feels like driving with the "choke" out

NigeB

NigeB

Zorg Legend
British Zeds
Joined
May 24, 2015
Points
75
Location
Suffolk
Model of Z
Z3 2.0 roadster
Anyone else had the following problem? 2.0 z3 dual vanos engine works a treat until you stop the engine and start up again - can be as quick as that but doesn't always happen - it then taken a few turns to restart it and it then drives as though the choke is pulled out (if you know what I mean) it has not guts. Sometimes it clears on its own but is always ok the next time you start up from cold.....it doesn't always happen, only when you really fancy a bit of a blast with the top down......? any ideas?:(
 
GazHyde said:
I don't suppose you have access to a fault code reader do you? Would be a good place to start if you can.
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thanks, I have had it read by local garage and nothing found - problem is it only seems to happen on a saturday afternoon or a sunday when the garages are all closed. Is there a decent downloadable one for bmw's? I have quite a good one for my sons Alfa that was only $50 and a lead for £18....cannot seem to see one for the beemer.
 
Something like this unit, around £40-50 or so from eBay. Will read the engine codes.

It may be worth having a look over the induction hoses for splits, as that can cause all sorts of issues.

View: http://youtu.be/wbVCUFPUO2E
 
Here's the one I have . Needs a laptop with windows on it. Full diagnostics and loads more.

http://www.bcables.com/

I think your symptoms are either crank or cam sensor which may not show on some generic code readers and it has to plug into the round 20 pin connector under the bonnet. The OBD port has very limited functionality.
 
Good call on the cam sensor, although personally I've managed to pick the codes up for it on this particular unit. But if you have the ability to use a full system like Brian has linked then that's better all round!
 
thanks folks, really useful stuff. It's always tough choosing code readers without a recommendation. I have had a few over the years that were just a waste of money. I will have a look at the links you have sent - really do want to be able to do it myself - knowing exactly what is going on is the way I like it! Been looking into cam sensors today - could well be that and as they are not too expensive I may change them anyway. I intend to get the engine sorted out then start tuning. Loads of ideas...
 
Brian4 said:
Here's the one I have . Needs a laptop with windows on it. Full diagnostics and loads more ...........
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slightly :offtopic: so apologies @NigeB but I'm looking for a package that will run off Applemac if anyone has any suggestions.
 
NigeB said:
thanks folks, really useful stuff. It's always tough choosing code readers without a recommendation. I have had a few over the years that were just a waste of money. I will have a look at the links you have sent - really do want to be able to do it myself - knowing exactly what is going on is the way I like it! Been looking into cam sensors today - could well be that and as they are not too expensive I may change them anyway. I intend to get the engine sorted out then start tuning. Loads of ideas...
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This sounds awfully like my car when the inlet cam sensor played up. If/when you replace it either get genuine from Sopers of Lincoln ( forum discount) or O.E.M. quality ones from the likes of Euro Car Parts, Andrew Page or GSF.

Tony.
 
Brian4 said:
Here's the one I have . Needs a laptop with windows on it. Full diagnostics and loads more.

http://www.bcables.com/

I think your symptoms are either crank or cam sensor which may not show on some generic code readers and it has to plug into the round 20 pin connector under the bonnet. The OBD port has very limited functionality.
Click to expand...
Thanks Brian, I have just looked at both options and purchased the bcables unit - it sounds really great. I am looking forward to having a play with it. - cheers guys
 
jonco said:
slightly :offtopic: so apologies @NigeB but I'm looking for a package that will run off Applemac if anyone has any suggestions.
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not a problem, the one I have just bought bcables says that it can be run on a mac - have a look on Brians link. It sounds great
 
t-tony said:
This sounds awfully like my car when the inlet cam sensor played up. If/when you replace it either get genuine from Sopers of Lincoln ( forum discount) or O.E.M. quality ones from the likes of Euro Car Parts, Andrew Page or GSF.

Tony.
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Thanks Tony, will do. Appreciate the advice. I have learnt more in the last 2 hours than I have in a week on my own!
 
Brian4 said:
Here's the one I have . Needs a laptop with windows on it. Full diagnostics and loads more.

http://www.bcables.com/

I think your symptoms are either crank or cam sensor which may not show on some generic code readers and it has to plug into the round 20 pin connector under the bonnet. The OBD port has very limited functionality.
Click to expand...
Hi Brian, just received my bcables stuff yesterday - took almost a whole day to load it all up and now that I have had a look at it I am a bit scared!:nailbiting: it is really detailed.....I think I need to go and do my Phd before I start!
 
NigeB said:
Hi Brian, just received my bcables stuff yesterday - took almost a whole day to load it all up and now that I have had a look at it I am a bit scared!:nailbiting: it is really detailed.....I think I need to go and do my Phd before I start!
Click to expand...

It isn't too scary once you get started. just use the INPA to start with some of the other programs are for recoding the car. There is also the TIS repair manual which is good as well.

Give me a shout if you struggle and I may be able to help. I don't use mine much but helped with traction control fault and just to check the engine is fine.

great fun operating some lights from a laptop and even more confusing on our 2007 E61 when I had it. 22 modules to interrogate.
 
Brian4 said:
It isn't too scary once you get started. just use the INPA to start with some of the other programs are for recoding the car. There is also the TIS repair manual which is good as well.

Give me a shout if you struggle and I may be able to help. I don't use mine much but helped with traction control fault and just to check the engine is fine.

great fun operating some lights from a laptop and even more confusing on our 2007 E61 when I had it. 22 modules to interrogate.
Click to expand...
Thanks Brian, it's good to know it isn't as bad as it seems! I am going to have a play tomorrow - I changed my inlet cam sensor this evening and went for a blast to see what would happen. All seemed fine until I stopped the engine for 45 minutes then it did it again! Still, at least I get to play tomorrow! I will give you a shout if I get stuck - much appreciate the offer.
 
Had a similar problem on restart on my 2.2. Changed hoses as they were split so it was worth doing anyway! Didn't fix the problem though but Cam sensor did. When my local BMW independent specialist read the codes it pointed to the Cam Sensor. Good luck (great colour by the way). Si
 
NigeB said:
45 minutes then it did it again!
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Hi Nige, where did you source your cam sensor if you don't mind me asking and what did it cost? The reason I ask is I got one from Euro Car Parts and fitted it and it was crap, it failed almost imeadiately (like yours ?) and I had to order another one stressing O.E.M. quality. After fitting this second sensor I've had NO problems at all.

Tony.
 
Agree with @t-tony on OEM sensors - there are many similar stories on forums.
When you read the codes there may well be loads of historical ones recorded which will confuse the issue. Would advise you make a note of them, then clear them and run the car and see what re-appears.
The codes do not always pinpoint the fault but indicate which area you should be looking at.
Good Luck
 
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