145K miles - Failsafe Program Issues

[Chris]

I have a '02 M5 with 145K miles. About a month ago I started to feel the car hesitating during acceleration. At one point it felt as if the car was going to stall. Then it went into "Failsafe" mode and was smoother. But, I notice the power is reduced.

Since then this has happened 3-4 more times and seems even more frequent...the car starts out in normal mode but enters "Failsafe" after 30 to 40 minutes of driving.

What is the likely fix? I have had normal maint. up to about 120K miles, but have just had oil changes and such since.

Would changings spark plugs and fuel filter fix this?

Open to hear possible causes.

Thanks

[kennyg54]

Does it happen in lower gears only and is the "Sport" button on ?

[Chris]

Well....Yes, I do usually have the "Sport" button on most times, so yes.

And it is most noticeable in lower gears, but a few times it has supttered around even at highway speeds 60+ mph.

That help?

[kennyg54]

Chris I would suggest you find a long straight piece of road and after checking for safety and of course the omnipresent law take the Baby out for a damn good thrashing. I have similar problems to you , although no trans failsafe message ( yours is a manual I assume as they all are here in Australia ) and find that this is a good remedy. This piece of crude remedy was advised to me by an Austrian BMW Master mechanic. I know it has worked for a mate of mines 911 as well as a Z3 . It's important if you drive your M5 mainly in city conditions ( as most of us do ). Because I live almost in the dead centre of Australia ( Mount Isa in Northwest Queensland ) I have a favourite piece of road that I access when required .( you are welcome to use it if you wish ! LOL ) Let me know how you go...I find I need to "clear her out " every three months or so. Otherwise I would be thinking clutch problems ( manual) and/or accelerator module malfunction ( does the EML light come on in conjuntion with the Failsafe Trans message ? GOOD LUCK MATE...........Ken

[kennyg54]

Don't forget the fuel injector cleaner prior to your high speed romp ! Make sure the engine is warmed up before doing this ( of course ) and sorry i keep say "Trans Failsafe" as I have had that on my 850Ci.......but i know what you mean !

[Chris]

Thanks Kenny....

I'll give that try, supose nothing to lose. However, I have a feeling I need some basic things done...spark plugs, fuel filter, etc.

By the way, I love Australia! Been there twice. Sydney and Melbourne.

Thanks for the tips!

Chris

[kennyg54]

Good Luck Chris ! let me know how you go....it worked for me !.....Ken

[adcampo]

[Chris]

Really? How expensive is the mass flow sensor? Can you put it in yourself?

[kennyg54]

With my E31 M70 it has two MAF one for each induction side,,,,,,,,,does the twin induction of our E39M5's have the same arrangements ? I think the MAF can be cleaned ( ??) once dismantled. Anybody got any thoughts out there in Bimmerland ? Sorry Chris a bit ignorant of this one ! ::))

[Glen]

CRC makes a mass airflow cleaner. It's just in an aerosol can. You might want to get your codes read though before you attempt to open it up just in case it's something serious.
Even with no check engine light codes can still be stored.
If your mass air units do need to be replaced it is pretty strait forward.

[Andrew]

I had the same problem in my 2000 m5 70k miles. It turned out to be my exhaust cam sensors. Now the car drives better than it ever has. The reason it is worse in sport mode is that it makes the cam more aggressive causing even more problems. So id check the intake and exhaust cam sensors.