/experiences this similar scenario:

On a cold morning, I started my car and drove 2 blocks from my house (driving about 50 kms/h) and my engine completely shutoff while moving (just the engine lights went on). I started the car again, it started right away with no issues. Here I am thinking that I didn't let it warm up enough so I let the car warm up at a parking lot for about 10-15mins, drove out of the plaza and the engine shutoff while driving again...started it up and it ran fine...

2 days later, on a relatively warm day it happened again, twice in the same day! I have a certified series so I booked an appointment with my local BMW shop. (everyone online was saying it was just a software issue)

Long story short...the key didn't show any errors but when they did further investigations they found error 2A41 and 2A43. They ended up replacing the magnetic wheel, sensor and cylinder head. I paid the warranty deductible $50 but I'm told it would've cost $900-$1500 for the parts plus labour... so far so good but if you experience this and you're car still has warranty get it checked!

Wheel, sensor, cylinder head?? What!?

An engine if in gear can't really turn off...well I mean it's still spinning. That's why you can turn a manual car on by push starting it when the starter is gone. I'm curious if you were in gear or clutched in when this happened..

Bullet Ride · 12-22-2011, 05:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Deep 3.2TL

soooo.... I guess you just hammer off at a cold temp?

He means don't let it sit and idle all the way up to operating temperature. It's better to drive it because it heats up the engine more uniformly.

I usually start my car, let it idle for 30 seconds to a minute to allow the oil to start moving then drive away but I keep the revs below 2500rpm until the temp gauge is out of the blue. Obviously when it's freezing out you have to let your car idle long enough for the window to clear up after you've brushed it off/scraped it before you drive away.

ScotcH · 12-22-2011, 08:43 PM

I'm guessing it was a crank sensor issues ... if the DME does not get a good crank trigger, it will immediatly turn off ignition and fuel to protect the engine.

propr'one · 12-22-2011, 09:37 PM

^^that's a good guess. Plus i've had CPS issues that didn't throw a code (as opposed to fuel, or maf, which likely would)

5style · 12-22-2011, 10:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bullet Ride

He means don't let it sit and idle all the way up to operating temperature. It's better to drive it because it heats up the engine more uniformly.

I usually start my car, let it idle for 30 seconds to a minute to allow the oil to start moving then drive away but I keep the revs below 2500rpm until the temp gauge is out of the blue. Obviously when it's freezing out you have to let your car idle long enough for the window to clear up after you've brushed it off/scraped it before you drive away.

I idle for a minute then same thing. Never turn off your car cold though, flooding of the block will pursue!!!

pecson_328i · 08-31-2012, 09:54 AM

Very late but here's an update: The issue happened again and this time I voiced my safety concerns to BMW Canada. They ended updating the computer software and haven't experienced the issue again....