First time bmw owner

[Beemefan]

Hi Guys,

Was hoping I would be able to introduce myself with good news but unfortunately that is not the case.

I just bought my first ever BMW two days ago, 2004 318ti. (112000km)
Been driving it for two days and was really enjoying the car.

A few hours ago the EML light came on, car drives perfectly still with same power etc. I did a bit of research and this normally points to the Valvetronic motor. It does however not have any symptoms and is driving fine.

Any ideas as to what it could be and can you guys recommend any specialists preferably that won't break the bank close to Milnerton in Cape Town.

Really can't believe after two days this is happening:flyfun:

Thanks in advance for any help.

 

[Nic_s]

Hi and welcome. Sadly I don't know enough about the modern cars witchcraft to give any real advice.

That said the forum tends be pretty quiet from Friday so you might only get some real help on Monday when everyone is back at work and browsing the forum instead of actually working :mmm:

 

[Lindo]

Hi and welcome. Sadly I don't know enough about the modern cars witchcraft to give any real advice.

That said the forum tends be pretty quiet from Friday so you might only get some real help on Monday when everyone is back at work and browsing the forum instead of actually working :mmm:

How could you say that about us??

maybe this could help Click

 

[Thunder]

Welcome dude.

Sorry to hear about your prob.
Hope you get it sorted soon.

 

[kugs330]

:thumbs: Welcome sorry about your prob check the plug going to the motor might be a loose contact enjoy your ride

 

[Iceman007]

:facepalm:

It seems to be the Valvetronic you are right, they tend to sieze and cause a bit of wear on the cam shaft side also which they also send away for machine work at a engeneering firm (R7000 jobbie by them) but you have to confirm and get the codes. You can book your car in at SMG and ask for a qoute to repair what ever caused the light to go on. I still got software for the E46 and I could also point you in a direction by hooking up the Laptop if you want.

 

[XMAX]

It and a very beeeg IF it is the Valvetronic, then it should cost you bout R4k...

Did you get this car from a dealer, as they would be liable for the repair...


These cars are good cars, when theyre running fine. There are lots of threads on this forum about the N42 (Engine)... perhaps do some research.


you could also contact some guys on this forum like Gizmo or ZaLeonard who can properly diagnose the problem on this car. Both Gizmo and Leonard have had experience with these cars and have done lots of work for other forum members, with all those members giving a :thumbs: to their work.


oh and Welcome to the best forum on the net. I hope you stick around once your problems are fixed...

 

[Beemefan]

Thanks for the warm welcome and helpful replies guys:rollsmile:

After I opened this thread I left the office and started the car... To my amazement the EML light went off after 5 sec like it's suppose to. The light hasn't stayed on again this whole weekend. Maybe there is a loose connection or something.

Any of you guys with a e46 experiencing a knocking sound from front and sometimes from rear, it doesn't happen at any specific time, just driving normally...

Thanks again guys:thumbs:

 

[Peertjies]

Hi Beemefan. Welcome. I also had same prob on my 318i.
Turned out to be the sensor on the exhaust. Only found that out after I replaced the Valvetronic system. Luckily BMW did this for free as I bought the car from them. + 1 on the new consumer law!!
The clunking you hear is the control arm bushes that are shot! I replace mine in front (very easy) with meyle HD ones!
Still need to replace back ones so I still get the clunking now and then from the back.

 

[Beemefan]

Hi Beemefan. Welcome. I also had same prob on my 318i.
Turned out to be the sensor on the exhaust. Only found that out after I replaced the Valvetronic system. Luckily BMW did this for free as I bought the car from them. + 1 on the new consumer law!!
The clunking you hear is the control arm bushes that are shot! I replace mine in front (very easy) with meyle HD ones!
Still need to replace back ones so I still get the clunking now and then from the back.

Thanks bud, do you mind pointing me in the right direction concerning the bushes, and what the approx price they go for?

Really need to sort this out, car drives beautifully just the clunking every now and then that's irritating me.

 

[Peertjies]

I know the feeling. I got both front ones for R950 I think. But it's worth it.
The OEM's might be cheaper but you'll replace again if you planning on keeping the car for a while.

 

[kugs330]

I know the feeling. I got both front ones for R950 I think. But it's worth it.
The OEM's might be cheaper but you'll replace again if you planning on keeping the car for a while.

Hi there were can i get those meyle control arms from in durbs i replaced mine about two years back i cant remember the make but its shot again :ty:

 

[Peertjies]

@kugs330 Do you have a company called incomex in Durbs? They should stock or be able to order it for you. Good choice. They bit harder than normal ones so lasts much longer though they not so hard as to cause noise and vibration!:thumbs: