Engine still stutters, dealer can't help, any advice?

Kasonova · 05-22-2023, 09:41 AM

Our son saved up and got a 2013 528i for his first car. He loves it. Joined the BMW CCA the same day.

It's been great, but we were told by the previous owner when we got it that "it hesitates when you push it hard". Here is the issue:

If he puts it in drive, and then just pushes the gas even a bit more than a little bit, it will shake and stutter, and then throw a "drivetrain malfunction" error. Code 120308 every time. Doesn't matter what drive mode he is in.

Ended up joining this forum and reading up on codes, and possible causes.

Replaced all the "easy" parts (see photo with list), and even did the "accelerator reset" found here. It seemed to run a bit better, but still couldn't accelerate without the shake and stutter, and then the code.

Finally took it to the dealership where we assumed they would be able to get it sorted...

Tech called and said cat (and o2 sensors) was the issue. Would be $4k to fix. We approved that, and we were excited it was going to be fixed finally. Next day we hear the cat and sensors look new and were fine, and it's the turbo. Tech "drove it hard" and not only is it not boosting, it is now "leaking a ton of oil"...! Couldn't afford turbo ($7k+) so got the car back and had to wait for more money since they charged us for the cat work they did...

Finally got a new turbo kit from FCP (and all other pieces and parts with the kit), and installed it. Old turbo was very "loose" and spun rough, so assumed the tech was right and it was the issue. It is not.

Although it runs better, it will immediately throw a "drivetrain malfunction" code, and he has to clear the code before he can drive again (he keeps an ipad in the glovebox with the bimmer app so he can clear it quickly on the side of the road when he has too...) He can VERY slowly press the gas, and get to and from school/work. But if he accidentally pushes too quickly, it shakes and shutters, and then throws the code. If its in park, we can rev it and it sounds perfect (including the blow off)

We do NOT want to take it back to the dealership. And we just can't figure out whats left to replace anyway.

Hoping there is a software thing we are missing, though the bimmer app says its all good. We've got not only his $10k for the car purchase, but now we've added an additional $5k for parts that may or may not have needed to be replaced. Please advise!

I thank you. My son thanks you. Our bank account will thank you! lol

ChiNorm · 05-22-2023, 03:27 PM

Who sold you this broken car without disclosing the true condition of the vehicle? I'd talk to a lawyer.

Good luck.

Kasonova · 05-22-2023, 03:40 PM

Nah, it’s just a machine. We can fix it. Eventually… lol.

TZ · 05-22-2023, 08:04 PM

Before you throw in more money, get the BMW diagnostic program ISTA-D first.

Kasonova · 05-22-2023, 08:38 PM

Will do!

Kasonova · 05-25-2023, 07:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TZ

Before you throw in more money, get the BMW diagnostic program ISTA-D first.

We currently have the veepak bluetooth ODB adapter. Will we need to get a special cable instead? And does this program do more than the Bimmer app we paid $35 for? Thanks again!

paul223 · 05-25-2023, 09:53 AM

buy an ENET cable and download free BMW ISTA 4.32.15 (google it).

Kasonova · 05-25-2023, 10:01 AM

Just did! Thanks!!

Kasonova · 06-28-2023, 07:26 AM

So after all that, it was the new spark plugs...! The first thing we changed. Somehow got a set that was about 2 threads too short. Lesson learned... But it runs like a champ now!

ChiNorm · 06-28-2023, 10:11 AM

An interesting statement about the competency of your dealer's service department. And whoever installed the wrong damn plugs.

Jo3f1sh · 06-28-2023, 11:32 AM

Wow...that service department needs a lesson in starting with the simplest things first, and going from there. Well, at least it's got a nice new turbo now. Time for a tune!

Kasonova · 06-28-2023, 05:05 PM

The frustrating part is that the first video the BMW service tech sent was him saying that the "spark plugs and coils look new and working fine"... and then proceeds to go down a very expensive rabbit hole... I feel I might have to reach back out to them...

BMW535iva · 07-04-2023, 12:42 PM

Did BMW ISTA tell you that it was the plugs? If not how did you discover the wrong spark plugs?
I am happy for you guys. Will your son keep the car stock?

BMW535iva · 07-04-2023, 12:44 PM

Did BMW ISTA tell you that it was the plugs? If not how did you discover the wrong spark plugs?
I am happy for you guys. Will your son keep the car stock?

Stinkyxy · 07-05-2023, 03:48 AM

When performing a diag on this you first go to air (vacuum, intake leak, etc), spark (plugs, ignition, etc) and finally fuel (pump, etc). If you do a live feed diag you can rule out some of these quickly (fuel, etc).

Good job backtracking to discover the plug issue.

My guess in this would have been plugs or vacuum.

Kasonova · 07-06-2023, 04:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BMW535iva

Did BMW ISTA tell you that it was the plugs? If not how did you discover the wrong spark plugs?
I am happy for you guys. Will your son keep the car stock?

We brought it to a friend who tinkers with BMW. I told him we did plugs, coils, etc etc. He said he would check them anyway. And we are sure glad he did. So he gets all the credit! lol

He will keep it pretty stock. He is 16, so he doesn't need anything too tuned. If he wants to go stupid fast, he can drive our Lucid Air...

Thanks for all the insight. This forum is awesome!

05-22-2023, 09:41 AM	#1
Kasonova New Member 0 Rep 15 Posts Drives: 2013 BMW 528i xDrive Join Date: Feb 2023 Location: Colorado iTrader: (0)	Engine still stutters, dealer can't help, any advice? Our son saved up and got a 2013 528i for his first car. He loves it. Joined the BMW CCA the same day. It's been great, but we were told by the previous owner when we got it that "it hesitates when you push it hard". Here is the issue: If he puts it in drive, and then just pushes the gas even a bit more than a little bit, it will shake and stutter, and then throw a "drivetrain malfunction" error. Code 120308 every time. Doesn't matter what drive mode he is in. Ended up joining this forum and reading up on codes, and possible causes. Replaced all the "easy" parts (see photo with list), and even did the "accelerator reset" found here. It seemed to run a bit better, but still couldn't accelerate without the shake and stutter, and then the code. Finally took it to the dealership where we assumed they would be able to get it sorted... Tech called and said cat (and o2 sensors) was the issue. Would be $4k to fix. We approved that, and we were excited it was going to be fixed finally. Next day we hear the cat and sensors look new and were fine, and it's the turbo. Tech "drove it hard" and not only is it not boosting, it is now "leaking a ton of oil"...! Couldn't afford turbo ($7k+) so got the car back and had to wait for more money since they charged us for the cat work they did... Finally got a new turbo kit from FCP (and all other pieces and parts with the kit), and installed it. Old turbo was very "loose" and spun rough, so assumed the tech was right and it was the issue. It is not. Although it runs better, it will immediately throw a "drivetrain malfunction" code, and he has to clear the code before he can drive again (he keeps an ipad in the glovebox with the bimmer app so he can clear it quickly on the side of the road when he has too...) He can VERY slowly press the gas, and get to and from school/work. But if he accidentally pushes too quickly, it shakes and shutters, and then throws the code. If its in park, we can rev it and it sounds perfect (including the blow off) We do NOT want to take it back to the dealership. And we just can't figure out whats left to replace anyway. Hoping there is a software thing we are missing, though the bimmer app says its all good. We've got not only his $10k for the car purchase, but now we've added an additional $5k for parts that may or may not have needed to be replaced. Please advise! I thank you. My son thanks you. Our bank account will thank you! lol Attached Images
	Appreciate 0 Tweet Quote

05-22-2023, 03:27 PM	#2
ChiNorm Second Lieutenant 92 Rep 232 Posts Drives: '13 535xi Join Date: Nov 2016 Location: Chicago iTrader: (0)	Who sold you this broken car without disclosing the true condition of the vehicle? I'd talk to a lawyer. Good luck.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

05-22-2023, 03:40 PM	#3
Kasonova New Member 0 Rep 15 Posts Drives: 2013 BMW 528i xDrive Join Date: Feb 2023 Location: Colorado iTrader: (0)	Nah, it’s just a machine. We can fix it. Eventually… lol.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

05-22-2023, 08:04 PM	#4
TZ Second Lieutenant 51 Rep 228 Posts Drives: 2011 535i xDrive, 2014 435i CO Join Date: Mar 2015 Location: NJ iTrader: (0)	Before you throw in more money, get the BMW diagnostic program ISTA-D first. __________________ 2011 535i xDrive Black/Black, Michelin PS AS 4 2014 435i RWD Convertible Service Manual: www.newtis.info Part: http://www.realoem.com
	Appreciate 0 Quote

05-22-2023, 08:38 PM	#5
Kasonova New Member 0 Rep 15 Posts Drives: 2013 BMW 528i xDrive Join Date: Feb 2023 Location: Colorado iTrader: (0)	Will do!
	Appreciate 0 Quote

05-25-2023, 09:53 AM	#7
paul223 Major 411 Rep 1,126 Posts Drives: F10 Join Date: Dec 2013 Location: arkansas iTrader: (0)	buy an ENET cable and download free BMW ISTA 4.32.15 (google it).
	Appreciate 0 Quote

05-25-2023, 10:01 AM	#8
Kasonova New Member 0 Rep 15 Posts Drives: 2013 BMW 528i xDrive Join Date: Feb 2023 Location: Colorado iTrader: (0)	Just did! Thanks!!
	Appreciate 0 Quote

06-28-2023, 07:26 AM	#9
Kasonova New Member 0 Rep 15 Posts Drives: 2013 BMW 528i xDrive Join Date: Feb 2023 Location: Colorado iTrader: (0)	FIXED So after all that, it was the new spark plugs...! The first thing we changed. Somehow got a set that was about 2 threads too short. Lesson learned... But it runs like a champ now!
	Appreciate 0 Quote

06-28-2023, 10:11 AM	#10
ChiNorm Second Lieutenant 92 Rep 232 Posts Drives: '13 535xi Join Date: Nov 2016 Location: Chicago iTrader: (0)	An interesting statement about the competency of your dealer's service department. And whoever installed the wrong damn plugs.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

06-28-2023, 11:32 AM	#11
Jo3f1sh Broke 101 Rep 28 Posts Drives: 2014 BMW 550i Join Date: Jun 2023 Location: Fate, TX iTrader: (0) Garage List 2014 BMW 550i [0.00]	Wow...that service department needs a lesson in starting with the simplest things first, and going from there. Well, at least it's got a nice new turbo now. Time for a tune!
	Appreciate 0 Quote

06-28-2023, 05:05 PM	#12
Kasonova New Member 0 Rep 15 Posts Drives: 2013 BMW 528i xDrive Join Date: Feb 2023 Location: Colorado iTrader: (0)	The frustrating part is that the first video the BMW service tech sent was him saying that the "spark plugs and coils look new and working fine"... and then proceeds to go down a very expensive rabbit hole... I feel I might have to reach back out to them...
	Appreciate 0 Quote

07-04-2023, 12:42 PM	#13
BMW535iva Major 280 Rep 1,306 Posts Drives: M5 Join Date: Oct 2018 Location: NC iTrader: (42)	Did BMW ISTA tell you that it was the plugs? If not how did you discover the wrong spark plugs? I am happy for you guys. Will your son keep the car stock?
	Appreciate 0 Quote

07-04-2023, 12:44 PM	#14
BMW535iva Major 280 Rep 1,306 Posts Drives: M5 Join Date: Oct 2018 Location: NC iTrader: (42)	Did BMW ISTA tell you that it was the plugs? If not how did you discover the wrong spark plugs? I am happy for you guys. Will your son keep the car stock?
	Appreciate 0 Quote

07-05-2023, 03:48 AM	#15
Stinkyxy Lieutenant 152 Rep 458 Posts Drives: X5 Join Date: Nov 2015 Location: Toronto iTrader: (0)	When performing a diag on this you first go to air (vacuum, intake leak, etc), spark (plugs, ignition, etc) and finally fuel (pump, etc). If you do a live feed diag you can rule out some of these quickly (fuel, etc). Good job backtracking to discover the plug issue. My guess in this would have been plugs or vacuum.
	Appreciate 0 Quote