2000 BMW 323i

[Davewatkins]

Check engine light came on. Hooked scanner up and all cylinders are misfiring. Bought all new coil packs and spark plugs. Car is still misfiring. Idk what to do

[dworthy]

Welcome to the Forum!

Sorry for your troubles, but we are going to need a bit more info then what you posted like:

What type of scanned did you use?
What are the codes?
What are the exact wording of those codes?
How long has this been going on?
What is the current mileage?
Is all services up to date?
Brand of Coils installed?
Brand and type of sparkplugs?

We have several tech's here who would love to help you out Dave, but the trouble is that we are not standing next to your car. If you think something sound dumb, don't worry we don't judge here, put it on the forum as there might be a clue.

[328 Power 04]

Vacuum leaks are most likely.
But agreed, more data needed.

[Davewatkins]

Thanks for the replies guys. I will try to get all the answers tomorrow.

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[MarcoZandrini]

Is the fuel pump original? You need to check the fuel pressure at the fuel rail. It needs to be at least 50psi at all engine speeds. Luckily, there’s a pressure test valve on the fuel rail. Item #2 in the link is the cap for the valve.

http://www.realoem.com/bmw/enUS/show...diagId=13_0900

[Davewatkins]

Went to advanced auto parts and got the following codes:



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[Davewatkins]

I purchased NGK platinum laser cut plugs and Car Quest coil packs

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[dworthy]

Humm, P-Codes are as trustworthy as a Bull in a China shop....

I would clean the MAF and of course clear the codes.

You bought the correct plugs, and some cheap knock-off coils. Bosch should be the only proper aftermarket coils for that motor.

[Davewatkins]

Ok thanks. Will try that tomorrow with the help of youtube lol

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[Davewatkins]

Ran a maf test and the car ran ran more smoothly with the sensor disconnected which is crazy. I even drove it with the sensor disconnected. I cleaned the sensor and now the car cuts off on me when its idle for about 20 seconds

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[shadowpuck]

unplugging the maf just means the car runs with pre-set fueling maps and doesn't rely on information from any of the other sensors in the system.

just a piece of advice - bimmerforums has thousands of posts and has been around for awhile - so, searching is often very helpful (granted - it takes a little practice in learning what to ignore).

we still know next to nothing about your vehicle, its maintenance history, and what led up to this problem. we do have a permanent post asking for this info - please check it out.

in the meantime - a quick search turned up this post:
https://www.bimmerforums.com/forum/s...ode-with-codes

i'd probably start by verifying power/ground to the MAF, and a smoke test wouldn't be far behind so i could locate the inevitable vacuum leaks. i'd also want a scan with an actual scan tool - not an OBDII device.
check out the other post/thread though - it mentions exactly what needs to be checked.

or, to get right to the point - a decent shop could probably diagnose this quickly.

[Davewatkins]

Def appreciate the advice. Problem is i know nothing about cars and i really don't know what questions to ask. When u guys give me advice and or instructions i get on you tube to decode what you're telling me lol. I've taken the car to a few friends and they either don't know what the problem is or don't want to touch a BMW with a 10 foot pole. A friend recently introduced me to BMW forrum which Im still learning. Really don't have the $$ to take it to a BMW service center that's why im trying on my own. I really appreciate the assistance you all have been providing. Due to my ignorance of cars, i may need a little more than average assistance.

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[Davewatkins]

Are there any shops you recommend? I'm located in Washington D.C.

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[shadowpuck]

actually, you are in luck - the National Capital chapter of BMW Car Club of America has an amazing and awesome DIY program. Join the club (www.bmwcca.org) and check out your local chapter. They can certainly recommend a great shop as well. Quality repair shops are expensive - but, if you think they are expensive wait until you find an unqualified shop!

as to youtube, much like forums and the internet - there's tons of good information, but you have to really know what to look for because there's a lot of bad, downright dangerous, and wrong information.

i certainly applaud someone wanting to learn how to work on their car - i'm learning new things every day working on my cars! that said, i also know when to seek the advice or services of experts. this is likely an issue where you are going to need some specialized tools or knowledge.

one of the best ways to learn is get involved with your local BMW CCA chapter's DIY program - show up, ask questions, learn, pick up a service manual and read it cover to cover. i really like the see one, do one, teach one methodology for learning about working on cars.

[dworthy]

as to youtube, much like forums and the internet - there's tons of good information, but you have to really know what to look for because there's a lot of bad, downright dangerous, and wrong information.

The best advise you will get ^^^

I would also recommend getting a smoke test completed of the intake, for when you disconnect the MAF and it runs just fine, this typically points to a intake leak of some sort.

[Davewatkins]

Thank you very much and I'll continue following your advice

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[MarcoZandrini]

Are there any shops you recommend? I'm located in Washington D.C.

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Try J&F Motors in Shirlington (south Arlington).

4064 South Four Mile Run
Arlington VA 22206
*(703) 671-7757‬

Great shop. Real techs and not parts changers. They’ve been in business for decades, and specialize in bimmers.

[Davewatkins]

Thanks Marco

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[Davewatkins]

Took it to a BMW service center and they ran a diagnostic. Said 95% of problem is maf. Bought a new 1 and put it in myself. When i start the car it dies automatically

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[Davewatkins]

This is what they gave me. Also told me they would charge me $1400 to repair the car.

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[328 Power 04]

Is the intake tract piping (tubes leading to throttle body) free of cracks and holes?
It would have to be a large hole to cause the car to stall.

I wouldn't necessarily agree with the report above.

[Davewatkins]

Checked and couldn't find leaks. To correct this problem I've bought 6 new coil packs, 6 new spark plugs, a new maf sensor and taken it to a BMW service center. I'm about $800 in on this issue and still no results, clearly frustrated and wondering if i should sell the car. Thank you for your response. Im just stuck lol

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[328 Power 04]

My problem with the interpretation above is that when you disconnected the MAF, you automatically triggered the MAF signal code.... so you cannot use that code to factor a new MAF needed.



Better diagnostic procedure is needed and much less parts shotgunning if you want this to be worth it.


Mixture deviation codes on both banks, plus misfires, which all work better when MAF is disconnected is much more specific to large vacuum leaks.

What kind (brand) of maf did you put in when you replaced it?

[WadiM3]

I'd have to agree with Abel on this one, you most likely bought an aftermarket MAF which is probably some Chinese scrap and that your own original MAF is likely alright

[Davewatkins]

$120 from advanced auto parts

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