N53 injector replacement
Discussion
My N53 index 11 injectors have failed. I replaced my old leaky injectors in Feburary 2017 with used injectors and have done well, but they're finally dead. Plugs are new, coils are 11k old, I've been here before and know it's injectors.
This is worse than the cold start issue from a few years ago. Two weeks ago I broke down on the motorway limping it home with an amber EML, it dumped 3/4 of a tank of super unleaded within a few seconds and started smoking. Plugs changed as they were black despite being 20k old, running OK since but it's thrown an amber EML this morning. Recurring misfire codes on cylinder 1 / 3 / random and the failed injectors explain why the plugs were knackared (fuel leaking) and the fuel dump. Given how lumpy it is, the risk of (more) catalyst damage and the loss of another tank of super unleaded, it's undriveable.
I've tried hunting down N53 replacement injectors, 13537589048-11, and am coming up against the issue with supply.
I understand N54 injectors fit, but I can't get these unless I can give BMW a matching chassis number, I've tried part numbers 13537585261-12 / 13538616079-12 / 13538648937-12.
In addition to local dealers I've tried Cotswold BMW as they were helpful for some in the past, but no luck. My car is a 2009/59 E92 330i with 198k on it. I love it and have looked after it - NOXEM 129, Bilstein / Eibach suspension, replaced CCV, uprated brakes, modern infotainment via a Sony XAV unit etc. It's even got a manual gearbox which took me forever to find when I bought it in 2014!
I really don't want to bin a car which is fixable, but after looking at eBay and AliExpress and the horror stories at https://bimmerprofs.com/?s=injector, it only seems worthwhile buying new injectors these days. But... I can't get any.
Has anybody got any other options to recommend?
This is worse than the cold start issue from a few years ago. Two weeks ago I broke down on the motorway limping it home with an amber EML, it dumped 3/4 of a tank of super unleaded within a few seconds and started smoking. Plugs changed as they were black despite being 20k old, running OK since but it's thrown an amber EML this morning. Recurring misfire codes on cylinder 1 / 3 / random and the failed injectors explain why the plugs were knackared (fuel leaking) and the fuel dump. Given how lumpy it is, the risk of (more) catalyst damage and the loss of another tank of super unleaded, it's undriveable.
I've tried hunting down N53 replacement injectors, 13537589048-11, and am coming up against the issue with supply.
I understand N54 injectors fit, but I can't get these unless I can give BMW a matching chassis number, I've tried part numbers 13537585261-12 / 13538616079-12 / 13538648937-12.
In addition to local dealers I've tried Cotswold BMW as they were helpful for some in the past, but no luck. My car is a 2009/59 E92 330i with 198k on it. I love it and have looked after it - NOXEM 129, Bilstein / Eibach suspension, replaced CCV, uprated brakes, modern infotainment via a Sony XAV unit etc. It's even got a manual gearbox which took me forever to find when I bought it in 2014!
I really don't want to bin a car which is fixable, but after looking at eBay and AliExpress and the horror stories at https://bimmerprofs.com/?s=injector, it only seems worthwhile buying new injectors these days. But... I can't get any.
Has anybody got any other options to recommend?
Edited by SoupAnxiety on Thursday 7th July 19:34
Edited by SoupAnxiety on Thursday 7th July 19:37
Sorry to hear this, been through the journey myself and it was this forum that got me through it with used ones here and there. Hopefully someone might know someone.
The back log is huge for new as you say, my 6er still had its original index 9 from 2008 so didn't do bad until recently.
Very frustrating flaw in these engines
I take it its started the rough idle and almost stalls on a cold start, then clears up once warm?
The back log is huge for new as you say, my 6er still had its original index 9 from 2008 so didn't do bad until recently.
Very frustrating flaw in these engines
I take it its started the rough idle and almost stalls on a cold start, then clears up once warm?
The challenges with new supply and risks of used purchase got me thinking - I already have index 11 injectors, can they be refurbished?
I've removed my injectors and sent them to a Piezo injector specialist for testing & cleaning. This means I'll know for sure which injectors are up to specification and instead of replacing all six, I might only need to replace a subset of injectors. The best case is all six can be cleaned and meet specifications, the PTFE seals will be replaced and I can chuck them in with new decoupling elements. The pictures show they're mucky.
I know Piezo injectors are generally hard to service but if this buys me a few thousand miles, I'm happy. Fingers crossed by then the supply issues will have been resolved...
I'll let you know what the specialist says.
I've removed my injectors and sent them to a Piezo injector specialist for testing & cleaning. This means I'll know for sure which injectors are up to specification and instead of replacing all six, I might only need to replace a subset of injectors. The best case is all six can be cleaned and meet specifications, the PTFE seals will be replaced and I can chuck them in with new decoupling elements. The pictures show they're mucky.
I know Piezo injectors are generally hard to service but if this buys me a few thousand miles, I'm happy. Fingers crossed by then the supply issues will have been resolved...
I'll let you know what the specialist says.
Will be interesting to see how you get one - the injectors are my big worry on my 335i. It's had warranty work done on the turbo(s) and HPFP in the past, but nothing to the injectors so I suspect that the car still has a very early revision.
Would be daft to scrap the car just because of the injectors.
Would be daft to scrap the car just because of the injectors.
Does anyone know if BMW (or whoever made them) have any plans to rerun production?
I stupidly put off buying the final 2 (which were still ok) and replaced 4 of my failing n53 injectors, when they were £250ish each
I got a quote in winter from costwolds for £670 for 2, and ml performance were about £20 less.
My engine shivers occasionally on start up, but I chose to hold off, and assumed the issue would be sorted at some point.
I also assume BMW wanting chassis numbers for index 12s implies they're in short supply as well? I thought I'd read they weren't compatible, but do look similar.
Ian
I stupidly put off buying the final 2 (which were still ok) and replaced 4 of my failing n53 injectors, when they were £250ish each
I got a quote in winter from costwolds for £670 for 2, and ml performance were about £20 less.
My engine shivers occasionally on start up, but I chose to hold off, and assumed the issue would be sorted at some point.
I also assume BMW wanting chassis numbers for index 12s implies they're in short supply as well? I thought I'd read they weren't compatible, but do look similar.
Ian
They are still on back order as of this morning with no date for supply.
Index 12's can be fitted as a set and once coded in they do seem to work - the difference seems to be in the design/materials on the N54 units with regards to the extra heat of a turbo unit. This seems to be the only viable solution now.
Index 12's can be fitted as a set and once coded in they do seem to work - the difference seems to be in the design/materials on the N54 units with regards to the extra heat of a turbo unit. This seems to be the only viable solution now.
Touring442 said:
They are still on back order as of this morning with no date for supply.
Index 12's can be fitted as a set and once coded in they do seem to work - the difference seems to be in the design/materials on the N54 units with regards to the extra heat of a turbo unit. This seems to be the only viable solution now.
Does the n54 run hotter than the n53? I know the turbo gets hot but the engine itself? I know the n53 is a toasty little bugger, mine show oil at 120c if i use 5w-30. Interesting point on the differences though. I always doubted that they flowed particularly differently, as the piezo injectors can flow a lot anyway.Index 12's can be fitted as a set and once coded in they do seem to work - the difference seems to be in the design/materials on the N54 units with regards to the extra heat of a turbo unit. This seems to be the only viable solution now.
Given that the n54 market is global, is there a global backorder for those?
bmwmike said:
Touring442 said:
They are still on back order as of this morning with no date for supply.
Index 12's can be fitted as a set and once coded in they do seem to work - the difference seems to be in the design/materials on the N54 units with regards to the extra heat of a turbo unit. This seems to be the only viable solution now.
Does the n54 run hotter than the n53? I know the turbo gets hot but the engine itself? I know the n53 is a toasty little bugger, mine show oil at 120c if i use 5w-30. Interesting point on the differences though. I always doubted that they flowed particularly differently, as the piezo injectors can flow a lot anyway.Index 12's can be fitted as a set and once coded in they do seem to work - the difference seems to be in the design/materials on the N54 units with regards to the extra heat of a turbo unit. This seems to be the only viable solution now.
Given that the n54 market is global, is there a global backorder for those?
Touring442 said:
Apparently not. N54's are vastly less numerous than the N43 and N53.
Surprised by that, would have thought many many more n54's globally than n53 considering it was limited to specific markets because of sulphur on the fuel or something, but i guess n43's make up for it. Nearly sold my n53 based on this injector shortage but its just so damned good i'll keep it longer i think. inFamous last words
bmwmike said:
Does the n54 run hotter than the n53? I know the turbo gets hot but the engine itself? I know the n53 is a toasty little bugger, mine show oil at 120c if i use 5w-30. Interesting point on the differences though. I always doubted that they flowed particularly differently, as the piezo injectors can flow a lot anyway.
Given that the n54 market is global, is there a global backorder for those?
The N54 runs bloody hit too. Mine sits around 112 but will push 120 in traffic on a hot day or driven hard. Saying that my N52 ran pretty hot too compared to other cars as did my M140i.Given that the n54 market is global, is there a global backorder for those?
When I went to pick up my n53 630i last week after having a water pump and stat done, the specialist said he had an email saying he can now obtain index 11 injectors as normal. Order time is about a week, he mentioned it as he knows I'm always on the look out.
They are about £300 each!
They are about £300 each!
Lee630i said:
When I went to pick up my n53 630i last week after having a water pump and stat done, the specialist said he had an email saying he can now obtain index 11 injectors as normal. Order time is about a week, he mentioned it as he knows I'm always on the look out.
They are about £300 each!
Good to hear. I was looking at bringing some n54 ones over from the US but may not bother now, will see how it goes. They are about £300 each!
Lee630i said:
When I went to pick up my n53 630i last week after having a water pump and stat done, the specialist said he had an email saying he can now obtain index 11 injectors as normal. Order time is about a week, he mentioned it as he knows I'm always on the look out.
They are about £300 each!
Fingers crossed this is the case, do let us know if that turns out to be true! Less enthused by the quote but beggars can't be choosers I guess.They are about £300 each!
One thing I haven't been able to determine from the gazillion forum posts that I've read around this is if injector issues are purely signalled by cold start EMLs. I have a slightly lumpy idle on cold start but the EMLs that have been thrown have always been when warm after 30 mins+ of driving. My first ideas have been to replace LP fuel sensor and/or Nox sensor (with an Emulator) as I'm not getting any specific misfire codes, just HP/LP fuel system and mixture errors along with ageing nox cat. Plus they're cheaper/easier jobs than HPFP and injectors!
Any thoughts welcome, I know many of you have been through this journey or have a deep knowledge of it.
Well my personal experience and reading others the injector issue is purely a cold start issue as they start to leak fuel over night or between long stands. The roughness is the leaked fuel being burnt off, once burnt off they run fine. Repeat this again the next day, eventually they will ruin the cat with the passing through of fuel, my car also smelt of petrol when I first started it in the morning indicating leaking fuel.
Lee630i said:
Well my personal experience and reading others the injector issue is purely a cold start issue as they start to leak fuel over night or between long stands. The roughness is the leaked fuel being burnt off, once burnt off they run fine. Repeat this again the next day, eventually they will ruin the cat with the passing through of fuel, my car also smelt of petrol when I first started it in the morning indicating leaking fuel.
It’s not. When they fail in a bad way the car will not run.Gassing Station | BMW General | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff