1999 z3 2.3 starts and dies unless accelerted to 2000rpm but then if lower rpms..help

[struenz]

my z3 2.3 has 85000 miles on it and I never had a problem..I didn't start it for about three weeks(not unsual, it sits in garage a lot). When I started it, it started and ran rough for about 20 seconds and then died. After many tries i did get it to stay running by keeping the rpms.. but even then when I let off the gas a bit it died. Also the exhaust is smokey a bit and has a weird smell.....Pls help....thanks

[WadiM3]

Possibly you have a vacuum leak, unplug the MAF sensor (only for testing if this works don't drive the car with the MAF off) and start the car.. see if it does?

[struenz]

not sure where that is....can you give me a hint?

[WadiM3]

Take a pic of your engine bay and I'll try to guide you. I'm not a mechanic of very familiar with your engine but I've stuck around here long enough to learn a few things from the great techs here!

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On my engine it's that round circles connector plug. It's a twisted on plug try to disconnect it and start the car IMG_6404.jpg

[328 Power 04]

You likely have a tear in the intake boot, on the snorkel bit that goes to the idle control valve.

[struenz]

You likely have a tear in the intake boot, on the snorkel bit that goes to the idle control valve.

that was it there is a tear in that snorkel piece....just ordered the part....it was a bitch getting it out.....thanks for the help

[328 Power 04]

Take care of any other tears and old rubber while there.

Replace with quality parts if you don't want to do it again in a few months. URO is not a good brand. Cheapest but worst.

[WadiM3]

Abel, maybe one day I'll learn enough from you!!!

[328 Power 04]

This one I figured just because it happened in the same exact way on my own Z3.

[WadiM3]

You still really cool and a great tech.. besides that I could say your the best mapper I know and I know quite a lot haha!

[struenz]

You still really cool and a great tech.. besides that I could say your the best mapper I know and I know quite a lot haha!

spoke too soon...replaced that boot and I still have the same problem....I thought for sure that would be the fix...looked for other tears but can'y find any....not sure what to do next....

[WadiM3]

Haha try my thing I told ya

[MIKYZZ4]

A smoke test of the intake should be in your future plans.
The most reliable way to locate difficult to find intake leaks.

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The exhaust smoke indicates you may also need to replace the CCV system.

[323i E30]

Have the codes read. Maybe it comes up with a good lead.
When my crank position sensor was broken it also died unless keeping the foot on the gas. Codes will reveal that.

[struenz]

Haha try my thing I told ya

i will take a pick and send it

[ross1]

"Also the exhaust is smokey a bit and has a weird smell"


Sounds like it is simply flooded from here. Not a vacuum leak, I'd bet on that.
OP, HOW ROUGH? can you run it long enough to warm up a bit? If flooded it will clear itself out.
Another possibility is a breach of a head gasket fire ring allowing coolant to have seeped into a cylinder(s) after shut down. This would account for the "smoke" and rough running. It also ought to clear up with running but will manifest itself again with the same scenario.

[struenz]

cant seem to send a picture WADM3....tried copy and paste but nothing happens.....
Ross1, runs ok at 2000 rpm but can't keep it running under 1500 rpm
have to sign off now,,,,family stuff
Thanks very much....

[ross1]

Two things will cause smoke or steam from the exhaust. Moisture, either from condensation(which makes it a red herring here)or coolant or over fueling which is contradictory to the lean condition a vacuum leak will cause.
"Over fueling" can also be the result of an ignition miss allowing unburned fuel out the exhaust. Pretty sure your car will shut down fuel after xx misfires.

Coolant in the exhaust smells , well like coolant, a bit sweet. Fuel smells like...gas, sometimes a bit of a burning in your eyes/nose goes with it.
I'd start by examining the spark plugs.
It is worth mentioning here that the M52 engine is susceptible to flooding if shut down quickly after a cold start before it gets a chance to warm up a bit.

[WadiM3]

you can upload a picture by using a third party photo sharing site like imageshak

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And post the link here

[shadowpuck]

you can also just attach the photo to your post. or, you can use a third party hosting service and then use the IMG tag.

[struenz]

you can also just attach the photo to your post. or, you can use a third party hosting service and then use the IMG tag.

Ok guys Thanks for all the help!!!I really fixed it this time!!!! I found out where the ICV was and took it out and it was all gunged up and would not move....I cleaned it out with Gumout real good and now she runs like she used to...I really appreciate all the suggestions and help....