Experiencing issues with your 2011 BMW 328i OBD2 system showing “not ready,” particularly concerning the Secondary Air Pump (SAP)? This can be frustrating, especially when trying to pass an emissions test. Let’s delve into potential causes and troubleshooting steps, focusing on how your OBD2 system and SAP interact.
One common question arises: could a performance tune be the culprit? According to Active Autowerke, a performance tuning company, standard tunes for unmodified cars typically don’t alter the SAP or emissions-related parameters. In an email exchange, they stated:
HI Jing,
I looked over your tune file we did and there is nothing touched in the emissions for secondary air. There is no reason for us to touch any of that because the car does not have any headers or any exhaust modifications done to it.
This suggests that unless you’ve specifically requested modifications to your emissions system or have aftermarket exhaust components, a tune alone is unlikely to disable your SAP system via software.
Alt text: An OBD2 scanner tool connected to the OBD2 port of a 2011 BMW 328i, used for diagnosing potential issues with the Secondary Air Pump (SAP) system and checking emissions readiness status.
So, what could be preventing your 2011 BMW 328i’s OBD2 system from showing the SAP as “ready”? Here are the primary areas to investigate:
1. SAP System Malfunction:
The most straightforward reason is a fault within the SAP system itself. Active Autowerke recommends:
I suggest you have the SAP system checked using a scanner to see if:
the SAP is actually functioning
there are any error codes stored in the DME.
Using an OBD2 scanner is crucial here. A scanner can verify if the SAP is operating and, importantly, if any Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) related to the SAP are stored in your BMW’s Digital Motor Electronics (DME) module. These codes can pinpoint specific problems within the system.
2. Recently Cleared Error Codes:
Another factor is recent code clearing. If you or a mechanic has recently cleared codes using an OBD2 scanner, the emissions readiness monitors, including the SAP monitor, will reset to “not ready.” As Active Autowerke notes:
If for any reason the DME codes are recently cleared it will take a few days of cold engine start ups and a few drive cycles to take place before the SAP shows ready.
It takes time and specific driving conditions for these monitors to run their self-tests and reset to “ready.” This process often requires several cold engine starts and complete drive cycles.
3. Drive Cycle Incompletion:
Speaking of drive cycles, BMW, like other manufacturers, has specific drive cycle procedures that can expedite the readiness setting process. Active Autowerke helpfully provided a BMW FTP72 drive cycle procedure:
I have attached a BMW FTP72 drive cycle procedure for your perusal. Take a look and see maybe if you can do this and see if the SAP will show ready.
Following this BMW-specific drive cycle can help ensure all necessary conditions are met for the SAP monitor to complete its test and show “ready” in your OBD2 system.
4. Aftermarket Modifications and Tuning (Less Likely in This Case):
While the initial email suggests the tune isn’t the direct cause, it’s worth considering if any previous modifications or more aggressive tuning adjustments (especially those aimed at emissions defeat) have been performed. As highlighted in a forum quote related to this issue:
JM98 is correct that the tune likely turns this off to prevent a Check Engine Light if you have catless DPs or something like that. You need to turn that off first, then do the drive cycle.
If your 2011 328i has been modified with catless downpipes or similar parts, it’s possible a tune was implemented to suppress related check engine lights, which might inadvertently affect SAP readiness reporting. However, based on the initial assessment, this seems less probable in this scenario.
Troubleshooting Steps for Your 2011 BMW 328i OBD2 SAP Readiness:
- OBD2 Scan: Use an OBD2 scanner to check the emissions readiness status and scan for any stored DTCs in the DME. Note down any SAP-related codes.
- SAP System Check: If codes are present, investigate the specific SAP system components indicated by the codes. This may involve checking the SAP pump itself, vacuum lines, valves, and relays.
- Drive Cycle Execution: Perform the BMW FTP72 drive cycle (or a similar BMW-specific drive cycle) to attempt to expedite the readiness process.
- Allow Time for Readiness: If codes were recently cleared, allow several days of normal driving with cold engine starts to see if the SAP monitor sets to “ready” on its own.
- Professional Diagnosis: If the SAP readiness issue persists after these steps, or if you are uncomfortable diagnosing the SAP system yourself, seek professional diagnosis from a qualified BMW technician.
By systematically checking these areas and utilizing an OBD2 scanner, you can effectively troubleshoot the OBD2 readiness issue related to the SAP system on your 2011 BMW 328i and get your car ready for emissions testing.
