M3 Evo Running Problems
Discussion
Hi all.
I've been entrusted with getting a mates E36 M3 Evo through its MOT and ready for sale.
Having driven it about for a few days on and off, although it pulls right through the rev range, it doesn't feel quite as 'immense', (if that's the right word), when floored, as it did when I last drove it a few months ago.
The VANOS was changed last year, is nice and quiet, and appears to be working as it should be.
The other main symptom is that once warmed up, it seems to hesitate / momentarily splutter when you first prod the throttle, unless you apply it really slowly.
I've noticed that this doesn't seem to kick in for the first few throttle prods when I've ended up in stop start traffic after the car has just been floored through the gears.
The idle is always spot on, so I've discounted it being an ICV issue, and it never wanders... but is possibly on the high side - anyone got any idea what the idle should be when it's warmed up?
The car has also passed on emissions as part of its MOT, so I'm not thinking lambda / O2 sensors.
I'm going to get a code reader on it later this week, but would be grateful for any pointers in the meantime as to what could be causing these issues.
TIA
I've been entrusted with getting a mates E36 M3 Evo through its MOT and ready for sale.
Having driven it about for a few days on and off, although it pulls right through the rev range, it doesn't feel quite as 'immense', (if that's the right word), when floored, as it did when I last drove it a few months ago.
The VANOS was changed last year, is nice and quiet, and appears to be working as it should be.
The other main symptom is that once warmed up, it seems to hesitate / momentarily splutter when you first prod the throttle, unless you apply it really slowly.
I've noticed that this doesn't seem to kick in for the first few throttle prods when I've ended up in stop start traffic after the car has just been floored through the gears.
The idle is always spot on, so I've discounted it being an ICV issue, and it never wanders... but is possibly on the high side - anyone got any idea what the idle should be when it's warmed up?
The car has also passed on emissions as part of its MOT, so I'm not thinking lambda / O2 sensors.
I'm going to get a code reader on it later this week, but would be grateful for any pointers in the meantime as to what could be causing these issues.
TIA
Edited by SteveC123 on Sunday 14th February 22:38
That's on the list... but these do appear to have plenty of possibilites when it comes to poor running.
Not so sure it would rev through like it does with a knackered MAF, or at least that's what my experiences have been when it's come to MAFs failing on VAG TDIs.
Another point of note - no engine management light coming on etc.
Not so sure it would rev through like it does with a knackered MAF, or at least that's what my experiences have been when it's come to MAFs failing on VAG TDIs.
Another point of note - no engine management light coming on etc.
Vixpy1 said:
Managment lights sometimes don't light up on M3's with buggered MAF.
I've not had a VAG throw the EML for this, yet... and on those the MAF ought to be listed as a four year service item. 
Vixpy1 said:
However, its highly likely the cause could be something else
Indeed... and I don't think anyone is going to want to pay sensible money for the car without this addressed, hence why I'm trying to nail down what it is so I can sort it. 
Hi Steve have a read on my recent problems ALL sorted now. My car had the same symptons so replaced TPS, Lambda's X2 and two hoses (which I think were the problem)
Link is below (copy and paste into browser)... if you need any further help just shout up...
http://www.bmwowner.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=1&am...
My car has JUST been sorted picked it up last night and "wow" what a difference. In the following link pic I had replaced Number 5 & Number 11 "vent hoses"... The number 11 vent hose was wet inside with air / oil mixture had completely "collapsed" and was also split allowing air to be drawn in. In addition part number "1" (oil seperator) was also thoroughly degreased, carb cleaner cleansed and soaked overnight and then blown through with an airline...
http://www.realoem.com/bmw/showparts.do?model=CD92...
Everything else under there was 100% fine on my motor but the items I had replaced are not able to be seen with the naked eye with the inlet plenum in place. Its also a very satifying job once the plenum has been removed to throughly clean "all" the intake itself "carb cleaner" and also spend a fair amount of time cleaning the throttle body intakes and the butterflies x6. My motor appeared to be very clean compared to other forum member pics but I still spent over an hour cleaning these intakes as I don't think my plenum has "ever" been off from new !!! I also cleaned and dgreased the ICV (which was not throwing a fault code and for circa £220.00 for an NEW BMW item this was also soaked overnight in carb cleaner and then blown through with an airline.
I hope this thread will be useful for other forum members with E36 M3's but if you need any help please feel free to ask via this thread on PM..
Regards Stu James
Link is below (copy and paste into browser)... if you need any further help just shout up...
http://www.bmwowner.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=1&am...
My car has JUST been sorted picked it up last night and "wow" what a difference. In the following link pic I had replaced Number 5 & Number 11 "vent hoses"... The number 11 vent hose was wet inside with air / oil mixture had completely "collapsed" and was also split allowing air to be drawn in. In addition part number "1" (oil seperator) was also thoroughly degreased, carb cleaner cleansed and soaked overnight and then blown through with an airline...
http://www.realoem.com/bmw/showparts.do?model=CD92...
Everything else under there was 100% fine on my motor but the items I had replaced are not able to be seen with the naked eye with the inlet plenum in place. Its also a very satifying job once the plenum has been removed to throughly clean "all" the intake itself "carb cleaner" and also spend a fair amount of time cleaning the throttle body intakes and the butterflies x6. My motor appeared to be very clean compared to other forum member pics but I still spent over an hour cleaning these intakes as I don't think my plenum has "ever" been off from new !!! I also cleaned and dgreased the ICV (which was not throwing a fault code and for circa £220.00 for an NEW BMW item this was also soaked overnight in carb cleaner and then blown through with an airline.
I hope this thread will be useful for other forum members with E36 M3's but if you need any help please feel free to ask via this thread on PM..
Regards Stu James
Edited by Stu James on Monday 15th February 01:20
Cheers for the advice chaps.
Have had a nose around and the breather system under the inlet plenum is now the chief suspect.
I'll strip that all out asap, and clean / seal as suggested above.
Have also ordered a new engine temperature sensor - strangely a genuine one from BMW was cheaper than a pattern one from Euro Car Parts.
Have had a nose around and the breather system under the inlet plenum is now the chief suspect.
I'll strip that all out asap, and clean / seal as suggested above.
Have also ordered a new engine temperature sensor - strangely a genuine one from BMW was cheaper than a pattern one from Euro Car Parts.
Edited by SteveC123 on Wednesday 17th February 03:05
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