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View Full Version : 95 E34 540i Smooth Idle, Poor Acceleration



Cambridge
03-28-2005, 10:03 PM
I’m not getting the power I used to out of my 95 540i. It idles smooth as silk and cruises nicely, but when I punch the accelerator to pass or merge with traffic, it just doesn’t seem to have the power it used to. The exhaust also seems to have a different note when I punch it. I’m used to a smooth turbine-like sound, but now I hear a slight chuffing rhythm in the exhaust. Before it was effortless acceleration, now the engine seems to labor.

Interestingly, about 120 miles or so ago, I replaced the oxygen sensors and plugs. (Sensors were Bosch, plugs were Bosch platinum+4) For about 30 miles the car was like a rocket. Smooth, powerful acceleration. Then, while at highway speed, I experienced a short burst of engine knock and an accompanying loss of power. The knock quickly went away in a couple seconds, but the power never came back.

The computer shows two persistent faults: “lambda control #1” and “lambda control #2”

I rechecked the sensors and the plugs, but they seem fine. The car has an Alusil block with 108000 miles. I checked fuel pressure per Bentley and that all checked out.

I’ve heard that the computer needs 150 miles to adjust itself after a sensor change. Could that be the cause of poor performance? Is it possible that this is all because of a bad injector? I’ve also heard that it could be the exhaust gas recirculation control on the back of the intake manifold. (Although there is not much suction when I open the oil filler or pull the dipstick).

Any ideas?

sdwhitney
03-29-2005, 10:50 AM
Being that you and I have the same car, I would say to go get it checked.

Our mileage is close as well, I have 112k.

Although my idle is not completely smooth, when I put my foot into it, it goes well. Especially at 50-70 mph, that acceleration from that speed to the early 100's is what I love most.

Let me know what you find out..

Good luck

LJSE34
03-29-2005, 12:21 PM
Does the M60 engine like Plat 4s? (Not sure about this since older BMW engine blocks do not take well to Platinums) Also, this is going to sound very simple but have you replaced your fuel filter yet? I don't what octane rating BMW recommends for the M60 but I would think it's at least 89AKI. Chevron in general seems to have quality fuel.

Cambridge
04-02-2005, 06:20 PM
I am hearing that several don't like the plat 4's in 6 cylinder engines. I haven't heard much about the 8's though. Most that don't like the plat 4 plugs have said the idle is rough. My idle is quite smooth. I only notice the power problem under load, i.e. accelerating at highway speed.

Cambridge
04-27-2005, 12:26 PM
Well, I removed the plat +4's and installed the standard Bosch pulgs. So far, no improvement.

sdwhitney
04-27-2005, 12:40 PM
Well, I removed the plat +4's and installed the standard Bosch pulgs. So far, no improvement.

You should really take it in