Engine problem

[mkapszewicz]

Guys, so I've been enjoying my little beauty (black 318ti 1998) for almost 2 years with no major problems until now. For some time started to show "Check Engine" light. It was coming and going for week or two. So finally went to my mechanic where they check error cods and came with 5 points list:
Oxygen sensor ageing TP
Oxygen sensor upstream of catalytic converter
Misfiring, sum, relevant to exhaust gas
Misfiring cyl.2, relevant to exhaust gas
Misfiring cyl.3, relevant to exhaust gas
According to my mechanic, my little fellow calls for major engine repair.
Could you guys help me with interpretation of this lengthy list. I'm terrified with thought that they'll have to open engine.
Any suggestions?? Please?

[b.u.ti-ful]

This might be the clogged catalytic converter issue.

What did your mechanic recommend?

[mkapszewicz]

Suggested head gasket replacement and "engine head repair". If understood correctly, taking half of the engine apart.
Do not like this idea at all!!!

[bmvw]

Ask him what the results of the leakdown test and compression test were. If he didn't do that get another mechanic.

[mkapszewicz]

Definitely I will.
But what actually this list of errors may indicate?

[pdxmotorhead]

The boot from the air flow meter to the throttle body can crack and casue this set of codes, (It did on mine)

O2 comes up with dang near any other error because the engine is not running right.

There are a bunch of vacuum lines that can cause this as well.

Dave

[mkapszewicz]

So what you are saying is that problem is cause with air supply - most likely. Correct?
Would this explain fact that Little fellow has problems with starting in cold weather? when temperature drops below let's say 30 deg. I have to make 2 attempts to start it and then it works for first 10 - 20 seconds unevenly.
After that it comes back to normal.

[cooljess76]

+1 on the intake boot. Take some brake cleaner and spray it on and around the rubber boot just behind the MAF which is located behind the airbox. If the idle fluctuates, you know you have a leak and the boot will need to be replaced. As for the mechanic saying it's a headgasket, unless he performed a leakdown/compression test, he has no way of knowing that. The codes mentioned are consistant with a bad o2 sensor(s) or possibly a clogged catalytic converter, however with a bad cat, you'd get another code saying "catalytic inefficiency". Shady mechanics try to scare customers into thinking that major problems exist, this way it doesn't seem so bad when they bend you over.

Here's some common symptoms of a blown head gasket. If you notice any of these, then you should move on to a leakdown test. If not, take your car to another mechanic, because the current mechanic is probably blowing smoke up your ass.

-Unexplained loss of coolant
-Engine oil in the coolant reservior
-Coolant in the engine oil(check dipstick for rust, remove oil cap and look for "chocolate milk" inside of valve cover)
-Excessive white smoke(not blue, not black, but white)
-Sweet smelling smoke coming from exhaust

[mkapszewicz]

Wow, thanks.
Guys, one post after another you bring sunshine into my life again!
Cooljess76, no I do not have any of the symptoms you mentioned.
I going to see another mechanic.
Thanks