Pinking??
Printed From: Bavarian-Board.co.uk - BMW Owners Discussion Forum
Category: Technical & Model Specific Forums
Forum Name: BMW 3 Series
Forum Discription: This forum will deal with any issues on the BMW 3 Series (E21, E30, E36, E46, E90, E91 & E92)
URL: http://www.bavarian-board.co.uk/forum_posts.asp?TID=2787
Printed Date: 03-May-2024 at 21:12
Topic: Pinking??
Posted By: medlow
Subject: Pinking??
Date Posted: 28-July-2003 at 18:48
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Dear all readers.. I do hope you can shed some light on my problem below!! After recieving a 1990 E30 320i from a family member, I have been experiencing running probs. At around 2000rpm, in any gear, at any speed, the vehicle suffers from a very slight 'hesitation', I believe the technical term is called pinking?? I call it a 'hicup'. Like I say it is only around 2000rpm. Whether the engine is hot or cold.. I have had the engine electrical system and ECU checked but no fault found. Compression, Sparks + HT's, Injectors, Fuel Pressure, Air Flow, Timing, have also been checked out with no probs.. There is also a very rough idle, hot or cold, that sometimes stalls the engine randomley. I have had it checked, they say its related to the pinking... ? I also suffer from high fuel consumption (260 miles from about 50L of unleaded) (is that bad?? I've never owned a BMW before, so cant compare) Again they put this down to the Pinking.. ? The vehicle has only done a genuine 55k in its time with a full BMW history. Has anyone got any ideas?? please, I love the car and would love to get it back to its mechanical glory!! Help is needed!! James.
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Replies:
Posted By: kevin
Date Posted: 28-July-2003 at 20:04
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James Your description doesn't sound like pinking to me but have a look at http://www.diyfixit.co.uk/motor/faultfinding/pinking/pinking.htm - does it match this to be sure. Good luck (sorry fixed link) ------------- Kevin '04 E46 330Ci Convertible '08 E61 535d Touring (TorqueMeister Towbarge) ’95 E34 M5 ’89 E30 M3 (Cecotto) |
Posted By: Mark R
Date Posted: 28-July-2003 at 22:37
I used to have a '85 323i it had similar probs as you describe, rough idle, slight loss of power, rough acceleration etc, it was a Mercedes  mechanic who soughted it out! He recommended ‘STP Inlet Valve Cleaner’, it used to come in a yellow bottle. I never seem to see it in the shops any more, but did manage to order some through a local store last time I needed it. Never thought much of petrol additives until I used this stuff. 1/2 a tank later my car was running great, acceleration was smooth I was happy.
As far as economy goes 260miles/50L = approx 24mpg, depends how you drive it, I would have thought it should be better, my 323i used to achieve approx 29 mpg. My E30 318is gets 37mpg, lovely! As Kevin's link above says 'pinking' is pre-ignition, the car will sound like a bucket full of nails on acceleration, especially under load and up hills. P.s Try running the car on a good premium fuel for a while and see if this helps, and I don't mean Tesco! Try Shell Optimax, tiz expensive, but it may sought your problems. Mark ------------- Mark Roberts 
E30 318iS Wessex Region Secretary E30 Registrar & committee member Someone left a note on my windscreen. It read 'Parking Fine' that was nice |
Posted By: Rhys
Date Posted: 29-July-2003 at 00:09
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Mine's suffering from something similar (rough idle on startup, car jolts sometimes like its being pulled back at about 80 - 85 did it on kick down as well just lately), will give injector cleaner a go and see what happens ------------- V reg Rustbucket Merc C220 Cdi estate J Reg Saab 900i 16v '63 Ford Anglia 105e deluxe R reg Honda PC50 moped.. No BMW as yet... |
Posted By: paul325i
Date Posted: 29-July-2003 at 00:38
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My 325i had a similar problem a while ago, it was only around 2500rpm. After replacing everything i found it was the fuel pump relay. I'd take your relays out and clean them both, should be a fuel pump and a DME relay might be either, about £8 off my local dealer. ------------- 
Visit http://www.geocities.com/paulav325i/ - My BMW Got an E30? Visit http://www.e30zone.co.uk - The E30 Zone |
Posted By: medlow
Date Posted: 29-July-2003 at 13:58
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thanks muchly for all your replies.. I have had all the injectors 'ASNU'd' They are now running as efficiant as new..!! geddit? no difference.. My 260 miles on just under a tank is driving as smoothly as poss... I have also put a bottle of Reddex fuel additive through, to clean injectors, fuel lines etc.. no difference was made.. I will try the fuel pump relay. Thanks again.. James..
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Posted By: M3AG
Date Posted: 29-July-2003 at 15:01
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what petrol do you use? Try a few tanks of Optimax! ------------- we're the Sweeney son, and we ain't had our dinner..... |
Posted By: medlow
Date Posted: 29-July-2003 at 16:00
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Usually Sainsbury's 95RON.. you are the 2nd chap to mention this. although I have run 2 tanks of redex through.. This should perform the same action..?? I think it was Mark R who mentioned checking the DME relay and Fuel Relay, and maybe cleaning them.. can someone explain where these are on a 320i 1990.. Many thanks..
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