2001 E46 320i Hunting RPM

[Rambam]

Hi fellow fanatics.

Before I dive into the DIY Dual Vanos seal replacement next week just want to check for any other opinions. My car recently started hunting between 500 and 1800 RPM when engaging the clutch. This compounded with the bit of extra juice the power streering pump pulls from the engine when turning causes stalls at often undersired times. It's been getting worse gradually and now I think it is time. Cold starting is not an issue and the performance is still acceptable. I have had her 3 and half years now and dont think the seals have been replaced before. I've checked for vacuum leaks, so dont think its that and plugs are new cause I recently serviced her. MAF was also cleaned. any other possible causes? I guess the vanos seals is a good thing to do anyway?

thanks!

 

[Doomsdaya]

I suggest you run a diagnostics test, see what faults come up & take it from there.

My e36 had similar symptoms & I replaced alot of things until I did a diagnostics test. Problem turned out to be the vanos solenoid switch. Not sure if its a common problem on e46's though....

 

[Rambam]

I suggest you run a diagnostics test, see what faults come up & take it from there.

My e36 had similar symptoms & I replaced alot of things until I did a diagnostics test. Problem turned out to be the vanos solenoid switch. Not sure if its a common problem on e46's though....

Thanks! Has anyone else seem this site before? http://www.beisansystems.com/ I called my local mechanic and asked about the potentially dodgy material used to make the O-rings and the communication with BMW that followed. He said the Vanos unit is rock solid and he has never heard of this issue before. Said I should check the idiling valve or the boot on the throttle body. The dipstick breather seal has already been replaced.

 

[zanevk]

I think its a good idea to check your DISA. I've seen similar problems before. If you are going to change your VANOS seals, check your Cam Position Sensor as well:thumbs::thumbs:

 

[Legacy]

From what I have heard the hunting rpm can be caused by most likely three things, firstly the MAF which is hard to diagnose without an extra one, secondly the ICV and lastly the throttle.

I would suggest get another MAF from a car which is 100%, swop it into your car and see if the symptoms go away. The ICV and throttle are a bit more tricky since the intake manifold needs to be taken off and this in itself is no small task. However it is possible for the ICV or throttle to become dirty and cause these issues and if they are cleaned out the hunting should disappear.

The good thing is if the ICV or throttle is dirty then it only requires cleaning which luckily is quite cheap.

 

[moranor@axis]

could be a few things... I sell the beisansystems Vanos seals and rattle kits... they definitely work based on customer feedback and my own experience...

Double vanos seals R630
Double vanos rattle repair kit R630
soft vise jaw liners R160

Im not sure if your problem is the Vanos though...

 

[DROP IT - ZN]

I've had the same prob on my e46, icv and maf were found to be the culprits...