E46 316i idiling problem?
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=33259
Printed Date: 03-May-2024 at 20:26
Topic: E46 316i idiling problem?
Posted By: Aidan316i
Subject: E46 316i idiling problem?
Date Posted: 09-September-2006 at 23:54
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Hi all, Our 99 E46 316i isn't idling properly, on start up she goes to 1,100rpm and then falls to around 600/700 but doesn't idle properly. I've been told it could be the Mass Air Flow Meter (which isn't cheap  )Its defintly not the head gasket or anything as she doens't overheat or anything. Any other ideas or is the advice correct? ------------- www.ni-bmw.co.uk E46 316i Saloon E36 323i Touring 
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Replies:
Posted By: bmwcare
Date Posted: 10-September-2006 at 05:06
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Advice is crap. MAF won't usually cause that - get a diagnostic check [with good gear] and come back to us... BMWcare bmwcare@eircom.net |
Posted By: Aidan316i
Date Posted: 10-September-2006 at 15:19
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Will get it taken to a specialist sometime soon!
------------- www.ni-bmw.co.uk E46 316i Saloon E36 323i Touring
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Posted By: hayesy
Date Posted: 11-September-2006 at 20:10
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i had that when i 1st got my bm, bmw identified it as a faulty crankcase breather valve, does it idle ok when cold and then when engine warms up then idle iratically? this is what mine done.
steve ------------- 1999 318 ISE,leather,sports body kit, rear spoiler,18" evo2 alloys. |
Posted By: Aidan316i
Date Posted: 12-September-2006 at 17:40
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No it seems to be right from start up, it'll idle at around 1,000/1,100rpm before dropping to 600/700
------------- www.ni-bmw.co.uk E46 316i Saloon E36 323i Touring
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Posted By: Aidan316i
Date Posted: 12-November-2006 at 00:25
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After having it hooked up to a diagnostics machine, turns out its a faulty engine speed sensor, getting sorted soon!
------------- www.ni-bmw.co.uk E46 316i Saloon E36 323i Touring
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Posted By: Starfury
Date Posted: 12-November-2006 at 11:35
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My E46 328i idles erratically when cold going from 800 down to 600 where it recovers back to 800 But sits on 700rpm when idle and war, ------------- BMW 328i SE (E46/M52TU - I think) 99/T |
Posted By: bmwcare
Date Posted: 12-November-2006 at 13:47
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Check the basics & do a full diagnostic - if throttle body and ISCV all ok - renew vanos BMWcare bmwcare@eircom.net |
Posted By: Starfury
Date Posted: 12-November-2006 at 20:00
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that for me or aidan?
------------- BMW 328i SE (E46/M52TU - I think) 99/T |
Posted By: Aidan316i
Date Posted: 13-November-2006 at 22:38
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Its for your Starfury, it may be another faulty engine speed sensor, it may be that or a Mass Air Flow Meter problem, like bmwcare says, get ti hooked up to a diagnostics machine!
------------- www.ni-bmw.co.uk E46 316i Saloon E36 323i Touring
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Posted By: bmwcare
Date Posted: 14-November-2006 at 18:32
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It's for the E46 328i. BMW deny there is a problem - but they made the mapping of the ECU too tight - as a result of wear in Vanos it causes the problem while it is performing it's warm up phase with EGR active. When it warms that part of the "map" is not used - and idle stabilises. It affects power and general performance too -- major problem with M52TU's It's an expensive job to do properly - don't let a muppet do it... BMWcare bmwcare@eircom.net |
Posted By: Starfury
Date Posted: 15-November-2006 at 08:04
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What will happen if I just leave it? Its been doing it for a couple years now... Everything else seems fine.
------------- BMW 328i SE (E46/M52TU - I think) 99/T |
Posted By: bob_betty
Date Posted: 15-November-2006 at 08:27
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I've seen this on another forum and the general advice is to clean the idle control thingy. Something I plan to do soon as I have the same problem with my 325 |
Posted By: BeemaBoy
Date Posted: 15-November-2006 at 10:36
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I thought the E46 does not have an idle control valve...errr thingy BB ------------- 87 E30 320I 95 E34 525I Auto, Executive Package, Arctic Silver 98 E38 740I Steptronic, Silver |
bob_betty wrote:
Posted By: bmwcare
Date Posted: 15-November-2006 at 11:11
It will be ok if left alone. Just not 100%. |
Posted By: Starfury
Date Posted: 15-November-2006 at 21:35
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So I need to get someone to remap the ECU? Might be an idea to get it chipped at the same time...? ------------- BMW 328i SE (E46/M52TU - I think) 99/T |
Posted By: bmwcare
Date Posted: 15-November-2006 at 23:35
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No - don't bother doing that... It's PHYSICAL WEAR of the Vanos Unit (ASSUMING A FULL PROPER DIAGNOSTIC CONFIRMS VANOS). The mapping can't compensate -- chipping does not fix EGR or Vanos faults. In fact - chipping any car is often silly without proper mods. The 328 is underpowered but due mainly to intake restriction. There's a reason for 193bhp - most produce more anyway. Only a replacement of the Vanos is a proper cure. Chip it then if you want - When I have issues with chipped cars I've normally got to remove the chip BEFORE any proper diagnosis can be done -- when repaired I won't refit the chip -- customer signs that car is fixed, then they can do what they like. If I was to recommend a chip - it would only be the Diesels and only Upsolute (due to experience). If you want to do petrols -- get out a big wallet -- you need to upgrade a lot of stuff -- cheaper to buy an M or a 911... BMWcare bmwcare@eircom.net |
Posted By: Starfury
Date Posted: 16-November-2006 at 01:32
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I was only considering chip if ECU remap would help. Otherwise I will leave it stock. Can anything be done about the intake restriction? What cost is there to replacing the VANOS? What benefit will I see to doing this apart from proper idling when cold? What problems will I get if I don't do anything (although I see you answered this already)? ------------- BMW 328i SE (E46/M52TU - I think) 99/T |
Posted By: bmwcare
Date Posted: 16-November-2006 at 02:05
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The proper answer that I will have to give: Intake Restriction: I've never done it - so I don't know Cost: Full Diagnostic to confirm, then replace, then reset Adaptions etc. etc. properly is approx. 6-8 hours labour +parts Benefit: MPG improved (especially on short running), Power improved (especially 2,800-3,800rpm) Problems: None really except the opposite of the benefits for a long time - however the problem should get worse with age/wear. Technically, it could do in your chain...eventually... "Smart Answer": No real-world difference except a bit extra expense. Forget mods unless you get Vanos right. If you want your car right - spend the money - you'll be glad you did. BMWcare bmwcare@eircom.net |
Posted By: Starfury
Date Posted: 16-November-2006 at 08:09
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Cost: Give me a £ figure lol...
------------- BMW 328i SE (E46/M52TU - I think) 99/T |
Posted By: bmwcare
Date Posted: 16-November-2006 at 11:45
I'm not gonna give a price for another tech. Look up the vanos on REALOEM and check price with your dealer. Then whatever labour you pay--- times 6... ;) |
Posted By: Peter Fenwick
Date Posted: 16-November-2006 at 13:41
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Yes. You can fit an M50 manifold from an E36 325 a long with a big bore throttle body. If you fit these in conjunction with a decent ECU remap and a free flow air filter you could see as much as 220bhp mailto:Alipna527@aol.com - Alipna527@aol.com can supply modifed m50 manifolds as well as the thottle body. This subject has been well covered on http://www.e36coupe.com - www.e36coupe.com http://www.e36coupe.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=82858&highlight=328 - http://www.e36coupe.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=82858&high light=328 http://www.e36coupe.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=71838&highlight=328 - http://www.e36coupe.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=71838&high light=328
------------- Entering an age of Austerity and now driving a Focus Diesel. |