E86 loud noise, engine warning light!

[WJord]

Hi all, I’m not mechanical so please bare with me. I’m looking for some help after having my 2007 Z4 coupe for only a couple of weeks.

Took it for a 200 mile drive yesterday and noticed at one point the exhaust sounded considerably louder as if it was a noise coming from the front (manifold?!). Today after taking it out in the pouring rain, I noticed the noise again, after having parked up for a couple of hours, I went to start it up again and less than a minute into the journey the engine warning light came on and it is still making a much louder noise with some pops and bangs from the exhaust, almost like a backfire noise.

I appreciate that is quite a vague description and I have a friend who should be able to bring a code reader round at some point in the next couple of days but any ideas?

I’ve had a look underneath and can’t see any leaks or any obvious damage, but the drive yesterday we ended up on some pretty rough roads with a couple of big potholes (avoided where possible!)

Thanks in advance for any suggestions.

Cheers,
Will

 

[Scubaregs]

I wouldn't drive it again until you get the codes read. Did you notice any loss in power?

 

[sw4nny]

Try checking exhaust bolts at front where it meets the down pipes,these rust and come loose can be drilled out and replaced.
Ive had to replace these on both zeds and a 330i

 

[WJord]

Thanks guys, appreciate your help. No noticeable loss of power but I drove carefully home.

Error code P114d has come up.

Any thoughts on cost to fix? Appears to be sensor.

 

[sw4nny]

If its the brake sensors i suggested easy 10 minute diy,about £25 for 2 sensors

 

[WJord]

Try checking exhaust bolts at front where it meets the down pipes,these rust and come loose can be drilled out and replaced.
Ive had to replace these on both zeds and a 330i

This is the exact issue, thanks! From other threads it looks like the bolts can be a pain to get out of they are seized.

 

[sw4nny]

Try checking exhaust bolts at front where it meets the down pipes,these rust and come loose can be drilled out and replaced.
Ive had to replace these on both zeds and a 330i

This is the exact issue, thanks! From other threads it looks like the bolts can be a pain to get out of they are seized.

Great news you have found the issue,2 different garages changed mine,both said they were a pain but both sorted the issue for less than £100.
I wouldnt want to tackle the job at home unless you have a lift and the correct drill bits and a good drill.

 

[WJord]

Great news you have found the issue,2 different garages changed mine,both said they were a pain but both sorted the issue for less than £100.
I wouldnt want to tackle the job at home unless you have a lift and the correct drill bits and a good drill.

Thanks, it’s good to have an idea of rough costs.

I’m desperately hoping to make it over to Zedfest this weekend, do you think a blowing exhaust is still drivable? I would have thought so, but unsure of any other associated issues. I may put some exhaust putty on as a temp fix.

 

[Argyll Andy]

I may put some exhaust putty on as a temp fi

Unfortunately with this happening at a joint it’s extremely unlikely putty will stay in place for any period of time to give any sort of effective repair, even a temp one.

Since you’re wanting to use it for the weekend I’d be up and about round the local garages exhaust places first thing to see who can fit you in. Hope you get it sorted

 

[sw4nny]

I may put some exhaust putty on as a temp fi

Unfortunately with this happening at a joint it’s extremely unlikely putty will stay in place for any period of time to give any sort of effective repair, even a temp one.

Since you’re wanting to use it for the weekend I’d be up and about round the local garages exhaust places first thing to see who can fit you in. Hope you get it sorted

This is good advice

 

[WJord]

*Update*

Exhaust shop checked it over at the end of last week and confirmed the downpipe bolts to the manifold had disintegrated and the gaskets were no longer usable as they had pretty much disintegrated.

They asked me to come back in on Monday after I picked up the gaskets over the weekend. My stupid fault I’d ordered the wrong size. So off to BMW to get the two gaskets yesterday morning. £33 for both which I though my was expensive for gaskets but in the scheme of wanting the repair done, not too bad.

Back to the exhaust shop first thing this morning, £48 for an hours worth of labour was all they wanted which I’m very pleased with.

He said it was a bit difficult given the sensors are so close but after heating and carefully tapping them out, it wasn’t too bad.

Safe to say I’m pleased it’s done for all in about £80.

Thanks for your comments and help, all.

 

[AveZ4coop]

*Update*

Exhaust shop checked it over at the end of last week and confirmed the downpipe bolts to the manifold had disintegrated and the gaskets were no longer usable as they had pretty much disintegrated.

They asked me to come back in on Monday after I picked up the gaskets over the weekend. My stupid fault I’d ordered the wrong size. So off to BMW to get the two gaskets yesterday morning. £33 for both which I though my was expensive for gaskets but in the scheme of wanting the repair done, not too bad.

Back to the exhaust shop first thing this morning, £48 for an hours worth of labour was all they wanted which I’m very pleased with.

He said it was a bit difficult given the sensors are so close but after heating and carefully tapping them out, it wasn’t too bad.

Safe to say I’m pleased it’s done for all in about £80.

Thanks for your comments and help, all.

Good result and sounds like you have found an honest garage for any future issues.