Emission code problems...

[gusser]

I am ready to explode. You guys have always been helpful with my M3. The problem is not my 02 M3 but my 98 Dinan SC 328IS which has been having emission issues that won't let me pass inspection. We've tried everything and spent about $800 so far with no luck.

The latest codes are 227 & 228. Anyone know the cross reference to these bmw codes or how I can troubleshoot this further? TIA....

[ADS]

We can find from:
# P0227 Throttle/Petal Position Sensor/Switch C Circuit Low Input
# P0228 Throttle/Petal Position Sensor/Switch C Circuit High Input
all codes are 4 digit, so I suppose these are what you meant.
I'd guess you need a throttle position sensor from this, but it's only that, a total guess. A good tech can check the voltage out of the sensor to be sure.

Not to be critical, but I'd get someone with an analyser that has the code maps before I threw any more money at it. Past that, I'd do a basic vacuum check, especially on a forced induction car. You didn't mention how you fail or how the car runs, but here's two other things I recommend to folks who may not even have fault codes:
1. run a top notch fuel injection cleaner through per instructions. I use Chevron's Techron product - about $7/bottle. I've had AMAZING results with this product, and they were the first to do deep research and produce one of the best. Some of the others folks swear by other products and they may be as good, but your $2 products are NOT, even with known names. This gets your injectors spraying well, instead of messy/droplets, you'll never pass with clogged injectors.
2. go to inspection when you don't have to wait in line, cats will load up at lower RPM/lo temps, AND, to this end, on the way there, run the engine at higher RPMs right before you get there if possible, like 10 minutes in 4th gear on the hiway. You want to get and keep the cats hot.
Good luck
ADS

[ADS]

OBD Codes
page down once or twice to get to the codes - they're on this actual page. Do NOT click on BMW at top - that goes to specific BMW codes, whereas all smog/OBDii codes are the same - and is where your problem appears to be.

ADS

[gusser]

Sorry for not responding sooner - been very busy.

My mechanic gave me the 227 & 228 codes and I talked to him today. He said they translate to code 1188 & 1189. I don't see those listed at your link. He claims those are the real codes. these are the original error codes we got that indicated 02 sensors (which we replaced) to no avail.

[Codeboy]

From ADS link:

P1188 Fuel Control (Bank 1 Sensor 1)
P1189 Fuel Control (Bank 2 Sensor 1)

[gusser]

This is the same message we got originally and my mechanic replaced the two forward o2 sensors. Did he replace the wrong ones?

[Codeboy]

[gusser]

Is it by design that these computers can't be more specific in their diags? After $800, it ended up being the thermostat. But at least it's registered again. Thanks for all your suggestions.