Winter is coming but you don’t expect your car to have the shivers in the morning. SureTrack community member carguru had a BMW X5 in the shop where the owner had a problem where it would shake when first started in the morning. They posed the question to the community, and with the help of fellow community member BMWTECH and others, they were able to resolve the issue quickly.
The following Community Fix summarizes the interaction between members of the community that led to the solution.
Vehicle
2005 BMW X5 44i 4.4L
Title
Car shakes when cold, replaced crankcase vent valves.
Complaint
After SUV sits overnight, first start of the day makes the car shake. If you let the SUV sit and idle for a bit, it will log misfires on all 8 cylinders. Eventually it will clear up and run fine for the rest of the day.
Diagnostic Steps Performed/Parts Replaced
Verified customer’s complaint after SUV sat overnight. We installed a 850 cca AGM battery as well, because the old battery was weak. We have had the SUV in before with same problem, but it comes and goes. So after I felt the shaking this morning, my scan tool showed BMW code 2E95 (Generator), I can’t find the “P” code, and there is no codes listed in the generic side of the ECU. In the past, I thought it was in relation to the “alternator”, but now I’m questioning it because I think it might be related to the “Pulse Generator”, and I’ve watched charging state coming out of alternator, and it is putting out 14.1. What is code 2E95 (Generator) for and has anyone else come across this issue. As always, any and all help is greatly appreciated.
Best Answer from Community Member BMWTECH
The code is for DME no communication to alternator. the alternator will charge at a fixed voltage around 14.2 if the DME isn’t in control of it. not however your running problem. symptoms sound like a bad diaphragm in one of the two crank case vent valves. check crank case pressure at idle in the am after first start, it should have 22 mBar negative pressure. P.S. did you register the new battery with the DME when you installed it?
Cause
Defective crankcase vent valves.
Correction
Thank you for all your help. The problem was corrected by replacing the crankcase vent valves. I was unable to program the battery to the car to try and eliminate the “generator” code. But that doesn’t illuminate the CEL, so customer is happy and on her way.
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