Strange Engine Problem...

[mjamcdou]

Maybe someone can help me diagnose this problem. I have a 2001 325i (5-speed) with 55k miles. Yesterday, after leaving work, the car ran fine. Got home, prepared to go out that evening (approx 45 mins later) and when I tried to start the car it wouldn't fire up. I thought nothing of it for a second, but then I tried again and it would only turn over. So I let it sit for 5 minutes. Tried again and it started, idle was real low (about 300 rpms), then stalled out. The Service engine soon light finally came on and seemed to idle normally. As soon as I gave it any gas the engine would stall. I decided to let it sit longer. I tried it about 4 hours later and everything seemed to work fine (with the exception of the SES light now on). Engine seemed to run fine so I shut it off and went to sleep. I haven't tried to start it since last night. I've been scouring this forum for anything that might point me in the right direction.

About two weeks ago, while driving into work, the engine suddenly dropped rpms, bounced back, idled rough for about 10 seconds and then ran fine, all while never throwing a SES light. I thought nothing of it at the time.

This is the first engine related problem I've had with this car (knock on wood) besides two window regulators and a whole new moonroof system (those were fortunately covered under warranty).

I'm looking for any wisdom or experience with something similar to my issue.

Thanks for any help.

 

[ThatOneGuy]

I had similar symptoms with my M3 one morning. Got up, drove the gym, drove home, shower & dress, leave for work.... takes 3 tries to start, then the idle is very rough. Turned off the ignition and waited a few minutes, tried again with same result. I drive slowly down the hill and as the car warms up, the idle smoothes out, SES light still on. End of the day, car starts fine and drives with no loss of power but the SES light is still on. Take the car to the dealer the next day, light goes out and the error code says, "misfire in all cylinders, one time event". The car is running fine. My SA said it might be bad gas, recommends a bottle of Techron and Chevron gas from now on. Haven't had a problem since.

 

[williamwoon]

the only thing i can think of, there is no fuel in your car.. it happen to me before after not driving the car for 5 days, then started it and it took me 4 times before it started.. i thought it might be cold engine but it's not. there were not enough fuel in the tank to bring all the way to the engine.. that's the only thing i can think of at the moment..

alternatively if there is enough fuel, your fuel line might need a change..

 

[arditarighi]

Could it be the Idle Valve?!

Maybe someone can help me diagnose this problem. I have a 2001 325i (5-speed) with 55k miles. Yesterday, after leaving work, the car ran fine. Got home, prepared to go out that evening (approx 45 mins later) and when I tried to start the car it wouldn't fire up. I thought nothing of it for a second, but then I tried again and it would only turn over. So I let it sit for 5 minutes. Tried again and it started, idle was real low (about 300 rpms), then stalled out. The Service engine soon light finally came on and seemed to idle normally. As soon as I gave it any gas the engine would stall. I decided to let it sit longer. I tried it about 4 hours later and everything seemed to work fine (with the exception of the SES light now on). Engine seemed to run fine so I shut it off and went to sleep. I haven't tried to start it since last night. I've been scouring this forum for anything that might point me in the right direction.

About two weeks ago, while driving into work, the engine suddenly dropped rpms, bounced back, idled rough for about 10 seconds and then ran fine, all while never throwing a SES light. I thought nothing of it at the time.

This is the first engine related problem I've had with this car (knock on wood) besides two window regulators and a whole new moonroof system (those were fortunately covered under warranty).

I'm looking for any wisdom or experience with something similar to my issue.

Thanks for any help.

Other possibility is the Idle valve - sometime it can get stock because of carobon build up - and the symptons would be similar to what you have described.

I would have it checked ...

rgrds,
/a

 

[mjamcdou]

Well....had it checked out today by the dealer and found out it I have an "intermittent cam sensor error". I forget the error code they told me, but it only showed up after the car was run a while. That would explain the problem starting it after only sitting briefly. When they checkd it this morning the SES had turned off.

The part should be getting here sometime and it's fairly inexpensive. Total bill will be about $250.

I want to thank everyone for the help!

 

[williamwoon]

there u go.. you got your answer alrady.. hope it all goes well for you and enjoy your beamer..

one more thing, try to drive it hard to reduce carbon build up on your engine..

 

[mjamcdou]

It happened again (SES light came on). Same symptoms from my first post. Same code and the same sensor. The dealer thinks there's a short in a wire somewhere. If anyone has had this problem, I'd like see how their experience went. I've got an appointment in the morning. Let the fun begin! I'll keep everyone posted.

 

[Kirby]

It's probably the sensor itself, not a wiring problem. While not frequent, they seem to fail more than you might expect.