Problems

EvanP · Wednesday at 9:56 PM

New here and already needing advice
Please chime in if you can
Just got a 2013 125i with 82k on the clock
Been experiencing some hard morning starts. Will just crank and crack till you stop it. 5mins later will start
Local bimmer specialist feels its the ECU. 1st had crank position sensor error. Then an array of errors after refusing to starts. Could it be that the array of errors is from simply not starting due to a crank sensor error. He seems a little too keen to just replace the ecu.

Anyone experienced anything similar?

Thanks all

Evan

Benji · 2025-12-04T04:41:25+0000

My advise is to post threads with more descriptive titles, your chance of attracting the right advise will be much higher

In my experience, and ECU almost never fails, it will probably be that crank sensor or camshaft sensor

TurboLlew · 2025-12-04T06:51:59+0000

I am on the crank sensor bandwagon. I mean that's what the car is literally saying is wrong. How has the 'specialist' not tried this first?

Who is it and where are you based?

Sorry but when people come with this 'local specialist' story it is obviously some chancer under a tree or in his back yard in most cases.

EvanP · 2025-12-04T10:08:17+0000

He's been around a while. Know he was at BMW for years before. He did try a different crank sensor and advise thereafter was to take it to auto electrician to check wiring to the sensor. But that was prior to complete death.

I'm based in East London

Pretoria dealership took responsibility for sorting oil leaks out as that should have been done for roadworthy regardless, but now want to cancel the purchase and collect the car rather.

I am in 2 minds about it. Walk away but not find another N52 with such low mileage

@Benji sorry for being non-descriptive. Honestly didn't know how to describe what's taking place

TurboLlew · 2025-12-04T10:35:18+0000

EvanP said:
He's been around a while. Know he was at BMW for years before. He did try a different crank sensor and advise thereafter was to take it to auto electrician to check wiring to the sensor. But that was prior to complete death.

I'm based in East London

Pretoria dealership took responsibility for sorting oil leaks out as that should have been done for roadworthy regardless, but now want to cancel the purchase and collect the car rather.

I am in 2 minds about it. Walk away but not find another N52 with such low mileage

@Benji sorry for being non-descriptive. Honestly didn't know how to describe what's taking place

And the BMW specialist never mentioned Valvetronic issues?

Before you start going down the road of chasing wiring issues and changing ECUs with random mech's and electricians, if the selling dealer is willing to unwind the deal, then TAKE IT AND GO before they start blaming your randoms for causing the issues and washing their hands of it

.

In any case, it should have been on the dealer to sort these things out. IMHO you don't want to be chasing valvetronic issues in a car where you really have no idea about the real history.

These are not 'low mileage' car problems... but anyway whatever suspicions exist are irrelevant. There is really nothing to think about here.

SERIOUSLY the fact that you are in two minds about this is mindblowing... just let them cancel the deal, give you (or your bank) the money back and find something else. A 'real' higher mileage car that is well maintained trumps whatever this situation is.

If you knew how unwilling most dealers would be to cancel a deal, you'd know it only happens when they know there is further liability for them coming down the line... particularly if this was from a BMW dealer and they want to avoid HQ becoming involved.

AshG108 · 2025-12-04T10:35:50+0000

There is your answer, cancel and walk away.
When you start down the rabbit hole with wiring and not much help for it, it can only get worse!

EvanP · 2025-12-04T12:00:03+0000

The doubt comes in that the car is so clean in and out. And that I'm a few K in with flying up to fetch, drive back, and haven't got a clue yet what my losses will be in unwinding the deal. And then the search resumes

AudiDriver · 2025-12-04T12:18:44+0000

I agree with the others - run.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

TurboLlew · 2025-12-04T12:29:13+0000

EvanP said:
The doubt comes in that the car is so clean in and out. And that I'm a few K in with flying up to fetch, drive back, and haven't got a clue yet what my losses will be in unwinding the deal. And then the search resumes

In terms of unwinding the deal there should be little to no loss. You will have to eat the few grand in fetching/driving back - it is what it is.

That few grand will pale in comparison to the cost of diagnosing and fixing whatever this issue is be it valvetronic or the ECU or whatever wiring could have gone wrong. The fact that your mech and yourself can't even articulate the problem well is a problem too. Many many more rands and tears will be spent for this reason alone.

There are cars that present extremely well that can have horrendous histories or rolled back mileages - even flood damage etc. Perhaps post some pics here as well. Someone may even know the car.

Throwing good money after bad (not to mention time and stress) is not a good idea. Your call though.

modocrat · 2025-12-04T12:44:05+0000

What is the mileage?

Spanky · 2025-12-04T13:06:03+0000

modocrat said:
What is the mileage?

It's in the OP, brobeans. Claimed to be 82k

Spanky · 2025-12-04T13:07:27+0000

EvanP said:
The doubt comes in that the car is so clean in and out. And that I'm a few K in with flying up to fetch, drive back, and haven't got a clue yet what my losses will be in unwinding the deal. And then the search resumes

modocrat · 2025-12-04T13:20:54+0000

Spanky said:
It's in the OP, brobeans. Claimed to be 82k

Thanks broadbeans 😆

TurboLlew · 2025-12-04T13:37:57+0000

Spanky said:
View attachment 32049

Textbook example here.

modocrat · 2025-12-04T13:38:04+0000

@EvanP, just checking, is the car silver and does the VIN with 2420?

Reason I ask, recently I was looking at a "2013" 125i with "52,000km". After doing my checks, the car turned out to be a 2012 and the mileage was cut from 137k km.

EvanP · 2025-12-04T18:00:32+0000

For those who asked. Service history checked out

Guess I'll walk away then

Salt · 2025-12-04T19:15:11+0000

TurboLlew said:
And the BMW specialist never mentioned Valvetronic issues?

Before you start going down the road of chasing wiring issues and changing ECUs with random mech's and electricians, if the selling dealer is willing to unwind the deal, then TAKE IT AND GO before they start blaming your randoms for causing the issues and washing their hands of it .

In any case, it should have been on the dealer to sort these things out. IMHO you don't want to be chasing valvetronic issues in a car where you really have no idea about the real history.

These are not 'low mileage' car problems... but anyway whatever suspicions exist are irrelevant. There is really nothing to think about here.

SERIOUSLY the fact that you are in two minds about this is mindblowing... just let them cancel the deal, give you (or your bank) the money back and find something else. A 'real' higher mileage car that is well maintained trumps whatever this situation is.

If you knew how unwilling most dealers would be to cancel a deal, you'd know it only happens when they know there is further liability for them coming down the line... particularly if this was from a BMW dealer and they want to avoid HQ becoming involved.

Best advice.

Riaad · 2025-12-04T19:48:20+0000

Yeah, non msport, base spec auto ...with 'problems' - sorry bud, best to take the advice and run.

b3rg · 2025-12-04T20:24:11+0000

Please walk away while you still have the chance!!!

San11 · 2025-12-04T21:17:52+0000

EvanP said:
For those who asked. Service history checked out

Guess I'll walk away then

Luckily, you have been given a 2nd chance here. Even with the mileage, there is unfortunately no real value in this specific car (base spec 125i with blatant mechanical issues).

With a little bit more patience, you will definitely find a better example - Also when you do, please find a better BMW Specialist.

Problems

New member

Well-known member

Honorary ///Member

New member

Attachments

Honorary ///Member

///Member

New member

Active member

Honorary ///Member

Well-known member

Well-known member

Well-known member

Well-known member

Honorary ///Member

Well-known member

New member

Attachments

///Member

Events Organiser

Active member

Member

Similar threads