E36 323i low power

[Theo D]

Hi guys

I've been struggling with my e36 for some time, it just feels sluggish however very smooth no jerking missfiring etc.
I replaced various items such as the fuel pump, camshaft sensor(original), vanos seals, 328i exhaust and did the fan delete mod...
None of the above made any difference whatsoever :blueCry:
I've read my codes using inpa and nothing comes up.
I checked the voltage reading from the lambda sensors while the car was idling(hot) and got between 0.15-0.23v on both of them using a multimeter.
Interestingly I unplugged the vanos solenoid and it never generated a fault code as it did when I unplugged the lambda sensors ?

Any info or tips appreciated
:ty:

 

[RAArmstrong]

Calling Gizmo :rollsmile:

 

[Kish2604]

Fuel filter first up...
Fuel pressure test next...

 

[J-Peter]

What's the mileage? Do you notice any smoke? Maybe the rings are abit worn..

 

[Theo D]

No smoke, mileage 253 000km's.

 

[poena]

I have a 323 e46 and had the sam problem after driving and starting again absolutely no power. I had someone check the fault codes and replaced the airflow meter (sensor) and the intake camshaft sensor and all my troubles came to an end.

hope this helps.

:cartel:

 

[Peter@AEW]

I would hazard a guess at low compression due to valve guides leaking.

If possible do a test and see what figures you get.

After you did the vanos seals was there an improvement in performance?
If not a discernible improvement I would again hazard a guess at incorrect seal fitment/worn vanos piston chamber/ cam setting.

 

[Theo D]

I would hazard a guess at low compression due to valve guides leaking.

If possible do a test and see what figures you get.

After you did the vanos seals was there an improvement in performance?
If not a discernible improvement I would again hazard a guess at incorrect seal fitment/worn vanos piston chamber/ cam setting.

Nothing noticable after changing the seals, it seems as if there is a electrical fault or short somewhere.
If I go over a bumpy patch of road the car is like a rocket for while until i hit the next bump then its back to being lazy...
I'm getting annoyed with this car

 

[Peter@AEW]

I would hazard a guess at low compression due to valve guides leaking.

If possible do a test and see what figures you get.

After you did the vanos seals was there an improvement in performance?
If not a discernible improvement I would again hazard a guess at incorrect seal fitment/worn vanos piston chamber/ cam setting.

Nothing noticable after changing the seals, it seems as if there is a electrical fault or short somewhere.
If I go over a bumpy patch of road the car is like a rocket for while until i hit the next bump then its back to being lazy...
I'm getting annoyed with this car

Ride more bumpy roads then.

Sounds like a dud solenoid for my money and it will not always show up on INPA

However the possibility of incorrect seal fitment and cam setting should be investigated

 

[Theo D]

I would hazard a guess at low compression due to valve guides leaking.

If possible do a test and see what figures you get.

After you did the vanos seals was there an improvement in performance?
If not a discernible improvement I would again hazard a guess at incorrect seal fitment/worn vanos piston chamber/ cam setting.

Nothing noticable after changing the seals, it seems as if there is a electrical fault or short somewhere.
If I go over a bumpy patch of road the car is like a rocket for while until i hit the next bump then its back to being lazy...
I'm getting annoyed with this car

Ride more bumpy roads then.

Sounds like a dud solenoid for my money and it will not always show up on INPA

However the possibility of incorrect seal fitment and cam setting should be investigated

Ride more bumpy roads :roflol:
I removed the solenoid and put 12v on it, it pushed the piston out.
Is that the correct way to test it ?

 

[Peter@AEW]

Nope....you may have burned it to toast.

The solenoid is tested for resistance not voltage.

 

[Nikhil]

Replace the crank position sensor I had this issue on my E36, no fault codes showed up either. :=):

 

[Peter@AEW]

Replace the crank position sensor I had this issue on my E36, no fault codes showed up either. :=):

CPS typically break up on the higher rev range.

 

[Theo D]

Replace the crank position sensor I had this issue on my E36, no fault codes showed up either. :=):

IIRC... The last time I checked, this car has a pirate Crankshaft positioning sensor fitted. I bought it like that.

 

[Doomsdaya]

Hi Theo

On Friday I forgot to mention you can get the solenoid repaired, pity I threw my old away as it was still repairable but I guess it's best you get a new one.

Please let me know if it makes any difference...