Stage 2 LPFP and EKPM3-DE Module Issues

[Snelson3003]

Hey Guys,

Some of you may know this already or this maybe the first you have heard: Using a Fuel-It! Stage 2 Pump requests a larger amount of draw from the PWM system to modulate fuel flow in tank to pressurize the HPFP. This is the EKP module that does this based upon PWM, load and RPM.

The issues i've seen pop up now that the Stage 2 pumps (doesn't seem to affect stage 3 pumps) is that the EKP overheats due to the added draw of a Walbro 450 pump. Causing many driving issues like a crashing LPFP which takes out the HPFP and causes a misfire. The only fix is to replace the EKP module with a new one (virgin module $250) or buy a used one off eBay ($50).

I did this recently and was told i would need to reprogram the EKP module or the car wont start. I installed mine and it started just fine! LPFP reading used to be 67 and now rests at 72-76 sometimes. Great!

BUT now I have over-fueling issue upon throttle tip in at WOT, which causes the AFR's to run super rich then super lean as the HPFP dives then stabilizes. . URGH!

DOES ANYBODY KNOW HOW TO REPROGRAM THE EKP MODULE? OR HAVE ANY INSIGHT? I attached a log as well to show the lean spike and HPFP crash but recovers.

Thanks for you help in advance!

 

[matreyia]

@Jeffman - I've noticed aroudn the same time I started having the low low pressure psi that my gas mileage got worse (at least if I'm to believe what the car reports). I'm tuned for max safe power probably at the expense of gas mileage which is intentional. My mileage was always crappy, around 15.5 mpg (I do mostly city driving). Now it's hovering between 13 - 14 mpg. Did you notice the same thing?

Also, over the weekend I got a 2F92 code and reduced engine power which is something new. When I restarted the car the reduced power and check engine light went away but when I scan for codes with Mhd it's still present. Maybe this issue we're facing is indicative of a hpfp on it's way out?

I'm going to call the dealer and attempt to get a new hpfp under the 10 year /120K extended warranty available in the US.

Are you on e85 or gas? That mileage looks like e85 mpg.

 

[matreyia]

@mfish123 My gas mileage has been crappy ever since I got the Cobb Accessport ~8 years ago. 12-14 mpg city is typical for me. Luckily I’ve never had a 2F92 code.

Is this on gas or e85? If this is gas and you're on stock turbos... something is not right. 12-14 is e85 @75% on my car. On e50 it is 16-19. On 93 oct. It is 19-21 mixed driving.

 

[Cristy7610]

Hi guys
Few days ago I upgraded my lpfp to stage 2 on my 335i n54 2009, FBO stage 2+MHD and all was good until yesterday when I speed up on a highway and after that I received on my Idrive a message about fuel pump and exclamation sign on my dash bord...after I let the gas pedal, the message disappeared in a few seconds and most of the times I get this message on Idrive when I floor it.
I ' ve checked with MHD and I get only a shaddow code ; 2AAE DME:FUEL PUMP.The car runs very good, only get this annoying message.
I replaced today my HPFP and have exactly the same errors with fuel pump on my idrive.
I made some logs and I'll appreciate if someone could take a look, maybe is something wrong here.
I read on other forums and most of the 2009 model have this problem after upgrading to stage 2 lpfp and most of the cases was a easy fix by updating EKP module....
Is it the same case here?

https://datazap.me/u/cristy7610/mhd-v7-stage-2-fuel-pump-checks?log=0&data=3-11-14-19-20

 

[matreyia]

Hi guys
Few days ago I upgraded my lpfp to stage 2 on my 335i n54 2009, FBO stage 2+MHD and all was good until yesterday when I speed up on a highway and after that I received on my Idrive a message about fuel pump and exclamation sign on my dash bord...after I let the gas pedal, the message disappeared in a few seconds and most of the times I get this message on Idrive when I floor it.
I ' ve checked with MHD and I get only a shaddow code ; 2AAE DME:FUEL PUMP.The car runs very good, only get this annoying message.
I replaced today my HPFP and have exactly the same errors with fuel pump on my idrive.
I made some logs and I'll appreciate if someone could take a look, maybe is something wrong here.
I read on other forums and most of the 2009 model have this problem after upgrading to stage 2 lpfp and most of the cases was a easy fix by updating EKP module....
Is it the same case here?

https://datazap.me/u/cristy7610/mhd-v7-stage-2-fuel-pump-checks?log=0&data=3-11-14-19-20

I am going to just assume that you did not replace both the HPFP Sensor and the LPFP Sensor when you replace those pumps.... is this a correct assumption?

 

[Cristy7610]

I am going to just assume that you did not replace both the HPFP Sensor and the LPFP Sensor when you replace those pumps.... is this a correct assumption?

No, I didn't replace those sensors...The hpfp replaced today is not a new one, it was used before without any errors.
So, should I replace those sensors ?

 

[matreyia]

No, I didn't replace those sensors...The hpfp replaced today is not a new one, it was used before without any errors.
So, should I replace those sensors ?

Any time you replace any of those pumps you should replace the sensors...they could be ok, but you just cannot know if they are absolutely ok if you leave the old ones in. And that will cause your exact situation to arise...ie: you get codes or shadow codes and you don't know what is causing them. Firstly, new sensors guarantee that your replacement pumps will have correct data to operate. Secondly, if any error codes arise, you can be sure that the sensors are not the issue.

Now... you wrote that you installed a used hpfp that had no errors. That in itself is suspect as these hpfp are horrible and notorious for being unreliable...and by personal experience, they do go bad and often times will not give errors but still affect performance. I have changed two already and each time, the car comes back to life and there were zero errors. However, the MHD monitor will show the down hill descent into catastrophic failure before it happens via the pressure readings.

So...basically, if you replace fuel system components, you should best practice replace them with new units and not used ones, and you should replace the corresponding sensors, before and after the pumps (lpfp sensor & hpfp sensor).

 

[Cristy7610]

Thank you for your reply.
No one said to replace those sensors but it makes sense.
Now, on my log that I attached here, the pumps looks ok?
I contacted the guy who sell those upgraded lpf and he says are very common these shaddow codes due to EKP module and have to modify some values with NCS Expert, especially on 2009 model
I seen this topic and thought maybe someone here is in the same situation and have a fix for this.

 

[matreyia]

Thank you for your reply.
No one said to replace those sensors but it makes sense.
Now, on my log that I attached here, the pumps looks ok?
I contacted the guy who sell those upgraded lpf and he says are very common these shaddow codes due to EKP module and have to modify some values with NCS Expert, especially on 2009 model
I seen this topic and thought maybe someone here is in the same situation and have a fix for this.

I replaced my sensors and the error went away. Replaced the ekpm3 also and the did nothing since i had a previous ekpm3 also. The error will occasionally still show shadow code but only occassionally.

I have no idea how to read logs as the interface is too tiny and clunky. I let vendors use the logs and make suggestions.

 

[bimmer diy]

I got a new ekpm3 module from fcp euro, I Installed and coded and it made zero difference in error code. I replaced hpfp and both fuel sensors and the error went away. FYI.

2009 N54 E93 stage 3 lpfp precision raceworks.

Is coding for the virgin EKPM3 vs. used EKPM3 different each other? I am getting a virgin one, and trying to get ready for coding it. I have done one for the used one before but it didn't last somehow....I don't get any voltages from the power connection to the pump thus no priming. Thanks for your help.

 

[matreyia]

Is coding for the virgin EKPM3 vs. used EKPM3 different each other? I am getting a virgin one, and trying to get ready for coding it. I have done one for the used one before but it didn't last somehow....I don't get any voltages from the power connection to the pump thus no priming. Thanks for your help.

I used inpa to code mine. No idea in used or new coding difference but don't think it matters. Just recode and your should be fine.

 

[bimmer diy]

I used inpa to code mine. No idea in used or new coding difference but don't think it matters. Just recode and your should be fine.

That's what I am going to do, inpa/ncsexpert. Is your module holding up ok? Thanks.

 

[matreyia]

That's what I am going to do, inpa/ncsexpert. Is your module holding up ok? Thanks.

I ordered a new ekpm 3 unit feom ebay amd used it for a month then replaced it with BPM4 ekpm controller. Never looked back. The ekpm 3 is on my shelf until someone wants it for 50 bucks.

 

[bimmer diy]

How much was the BPM4 and easiness of coding it?

 

[bimmer diy]

Well i might as well get the bpm4. Thanks.

 

[Jeffman]

How much was the BPM4 and easiness of coding it?

BPM4 is ~$700. Designed for multiple fuel pumps. If you’re only running a single Walbro 450 then you probably just need an EKPM3.
You don’t need to code a BPM4 - you provide your VIN when ordering and I believe they code it for you.

 

[Jern54]

I used Bimmergeeks Pro tool and it worked like a charm!
I'm not a coding expert so this was easy to do for a dummy like me.

 

[Silent11]

i went from a walbro450 to a 525 and now i have a ekp drawing too much current code

the car drives fine at the moment but not sure how long will that last

what is the best way to remedy this ?? new used ekp ? add a heatsink ? not looking to drop 700$ for bpm4 at the moment.

 

[matreyia]

i went from a walbro450 to a 525 and now i have a ekp drawing too much current code

the car drives fine at the moment but not sure how long will that last

what is the best way to remedy this ?? new used ekp ? add a heatsink ? not looking to drop 700$ for bpm4 at the moment.

I have an almost new ekpm3 module for $100 plus shipping if you are interested. Although I don't know if that is the solution. I had to swallow the pill and pay 700 bucks for the BPM4 unit.

 

[fmorelli]

@Silent11 I'm too lazy to find the data (you can with some searching I'm sue) but the 450 already pushes the amperage level of the stock EPK. The 525 should not be run with the stock EPK. You stand a good chance of frying the EPK. Not to mention, when you run stuff out of amperage spec, that's components, wiring, you don't know what fries first. Or burns. Not trying to be dramatic, but running over-amperage is not the kind of dice I like to roll.

Sorry to be the bearer of bad news.

Filippo

 

[BreakMyBillfold]

i went from a walbro450 to a 525 and now i have a ekp drawing too much current code

the car drives fine at the moment but not sure how long will that last

what is the best way to remedy this ?? new used ekp ? add a heatsink ? not looking to drop 700$ for bpm4 at the moment.

Change the pump to the F90000295, get the BPM4, or go back to the 450 are some options.