BMW

Checking for EVAP Leaks on BMW or MINI Cooper

How to Check for BMW or MINI Cooper EVAP Leaks

The Evaporative Emission Control System or EVAP system as it is most often called, was designed to prevent gasoline vapors from escaping from the fuel tank and fuel system. When the computer detects a leak in the system it will trigger the check engine light to come on and warn you. A loose gas cap can cause the light to come on because the system detects that there is pressure loss. The system is designed to detect leaks as small a pin hole. BMW and Mini Cooper are equipped with a Leak Detection Pump (DMTL) for this purpose.

The most common fault codes for EVAP leaks are a PO442- Small leak detected, and PO455- Large leak detected. The PO455 code is most often caused by a gas cap that was left loose after refueling. The PO442 can be a much harder one to diagnose as it virtually impossible to diagnose visually. To diagnose the small leaks a smoke machine is used to find the leaks by feeding a mineral oil based smoke into the system under light pressure. The smoke may also have ultraviolet dye added to make it easier to spot under a UV light. These codes are most typically a result of intake system vacuum leaks, with the most common being cracked or otherwise leaking intake boots. The intake boots are an especially common problem on the 2nd gen Mini Cooper S model with turbos. On late model BMW’s that have a crankcase ventilation valve (most 6 and 8 cylinder models from the mid 1990’s to present day, equatable to a PCV valve) the common problem is the rubber check valve diaphragm ruptures, creating an internal vacuum leak.

Fixing small EVAP leaks can be a big problem even for professional technicians, and if you get a code for a small leak you will most likely have to take it to your mechanic for diagnosis as special equipment is required. The smoke machine diagnostic tool costs between $1000-$1500 depending on the manufacturer and requires some training to use properly. With EVAP leaks it is recommended that you always take your BMW or Mini Cooper to a certified repair facility as these can be nearly impossible to diagnose at home. Please watch our short 2 minute video as we demonstrate a smoke test on a 2007 BMW X3.

Looking for MINI Cooper Service in Sherman Oaks? Call House of Minis & BMW Today! (855) 572-6464

6 Most Common Repairs on the BMW E46 3 Series

bmw-repair

BMW E46 Common Problems – BMW 3-Series Repair

If you own, or are thinking about buying an E46  3 series that were manufactured from 1999-2006 there are some things to look out for or keep an eye on. These cars are a favorite among BMW aficionados  and were consistently named to Car & Driver’s Top Ten list. These cars can be a long lasting vehicle if maintained properly.

Valve Cover Gasket Leaks
These leaks are common after about 60,000 miles. Symptoms will include oil drips under the car and/or a burning oil smell from the engine compartment. It is important after the leak is repaired to pressure wash the engine so the mechanic can verify there are no additional oil leaks.

Rear Window Regulator Failure
The rear window regulators can fail causing the window to stop working, and in some cases cause the window to fall into the door. The regulators are built with plastic pulleys and thin cables so even with diligent maintenance they can fail. Replacement of the regulator is required to correct this problem.

Coolant Expansion Tank Leaks
An engine coolant leak may develop from the expansion tank. These tanks are made of plastic and over time may leak causing the engine to overheat. When a component in the cooling system fails it is important to inspect the entire cooling system. It is not uncommon to find additional leaks. The radiator and water pumps are also common problems. It is important if your vehicle overheats that you pull over as soon as possible and have your vehicle towed to a qualified BMW repair shop. Overheating can cause severe engine damage!

Power Steering Pump Failure
This is a common concern on the E46, when the power steering pump starts to fail it may emit a growling noise and there may be increased steering effort. There a few reasons the pump can fail. The most common reason the pump fails is due to low fluid, caused by a leak somewhere in the power steering system. There is also a filter in the bottom of the power steering fluid reservoir that gets plugged over time and can restrict fluid flow to pump. The filter is not serviceable separately and will require the reservoir to be replaced if you have this problem. It is important to check the fluid regularly, if it is low you most likely have a leak somewhere in the system.

Rear Sub-frame Tearing
There was a class action lawsuit brought against BMW in 2009 for this problem. It was not uncommon for the rear sub-frame to tear of crack. Owners should be aware of any loud or abnormal noises coming from the rear of the vehicle when traveling on bumpy roads and contact your mechanic for inspection as soon as you hear the noise.

Faulty Tail Lamp Wiring
The tail lamp wiring was the subject of a recall a few years ago. The affected models were the 2002-2005 3 series sedans, model numbers 325i, 325Xi, 330i, and 330Xi. If you own or are thinking about purchasing one of these contact BMW and verify that the recall has been done, or if it applies to your vehicle.

These are just a few things to look out for on these models, but there are more. It is always advised you have a pre-purchase inspection done by a qualified BMW mechanic before buying a used vehicle. Having an inspection done will keep you from buying a vehicle that that may need thousands of dollars worth of repairs.

At The Haus we perform FREE pre-purchase inspections for all of our customers.

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