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.
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.
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 ...
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.?
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)
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.
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