Fault 151 MSS50 Control Module Fault - Driver Fault / Knock Sensor 2

bertiejaffa

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Hi all… bit of a lengthy problem with a few questions so please bear with me.

My Z3M (S50 - 1998) has started with an intermittent misfire issue which takes down the whole of bank2 (cylinders 4,5,6). No warning lights come on and the issue eventually rights itself but has started returning often. The car is now with my local indie garage who managed to get a reader on it while it was under the issue and his code reader read 151 MSS50 CONTROL MODULE FAULT - DRIVER FAULT

However while googling the issue for any fixes I came across this website http://www.bimmerboard.com/forums/posts/1229818 which lists many codes for different engines and models - it does list the Control Module Fault against the S50/E36/Z3M but it also lists 151 KNOCK SENSOR 2 as a fault code against the S50 engine albeit in the E36 model (Not Z3).

I am hoping that it is the knock sensor that’s faulty and we are going to try and test this by swapping Knock Sensor 1 & 2 around and hopefully the fault will move to bank 1. However in the circumstance that it is the ECU that’s got an issue….

Q1. Has anyone ever had any of these issues before?
Q2. Does anyone know anywhere that can test /fix the ECU module?

Thanks Lee
 

Althulas

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Hi Lee I had a recent error on mine as not starting.

9B MS 550
control-modula
fault
Fault memory, master

My problem was related to damp and a dead fuel pump but is still a little lumpy after changing it and I still need to chase a few things but while searching I did come across this

I don’t know if this might be of help if it comes to needing ECU repair

 
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bertiejaffa

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Thanks, not sure its the same issue though - the car runs and starts fine but then, occasionally, there is a very audible and noticeable engine change and the power is down - I did initially think it was just a single coil pack and so bought a spare one to change it out when it happened again. Strangely after happening last spring it never happened again until this spring - doing some 10000 miles in between

When it happened this time I took off the coil cover and started pulling the leads off the coils 1 by 1 starting at the front, the first 3 coils made the engine run even worse then on coil 4 there was no change so I thought bingo…. That’s the duff one and swapped it out, however it made no difference - I then pulled the leads off 5 & 6 and they too made no difference to the running of the engine - that’s when I realised its something controlling the entire bank 2
 
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Nodzed

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Hi Lee, cant help with the fault but if you need a ECU repair then I used these for the ECU issue I had with the M. Very good company to deal with, not cheap but 2 other places said they couldn't read it or repair it, these guys deal with older BMWs.

LINK ECU Repairs
 

Nodzed

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Just read this again Lee. Driver fault is I believe a hardware issue in the ecu, my problem was the same, driver issue, just a different code relating to a different problem.
 

Nodzed

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Go to site and click on MSS50
Screenshot_20240516_134342_Chrome.jpg
 

bertiejaffa

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Thanks Niall

**UPDATE** My Indie (Ultimate BM in Chadderton for anyone needing a brilliant indie btw) has identified that the Z3M actually has 3 knock sensors and not 2 as we initially thought / assumed by the fact that the E36 M3 only appears to have 2. I am guessing nobody is aware which does what on this forum but if you have any ideas please can you let me know

Thanks
 

bertiejaffa

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Just an update to close this thread and issue out.

Firstly - trying to find somewhere that can still read these ECUs is increasingly difficult - I rang over 20 companies and sent it off to a few only to have it returned to say that they were unable to read it because it was too old.

Secondly - the option of cloning it was pretty much impossible. With the more common models it would be possible to buy a replacement / donor module and have it cloned, however, with such a limited number of Z3Ms built with the S50 engine, there are no spares out there…. I did finally find 1 and he wanted £1,400 for it…. !!!!!

In the end I managed to get in touch with a company called Allcarelectronics… as soon as the guy answered the phone I could tell he was an “old boy” and was going to be able to help me. He said he should be able to sort it out and got me to send the ECU down to the Isle of Wight - reading between the lines I think a lot of these companies sub out the old ECU repairs to a company called Avilec based there…. Anyway, the ECU was sent and they were able to diagnose a specific chip that had failed.

Replacements can either be Chinese copies, or the real deal from Germany - not wanting to have to go through this ever again I went for the German one which took nearly 2 months to arrive but ultimately fixed the issue and so far (touch wood) the engine is back to running on both banks again…

I guess as these cars get older we will possibly see more and more issues like this so hopefully it might help someone in the future.
 

HansZolof

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Hello, is this the company that fixes the ecu?
i have a similar problem for many years and installed a standalone ecu but want to repair the original
thank you
 

bertiejaffa

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Hello can you verify that this company fixed the ecu? Thank you
Yes, and they only need the ECU - they dont need all the other stuff out of the car... Try the Avilec to begin with because it seems like they are the ones everyone subcontactracts to, failing that go to Allcarelectronics - the old boy is called John - He is a good guy.

Update the thread to let us know how you go on
 

HansZolof

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Hello,
Thank you so much for your kind assistace.
I have talked with them and sent the ECU for repair.
It is an opportunity to make some maintenance to the car also.
While wait for the ECU to be fixed I will change the suspesnsion and bushings also.
 

Lulubell

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Hello,
Thank you so much for your kind assistace.
I have talked with them and sent the ECU for repair.
It is an opportunity to make some maintenance to the car also.
While wait for the ECU to be fixed I will change the suspesnsion and bushings also.
Hi mate..
Any updates with avilec repairs?

Replacements can either be Chinese copies, or the real deal from Germany - not wanting to have to go through this ever again I went for the German one which took nearly 2 months to arrive but ultimately fixed the issue and so far (touch wood) the engine is back to running on both banks again…
Hi mate..
Did avilec replace the chip from Germany? Or you had to get a complete ecu (DME)
Cheers both..
 

Lulubell

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Sent mine off to avilec ..:cool:

I was at my wits end trying to rectify this very slight misfire & running slightly rich.

Connected my scanner which picked up an issue with injector 1 (code 03) and o2 sensors stuck at .99 with no signal

I Replaced lots of parts , all genuine BMW to cure this issue including swopping around injectors but still same problem..
Then sent away these injectors to be professionally serviced all tested with great results back like new.

Replaced all O’rings on the high pressure fuel lines..
Inlet & outlets cams sensors replaced..
TPS (throttle sensor) replaced.. (extra note this is part of the service schedule which normally not done)
All rubber sections replaced vacuum lines , idle valves cleaned etc , even the dipstick o’rings at base (was a pain to do as so tight to fit back ) Cvv pipes etc..
Air electric sensors replaced.
serviced replaced O’rings & cleaned everything from the airbox to the throttle trumps.

New vanos (done by Dr Vanos)..£££
Oh..& New fuel pump..

Cleaned all electrical connections from the DME to injector banks to coil packs
Replaced the x6 coil packs too with genuine parts with correct spark plugs.
Even replaced the x2 O2 sensors ..
Still the problem persists..

Well…
All I can say Antony Moore @ avilec has saved the day…
They have done an amazing job, kept me updated , a very professional Service .
What they charged personally , is worth every penny !!
Packed extremely well too (see below!!)

The problem was the DME on bank 1 & 2 , the injector drivers was faulty sending on wrong signals to the injectors , also this was making car run at closed loop…

Fitted the ecu back to the car last weekend , well it’s a different animal..

Runs perfect now with no slight misfire , runs so smoothly with no signs of running rich (my eyes would sting)..
Scanner states no faults found & o2 sensor started working when warmed up so now working open loop ..

Guys..
Electronics do age especially being 25 yrs old
Save yourself some money & have this done as part of your serviced schedule ,Or running issues.

Off topic..
DO NOT USE COMPANY CALLED ECU TESTING (.com) SERVICES ..
Sent it away with extra protection , as there site mentions “must be package as will not except any responsibility if not packaged properly no oil inside etc..”
Great web site , kept me updated throughout very impressed to be honest.
Unfortunately had a phone call saying they couldn’t repair as there set up not compatible with my ecu..

They sent it back in a box with “no protection whatsoever” , rattling around this super rare fragile part!!
The inside of the box was badly marked , actually denting the sides of the cardboard box where the ecu was hitting the sides , fortunately the ecu wasn’t damaged , such a let down!!
Pics showing how I sent it too them and well the pics tell a story!!
 

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