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1997 BMW 318I

1.8L I4•RWD•AUTOMATIC•gas
1 active safety recall on this vehicle — view recalls
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Repairs0Labor564Torque2606Fluid7DTC642Battery0Maintenance0Recalls1
P1415moderate severityPowertrain

Secondary Air System Bank 1

on 1997 BMW 318i 1.8L I4 · RWD

What this code means

The DME detected a malfunction in the secondary air injection system for Bank 1. The secondary air system pumps fresh air into the exhaust manifold during cold starts to reduce hydrocarbon emissions.

Symptoms

  • Check Engine Light
  • Failed emissions test
  • Rough cold start idle
  • Unusual noise from air pump on startup

Common causes

  • Faulty secondary air pump
  • Secondary air valve stuck closed
  • Clogged air passages in exhaust manifold
  • Faulty secondary air pump relay
  • Check valve failure

Diagnostic steps

  1. Listen for air pump operation during cold start
  2. Test air pump relay
  3. Check for voltage at air pump connector
  4. Inspect air passages for carbon blockage
  5. Test air pump by direct power application

Repair notes

Replace faulty secondary air pump or clean clogged air passages in the exhaust manifold.

Other Powertrain codes on this vehicle

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