N42 hard to start (cold start and intermittent starts)

[btslee]

I have been an avid follower of this E46 forum prior to getting my E46 earlier this year. Recently, my car has developed a peculiar problem. It would become extremely difficult to start when cold (in the mornings) and would only start after 4-5 cranks. Subsequent immediate starts after the engine has been turned off would be fine, but if the car is left for 5 minutes or so, it would become difficult to start again (would only start after 2-3 cranks).Initially, the fuel pump was the suspect so it was replaced. I have since replaced the fuel filter (which comes with the pressure regulator), throttle body and alternator pulley. I have also changed all 4 spark plugs to yttrium spark plugs, done an engine flush with new Ravenol 5W-40 and an oil filter. The fuel injector has been cleaned and calibrated by EuroAuto, Jalan Nanas. Other parts which may/may not relate to the problem and which I have replaced include the Oil Sump Gasket, Oil Sump Plug, Air Flow Bellow, Engine & Gear Box Mounting, Valve Cover Gasket, Oil Filter Housing Gasket, Oil Cooler Housing Gasket, Oil Pan Gasket and Gear Selector Shaft Seal. Nevertheless, the problem persists.Another problem that I encounter is the car does not immediately accelerate from stop when going uphill. I would have to rev the car till about 3000rpm before the gear engages and the car starts moving. I have changed the tranny oil filter and the ATF so far. I have a hunch that it could be caused by a worn out clutch lining, sifus please advise.Could all the E46 sifus and otais kindly assist and point me in the right direction to solve my problems? Also, it would be great if you guys could recommend a dedicated BMW mechanic in Kuching, Sarawak to look into my issues. Thanks :help:

 

[wingzee]

I have been an avid follower of this E46 forum prior to getting my E46 earlier this year. Recently, my car has developed a peculiar problem. It would become extremely difficult to start when cold (in the mornings) and would only start after 4-5 cranks. Subsequent immediate starts after the engine has been turned off would be fine, but if the car is left for 5 minutes or so, it would become difficult to start again (would only start after 2-3 cranks).

1) Initially, the fuel pump was the suspect so it was replaced. I have since replaced the fuel filter (which comes with the pressure regulator), throttle body and alternator pulley. I have also changed all 4 spark plugs to yttrium spark plugs, done an engine flush with new Ravenol 5W-40 and an oil filter. The fuel injector has been cleaned and calibrated by EuroAuto, Jalan Nanas. Other parts which may/may not relate to the problem and which I have replaced include the Oil Sump Gasket, Oil Sump Plug, Air Flow Bellow, Engine & Gear Box Mounting, Valve Cover Gasket, Oil Filter Housing Gasket, Oil Cooler Housing Gasket, Oil Pan Gasket and Gear Selector Shaft Seal. Nevertheless, the problem persists.

2) Another problem that I encounter is the car does not immediately accelerate from stop when going uphill. I would have to rev the car till about 3000rpm before the gear engages and the car starts moving. I have changed the tranny oil filter and the ATF so far. I have a hunch that it could be caused by a worn out clutch lining, sifus please advise.

3) Could all the E46 sifus and otais kindly assist and point me in the right direction to solve my problems? Also, it would be great if you guys could recommend a dedicated BMW mechanic in Kuching, Sarawak to look into my issues. Thanks :help:

1) Have you tried scanning the car for any error codes? It might be able to pinpoint which being the culprit. Seals, mountings and gaskets should not be related to the issue. Try to check on the crankshaft sensor or maybe starter motor?

2) Sounds like a clutch slipping problem to me. Again, try scanning. Or else, best is to take apart the gearbox and look into it.

3) Not familiar with east Malaysia. Prolly Anaksarawak can help. Try PM him.

 

[anaksarawak]

I was in Kuching few nights ago otherwise I can help scan your car for error codes. Wingzee is right as the crankshaft sensor is the suspect.

When the engine is not running well the gearbox wont know which gear to use hence its not your gearbox issue

 

[btslee]

Thanks for the prompt reply! Last two days, my mechanic scanned and there were two faults, aging camshaft sensor and two cylinders were misfiring. Hence, he replaced the camshaft sensor as well as the spark plugs. Will check on the crankshaft sensor. About the scanner, i'm not sure whether it's a cap ayam scanner used by my mechanic. Does it matter? It's a pity anaksarawak is not around

 

[gendong]

You mentioned cylinders misfiring, and you changed the spark plugs. What about your ignition coils? Did you change them too?

 

[anaksarawak]

If ignition coils are replaced yet still have the issues means your head gasket is gone and require a top overhaul job.

 

[btslee]

You mentioned cylinders misfiring, and you changed the spark plugs. What about your ignition coils? Did you change them too?

I didn't change the ignition coils since the fault cleared after the spark plugs were changed. In the meantime, does anyone know where I can seek second opinion for my car in Kuching? Also, how much is it to acquire a decent scanner for the E46?

 

[anaksarawak]

I didn't change the ignition coils since the fault cleared after the spark plugs were changed. In the meantime, does anyone know where I can seek second opinion for my car in Kuching? Also, how much is it to acquire a decent scanner for the E46?

You may order for BMW Scanner 1.4 or INPA for RM120 from HK online store
http://www.obdchina.com/http://www.obdchina.com/bmw-scanner-14-for-bmw-scanner-p-1094.html
or[URL="http://www.obdchina.com/bmw-inpa-k-dcan-usb-interface-p-126.html"]
[url]http://www.obdchina.com/bmw-inpa-k-dcan-usb-interface-p-126.html

INPA are more powerful and it works with GT1


[/URL][/URL]

 

[terry8]

You may order for BMW Scanner 1.4 or INPA for RM120 from HK online store
http://www.obdchina.com/http://www.obdchina.com/bmw-scanner-14-for-bmw-scanner-p-1094.html
or[URL="http://www.obdchina.com/bmw-inpa-k-dcan-usb-interface-p-126.html"]
[url]http://www.obdchina.com/bmw-inpa-k-dcan-usb-interface-p-126.html

INPA are more powerful and it works with GT1


[/URL][/URL]

Do we order both these items or just one. How come the INPA is only a cable - is there a software that comes with it ?
Thanks for your help

 

[anaksarawak]

Get either one and you need to install the software

 

[btslee]

You may order for BMW Scanner 1.4 or INPA for RM120 from HK online store
http://www.obdchina.com/http://www.obdchina.com/bmw-scanner-14-for-bmw-scanner-p-1094.html
or[URL="http://www.obdchina.com/bmw-inpa-k-dcan-usb-interface-p-126.html"]
[url]http://www.obdchina.com/bmw-inpa-k-dcan-usb-interface-p-126.html

INPA are more powerful and it works with GT1


[/URL][/URL]

I'm really interested in the DIS/GT1 route after reading the EasyDIS 44 and INPA working thread in General Tech. It seems to be more future proof as I understand more about the car, whereas BMW Scanner V1.40 is easier to comprehend. Still undecided on whether to take the plunge and get the INPA or play safe and get the BMW Scanner since I'm still a newbie. Meanwhile, I will be holding off repairs until I have a scanner in hand.

Update on my starting problem: It seems that if I leave the ignition to on for around 10 seconds to let the fuel pressure build up before I start the car, the car will start fine. Did a fuel pressure test and saw that the pressure dropped steadily to 0 after engine was turned off and pressure built up after the ignition was turned on. Is the situation normal or is the pressure supposed to be held with minimal drop after the engine is turned off?

 

[Iceduke]

it could be the fuel filter..as the fuel filter has a pressure regulator fixed onto it to maintain pressure. try changing that first?

 

[wingzee]

I'm really interested in the DIS/GT1 route after reading the EasyDIS 44 and INPA working thread in General Tech. It seems to be more future proof as I understand more about the car, whereas BMW Scanner V1.40 is easier to comprehend. Still undecided on whether to take the plunge and get the INPA or play safe and get the BMW Scanner since I'm still a newbie. Meanwhile, I will be holding off repairs until I have a scanner in hand.

Update on my starting problem: It seems that if I leave the ignition to on for around 10 seconds to let the fuel pressure build up before I start the car, the car will start fine. Did a fuel pressure test and saw that the pressure dropped steadily to 0 after engine was turned off and pressure built up after the ignition was turned on. Is the situation normal or is the pressure supposed to be held with minimal drop after the engine is turned off?

INPA and DIS/GT1 is exactly what BMW engineers are using, which allows you to reset adaptations, coding etc while BMW scanner is more simplified, more user-friendly UI but not as "complete". And BMW scanner only supports up to E46 while INPA can be updated to support up to E90 LCI.

 

[btslee]

INPA and DIS/GT1 is exactly what BMW engineers are using, which allows you to reset adaptations, coding etc while BMW scanner is more simplified, more user-friendly UI but not as "complete". And BMW scanner only supports up to E46 while INPA can be updated to support up to E90 LCI.

I'll just be reading fault codes for now. Will the bmw scanner do fine? Can it reset the plate number fault if i change the plate lights to LED? btw Iceduke, i've replaced the fuel filter.

 

[anaksarawak]

Look like a possible weak fuel pump issue u ve there bro.

 

[btslee]

Look like a possible weak fuel pump issue u ve there bro.

I replaced the fuel pump before Gawai. Any prior experiences with a new fuel pump going south? I'm planning to get the bmw scanner instead as the INPA/DIS route is too overwhelming for now. I hope the scanner is suffice to show and reset most faults including the LED plate number lights fault. Going to sleep on it now and make the final decision tomorrow.

 

[anaksarawak]

Lets chat via WhatsApp 0198161816

 

[btslee]

The car is fine now! Thanks for the help everyone! Reset adaptation and changed the MAF.

 

[btslee]

just did a scan with BMW Scanner and found 3 errors. any idea what they are?
2781/04 - Camshaft sensor inlet
2761/42 - Secondary air system bank2
2760/42 - Secondary air system

 

[anaksarawak]

Try clear the errors first bro, if the errors returned it look like you need to replace your crankcase sensors ..about RM170 each