BMW 320i E46 2004 F/L Problem!

[MelS]

Hi,

Can anyone shed some light on an issue i'm having with my car? It's an auto model and it started shuddering a few weeks ago. Happens when i'm in traffic and either at a standstill or moving very slowly. It also switched off when a while back - it was in winter so I didn't think too much of it. Today the battery light and oil lights came on so i pulled over to the side of the highway and switched car off. Switched it on after a few seconds and it started up like normal without any warning lights. Just wanna get some feedback before I take it in.

Thanks!

 

[Jamaine]

new clutch needed

 

[Zound]

There is a wide range of possible issues with the car from what you've mentioned.

Best thing to do right now would be to have diagnostics/Fault codes read.

 

[MelS]

Thank u. Mech is going to look at it on Saturday. Really hope its not the clutch... But then it shudders sometimes around 60-80k so probably is.

 

[Lizzard]

When all the lights came on (battery and oil) did the car still idle or was the RPM needle at 0? What was the temperature of the car at that stage, maybe water pump. Try and get the codes read from the car it should have logged some codes for you to work on.

The automatic will shudder eventually when stuck in traffic, its like a normal manual and the clutch will slide but it should be gone within a few kilometers of normal open road driving. My E46 330i auto also did that once stuck in traffic for say more than 15 minutes slow or no moving with my foot on the brake the whole time (its normal, should worry if it does that in normal driving without traffic). When is the clutch doing this shudder? on a cold start in the morning or when you were in traffic and just found the road open?

 

[MelS]

This morning car was still in idle. I was in a queue at an offramp and even managed to move the car to the side before switching off and on. Not sure what RPM was at. After it switched off in winter I let it warm up for atleast 15min before driving. Had been on the road this morning for about 30 min in total before it switched off - incl the highway. The shudder has just progressed lately but it doesnt shudder everyday. :/Also it feels like there is a drag/kind of metallic scrapping noise at 60 - 80 km.
Water pump was changed 3 years ago. Will also get it checked... Tx!

 

[Lizzard]

On my E46 330i auto I had a rumble when it I came to a stop, just that few milliseconds prior to stop where the car will make a clunk. I also had a shudder on the car when I pulled away but only then and the metal sound, mine sounded like marbels at certain speed but when I put my foot on the fuel or let go then the rumble / noise will stop. In my case it was the prop shaft guilbo that was shot and made the problem for me. When you come to a complete stop, just listen to what the car does if it sounds like a clunk, if so inspect the guilbo or have it inspected.

Maybe look into those codes once you retrieve it, might be the alternator's regulator that is busy going.

 

[MelS]

Thanks will do that.
Going to listen well this afternoon and check the codes!:tiptoe:

 

[Lizzard]

Keep us updated :rollsmile:

 

[DJGyron]

Hi MelS,

It sounds like a number of problems. Here are my estimates:

1. The shudder could be the steel cover underneath the gearbox that is held by the two steel bolts is loose.
2. The shudder could be the universals on the prop shaft are done or the center carrier bearing is done or the flexi plate is done. Take it to a prop shaft specialist to get an assessment.
3. The battery should be replaced if it is not holding charge. A regular battery should give you 2 years. A Willard Battery - about 4 years. A Genuine BMW Battery - about 5 year. My BMW Battery gave me 7 years. Also check your alternator if it is still holding charge.

If the car feels like it is performing wheelies or skidding in a straight line on the road and you feel a loss or traction, then your clutch is slipping and needs to be replaced. Order Sachs and replace the double flywheel too while you at it.

 

[GPGrobler]

What services were done on the car engine-wise? Has the VANOS been serviced yet (seals replaced), are all the sensors working (fault codes?) Has it been checked for vacuum leaks? Have you owned the car from new, because only then you will really know what was serviced and changed and what not.