Help needed, 2004 E87 120i problems.

[The_surgeoN]

So I'll start from the beginning last year my aunt passed away (the owner of the car), and my mother inherited it. Everyone in the family already owned a car so the car (2004 E87 120i 120000KM) was left standing for quite some time. I started the car first about 4 months after standing and it started and rode perfectly but then the following day when I tried starting it, there was a 'struggling' noise coming from the engine and it wouldn't start, cuts out after about 5 secs of trying to start. And when it finally starts (after about 4-5 attempts) there is one hell of a violent vibration and fluctuating revs, I then slowly accelerate and at about half throttle it reaches 2500-3000 revs and then slowly cuts out (like it's limiting itself), this happens now and then. After about 4 days of riding i left it and it stood for another 3-4 months and when I started it I got the same story. The most frustrating part is that there are some days like today when even on a cold morning it starts and runs perfectly. I've been riding it everyday this week so far and it seems to be at it's worse in the morning (when it decides not to work) and once it had a starting problem around evening time. This weekend i'll be changing the oil and filter and am wanting to know if there is a manual way of resetting the service indicator. The other problem is my airbag and seat-belt light stay on don't know what the problem is with that. And last but not least is it 100% necessary to use run-flat tyres or can I risk it with normal tyres (the cost is actually ridiculous).

Thanks in advance.
Jarryd

 

[Blue Shirt]

The bad running issue sounds like the valvetronic control motor that is faulty. This is a fairly common problem on the N42/N46 motors and is an easy fix, albeit expensive (R7k or so). If you cannot DIY, take it to a workshop to diagnose and change the part if necessary.

You can reset the service indicator easily yourself: http://www.babybmw.net/forum/viewtopic.php?t=45181 or http://www.babybmw.net/howtos/how_to-_reset_service_lights_and_brake_wear_sensors.pdf

You will have to get the car to a workshop with the necessary diagnositc tools to reset the seatbelt and airbag lights after finding the cause.

 

[The_surgeoN]

The bad running issue sounds like the valvetronic control motor that is faulty. This is a fairly common problem on the N42/N46 motors and is an easy fix, albeit expensive (R7k or so). If you cannot DIY, take it to a workshop to diagnose and change the part if necessary.

You can reset the service indicator easily yourself: http://www.babybmw.net/forum/viewtopic.php?t=45181 or http://www.babybmw.net/howtos/how_to-_reset_service_lights_and_brake_wear_sensors.pdf

You will have to get the car to a workshop with the necessary diagnositc tools to reset the seatbelt and airbag lights after finding the cause.

Thank you, I saw on a forum that the problem can be caused by bits of an old timing chain rail (just happens to be that that was the last thing replaced on the car) blocking the oil pressure relief valve leading to up to 10 bar oil pressure when the oil is cold, which leads to the hydraulic lifters staying shut.

 

[The_surgeoN]

Took this video today, please help.

 

[car_fanatic]

Took this video today, please help.

Video is private.

 

[The_surgeoN]

Took this video today, please help.

Video is private.

Didn't expect a reply so soon, video still uploading 60%

 

[mugenracer3]

Just check fuel pressure.. My gti did the same thing after t was standing for some time.. Could not rev past 2500rpm..

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[ScruffyZanten12]

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