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DTC codes / BMW codes / P1357

P1357 · BMWMisfire Cylinder 8 With Fuel Cut-off

P1357 on a BMW indicates that the engine control module has detected a misfire on cylinder 8 severe enough to disable that cylinder's fuel injector, cutting off fuel to prevent raw fuel from overheating the catalytic converter. The misfire is identified by abnormal crankshaft speed fluctuations, and the fuel cut-off is a protective strategy rather than the root cause.

SystemPowertrain
Code typeBMW specific
SeverityMedium
Fix difficultyIntermediate
AreaIgnition system and misfire

Symptoms you may notice

  • Rough idle and noticeable vibration, especially when the engine is cold or under light load
  • A flashing or steady check engine light, sometimes accompanied by a message to reduce power
  • Loss of power and sluggish acceleration, as the engine is effectively running on seven cylinders
  • A distinct fuel smell from the exhaust if the misfire occurs before fuel cut-off engages
  • Often no symptoms besides the warning light if the misfire is intermittent and only logged under specific conditions

Common causes, most likely first

  1. Failed ignition coil on cylinder 8, which is the most frequent cause on BMW engines
  2. Worn or fouled spark plug on cylinder 8, especially if service intervals have been exceeded
  3. Vacuum leak at the intake manifold gasket or a cracked intake boot affecting cylinder 8's air supply
  4. Leaking or clogged fuel injector on cylinder 8, causing an incorrect air-fuel mixture
  5. Mechanical fault such as low compression from worn piston rings, a burnt valve, or a failed hydraulic lifter
  6. Faulty engine control module software or a damaged wiring harness to the cylinder 8 coil or injector
  7. Contaminated fuel or a failing high-pressure fuel pump on direct-injection engines, though this usually affects multiple cylinders

How to diagnose and fix it

  1. Scan all stored codes and freeze-frame data, then clear codes and road-test to confirm P1357 returns and note any accompanying misfire codes for other cylinders
  2. Swap the ignition coil from cylinder 8 with a neighbouring cylinder and recheck; if the misfire moves, replace the coil
  3. Remove and inspect the spark plug on cylinder 8 for wear, fouling, or incorrect gap; replace if worn or damaged
  4. Perform a compression test and, if low, a cylinder leak-down test to rule out mechanical faults before replacing ignition parts
  5. Check for vacuum leaks at the intake manifold and inspect the cylinder 8 injector wiring and connector for corrosion or damage
  6. Test the fuel injector on cylinder 8 for resistance and spray pattern, or perform an injector balance test if equipped
  7. If all else checks out, update the engine control module software and re-evaluate, as BMW has released calibrations addressing false misfire detection

BMW misfire diagnosis beyond the coil

  • A P1357 code can be set by a marginal ignition coil that only breaks down under load or high temperature, so a cold static test may pass while the fault is still present.
  • BMW's misfire detection is sensitive to crankshaft position sensor signal quality; a failing sensor or reluctor ring can cause false misfire codes on specific cylinders.
  • Fuel cut-off on cylinder 8 is a protective action, so the injector itself may be perfectly functional; replacing it without confirming the misfire cause is a common misdiagnosis.
  • On direct-injection engines, carbon buildup on the intake valves can cause a misfire that mimics a faulty coil, particularly on higher-mileage vehicles.
  • A vacuum leak at the intake manifold runner for cylinder 8 can set this code without any ignition or fuel system fault, so smoke testing the intake is a worthwhile early step.

Can I keep driving with P1357?

It is not advisable to continue driving with an active P1357 code because the fuel cut-off protects the catalytic converter but leaves the engine running rough and down on power. If the check engine light is flashing, stop driving as soon as it is safe to do so and have the vehicle towed to avoid converter damage.

Tools that help

Tools we recommend are in the Auto Veteran shop on Amazon. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.

Guidance is general and written for BMW vehicles. Exact tests and values vary by model, so confirm the fault before replacing parts.

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