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Thread: E46 M3 will not start please help

  1. #1
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    E46 M3 will not start please help

    Hello all,

    I have been searching high and low for some help trouble shooting my M3. Recently the car the had trouble starting up to the point that it will not start at all. It cranks and turns over for a second only to shut off again. I recently replaced the fuel pump and MAF sensor yet the problem persists. I did do a scan on the car and codes are:

    P0301 - Misfire detected
    P0463 - Fuel Level Sensor A Circuit High
    P0113 - Intake air temp sensor 1 circuit high
    P0171 - System too lean bank 1
    P0175 - System too rich bank 1
    P1717 - Hydraulic unit switch-on period
    P1434 - Diagnostic module tank leakage malfunction
    P0174 - System too lean bank 2

    If anyone can share insight on what the issue can be I would greatly appreciate it. Thank you all in advance!

  2. #2
    dworthy's Avatar
    dworthy is offline Wagon meister :) BMW Tech Expert
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    I can see a large vacuum leak, from the lean/rich codes, so you will need to get the intake smoke tested.

    Is this a SMG equipped car?
    Darin
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  3. #3
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    Quote Originally Posted by dworthy View Post
    I can see a large vacuum leak, from the lean/rich codes, so you will need to get the intake smoke tested.

    Is this a SMG equipped car?
    Yes it is a SMG tranny. I was told to replace the intake air temp sensor as well as that could have something to do with it so I will do that asap.

    I did hear a hissing noise around the intake toward the manifold come to think of it. Ill take off the intake hopefully I can spot the leak without needing to tow it for a smoke test.

  4. #4
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    You need a better scanner. It looks like your SMG is not allowing the start.

    - - - Updated - - -

    Unless it always cranks?
    SMG light/cog light on?
    -Abel

    - E36 328is ~210-220whp: Lots of Mods.
    - 2000 Z3: Many Mods.
    - 2003 VW Jetta TDI Manual 47-50mpg
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  5. #5
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    First, allow me to say that Abel (328Power04) fixed two incredibly dissimilar race-car issues, from 1500 miles away, this past weekend., allowing TWO instructor's cars to continue providing enjoyment, when they would have otherwise had to go limping home....or not start at all!

    All said, you need a fuel pressure test, a smoke test, disconnect the fuel pump fuse for several minutes of cranking, and read the codes via an actual BMW capable diag computer, not p-codes, which really suck.

    WildAssedGuess: The engine is flooded. Pull the fuel pump fuse, squirt a teaspoon of oil in each cylinder, and work the starter for a little while before plugging the fuse in again..

    Chris Powell
    Racer and Instructor since, well. decades, ok?
    Master Auto Tech, owner of German Motors of Aberdeen
    BMWCCA 274412
    German Motors is hiring ! https://www.bimmerforums.com/forum/s...1#post30831471

  6. #6
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    Thank you! I can't take all the credit... I do have some wonderful contacts that were pitching ideas. Among them a BMW employee at BMW engineering, a genius programmer/disassembler/all around expert, and a very experienced large shop owner.

    The 1M was a difficult case. Strange spontaneous wiring/module failure WITH a bricked dme at the same time, caused by the former. It was pretty cool to get the car running remotely though.

    We all help each other, and are happy to.
    -Abel

    - E36 328is ~210-220whp: Lots of Mods.
    - 2000 Z3: Many Mods.
    - 2003 VW Jetta TDI Manual 47-50mpg
    - 1999 S52 Estoril M Coupe
    - 2014 328d Wagon, self-tuned, 270hp/430ft-lbs
    - 2019 M2 Competition, self-tuned, 504whp
    - 2016 Mini Cooper S

  7. #7
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    Yeah, it's never good when someone (the 1M owner) tries programming with 12 volts....then decides everything's working too slowly, and unplugs the damned programmer in the middle of everything/

    PLUS a toasted FRM, and a CAS not providing a wake-up signal!

    Not quite sure exactly what went on there, but let's just say that the grateful instructor had a fun weekend, instead of a disaster, thanks to you, Abel.

    As for my own M5, and the other E39M5 I dealt with last week, I now know that ISTA and other diag computers see Fuel level sensor 1 and fuel level sensor 2 as REVERSED.....and I'll keep over half a tank in the car when tracking it!

    DugiHowser: hook up a good scan tool; P-codes just don't cut it.

    Chris Powell
    Racer and Instructor since, well. decades, ok?
    Master Auto Tech, owner of German Motors of Aberdeen
    BMWCCA 274412
    German Motors is hiring ! https://www.bimmerforums.com/forum/s...1#post30831471

  8. #8
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    umm, yeah, "industrial control" type systems - loosely that's what i would consider the computers in our vehicles - absolutely do not like having their programming interrupted. in my world, that would be written up as "fails to recover from interruption gracefully."
    '95 325iS - auto to manual swap done!

  9. #9
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    Quote Originally Posted by 328 Power 04 View Post
    You need a better scanner. It looks like your SMG is not allowing the start.

    - - - Updated - - -

    Unless it always cranks?
    SMG light/cog light on?
    NO SMG light on at all but you may be on to something! I started taking things apart and noticed that my SMG fluid reservoir was very low because it started to leak out of the cap from what I can tell. Is this a common problem with these reservoir caps? I topped off the fluid and had the pump prime a few times and it started up. Possible that its a safe switch for the car to not run when low on SMG fluid?

    I started taking things apart and noticed that my SMG fluid reservoir was very low because it started to leak out of the cap! Is this a common problem with these reservoir caps? I topped off the fluid and it started up. Possible that its a safe switch for the car to not run when low on SMG fluid?

    From reading up more I gathered that when you get Lean codes it usually pertains to VAC leak. I will continue to look for a leak and while I'm pulling things apart I'm going to clean the ICV and throttle body. Is there anything else that is pron to leak or fail that I should be looking into?

    At the moment I do not have access to a smoke tester but will tow the car to a shop to do it if I cannot find anything on my own.

    - - - Updated - - -

    Quote Originally Posted by bmwdirtracer View Post
    Yeah, it's never good when someone (the 1M owner) tries programming with 12 volts....then decides everything's working too slowly, and unplugs the damned programmer in the middle of everything/

    PLUS a toasted FRM, and a CAS not providing a wake-up signal!

    Not quite sure exactly what went on there, but let's just say that the grateful instructor had a fun weekend, instead of a disaster, thanks to you, Abel.

    As for my own M5, and the other E39M5 I dealt with last week, I now know that ISTA and other diag computers see Fuel level sensor 1 and fuel level sensor 2 as REVERSED.....and I'll keep over half a tank in the car when tracking it!

    DugiHowser: hook up a good scan tool; P-codes just don't cut it.
    Agreed! My friend has proper software and will scan the car later today. Will update thank you!

  10. #10
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    SMG does have a failsafe preventing starting. It's because it needs to release the clutch and keep it in neutral in order to start.

    Use the scanner to see the engine codes, SMG codes (if any), and ews module codes.
    -Abel

    - E36 328is ~210-220whp: Lots of Mods.
    - 2000 Z3: Many Mods.
    - 2003 VW Jetta TDI Manual 47-50mpg
    - 1999 S52 Estoril M Coupe
    - 2014 328d Wagon, self-tuned, 270hp/430ft-lbs
    - 2019 M2 Competition, self-tuned, 504whp
    - 2016 Mini Cooper S

  11. #11
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    Quote Originally Posted by 328 Power 04 View Post
    SMG does have a failsafe preventing starting. It's because it needs to release the clutch and keep it in neutral in order to start.

    Use the scanner to see the engine codes, SMG codes (if any), and ews module codes.
    I definitely will thank you!

  12. #12
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    As I understand it, the starter cranks the engine for just a second, then quits. Is this correct? I think this would rule out the SMG, wouldn't it, Abel?

    Bad engine main ground connection at the passenger engine mount? Bad starter? Bad ignition switch?

    Chris Powell
    Racer and Instructor since, well. decades, ok?
    Master Auto Tech, owner of German Motors of Aberdeen
    BMWCCA 274412
    German Motors is hiring ! https://www.bimmerforums.com/forum/s...1#post30831471

  13. #13
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    Quote Originally Posted by bmwdirtracer View Post
    As I understand it, the starter cranks the engine for just a second, then quits. Is this correct? I think this would rule out the SMG, wouldn't it, Abel?

    Bad engine main ground connection at the passenger engine mount? Bad starter? Bad ignition switch?
    Correct, I had to read a few times, so then I edited my first comment to end in a question. If it cranks even a little bit, then it shouldn't be SMG related.
    -Abel

    - E36 328is ~210-220whp: Lots of Mods.
    - 2000 Z3: Many Mods.
    - 2003 VW Jetta TDI Manual 47-50mpg
    - 1999 S52 Estoril M Coupe
    - 2014 328d Wagon, self-tuned, 270hp/430ft-lbs
    - 2019 M2 Competition, self-tuned, 504whp
    - 2016 Mini Cooper S

  14. #14
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    Quote Originally Posted by 328 Power 04 View Post
    Correct, I had to read a few times, so then I edited my first comment to end in a question. If it cranks even a little bit, then it shouldn't be SMG related.
    It does crank and it did start. It struggled to keep idle almost choking out. I haven't got to cleaning the throttle body or the ICV valve yet but hope that will solve it.

  15. #15
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    We are still waiting on those BMW codes.

  16. #16
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    We are down to a basic fuel/air issue. You need to have the system smoke tested. If this doesn't show a large leak, after 7 minutes, you need to do a crankcase vacuum test, because you likely have an internal (CCV) issue.

    Try this, for me: unplug the MAF, then start the car. Did it start and continue running? (You might have to try twice).

    You need a bit of diagnostics, of the fuel/air mix. Smoke test, fuel pressure, crankcase vacuum.

    Chris Powell
    Racer and Instructor since, well. decades, ok?
    Master Auto Tech, owner of German Motors of Aberdeen
    BMWCCA 274412
    German Motors is hiring ! https://www.bimmerforums.com/forum/s...1#post30831471

  17. #17
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    Quote Originally Posted by MIKYZZ4 View Post
    We are still waiting on those BMW codes.
    My friend was never able to scan the car. I plan on ordering my own tool to get proper codes if I cannot find anything.

    - - - Updated - - -

    Quote Originally Posted by bmwdirtracer View Post
    We are down to a basic fuel/air issue. You need to have the system smoke tested. If this doesn't show a large leak, after 7 minutes, you need to do a crankcase vacuum test, because you likely have an internal (CCV) issue.

    Try this, for me: unplug the MAF, then start the car. Did it start and continue running? (You might have to try twice).

    You need a bit of diagnostics, of the fuel/air mix. Smoke test, fuel pressure, crankcase vacuum.
    I did unplug the MAF and it did start and ran however, the random shut offs and no starts still happened after a while. I since then replaced the MAF.

  18. #18
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    If disconnecting the MAF didn't change anything, I have to put a new test at the top of the list, before a smoke test. You need to connect a fuel pressure gauge to the schrader valve on the fuel rail, run the hose under the back of the hood, and clip the gauge under a wiper, or tape it to the windshield. Then drive the car until the symptoms manifest, and look at the gauge. It should say 51 psi; if it's half that or less, replace the fuel pump.

    Chris Powell
    Racer and Instructor since, well. decades, ok?
    Master Auto Tech, owner of German Motors of Aberdeen
    BMWCCA 274412
    German Motors is hiring ! https://www.bimmerforums.com/forum/s...1#post30831471

  19. #19
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    Quote Originally Posted by bmwdirtracer View Post
    If disconnecting the MAF didn't change anything, I have to put a new test at the top of the list, before a smoke test. You need to connect a fuel pressure gauge to the schrader valve on the fuel rail, run the hose under the back of the hood, and clip the gauge under a wiper, or tape it to the windshield. Then drive the car until the symptoms manifest, and look at the gauge. It should say 51 psi; if it's half that or less, replace the fuel pump.
    I did replace the fuel pump about 150 miles due to similar symptoms in the past. I also replaced the fuel filter. Perhaps the fuel sender is bad? I will try the pressure test when possible thank you Bmwdirtracer.

  20. #20
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    Ignore the fuel sender code for now, if you have over 1/2 tank. If you had a good scan tool, you could read fuel levels in each half of the tank....

    Now, looking back over this thread, I see that you have a code for "Intake Air Temp". You need to use a good scan tool to read what the computer is seeing as intake air temperature. If the sensor or wiring is open-circuited (unplugged,for instance), the computer will see IAT readings of ~negative 40 degrees F, which will absolutely cause pretty much all your issues.

    A quick look at the wiring diagrams shows that, on your car, IAT is measured by the MAF., rather than a separate sensor. Do not buy a MAF : get access to the live data with a good scan tool.

    Chris Powell
    Racer and Instructor since, well. decades, ok?
    Master Auto Tech, owner of German Motors of Aberdeen
    BMWCCA 274412
    German Motors is hiring ! https://www.bimmerforums.com/forum/s...1#post30831471

  21. #21
    dworthy's Avatar
    dworthy is offline Wagon meister :) BMW Tech Expert
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    I don't remember reading it, but was the MAF cleaned once already? If the IAT is fouled too, it was cause problems too.
    Darin
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    05 M3 Imolarot II(405)/Gray(N5TT) ZCW, ZPP 6sp Manual C.F. Lip, CSL diffuser, SSK, Euro Infra-Rot front windshield and a trunk liner! Mr. Go_Fast Stored for the Winter
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  22. #22
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    Quote Originally Posted by dworthy View Post
    I don't remember reading it, but was the MAF cleaned once already? If the IAT is fouled too, it was cause problems too.
    MAF is new.

    - - - Updated - - -

    Quote Originally Posted by bmwdirtracer View Post
    Ignore the fuel sender code for now, if you have over 1/2 tank. If you had a good scan tool, you could read fuel levels in each half of the tank....

    Now, looking back over this thread, I see that you have a code for "Intake Air Temp". You need to use a good scan tool to read what the computer is seeing as intake air temperature. If the sensor or wiring is open-circuited (unplugged,for instance), the computer will see IAT readings of ~negative 40 degrees F, which will absolutely cause pretty much all your issues.

    A quick look at the wiring diagrams shows that, on your car, IAT is measured by the MAF., rather than a separate sensor. Do not buy a MAF : get access to the live data with a good scan tool.
    I will try to do a fuel pressure test this weekend. In the mean time can you point me to the Intake Air Temp sensor so I can verify?

  23. #23
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    a quick google search will reveal plenty of hits for the IAT sensor location on an e46 m3....
    '95 325iS - auto to manual swap done!

  24. #24
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    Hate to sound like an idiot but every search is a dead end. Leads to a different BMW model. If anyone can post a link Ill be happy to take from there.

  25. #25
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    Please see my post #20. MAF delivers IAT info, no separate sensor.

    I have to ask, where did you buy your MAF? And who's the manufacturer?

    Chris Powell
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    Master Auto Tech, owner of German Motors of Aberdeen
    BMWCCA 274412
    German Motors is hiring ! https://www.bimmerforums.com/forum/s...1#post30831471

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