2004 330Ci Sputtering/Engine Problem - Roadside Question

[mrblonde]

hello,

i got in my 2004 330ci on friday, pulled out of my parking spot, and noticed it felt like the car was "sputtering" as I accelerated. by the time i got around the corner the problem was much worse, the engine was making a wup-wup-wup sound, and i wasn't even sure if i'd make it back to my parking spot. being a holiday weekend, i waited till this morning to call the service center. they asked if i checked if my oil was topped off. i don't believe this could possibly be the problem because the light never went on and the problem seems very severe. should i wait to check my oil when i get home from work tonight before calling roadside??? also, how does roadside work? do they just tow it to the service center no questions asked? or do i get bill then i haveto get reimbursed??? any help???

 

[aNoodle]

hello,

i got in my 2004 330ci on friday, pulled out of my parking spot, and noticed it felt like the car was "sputtering" as I accelerated. by the time i got around the corner the problem was much worse, the engine was making a wup-wup-wup sound, and i wasn't even sure if i'd make it back to my parking spot. being a holiday weekend, i waited till this morning to call the service center. they asked if i checked if my oil was topped off. i don't believe this could possibly be the problem because the light never went on and the problem seems very severe. should i wait to check my oil when i get home from work tonight before calling roadside??? also, how does roadside work? do they just tow it to the service center no questions asked? or do i get bill then i haveto get reimbursed??? any help???

Well, you can call them and describe the problem. If they feel it's a good idea to have the car towed, then they will pay for it.

 

[mrblonde]

Thanks! Roadside came and replaced the coils right on the spot. Everything is good now. Anyone else ever have the same problem with a 3 series??? It drives soooooooo much better now. It must have been driving like sh/t for some time but I never realized it.

 

[///M SPEED]

The coils on the 3 series is a known issue. Many people have had to have some or all replaced at one time or another. I however, have never had to have any of mine changed in the BMW's I have owned....

 

[Tom]

^^Unfortunately but true.

 

[MyHarley]

Problem - Rough Idle (Shaking Car) and loss of power (sputtering) when pressing the gas...........service engine light on............is this the same thing for the coils to be replaced......wondering about BMW Assist as well or just drive it real slow to the dealership in the morning........and it really smells of fumes.........

 

[hosagod]

Yes, could be your ignition coils too MyHarley.

I had this problem on my 2004 330Ci as well. Seems to be a common issue. I had all the symptoms you are describing.

It is really a quick fix and the car is perfectly fine afterwards. Only problem is my car seems to go into SAFETY MODE (???) too much.

Recently, I've noticed that it stays at lower RPMs and the acceleration is subpar. Last time it happened they said it went into SAFETY MODE for some reason I can't remember and now it seems to have gone into it again!!!

I'm not even a rough driver so this is really annoying.

I will have to contact the dealer tomorrow.

Isn't there any way of checking for sure yourself if your car is in Safe Mode or w/e???

 

[MyHarley]

What is safety mode? Couldnt find in manual...........BMW Assist is coming this morning, very nice on phone and quick service......maybe I"ll get lucky and they will fix on spot too..........

 

[aNoodle]

What is safety mode? Couldnt find in manual...........BMW Assist is coming this morning, very nice on phone and quick service......maybe I"ll get lucky and they will fix on spot too..........

Your description could be a number of things. I wouldn't say right off the bat, it's definitely the coils. They need to run the codes.

 

[MyHarley]

all is well and yes it was a misfire on Cylinder 2, so they replaced all 6 ignition coils...........they're so good and already have the car back.........