2007 550i - rough idle / engine shake

[dfisla]

Just picked this car 1 week ago and I am already feeling like it's breaking my heart. :-/

2007 550i with 47K on it, rough idle (or engine shake sideways), much worse when A/C is on. The A/C increases the idle from 500 to 700 rpm, which is expected, but the shake just sucks! I must say I am shocked that a car with such a low mileage would do this. I don't expect a V8 to be perfectly balanced but this is much more than I would expect.

The strange thing is, when I idle without A/C and bring it to about 700 rpm it's not as bad.

I am going to raise this with the dealer but any feedback would be *much* appreciated.

Thanks,

Daniel.

[MarkD]

Originally Posted by dfisla

Just picked this car 1 week ago and I am already feeling like it's breaking my heart. :-/

2007 550i with 47K on it, rough idle (or engine shake sideways), much worse when A/C is on. The A/C increases the idle from 500 to 700 rpm, which is expected, but the shake just sucks! I must say I am shocked that a car with such a low mileage would do this. I don't expect a V8 to be perfectly balanced but this is much more than I would expect.

The strange thing is, when I idle without A/C and bring it to about 700 rpm it's not as bad.

I am going to raise this with the dealer but any feedback would be *much* appreciated.

Thanks,

Daniel.

Didn't you notice this before you bought? Anyway it should still have a BMW warranty on it so just take it in to a BMW dealer.

[dfisla]

Yes, the car is still under BMW warranty.

For some reason, of all the checks I did, I missed this one. The car is very smooth when in drive and love the performance, but never noticed the shake when in idle the 2 times I did the test drive. This is my first BMW so wasn't exectly sure what to expect. I expect the dealer to minimize this and try convince me this expected...we'll see.

[T.Dot_E30]

Take it to the dealer.

[MLue1]

Prolly a misfire in one of the cylinders... plug or coil pack.

[MarkD]

Originally Posted by dfisla

Yes, the car is still under BMW warranty.

For some reason, of all the checks I did, I missed this one. The car is very smooth when in drive and love the performance, but never noticed the shake when in idle the 2 times I did the test drive. This is my first BMW so wasn't exectly sure what to expect. I expect the dealer to minimize this and try convince me this expected...we'll see.

If you go to the BMW dealership, I doubt they will give you a headache if it's a real problem. I've found the the BMW dealership to be very good with warranty coverage. Did you buy from a BMW dealership or a used car "dealer" ? A used car dealer probably won't care about helping you out much.

[Dado 540]

I had some engine shaking a few years back. Turned out that the crankshaft pulley was warped. Changed that and smooth sailing.

2007 550i

[dfisla]

Just wanted to give an update.

Took it to dealer, don't have the exact service record in front of me, but it went something like this:

cleaned injectors+chamber,
compression test results were within the 2-5% range,
detected that cylinder 7 was out of range, was adjusted (should I be concerned?)
increased idle to maximum allowable range, and
adjusted valvetronic system.

Overall, I am very happy with the car, but the rough idle and some knocking noise remains.

The dealer provided me with a loaner car which was a 2010 335i with 370 KM on it, needless to say the engine sounded exactly like the engine on my 550i. Then, I found few video clips on the internet with engine recordings for 550i, and M5 engines, and they all sound more or less alike when idle. Since this is my first BMW, I have no choice but to conclude this is normal.

The only other minor thing is when the A/C is on and I am trying to park the car, it feels like I am trying to hold back the car from jumping forward. I understand the A/C makes the engine rev up more, but is little bit more than I am used to.

Cheers.

[T.Dot_E30]

What grade gas are you using?

[dfisla]

94 octane only :-)

[PaulG]

Have you tried a vacuum test? Rough idle can be due to a vacuum leak (either intake or a hose/valve in the PCV/VCV system). M70s had issues with the water temperature sensors. They had 3 (1 for each bank of cylinders + 1 for the gauge). Bad sensors resulted in the engine running rich even at normal operating temperature and made the idle rough (smelly too).
Also check the fuel pressure regulators (if your fuel pump and filter are ok).
Good luck and I hope you get it fixed!

[damameke]

"Overall, I am very happy with the car, but the rough idle and some knocking noise remains"

You probably paid a good buck for this car .. so why would you be content with the rough idle/knocking noise and A/C on (hold back) issues?

1. Suggest that you go back to the dealer and test drive a same car in their lot to differentiate the idle and knock..

2. Bring the car to another dealer.

3. Still not happy.. pay to get a 3rd opinion from one of the sponsors here(RMP, Bimmersport etc etc)

4. You cover all bases, still not happy.. call OMPVIC

[JazzM]

Its possible one of your catalytic converters is clogged. I'd have them check that too next time you take it in for service. That would be my next guess...


T.

[porksoda]

Originally Posted by damameke

"Overall, I am very happy with the car, but the rough idle and some knocking noise remains"

You probably paid a good buck for this car .. so why would you be content with the rough idle/knocking noise and A/C on (hold back) issues?

1. Suggest that you go back to the dealer and test drive a same car in their lot to differentiate the idle and knock..

2. Bring the car to another dealer.

3. Still not happy.. pay to get a 3rd opinion from one of the sponsors here(RMP, Bimmersport etc etc)

4. You cover all bases, still not happy.. call OMPVIC

Very good points i agree.... for sure take it to rmp to get a second opinion.

[MLue1]

IT's UNDER WARRANTY TAKE IT TO ANOTHER DEALER !