2004 z4 3.0 when cold starts but then almost dies but then runs.

[cowpie]

When cold starts but then almost dies then run . After warn starts and runs great. Anyone know the fix for this problem. The z4 has 17000 miles on it.

[dworthy]

Welcome to the Forum!

Is there any lights on the dash? Have you pulled codes yet to see what is in the DME?

[cowpie]

No lights and runs great after 5-10 seconds. Getting a repair cd , may be here today. You tube video says it may be the intake VANOS SOLENOID needs to be cleaned. Don't have a tool to pull codes may have to buy one .

[shadowpuck]

it'd be worth checking for codes (even without a MIL there may be clues in stored codes), but, at the very least it might be worth checking out the idle control valve (or idle air control valve as some call it) - ICV. they can get sticky over time and that can cause an oscillating idle at startup.

[MIKYZZ4]

Your local AutoZone can provide a free scan, and pull OBD2 codes, just not BMW specific codes.
I agree with Shadowpuck, it just may be a sticking IACV. Post back with codes.

[bmwdirtracer]

Aw, crap. It's a damned intake leak. Get a smoke test.
Ignore Youtube, and leave the vanos solenoid alone.

And maybe you're missing a zero in the mileage?

Just my W.A.G. 2 cents.

[cowpie]

No the z4 has 17000 miles on it ,and I pulled a carfax before I bought it and that is why I did buy it.

[bmwdirtracer]

Wow! (From a little old lady who just drove it to church on Sundays?)

Have a close look, with a mirror, at the intake elbow that has an "accordion tube" going to the Idle Air Control. The accordion commonly cracks on the backside. Part 5 in this diagram:
http://www.realoem.com/bmw/enUS/show...diagId=13_0995

If you go to Autozone for a code-read, you should have fuel mixture / lean codes if an intake leak is the cause.

[cowpie]

I thank all of you for your input, I will go to auto zone next week and have codes checked. I bought this car 3 weeks ago and know nothing about BMW , it has me a little intimidated . I did change oil and filter as soon as I got it home . I will check the intake elbow.

[bmwdirtracer]

Yeah....about that oil and filter change, since you're new to BMW: You need to always use either Mann, or Mahle, or Hengst filters. And you always need to change the filter, BEFORE draining the oil pan, because otherwise you leave a quart of dirty oil in the engine.

Also, be aware that an Autozone code-reading is almost like using a Ouija board for diagnosis. It will serve you well to get a device which can read BMW codes, not just U.S. Government OBD crap.

Do you have a laptop? 328Power04 can help you set up a good INPA system, for very cheap. Or, you can buy a scan tool device from ECS Tuning for ~$200 which can communicate and command all your computers.

[cowpie]

Thanks Chris , I just bought a scan tool it is a Schwaben from Turner motor sports 199.99 [google said ECS TUNING WAS UNSAFE ] .AND THANKS FOR HEADS UP ON OIL CHANGE I DRAINED OIL AND THEN CHANGED FILTER BUT DID USE A MANN OIL FILTER AND I BOUGHT SOME MAHLE AIR FILTERS. I got to old to get down under a car so I had a lift put in my work shop. When I get scan tool I will post results.

[shadowpuck]

ECS tuning and Turner are owned by the same folks....Turner is a respected supplier of BMW parts (same with ECS).
if you picked up the NT510 scan tool others here have been very happy with this device - especially for the price point!

[bmwdirtracer]

+1. ECS Tuning bought Turner a year ago; they'll be selling exactly the same part. It will say "Schwaben", and will be made by Foxwell. Unfortunately, a Chinese company, but some products you just can't avoid buying Chinese. It's probably the best device you can buy for anything like that price.