Cold Start Misfire and Rough Idle

Gjohnson7 · 08-04-2020, 10:25 PM

Ok, like the title says, I haves 2011 535i N55 and a rough idle that only occurs on Cold start. Once the car has ran for 30 to 45 seconds everything smooths out and the misfire doesn't seem to return. Currently, I have done the following maintenance items in the last 6,000 miles. New Elder ignition coils, new Bosch plugs and a new Valve Cover.
When I pull codes in Ista-d it is giving me a cylinder 2 misfire. I have tried running through the misfire diagnostic, but it didn't help. I have reset adaptations on most things, with no improvements. Ista will not allow me to reset adaptations on the crank sensor (I believe that's the correct one) because it states i need to update the ECU. I have also reset Vanos limits.

I have also tried swapping ignition coils and spark plugs with cylinder 2 and it still does nothing.

I am wondering if this is pointing to a injector issue. I have seen conflicting things about removing injectors on this engine. Would there been any issue with swapping the injectors with a different cylinder?
Also, I typically never get a check engine light over these misfires. Last week I got my first ever check engine light on the car and it was about a micro gas leak in the EVAP system. I cleared the code per Ista and it hasn't returned. Anything else I should inspect?

Boosted M5 · 08-04-2020, 11:28 PM

Sounds like you have carbon build up. Walnut blasting the valves should fix it.

Gjohnson7 · 08-05-2020, 06:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Boosted M5

Sounds like you have carbon build up. Walnut blasting the valves should fix it.

Yeah, I forgot to mention that I did an intake valve cleaning as well. I didn't have the car walnut blasted, but I did a YouTube video of cleaning the intake valves with the CRC Intake valve cleaner and I got similar results.

Unspec · 08-05-2020, 09:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gjohnson7

Yeah, I forgot to mention that I did an intake valve cleaning as well. I didn't have the car walnut blasted, but I did a YouTube video of cleaning the intake valves with the CRC Intake valve cleaner and I got similar results.

As long as you have the ability and know how on how to code the injectors, you can swap them around just fine.

It does sound like an injector issue though, given the steps you've already taken.

Gjohnson7 · 08-05-2020, 10:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Unspec

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gjohnson7

Yeah, I forgot to mention that I did an intake valve cleaning as well. I didn't have the car walnut blasted, but I did a YouTube video of cleaning the intake valves with the CRC Intake valve cleaner and I got similar results.

As long as you have the ability and know how on how to code the injectors, you can swap them around just fine.

It does sound like an injector issue though, given the steps you've already taken.

Yeah, I think coding the injectors won't be an issue. I guess I'm a little concerned with the Teflon gaskets and decouplers. Anyone try swapping injectors?

Gjohnson7 · 08-06-2020, 02:47 PM

Anyone, know of a better method to isolate the cause of this cylinder 2 misfire. I really don't want to spend $600 plus on injectors to find out that it doesn't cure the issue.

Or is there a Injector test that I am missing? I was thinking about pulling the spark plug again on cylinder 2 to re-inspect for fuel. Should I do this on a semi warm or cold engine?

CurtBMF10 · 10-30-2022, 05:44 PM

Guys,

This is the best thread that i have seen on this issue. I have the same issue and I am changing everything. Its not carbon, Its not injectors, Its not coils, its not plugs, its not the essentric shaft, its not the survo motor - ask me how i know all this - This thread is scary at how exact the problem is to mine down to the cylinder. I just rebuilt my motor and i am an accomplished builder but honestly this is throwing me for a loop. I need to know if anyone has solved this ..... I'm all ears

CurtBMF10 · 10-30-2022, 05:49 PM

Just had the DME firmware/software updated - Nothing
replaced throttle body - Nothing

Apologies - I didn't say the most important part. The car runs like a bat out of hell. Its fast, responsive, silky smooth on back roads and highway cruise. It just - will - NOT - idle - without a misfire - CRAZY annoying.

Someone PLEASE PLAEASE help !!!!!

ezaircon4jc · 10-30-2022, 08:01 PM

Does the BMW have an idle control valve?

CurtBMF10 · 11-02-2022, 08:55 AM

in a way - yes
it has a valvetronic motor that controls an intermediate set of rocker arms via an eccentric shaft to control lift duration. Hope that helps..

CurtBMF10 · 11-04-2022, 08:03 AM

Anyone have any thoughts on this !!

CurtBMF10 · 11-08-2022, 02:34 PM

Well - I hope someone will reply at some point - I still have the same problem.
The last thing i did was take the car to the shop to be smoke tested to see if i have a vacuum leak.
I don't
They did a compression test and found no smoking gun either.
The next step is to buy a set of lifters and take everything apart to put them in.

The parts are in.

I will let you guys know what happens.

BimmerFam99 · 03-30-2023, 04:49 PM

Any luck yet figuring it out? I just replaced the valve cover and gasket, and went and replaced the spark plugs and coils while I was at it... and now I'm having the same problem.

Anwar1995 · 04-02-2023, 01:41 PM

I am not sure if this would be of any help but I had a misfire issue before on my 2014 535i N55 engine. The misfires were however on cylinder 3 & 4 mainly. But I did almost everything that you could have thought of and it turned out to be the HPFP. It was giving normal pressure readings but I think the HPFPs can have an internal leak where it can cause a rich misfire on the engine. If the car has its original HPFP it might be worth looking at.

08-04-2020, 10:25 PM	#1
Gjohnson7 Lieutenant 255 Rep 423 Posts Drives: 11' BMW 535i, 12' Lexus RX350, Join Date: Aug 2019 Location: Broken Arrow, OK iTrader: (3) Garage List 2011 535i [0.00]	Ok, like the title says, I haves 2011 535i N55 and a rough idle that only occurs on Cold start. Once the car has ran for 30 to 45 seconds everything smooths out and the misfire doesn't seem to return. Currently, I have done the following maintenance items in the last 6,000 miles. New Elder ignition coils, new Bosch plugs and a new Valve Cover. When I pull codes in Ista-d it is giving me a cylinder 2 misfire. I have tried running through the misfire diagnostic, but it didn't help. I have reset adaptations on most things, with no improvements. Ista will not allow me to reset adaptations on the crank sensor (I believe that's the correct one) because it states i need to update the ECU. I have also reset Vanos limits. I have also tried swapping ignition coils and spark plugs with cylinder 2 and it still does nothing. I am wondering if this is pointing to a injector issue. I have seen conflicting things about removing injectors on this engine. Would there been any issue with swapping the injectors with a different cylinder? Also, I typically never get a check engine light over these misfires. Last week I got my first ever check engine light on the car and it was about a micro gas leak in the EVAP system. I cleared the code per Ista and it hasn't returned. Anything else I should inspect? Attached Images __________________ Checkout my YouTube channel, Like and Subscribe. https://www.youtube.com/user/Gjohnson7771 MHD Flash, RVG Catless DP, RVG CP, RVG Boost Pipe, Walbro 455 LPFP, Style 433 Wheels, BC Coilovers, Ebay Strut bar, M-Sport Front Conversion, RVG FMIC, 6WB Cluster.
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08-04-2020, 11:28 PM	#2
Boosted M5 Private First Class 69 Rep 193 Posts Drives: F10 m5 Join Date: Dec 2018 Location: Sf bay area iTrader: (0)	Sounds like you have carbon build up. Walnut blasting the valves should fix it.
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08-06-2020, 02:47 PM	#6
Gjohnson7 Lieutenant 255 Rep 423 Posts Drives: 11' BMW 535i, 12' Lexus RX350, Join Date: Aug 2019 Location: Broken Arrow, OK iTrader: (3) Garage List 2011 535i [0.00]	Anyone, know of a better method to isolate the cause of this cylinder 2 misfire. I really don't want to spend $600 plus on injectors to find out that it doesn't cure the issue. Or is there a Injector test that I am missing? I was thinking about pulling the spark plug again on cylinder 2 to re-inspect for fuel. Should I do this on a semi warm or cold engine? __________________ Checkout my YouTube channel, Like and Subscribe. https://www.youtube.com/user/Gjohnson7771 MHD Flash, RVG Catless DP, RVG CP, RVG Boost Pipe, Walbro 455 LPFP, Style 433 Wheels, BC Coilovers, Ebay Strut bar, M-Sport Front Conversion, RVG FMIC, 6WB Cluster.
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10-30-2022, 05:44 PM	#7
CurtBMF10 New Member 0 Rep 5 Posts Drives: 2011 BMW 535i xdrive F10 Join Date: Oct 2022 Location: CT iTrader: (0)	Guys, This is the best thread that i have seen on this issue. I have the same issue and I am changing everything. Its not carbon, Its not injectors, Its not coils, its not plugs, its not the essentric shaft, its not the survo motor - ask me how i know all this - This thread is scary at how exact the problem is to mine down to the cylinder. I just rebuilt my motor and i am an accomplished builder but honestly this is throwing me for a loop. I need to know if anyone has solved this ..... I'm all ears
	Appreciate 0 Quote

10-30-2022, 05:49 PM	#8
CurtBMF10 New Member 0 Rep 5 Posts Drives: 2011 BMW 535i xdrive F10 Join Date: Oct 2022 Location: CT iTrader: (0)	Just had the DME firmware/software updated - Nothing replaced throttle body - Nothing Apologies - I didn't say the most important part. The car runs like a bat out of hell. Its fast, responsive, silky smooth on back roads and highway cruise. It just - will - NOT - idle - without a misfire - CRAZY annoying. Someone PLEASE PLAEASE help !!!!!
	Appreciate 0 Quote

10-30-2022, 08:01 PM	#9
ezaircon4jc Major General 4482 Rep 5,362 Posts Drives: 2019 540i M Sport Join Date: Jan 2015 Location: San Diego iTrader: (0)	Does the BMW have an idle control valve?
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11-02-2022, 08:55 AM	#10
CurtBMF10 New Member 0 Rep 5 Posts Drives: 2011 BMW 535i xdrive F10 Join Date: Oct 2022 Location: CT iTrader: (0)	in a way - yes it has a valvetronic motor that controls an intermediate set of rocker arms via an eccentric shaft to control lift duration. Hope that helps..
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11-04-2022, 08:03 AM	#11
CurtBMF10 New Member 0 Rep 5 Posts Drives: 2011 BMW 535i xdrive F10 Join Date: Oct 2022 Location: CT iTrader: (0)	Anyone have any thoughts on this !!
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11-08-2022, 02:34 PM	#12
CurtBMF10 New Member 0 Rep 5 Posts Drives: 2011 BMW 535i xdrive F10 Join Date: Oct 2022 Location: CT iTrader: (0)	Well - I hope someone will reply at some point - I still have the same problem. The last thing i did was take the car to the shop to be smoke tested to see if i have a vacuum leak. I don't They did a compression test and found no smoking gun either. The next step is to buy a set of lifters and take everything apart to put them in. The parts are in. I will let you guys know what happens.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

03-30-2023, 04:49 PM	#13
BimmerFam99 Registered 0 Rep 1 Posts Drives: F10 535XI; F25 X3 Join Date: Mar 2023 Location: Raleigh, NC iTrader: (0)	Any luck? Any luck yet figuring it out? I just replaced the valve cover and gasket, and went and replaced the spark plugs and coils while I was at it... and now I'm having the same problem.
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04-02-2023, 01:41 PM	#14
Anwar1995 Private 38 Rep 97 Posts Drives: 2014 BMW 535i Join Date: Apr 2022 Location: Oman, Muscat iTrader: (0)	I am not sure if this would be of any help but I had a misfire issue before on my 2014 535i N55 engine. The misfires were however on cylinder 3 & 4 mainly. But I did almost everything that you could have thought of and it turned out to be the HPFP. It was giving normal pressure readings but I think the HPFPs can have an internal leak where it can cause a rich misfire on the engine. If the car has its original HPFP it might be worth looking at.
	Appreciate 0 Quote