Engine Losing Power and Shaking

[Aaron_99TI]

ha, I googled it and it's all pretty clear now. The way the plug wires run from the module towards the rear of the engine had me confused. It's all coming together now.

^ Noob. lol

[THAT318]

lol. i wonder where he was looking :P and how much his mechanic ripped him off to use his "specialty tools" that we should all have... and way to nail that problem on the head bluebimma.

[Mopho]

I've got a similar problem with my "new" '96 318ti with 142K miles on it.
It misses dead on one cylinder, then runs o.k. then goes back to running on
3. Seems to be bad enough and getting worse, I don't want to drive it and I need to fix it ASAP.
I am comtimplating buying a code reader, since an obd-II scanner would work on my wife's 03 325ci coupe also...
Any suggestions as to which code scanner is the best? I see Peake makes a simple one that is BMW specific, but there are a lot of scanners that say they are good for all OBD-II applications.
Damn, decisions, decisions. A fairly good Innova scanner is 200+ bucks at Kragen Auto Parts...
What you guys know from experience?
Mo

[pdxmotorhead]

I know that for the most part, I've yet to see a code that said the air meter or O2 sensor was bad be the real problem. A code scanner is only as good as the troubleshooting skills of the operator.

If I were doing it (My cars are all obd1 or older) I'd buy a soft scanner, (Laptop software + a special cable) so you can display real time engine data and use it for tuning as well.

Dave

[Mopho]

Originally Posted by pdxmotorhead

I know that for the most part, I've yet to see a code that said the air meter or O2 sensor was bad be the real problem. A code scanner is only as good as the troubleshooting skills of the operator.

If I were doing it (My cars are all obd1 or older) I'd buy a soft scanner, (Laptop software + a special cable) so you can display real time engine data and use it for tuning as well.

Dave

From where? There are sooooooooo many different choices, I wanted someone that has experience with a particular scanner software to let me know what works best, and is user friendly.
I am a retired body and fender repairman, and do not have any experience with the newer cars except changing the oil, starters, alternators, etc.

[pdxmotorhead]

Un fortunetly , my only experience is with very very expensive options....

I'm blanking on the brand but there is a kit with software and cable and stuff thats a BMW specific option, <bangs head on desk> Can't remember the name....arrg/.

Dave

[Mopho]

There are several you can buy on the internet, doesnt help me to get the damn thing running this weekend.
I think (old school) I am going to pull the spark plug wires off one at a time and see which cylinder is missing (I already put in new Bosch Platinum plugs yesterday) and go from there. Might be the connection on the fuel injectors or something simple, since it runs fine, then starts missing again like you shut off one injector or spark plug wire...
Crap I hate this.
Mechanics in my area charge 100-175 bucks an hour to work on bimmers......

[pdxmotorhead]

Have you checked the air tube from the meter to the throttle body for cracks?
It will raise havoc with your engine. It drove me crazy for a week.

These engines seem to have serious issues with vacuum leaks because of the
small hoses and fitting BMW used to link it together. My project fo rthe winter i
s to buy a couple spools of silicon hose and replace them all!

The M42/M44 is also sensitive to the plug wires wearing out, but usually if you
get in the garage and turn the light off you can see the sparks in the valley
where they run through the valve cover. (BMW cover off of course

The intermittent thing with it could also point at a coil pack.

Dave

[Mopho]

Originally Posted by pdxmotorhead

Have you checked the air tube from the meter to the throttle body for cracks?
It will raise havoc with your engine. It drove me crazy for a week.

These engines seem to have serious issues with vacuum leaks because of the
small hoses and fitting BMW used to link it together. My project fo rthe winter i
s to buy a couple spools of silicon hose and replace them all!

The M42/M44 is also sensitive to the plug wires wearing out, but usually if you
get in the garage and turn the light off you can see the sparks in the valley
where they run through the valve cover. (BMW cover off of course

The intermittent thing with it could also point at a coil pack.

Dave

Thanks, Dave. Gives me a place to start without the code reader. I have been waiting for a guy I met when I picked up the new plugs that has a code reader, but his cell is off today, probably he is at work.
I'll go check what I can, my garage is DARK with lights off, and I will check all hoses and intake ducts for leaks.
Had that problem on my E-30's in the past.
Thanks again, bud.

[Mopho]

Well, I couldn't decide what kind of OBD II scanner to buy, so I started looking for my miss the old fashoned way. I took the spark plug cover off, (I already changed the plugs) and started up the engine. Mind you, this is an intermittent problem, sometimes the car runs fine. Luckily, it started missing right away, and I started pulling up the spark plug covers from the spark plugs.
When you do this, it shows you which cylinder has a problem, since the one that is not firing due to electrical wiring, not enough compression, or not getting fuel from the injector, etc. that cylinder will not make any difference in the idle when you pull the plug wire off.
I use a WELL insolated pair of pliers, to make sure you don't knock yourself on your butt.
It seemed the front #1 cylinder was not working, so I took a used (Pontiac Grand Am) generic spark plug wire and plugged it in directly from the coil to the #1 cylinder.
Runs fine now, no missing, farting, chugging etc.
So now I am going to find or order new wires and change them all.
My car has 142K on it, they are probably the original wires. Pelican parts has the harness for 135 bucks...
Whew! I had nightmares about the computer going out, fuel injectors bad, wiring bad, etc etc etc.
Sometimes, going back to basics works.

[tiFreak]

Originally Posted by Mopho

I use a WELL insolated pair of pliers, to make sure you don't knock yourself on your butt.

it doesn't hurt that bad it's worse when you've been assured by a "friend" in auto tech that it won't electrocute you if you hold it