Bmw 318is 1998 Cutting off when idling

[Snipes318is]

Hi Guys

Need some help my 1998 Bmw e36 318is occassionally cuts off when idling. It drives fine but at times seems like its holding back a bit, when i flow it, it goes back to driving normally, most of the other times it drives perfectly. Any idea what might be the cause might be or what i could look out for? I have recently done a service on it, changed plugs, filters, oil etc. Its really irritating when it has to cut off every other time i stop at a traffic light.

 

[Nikhil]

If it has the E30 mechanical type airflow meter then it's most likely that

 

[Snipes318is]

Is this the same as the e30 one?

 

[Nikhil]

Nope that's not the E30 type. That being eliminated it could be a vacuum leak or a sticky idle control valve

 

[Snipes318is]

Okay will get the mach to check and clean the idle control valve.

What is the best way to check for a vacuum leak?

 

[Nikhil]

While the car is started and idling, spray carb cleaner over the intake pipes/ manifold slowly. if the idle changes or car switches off at any point its got a vacuum leak in the area you last sprayed

 

[evnmopwr]

Or do a "Smoke" test on the system

I never had a Smoke machine so i used a VAPE and Soccerball pump on my E46 while chasing vac leaks.

I removed the MAF, Put a rubber glover over the Intake pipes.
Cut off 2 finger tips on the glovers.

taped a Clear pipe to the 1 tip and the Soccer ball pump to the other

Blew smoke into the one and used the Pump to Push the smoke thru the system.
Remember to BLOCK the Clear pipe Wher eyou blowing into While Pumping the smoke thru

NOTE: Remove the Oil filler cap. Once you see smoke coming out of there, you close it then Continue to blow smoke thru the system.

Smoke will eventually come out of the Vaccum leak...

Good luck bud :thumbs:

 

[tr0jan]

I had that model too. Also did that kinda weird things.

Rewired the alternator and the erratic issues went away. Last resort have a look at the alternator.

 

[Snipes318is]

Thanks guys

Will give that a try

 

[tr0jan]

Let us know the outcome, for future guys to have a reference

 

[Snipes318is]

So i changed the Idle control valve today. Seems to be driving alot better, will monitor it for a few days and update you guys

 

[Snipes318is]

Hi guys just an update

I replaced the idle control valve with a new one, still experienced the cutting off. Have checked for vacum leaks, cannot find any. Have had the alternator rewired and still experiencing the same issue.

I have noticed that this issue happens only once the car has warmed up after about 15-20min of driving, it gets worse the warmer the car gets or the temperature outside gets. It starts hesitating when driving and when you come to a stop or idle the car starts hunting and eventually cuts off

So frustarted now i dont know what else to check

 

[Kyle]

Faulty coolant temp sensor?

 

[Snipes318is]

wouldnt a faulty coolant temp sensor cause overheating ?

Ive driven the car for the last two days in the cold rainy weather, i have not expereinced any cutting out or stalling issues the car is driving 100%. It seems its the hot weather that affects it somehow.