[uglypedro]

Starting a couple weeks ago my 2011 328I convert started going into limp mode. Restarting car would reset whatever was wrong. Reader from local parts store showed no codes. As I was leaving it did it again and while it was in limp mode the code reader said 5DEC, which means rear driver side speed sensor, which I replaced. The next day it went into limp mode immediately after starting and the engine would surge between 800 and 1200 rpms. Letting it sit didnt fix things as before. Code reader again shows nothing! After 24 hours car started without problems, but.....any idea? Do I need a better code reader? It a Harbor Freight Zurich ZR8s and there are 3 better models. kinda doubt that's the problem, but I'm at a loss....

[uglypedro]

No one has any idea how the car is forced into limp mode without leaving a record as to why?

[ryan stewart]

Likely its a generic code reader and isnt really built to read all of the BMW specific ECU data. Probably best getting a laptop with the BMW software (become slightly harder), or Ive honestly pivoted to the pro tool app on my phone and a little dongle for the ODB2 plug.

Last time I encountered that kind of behavior it as my valvetronic motor going out.

Also, it looks like there are only 5 hours between posts and its overnight for most of the US

[uglypedro]

It did it again! It went into limp mode, so I threw my POS Harbor Freight reader into the plug and.......nothing! No codes, while in limp mode?!!? Back to Harbor Freight it goes.
Downloading a reader sounds like a good idea. Any suggestions on which one for someone that doesnt work on cars for a living?

God, it better not be the motor....it's only got 60k miles!!

[ryan stewart]

Go straight here:

https://www.bimmergeeks.net/protool

These guys have been "the guys" for a looonnnnggg time. They even used to host downloads of the BMW software until they got a cease and desist, but their app is basically a user friendly version of ISPA/NCS, etc. You can either do the just diagnostics version or go ahead and spring for the full license and game over.

I had to originally learn hex BS to figure out how to make my car do fun shit, in their app its like "I want my wipers to be less sensitive and my blinker to flash 5 times, hit these buttons."

It will also read all ECUs, so it will find your code, there will be a code for sure. There is a code stored, even if its not active, for anything that happens on the dash (and countless that arent, like the secret "your water pump is about to shit the bed" code).

[Mike K]

Another idea: An Ancel BMW specific code reader like the BM700 is under $100 and will read that data with many other features too.

https://www.anceltech.com/product/de...20348438556672

I keep that in the car, but also have BMW Standard tools and an old windows laptop for in depth BMW diagnostics.

[uglypedro]

Downloaded the protool from bimmergeeks and ordered a cable.

3 days later I was rear ended on a freeway. Stop and go traffic. I was stopped, doubt she touched the brakes as she plowed into me. Had to be doing at least 25, 30 mph. My guess: totaled. Blue Book says $10k. Estimate at BMW cert shop was $13k min. Replacement cost looks to be around $12k to $14k. Bet they offer less than $7k.
Been looking at 335i with a manual tranny. Auto was a mistake!

[StradaRedlands]

That sucks, very sorry to see. Hope you're physically okay from it!
We've had two good experiences with insurance totaling cars out. They actually gave us more than what we thought the cars were worth both times. Hopefully you have a similar experience.