Did I flood the engine of my E46 330ci?

[sparks_E46]

This morning I started it to move it out of the way of another car we used today. It was on for 20-30 seconds after sitting all night. This afternoon when starting it, it was not happy. It coughed and spluttered and idled at 1000 rpm, then immediately settled and was fine on the 15 minute journey I just completed. I’ve restarted it a couple of times just now as it’s hot, and it’s fine. The EML didn’t come on, nor is it low on fuel.

Was it possible I just flooded the engine by just not running it long enough this morning? I know the engine is known for this but I’ve never actually experienced it. Cheers.

[bmwmike]

Could be.

My old m52tu (similar to your engine) used to flood if i started and stopped it as you describe. The difference was that it would spin over with no compression, it sounded like a vacuum cleaner when spinning over on the starter motor. Could only get it started, eventually, with throttle to floor and lots of turning over.

[sparks_E46]

bmwmike said:

Could be.

My old m52tu (similar to your engine) used to flood if i started and stopped it as you describe. The difference was that it would spin over with no compression, it sounded like a vacuum cleaner when spinning over on the starter motor. Could only get it started, eventually, with throttle to floor and lots of turning over.

Thanks, well I’ll see how it goes later. I’m sure the EML would’ve come on if there was a problem.

[Sardonicus]

Lots of cars can do this if you dont run the motor long enough for the plugs to self clean post richer fuel mixture on cold starting being EFI its out of your control too and extended cranking will just flood the vehicle further unless you use flood clear

[stevewak]

Happened twice to me and needed AA to clear it and reset fault code. Not for the sensitive as it requires a lot of cranking.... But no long-term damage.

Always let it idle so the revs just come down a little. 2 or 3 mins.

[sparks_E46]

Well I think I got away with it this time! Drove it again tonight and it’s fine.

[Triumph Man]

Yeah M54s can flood. M50s were even worse!

[steve_bmw]

My z4 and previous 5 series did this only when started cold, moved a few feet and turned off.
No damage caused but if I do need to move it now I always run it round the block before turning off.