Hesitant to start, rough start on 2004 330

[deutsch100]

Hey guys!!

Good news first....my transmission is still working great since the re-program about a month ago....and it has only been about 2 weeks since the last repair attempt...but all 4 windows and both side mirrors are working (even the tilt-down feature

On and off (escpecially if the my cars sits for more than 24 hours)...it can be hard to start. It is best described as a "rough start". I have to hold the key longer than normal and it kind of "shakes & coughs" then starts and drives beautifully. The battery is perfect.....had it checked.

Anyone else have this, or know of this? A few postings a while back were talking about ignition coils. Could it be that???

Thanks in advance for any replies.....ya'll know I appreciate it!!!

 

[Tom]

Have you had your software updated? I was having the same problems a few weeks ago, took my car in for a software update and the problem is gone.

 

[deutsch100]

Hey man,

software for what? What system needed an update this time??? I only have like 1,000 miles on my cic....and have been to the dealer like 8 times. This sucks!!!!

 

[BMW-FW26]

the CiC have a different computer setup I take it. There is more to control. Tell your dealer, and have it done right.

 

[Thief]

Wow, that does suck, I would be bitchin large at the dealer. How the heck can the software be out of date when you just got the car??

 

[VANCE]

SELL IT AND GET AN E36

 

[Tom]

Hey man,

software for what? What system needed an update this time??? I only have like 1,000 miles on my cic....and have been to the dealer like 8 times. This sucks!!!!

I would wait a few more hundred miles and schedule an oil change. Then tell them about your start hesitations to see if there are any fixes. I didn't realize you had a '04 until now, but I was recently told by my advisor that there were a couple of patches since my oil chance back in February.

Don't forget to ask for a free loaner at the same time.

 

[BMW NA Customer Relations]

I’m with BMW of North America, LLC. I’m sorry to read you are experiencing a problem with your 330i. If you and your BMW center would like our assistance, please phone us at (800) 831-1117, and mention Reference # 200421200225 so that we can help you more efficiently. If you prefer, you can email us through the Owners’ Circle at www.bmwusa.com.

 

[dzervit]

This is very similar to the "330 stalls when starting" thread. Folks have reported a reflash has the fix. My poor '03 325i however, didn't get the magical software on its last dealer visit. Still coughs/stalls on a cold start. Runs like champ the rest of the day. Go figure!

 

[BanaK]

I drive a 2004 325ci and I had this similiar problem too, in the morning it would shake the car pretty bad for about 3-5 seconds, and some scary noise from the engine, this happens on first attemp to start up. Then for the rest of the day it would be fine.

When I take to the dealer, they told me it's because I am using 91 premium gas, because there was too much oil left over in the engine and it is trying to burn those off, which is why it's giving the shake. And they recommend me to try 87 or 89 gas. I don't really understand what he was tryign to say, but something like that. They also did some software reprogramming.

Anyway, I switched to 87 regular gas, and it has never shaked since, this is about a week ago. Not sure if it's the software reprogramming that worked or the gas, but maybe it's worth a try for you.