BMW 318ci (N46 engine problems)
Discussion
We've just bought a 2004 bmw 318ci with the N46 engine, Its a 1 owner full BMW history car with 75k on the clock and its started throwing up a few issues,
First of which was the front wishbone rear bushes, Had these replaced along with all the tyres the day after we bought it so far so good.
Drove to Poland last week after a huge delay in waiting for the bushes and it performed faultlessly, Following day went to do some shopping and it seemed really down on power and struggling in higher gears at lower speeds, (Felt like it was bogging down)
Day after this tried to use it and now the revs are all over the place on idle, The emissions light is on and its pretty much undriveable when its warm.
Another thing to add is that on the final leg of the drive home the obc went from displaying 80 miles left in the tank down to 0 in a matter of 2-3 miles.
Currently staying in a polish village where the local mechanic has no idea what diagnostics are and seems to fix everything with an adjustable spanner, a hammer and liberal usage of the word Kurwa.
I'm currently thinking that the most likely cause is the lambda sensor as when its cold it runs fine but as everything heats up it starts running lumpy. Does this sound like a probable cause?
Also how good are these ebay code readers? Worth a punt?
Also i have a slight whine from a wheel bearing, Any ideas how i find out which one it is or do i just change both rears?
First of which was the front wishbone rear bushes, Had these replaced along with all the tyres the day after we bought it so far so good.
Drove to Poland last week after a huge delay in waiting for the bushes and it performed faultlessly, Following day went to do some shopping and it seemed really down on power and struggling in higher gears at lower speeds, (Felt like it was bogging down)
Day after this tried to use it and now the revs are all over the place on idle, The emissions light is on and its pretty much undriveable when its warm.
Another thing to add is that on the final leg of the drive home the obc went from displaying 80 miles left in the tank down to 0 in a matter of 2-3 miles.
Currently staying in a polish village where the local mechanic has no idea what diagnostics are and seems to fix everything with an adjustable spanner, a hammer and liberal usage of the word Kurwa.
I'm currently thinking that the most likely cause is the lambda sensor as when its cold it runs fine but as everything heats up it starts running lumpy. Does this sound like a probable cause?
Also how good are these ebay code readers? Worth a punt?
Also i have a slight whine from a wheel bearing, Any ideas how i find out which one it is or do i just change both rears?
Should be obvious which wheel bearing is going especially if you sit in the back, it was at least with my E46.
Find out which one it is as they are £200 + to get done at a garage thanks to the driveshaft coming out. You might as well have the handbrake backplates done while you are in there
Find out which one it is as they are £200 + to get done at a garage thanks to the driveshaft coming out. You might as well have the handbrake backplates done while you are in there
Hmm judging by the responses it sounds like it could be a whole world of financial pain especially if the timing chain has jumped 
Anyone know the part number for the updated timing chain kit and estimated cost?
Re the wheel bearing i'll get someone to drive it and have a listen whilst sitting in the back, Its not a rumble as such more a high pitched drone at cruising speeds.
Anyone know the part number for the updated timing chain kit and estimated cost?
Re the wheel bearing i'll get someone to drive it and have a listen whilst sitting in the back, Its not a rumble as such more a high pitched drone at cruising speeds.
The N42 and N46 of Death, horrible engines. Forget just doing the tensioner, it needs the lot doing - chain, tensioner rails, the works. With the cam cover off you should get the brake vaccum pump O ring replaced as well. About £500 at a good specialist to do it all.
Regular oil changes using fully synthetic oil are crucial for these engines. They suffer not only from electronic issues such as ther VVT motor and crank/cam sensors, but they suffer from black death and condensation at the top end leading to rust (seriously) on the eccentric shaft, camshafts and even the dipstick.
In the pursuit of emmissions, they replaced the fabulous, tough old M44 engine with this steaming turd.
Regular oil changes using fully synthetic oil are crucial for these engines. They suffer not only from electronic issues such as ther VVT motor and crank/cam sensors, but they suffer from black death and condensation at the top end leading to rust (seriously) on the eccentric shaft, camshafts and even the dipstick.
In the pursuit of emmissions, they replaced the fabulous, tough old M44 engine with this steaming turd.
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