Results 1 to 6 of 6

Thread: BMW Engine Rattle E46 Neutral

  1. #1
    Join Date
    Jun 2017
    Location
    Dayton, OH
    Posts
    4
    My Cars
    2004 BMW 330Ci Cabriolet

    BMW Engine Rattle E46 Neutral

    Hello everyone,

    I bought my first ever BMW. It's e46 330ci manual transmission. While driving last night Service engine soon light came on and when stopped in neutral, clutch isn't depressed, the engine rattles with RPM dropping between 500-600. Depressing the clutch pedal causes the rattle to go away. The car shifts easily, it's only when parked in neutral. Any help ... please ...

    FYI
    It has 128k miles on it and have no idea how the previous owners maintained it.

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Dec 2013
    Location
    Chicagoland area
    Posts
    4,372
    My Cars
    EXOTICS
    Have a scan done to identify the code causing the SES light.
    A BMW specific scan tool/software is best, but if unavailable,
    a simple scan at your local AutoZone should be helpful.

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Jun 2017
    Location
    Dayton, OH
    Posts
    4
    My Cars
    2004 BMW 330Ci Cabriolet
    Thanks for the quick reply. I'll take it to autozone and a mechanic friend of mine. He has a OBDII scanner. Will let you know what that shows ...

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Jun 2017
    Location
    Dayton, OH
    Posts
    4
    My Cars
    2004 BMW 330Ci Cabriolet
    So I had a scan done at Autozone, the scan resulted in the following codes
    P0174 System too lean (Bank 2)
    P0171 system too lean (Bank 1)
    P0305 Cylinder 5 misfire detected
    P0302 Cylinder 2 misfire detected
    P0300 Random misfire detected
    P0303 Cylinder 3 misfire detected
    P0306 Cylinder 6 misfire detected
    P0304 Cylinder 4 misfire detected

    The mechanic friend of mine suggested to replace the ignition coils and spark plugs. He also suggested to replace the VCG while we're at it.

    Is that a good idea? Is there something to do with the throw out bearing etc.?

  5. #5
    Join Date
    Dec 2013
    Location
    Chicagoland area
    Posts
    4,372
    My Cars
    EXOTICS
    Lean codes for both banks points to either an intake leak or insufficient fuel pressure.
    The most common leak locations are the rubber intake boots. Remove them and inspect for cracks.
    If a fuel pressure gauge is available, check pressure at Schrader valve on fuel rail.(45~50psi)

  6. #6
    Join Date
    Jun 2017
    Location
    Dayton, OH
    Posts
    4
    My Cars
    2004 BMW 330Ci Cabriolet
    So finally, the mechanic friend of mine replaced all the ignition coils and spark plugs. While we were at it, we replaced the valve cover gasket, (VCG), as well. All the codes were gone and the SES light went away as well. However, the rattle did not ...

    Removed the intake boot and then went ahead to check the DISA because that was the next culprit for the rattle. After disconnecting and removing the 3 bolts that hold them ... the DISA valve would not come out, if it was stuck in there. Had to really pull it out of it ... but lo and behold ... it was broken. The actual plastic frame which holds the pin was broken.
    It was the worst feeling ever, realizing the pin might have gone through. Luckily though, it was still sitting in there.
    Replaced with a new DISA valve by Dorman. The car runs absolutely fine now.

Similar Threads

  1. Loud engine rattle from 2001 BMW 740i e38. 4.4
    By danbonano in forum General BMW Mechanical Help sponsored by RM European Auto Parts
    Replies: 2
    Last Post: 07-01-2013, 10:56 PM
  2. Help identifying this identical engine rattle - on both e34 & e46
    By 7r1pl3t in forum General BMW Mechanical Help sponsored by RM European Auto Parts
    Replies: 0
    Last Post: 05-29-2013, 05:42 PM
  3. 1999 BMW 328i Sedan e46 Engine 91k
    By 240011th in forum Engines, Performance Parts & Software
    Replies: 0
    Last Post: 01-07-2013, 05:45 PM
  4. M3 E46 - Low RPM engine rattle - Any ideas?
    By m3604 in forum 2001 - 2006 M3 (E46)
    Replies: 12
    Last Post: 01-31-2011, 09:47 PM
  5. 1993 BMW 318I Engine 'Rattle' @ 2100-2300 RPM
    By threex5x7 in forum 1991 - 1999 (E36)
    Replies: 8
    Last Post: 09-28-2009, 10:27 AM

Bookmarks

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •