BMW 318i loses power and cuts out

[Larz]

Hi guys

I've had my 2003 318i for about 1.5 years (I inherited it) and for most of that time, it's been faulty.

When idling it vibrates violently and only calms down if I put on the aircon. Sometimes I'll try and start it and it won't start, makes a bit of a noise like it's trying to start but only after the 5th or 6th try does it actually start, sometimes not at all.

Also every now and then it'll die in slow traffic, or while I'm going at a decent speed it'll suddenly lose power and cut out.

Over a year later, two mechanics, about 11 trips back and forth to these mechanics and thousands of rands spent having parts changes (new crank shafts, etc) the car is still doing the same thing. Both mechanics have been left scratching their heads. The second one claimed to have brought in a "specialist" directly from BMW and this guy was also apparently stumped.

 

[tarintino]

hmmmm, have you checked the exhaust system?

you could have a collapsed baffle in one of the boxes, also I'm not sure if your model is fitted with a catalytic converter or not but if the cat is blocked or exhaust box is blocked it can cause the issue you are referring too.

Simple way to find out is to undo the bolts on the flange under your exhaust manifold - start engine and see, yes will make a hell of a noise.

 

[Die_Miek]

welcome to the forum & welcome to the world of N42 engine owners, problems with no apparent fixes.

what codes do you get?

two weeks ago i changed my cam sensor, still the same problems.

do a search on the forum,there has been ALOT of discussions on the 318i.

also see my last thread: http://www.bmwfanatics.co.za/showthread.php?tid=25735

hope you get sorted soon

 

[Trigger]

MAF?
Coils?
VVT motor?

 

[XMAX]

I'd say get the car to a proper mechanic who specialises in BMW.

In Jhb id say go to Tunetech. They would have all the necessary equipment to test the car.

also, I wouldnt put too much trust in the BMW "specialist" from the agents. the agents like to replace everything, and usually don't bother properly troubleshooting.

Tunetech find the fault and fix it, not everything else only to find the fault still there.

 

[Chucky]

Get it diagnosed, I would say its your Crank Position Sensor

 

[zaleonardz]

Bud,

Bring me this car, I will be able to sort it out for you.

I have myself battled with the legendary N42 issues.

Give us a list of the parts you have replaced to date.

 

[XMAX]

+1 on going to Zaleonard... He loves these cars, and has a true passion for them.

He wont let you down, especially since you are also a forum member.

 

[jerzi]

My car just lost power on the high way had the accelerator in it cut came right cut again and came right any one help please I stopped the car switched off now it won't start again it swings wants t start then cuts

 

[zippy320]

When have you last replaced the coils and the VVT motor? My car did this to me on my way back from Jhb to Durban .. It lost all power and just sat . I could still drive it after switching it off and back on but it had so little power I drove it back slowly , a few times at 120 though .

I then booked it in to Forsdicks and left for the UAE there after, when I got back , they told me it was one coil and the VVT motor that was faulty .Cars been fine after that , this happened 5 years ago ! Switch it off , let it cool down and try again.