323i Problems starting when warm - Main Dealer or Not???

[Nick124]

Hi,

I have a V-reg 323i with 113,000 on the clock. Car has a FDSH and until recently had never missed a beat. It still drives like a dream and is a lovely car. However, in recent weeks it has started to grumble a little when starting from warm - after stopping for petrol etc...

It always does start but seems to be in some kind of "restricted" engine management setting, or not firing on all cylinders - very under powered. It always starts & runs from cold no problem at all.

My concern is, this seems like to might be an expensive one and I'm not sure if now's the time to switch to a specialist independant rather than Main Dealer.

Any advice - anyone had anything similar?
Cheers

[kavman0]

Sounds like it could be the crank shaft sensor. You will need to get the codes read. Don't need to go to a main dealer to do that. Any good BMW independents near you?

[tgr]

Nick if you've been going to the main dealer with your V-reg 323i until now then I would stop immediately and find a good indy who will be better and cheaper

[Bumble SV]

This is the third 3 series that I have heard of with this issue - unfortunately the indy nor dealer have been able to identify the cause. I understand that a list of potential culprits has been assembled but the cost of undertaking this work would represent more than double the value of the car!

The decision appears to be in which order to tackle these potential culprits - in order of likelihood or starting with the lowest cost options.

Apologies I can't be of more help - I shall try and get the list for you if that helps.

[TheEnd]

Crank sensor is highly likely, although a diagnostic scan will avoid any shotgun approach to swapping bits in hope.