xr2wishy

iTrader: (2)

Hi all,

I've got an e90 330d auto, got the transmission fault coming up and car won't start, will crank over though.
Battery was a little low so popped on charge so cranks a lot better but keeps up with the fault on the I Drive.
Nothing was wrong with the car, just didn't start today. No warning or anything.

Car is due to be picked up by a specialist and run through diagnostics, but anyone come across this before?
I have read a lot on tinternet, but no conclusions as to what is the cause or remedy.
The odd one is that there were no issues till this morning, no problems shifting etc. whilst cranking i can get it into neutral though, so not a parking brake issue.

Any hints or tips welcomed.

Thanks
Sean

vroooom ptssssh

Do all electrics seem to work ok? I know they suffer from a connection problem from the main power cable from battery to fuse box under the passenger foot well cover (it may even be due a quality enhancement for this) which can cause some odd faults.
easiest way to rule it out is remove the cover (2 or 3 T20 torx) and give the heavy red cable a wiggle whilst someone tries to start it. just a thought as its a fairly common problem. otherwise I don't know what gearbox fault would cause the car not to start.

Caddyshack

Is there a reset process on these? My 2008/9 Rangerover was BMW vintage and that had a procedure that reset the ECU on the gearbox and a few other things, I think it was key to position 1 for a set length of time then floor the throttle and then turn off or something like that?

xr2wishy

iTrader: (2)

i've just tried changing the dme relay and it's not that, then put on a battery intended for a mates car that is fully charged and not that either.
still getting a load of different error messages as if there is something not getting power and thus flashing up errors. abs, dsc, transmission, tyre pressure etc.
basically all the inputs to the monitoring system.
i can hear the in tank fuel pump making some noise, i suspect that's normal.
just very odd how it just stopped overnight, quite literally and just won't fire up.
almost as if a fuse has gone, but none blown.

rsp36

Have heard a lot about something called a IBS sensor,think it is a thin cable coming from the negative battery terminal.If this plays up it apparently causes all kinds of problems and warning lights.
Remember to get your battery coded to the car if you put a new one in.
These cars are very sensitive to battery voltage so if you don't know the age of the battery it might be a good time to get a new one

xr2wishy

iTrader: (2)

i have heard of the IBS and heard it can screw things up.
battery is possibly on its way out, i do not know the age of it to be fair and seems to struggle a bit when cranking the last few weeks, but since it only takes a couple of seconds it hasn't failed.
when cranking it was dropping below 9v, probably not enough to get everything firing perhaps. the little indicator in it is still black which suggests needs more charge, rather than replace.

rsp36

Then i would change the battery if i was you,these cars need the battery to be 100%.I've heard of people with gearbox problems that was solved with a new battery,and the old one had showed no sign of being bad.
Get a good strong Bosch or Varta of ebay,5 years warranty,and make sure you get the correct amps and cca.Also make sure it gets coded to the car.

RobbieBambino

Check what this guys has suggested as you said you are having issues with other areas of the motor! I have done a few of the QE now with the repair cable, large red cable going into the junction box at the back of the glove box.
Also try unglugging the ibs sensor see if it starts, cant remeber on the e90s but i know on the e60s there was a small plug on the o/s of the boot that goes to the ibs sensor and unplugging this will allow it to start if it is the ibs at fault

RobbieBambino

On the e60 im 90% sure its this blue plug you disconnect and it will start if it is the ibs at fault, does yours have this or is the e90 different?

xr2wishy

iTrader: (2)

good news....it's not the battery, apparently holding 93% charge.
bad news, no comms with ecu.

xr2wishy

iTrader: (2)

and mine does have the IBS, although tried that already.

gcfcos

Oh shit not good matey! My neighbour had a 54 plate 5 series diesel auto, real nice car but battery went flat while they were on holiday for a month and they tried jump starting and blew all sorts. I gave him the number of the auto electrician we use at work and he got it running just so it could go over the auction block, dash was lit up like a xmas tree lol.

RobbieBambino

No comms to which ecu or is it multiple ecus? Should be real simple to find with no comms fault, if you have power in and good earth line and can lines are ok then its the control unit.

xr2wishy

iTrader: (2)

i'm going to visit garage and test the circuit myself.
i didn't want to do too much as i wanted them to run diagnostics without me adding to the issues as i piss about pulling shit off here and there.