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Old 06-30-2010, 02:42 PM   #1
Dreamchasersnz
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Default Engine shakes real bad then dies

My 97 318ti will start for a few seconds but shakes real bad then dies. The technician cannot read any codes from the data link connector under the hood because there seems to be no power any more to the data link for the computer to work.

My car is a 97 318ti but it does NOT have an OBDII connector under the dash. Instead it has a large, round connector under the hood which is where the mechanic is attaching the computer link cable. It is a foreign (Japanese) car that was imported to New Zealand so this may explain why there is no OBD2 connector???

When the car was first taken in to the shop the data link connector was working fine. When the computer was first hooked up and the codes read it indicated a bad cam sensor, then bad MAF - both were replaced. Then it would start and shake real bad and die. The BMW dealerships computer stopped reading codes for some reason which is now what they are troubleshooting. Until they can read the error codes they can't get back to diagnosing the running problems.

Prior to the data link connector not working the codes indicated bad cam sensor and bad MAF. I have replaced those parts as well as the spark plugs. The BMW dealership is stumped and is now checking each wire for continuity which is slow and expensive.

Any ideas out there?
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Old 06-30-2010, 03:58 PM   #2
blndweasel
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The cam sensor, when it fails, should switch over to the crank sensor for timing information. It is a little less accurate, but enough to keep the engine running. On my car when the cam sensor failed, the engine would be idling fine, then when the cam sensor dropped out, the idle behavior would stumble and choke for 2-3 seconds, then come back into control once the crank sensor took over.

Perhaps it's worth checking the crank sensor next, because it sounds like perhaps the engine isn't getting secondary timing information to plug into the idle circuit. Then again, if your MAF was dead/bad, causing poor mixture selection, that could cause a misbehaved idle as well.

The wiring harness connection -- never heard of that one before. check the little bullet connectors inside the plug itself, to see if they look clean and tight. Perhaps oxidation or dirt is preventing the connection? Just a wild guess.

good luck

tbw
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Old 01-09-2011, 12:52 AM   #3
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Im having the exact same problem on my 323ti. The car is dieing while running. While cold, it runs perfect, but after about 20 minutes of driving, it accelerates like i have the hand brake on and every once in a while will randomly die.

I have replaced the Cam position sensor, idle control valve, most the vacuum hoses, spark plugs. Took it to the dealer, the scanner isnt getting a reading from the circular port, and since they charge euro 80 an hour, im not letting them spend days trying to figure it out.

Any suggestions?
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Old 01-09-2011, 01:45 AM   #4
Dreamchasersnz
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Default Fixed It

The dealership replaced the cam sensor a second time and that fixed it. Seems the first cam sensor was bad and they continued troubleshooting thinking it was OK. We tried replacing just about every single part before they decided to try another "new" cam sensor. Long story short, that fixed the problem.
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Old 01-10-2011, 07:14 PM   #5
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I just ordered a replacement MAF sensor. I had problems with that on both my S52 318ti and a M52 528i that I had, so I think it might be a common failure, so Im going that route before i get absolutely desperate. If thats not the solution, did you have to replace your crankshaft sensor? Its just a backup, but if the Camshaft sensor has been replaced, would it even go to that? The last step is paying the dealer to check all the grounds
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Old 01-11-2011, 05:18 AM   #6
Dreamchasersnz
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Default Check the Cam Sensor again

I replaced the MAF and had the dealer troubleshoot all the wiring, including the grounds. I paid big bucks for all that and was upset when it was traced back to a faulty cam sensor - again. New cam sensor and all is working great. Get the cam sensor double-checked before replacing the MAF, crank sensor, grounds checked or anything else!
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