Results 1 to 7 of 7

Thread: 316i rpm drops on startup

  1. #1
    Join Date
    Mar 2020
    Location
    Finland
    Posts
    8
    My Cars
    2003 316i sedan

    Question 316i rpm drops on startup

    Hello,

    My 316 ( engine N42-B18) has a problem that i can not find information about.
    the car starts up fine but the rpms drop really low for a brief moment before climbing back up. the car has not stalled yet, after the rpms climb back up they stay consistent. Any ideas? video included. thanks in advance.
    EDIT: It doesn't matter if the engine is cold or warmed up, it still acts the same, maybe 1/5 of the times the car starts up normally

    Last edited by Coolmom; 04-28-2020 at 04:39 PM. Reason: more information

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Jul 2011
    Location
    Arlington, VA
    Posts
    9,941
    My Cars
    2018 BMW M240i
    Looks normal to me, but scan the engine computer (DME) for codes, anyway.

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Mar 2020
    Location
    Finland
    Posts
    8
    My Cars
    2003 316i sedan
    UPDATE: The problem has been since fixed.
    The timing chain was misaligned by 2 teeth, also one ignition coil and the spark plugs were busted

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Jul 2011
    Location
    Arlington, VA
    Posts
    9,941
    My Cars
    2018 BMW M240i
    Yikes! The timing chain was off by 2 teeth!

  5. #5
    Join Date
    Mar 2020
    Location
    Finland
    Posts
    8
    My Cars
    2003 316i sedan
    Yeah it was unfortunate. What kind of damage could a jumped timing chain cause, if left unattended for extended periods of time?

  6. #6
    Join Date
    Jul 2011
    Location
    Arlington, VA
    Posts
    9,941
    My Cars
    2018 BMW M240i
    The pistons and valves could crash together.

  7. #7
    Join Date
    Mar 2020
    Location
    Finland
    Posts
    8
    My Cars
    2003 316i sedan
    The only issue I have left on this car is that when I quickly press/slam the accelerator the car stutters for a moment. noticeable mostly on traffic stops. Vacuum leak? throttle position sensor? if anyone could guide me to the right direction in diagnosing the problem

    I changed the air filter and MAF, and inspected the rubber boots/hoses; did not find any cracks.

Similar Threads

  1. Odd Issue - RPM drops below 800 RPM at startup
    By MikeHsu in forum Forced Induction
    Replies: 3
    Last Post: 04-08-2010, 07:42 PM
  2. Cold Start RPM Drop
    By aok2me in forum 1988 - 1996 (E34)
    Replies: 4
    Last Post: 11-28-2004, 10:12 PM
  3. The RPM drops when the clutch is pushed down
    By Geoff.T in forum 1983 - 1991 (E30)
    Replies: 2
    Last Post: 02-12-2004, 03:37 AM
  4. RPMs Drop when clutch pressed
    By MikeV in forum General BMW Mechanical Help sponsored by RM European Auto Parts
    Replies: 9
    Last Post: 11-24-2003, 01:08 AM
  5. RPMs Drop During Hard Braking... Is this Normal?
    By surfer123 in forum 1992 - 1999 M3 (E36)
    Replies: 10
    Last Post: 11-13-2003, 07:52 PM

Bookmarks

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •