E46 323...couple of problems!
Discussion
Help! I've got an X-plate 323i with 2 issues...
1. The stereo head unit won't recognise the autochanger. It cycles through tuner and tape but doesn't recognise the changer anymore. It used to work fine then suddenly stopped. Couple with this, the CD cartridge couldn't be removed either suggesting a possible power fault? (interestingly, the fault occurred on collection of the car from a BMW dealer following some repair work on the n/s/f wing & n/s/f door after a small bump. Could it be related?! I don't know where the wiring runs from the head unit back to the autochanger) I've removed the unit and freed the cartridge, but no change after re-assembly and plugging it back in.
2. On occasion, the car intermittanlty stalls at junctions. Seems to be fine when initially starting and will be fine through the journey. If the car is then left and then re-started a little while later (e.g 30 mins or so), the fault occurs. I've had it checked at 2 separate independants. One couldn't find anything wrong (if the fault is intermittant will the ECU retain a logged fault?) the other showed faults on both camshaft position/timing sensors. Is this a likely fault? The symptoms more suggest a link to temperature but what do these 2 sensors actually pick up? The car otherwise seems to run fine - no misfires or anything etc
Any help very gratefully received before he goes shelling out on a new changer and 2 sensors!!!
Thanks folks
1. The stereo head unit won't recognise the autochanger. It cycles through tuner and tape but doesn't recognise the changer anymore. It used to work fine then suddenly stopped. Couple with this, the CD cartridge couldn't be removed either suggesting a possible power fault? (interestingly, the fault occurred on collection of the car from a BMW dealer following some repair work on the n/s/f wing & n/s/f door after a small bump. Could it be related?! I don't know where the wiring runs from the head unit back to the autochanger) I've removed the unit and freed the cartridge, but no change after re-assembly and plugging it back in.
2. On occasion, the car intermittanlty stalls at junctions. Seems to be fine when initially starting and will be fine through the journey. If the car is then left and then re-started a little while later (e.g 30 mins or so), the fault occurs. I've had it checked at 2 separate independants. One couldn't find anything wrong (if the fault is intermittant will the ECU retain a logged fault?) the other showed faults on both camshaft position/timing sensors. Is this a likely fault? The symptoms more suggest a link to temperature but what do these 2 sensors actually pick up? The car otherwise seems to run fine - no misfires or anything etc
Any help very gratefully received before he goes shelling out on a new changer and 2 sensors!!!
Thanks folks
Edited by funkyelise on Monday 24th March 19:04
Hi there - these sound like problems that my brother and I are having on our E46s!
My CD changer has started doing exactly the same thing as yours (although it wasn't after a visit to BMW!). Basically, following advice received on here, these units aren't the best and do have the habit of failing. It's probably a new unit required.
With regard to the other issue, my brother's 328Ci had a similar problem as yours and he has had to have the inlet camshaft sensor replaced.
My CD changer has started doing exactly the same thing as yours (although it wasn't after a visit to BMW!). Basically, following advice received on here, these units aren't the best and do have the habit of failing. It's probably a new unit required.
With regard to the other issue, my brother's 328Ci had a similar problem as yours and he has had to have the inlet camshaft sensor replaced.
The wiring does run up the N/S but wont have been effected unless it was a major impact.
All you need to check is there is a 12v supply and earth to the unit.But as above these units do fail,so chances are it has.
The ECU will log sporadic faults if they are present long enough.the most common for stalling is the inlet camshaft sensor....But if you stall the engine it will log a fault with the sensors..This is because the DME still thinks the engine is running as the ignition key status hasnt changed,then suddenly looses the signal from the sensors as the engine slows to stop.
Iam seeing a large increase of the rubber air intake pipe failures where they join the throttle body and air idle valve..they are perishing/cracking/splitting.This isnt always obvious until the pipe is removed.Sometimes doesnt leave a fault,but normally will leave a mixture related fault.
Is it stalling as you stop,at idle or pull away?
All you need to check is there is a 12v supply and earth to the unit.But as above these units do fail,so chances are it has.
The ECU will log sporadic faults if they are present long enough.the most common for stalling is the inlet camshaft sensor....But if you stall the engine it will log a fault with the sensors..This is because the DME still thinks the engine is running as the ignition key status hasnt changed,then suddenly looses the signal from the sensors as the engine slows to stop.
Iam seeing a large increase of the rubber air intake pipe failures where they join the throttle body and air idle valve..they are perishing/cracking/splitting.This isnt always obvious until the pipe is removed.Sometimes doesnt leave a fault,but normally will leave a mixture related fault.
Is it stalling as you stop,at idle or pull away?
Thanks for the replies. In relation to your points...
1. How do you check the power/earth on these? The reason I wondered about a wiring issue following the repair was if a wire had been damaged in repairing the damage not from the impact itself (the impact was just a car park bump but ended up having a new door and the wing removed I believe) But I guess if there is power in then it can't be and a new unit it is!
2. The engine stalls when you are approaching a junction, dip and the clutch and the revs just drop right off. It then re-starts fine...so far! Some journeys are worse than others if it does it at all but is getting more frequent. If both sensors can show the problem, is it worth just changing one to start with (so inlet sensor first?) and seeing what happens? Is it a job for a complete car novice?! And will the system need to be reset afterwards?
Thanks again
1. How do you check the power/earth on these? The reason I wondered about a wiring issue following the repair was if a wire had been damaged in repairing the damage not from the impact itself (the impact was just a car park bump but ended up having a new door and the wing removed I believe) But I guess if there is power in then it can't be and a new unit it is!
2. The engine stalls when you are approaching a junction, dip and the clutch and the revs just drop right off. It then re-starts fine...so far! Some journeys are worse than others if it does it at all but is getting more frequent. If both sensors can show the problem, is it worth just changing one to start with (so inlet sensor first?) and seeing what happens? Is it a job for a complete car novice?! And will the system need to be reset afterwards?
Thanks again
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