Cold start - rough and shaking when idle

Hi all,

I have done search and found a lot members in here who own the BMW get similar problem that I have " Cold start - rough idle" but the resolution are different for each one. I just don't want to hi-jack someone else thread so I open a new thread.
I just own my new used 2010 BMW 535i about 10days (27K miles). With in the first few days, everything just fine, driving so smooth. but then lately the weather changed, temp goes down from 65F to 34F or 28F in the morning, then the problem happens. Start up the engine so rough idle, the whole car is shaking just like I seat on the spa chair. 3 days on the row, the check engine light (icon) come on blinking the turn off. I just give it a little driving then everything seem to be Ok . The rough idle went away after driving little bit but this morning the check engine came on a stay on. What is your suggestion? should I take it back to the dealer or do I need to change anything?

Just have the dealer look at it

Yeah, I made appointment to visit the dealer tomorrow. ( danm is doom day LOL ) Thank for the reply, What part of San Jose are u in ? I just moved to TX from SJ . I was in North Valley part

680 and Berryessa

Took the car to the dealer yesterday. The service advisor call back after 5hrs and he informed that the problem found. The need to replace all the injector but they back order on parts so they have to keep my car at dealer until after New year Danm new used car owned less than 10 days have to go to the shop for repair. I should have bought the Lexus 350 maybe better than the BMW . I am kindda disappointed so much.

Well, hopefully you have a warranty..you'll need it!

Originally Posted by jim165

Well, hopefully you have a warranty..you'll need it!

Yeah, my car has 27K miles on it so it still under MFG warranty. By doing research, I have seen a lot of BMW owner has same "cold start idle" problem and they need to replace and repair something here and there ...

Originally Posted by vk535i

Yeah, my car has 27K miles on it so it still under MFG warranty. By doing research, I have seen a lot of BMW owner has same "cold start idle" problem and they need to replace and repair something here and there ...

Mine has that problem, rough idle for the first 3 secs and then its gone and sometimes it struggles a bit to start up but after it does everything is fine.
I still haven't taken it to the shop since i don't have warranty and i don't consider it really that bad, if it gets worse then ill definitely take it to my indy. (Yeah i DONT have warranty)

I have the same issue (2008 535i). Much worse on cold days. After starting second time in a day the problem seems to go away. I have been to the dealership twice (also in TX) and so far the Cat converters have been replaced (1st visit) then injectors and intake ports were walnut blasted (2nd visit). The problem went away after each visit, but only to return after a few weeks. I spoke with the service advisor recently and I told him that I am waiting on whatever it is that is causing the problem to actually break so that we can know for sure what is causing the problem. I have an extended warranty so all of the work has been completed free of charge. I just hate dropping my car off for day only to have to take it back. I have heard read the forums also and it seems as though multiple things cause the dreaded shake. Let me know if your issue is actually fixed by replacing the injectors?

Did you get all your fuel injectors replaced or just some?

I have a 2010 535i that had a rough shaking idle at about 28k miles. The dealer replaced all 6 fuel injectors and the car has been smooth for the last 5 months (11k miles).

I think a new fuel injector design (improved) was introduced a while ago.

Also note that the spark plugs need to be replaced every 40k miles. I just had mine done and the engine is even smoother now.

I left the car at dealer for replace the injectors on the 18 of Dec. they don't have parts to replace I don't know when they will have it done

No they actually just walnut blasted the injectors instead of replacing them. It made the issue go away but from what you say it sounds like I ned to push for a full replacement of the injectors. I need a rear alignment anyways so while Im in the shop I talk to the advisor about it. The problem is proving that I have a problem later in the day once the car has been running.

Just out of curiosity what part of Tx are you in, San Antonio by any chance?

Just out of curiosity what part of Tx are you in, San Antonio by any chance?

I am in Mckinney, TX, The border of Dallas

Finally, just got my baby back home after they replace 3 injectors for on cylinder 1,2,3 (missed fired) was written on the report. So far start up in the cold (34 degree F) The RPM at first little high (more than 1000RPM) then after a minute or so I drop down to around 600-700 RPM. Engine stable not shaking like it was before the replacement. Will keep watching for atleast a week or so to be sure the issue went away.

Originally Posted by vk535i

I am in Mckinney, TX, The border of Dallas

Nice to meet another BMW owner. I got my 10 535 a few months back from Classic BMW. I am literally five mins away from them in Plano. Did you get yours from Classic as well? Mine is starting to shake a little so may have to do the same as well.....

This cold start as a known issue for most of the original injector on the car. You should force them to replace the new one more reliable. The original injectors usually last about 25K-35k miles and it will need to replace.

I'm chasing the same issue with my 2008 528i. This quote is from another thread and may be helpful for others. This seems to be a phantom issue with these cars. There are a lot of guesses but not many solutions.

Originally Posted by UltimateDriving

Could be the Crankcase ventilation valve that is failing.
I have an E39 with the same M54 engine that was having problems with cold starts, sometimes it would need 2 or 3 tries and when it worked i had rough idling but after it warmed up it was good for the whole day until next morning . . . the same thing happened every morning cold start. Replaced it and now cars works perfectly.

He is referring to the pressure regulating valve

I live in Maryland and unlike Texas is gets ans stays fairly cold. My guess is the problem will go away for the people in the warmer climates.

Originally Posted by vk535i

Finally, just got my baby back home after they replace 3 injectors for on cylinder 1,2,3 (missed fired) was written on the report. So far start up in the cold (34 degree F) The RPM at first little high (more than 1000RPM) then after a minute or so I drop down to around 600-700 RPM. Engine stable not shaking like it was before the replacement. Will keep watching for atleast a week or so to be sure the issue went away.

How did you asked them to do that? I'm here at San Jose CA they only agree to diagnose it but not do anything before they see it.

It's kinda difficult for me to show them, cu it's need a cold start. I need to leave my cat at dealership overnight?

Originally Posted by Gregzou

It's kinda difficult for me to show them, cu it's need a cold start. I need to leave my cat at dealership overnight?

in my case, my car was shaking like seating on the spa chair, I brought to dealer at night and next morning the advisor called me informed that the car need to replace the injectors. On the first day they gave me the Enterprise rental car but they have to keep my car at their shop for almost 2 weeks due to the parts not available so they switch from the rental car to the BMW loaner car.
You need bring your car to them and tell them what happens, if needed you leave the car at their shop. BMW warranty very good. they treat you like king but a minute your car out of warranty ... you know what I meant . Take your car to BMW's Steven Creek.
goodluck

Did you ever get to the bottom of this? My '05 645ci has the same problem.

yeah. After the dealer replace all the injectors, it very smooth now. one in awhile sometimes just had a little tickle about a second then back to normal. You may want to take a look at the injectors and also clean the mass flow sensor.