Loss of power and misfire

[MRH1966]

Hi all. About 2 months ago I bought this Z3 1.9 on a 51 plate. M43 engine I think. Since I have had it I have given it an oil change, new air filter, new radiator, new oil filter housing gasket and fixed the roof from leaking, all from the help and knowledge from this forum. My son even got a Z3 as he liked mine so much.
Anyway, Lovely day today so went out with top down. Stopped to get petrol, started up ok, accelerated out of garage to join traffic and it starts to misfire and lose power. limped her home. won't tick over but starts ok.
I have check the air pipes and all ok. I have removed the cam sensor from the front of the engine and cleaned (a little bit better) and checked all electrical connectors. Is there another sensor to the back of the engine, below the starter motor? We have ordered a code reader for our cars but hasn't arrived yet.
Anywhere else I could look? Only transport I have!!

 

[jonco]

Re-fuel a co-incidence? Were you nearly empty or was there a decent buffer in the tank? May be worth checking with garage if there have been any other complaints.
The fact it improved slightly when you cleaned cam sensor may be an indication.
Whereabouts in the country are you? There may be somebody nearby with a reader who could help you out.

 

[MRH1966]

Still had quarter of a tank left. never let my cars get too empty.
I am in Sussex, Lewes area.

 

[jonco]

Still had quarter of a tank left. never let my cars get too empty.
I am in Sussex, Lewes area.

Ok - bit far for me - could have used my diagnostic kit if you had been nearer (a lot).

 

[MRH1966]

Thanks anyway

 

[mktommo]

I had a very similar tale recently and turned out to be the cam sensor - I'm not an absolute expert but they can look ok but still malfunction. I had to change mine twice as the first one that I changed (it was brand new) but was faulty. Its all running perfectly again with the second new sensor.

If its not that it could be fuel filter or fuel pump......?

A code reader is on my shopping list - it looks like it will be an essential part of running an older car - and may come in handy for the daily runners too.

Good luck.....!

 

[MRH1966]

Thanks for that. This is the cam sensor at the front of the engine? Do you know if they have another towards the back of the engine just below the starter?

 

[jonco]

Thanks for that. This is the cam sensor at the front of the engine? Do you know if they have another towards the back of the engine just below the starter?

There is a camshaft sensor at the front and a crankshaft sensor. Position varies with different models can be at front or on side by starter.
You may already know this but if you go to http://www.realoem.com/bmw/enUS/showparts?id=CH72-EUR---Z3-BMW-Z3 1.9&diagId=11_2685 this shows camshaft sensor which they call a trigger contact for an M44. If you go to select another car and input your VIN you can look up the parts for your car. HTH

Edit - this may be of interest http://www.pelicanparts.com/BMW/tec...r_Testing/24-FUEL-Camshaft_Sensor_Testing.htm

 

[MRH1966]

My local eurocarpaarts has a sensor in stock and are open in the morning £36.99.......will go tomorrow and get one....

 

[Dickymint]

I think I read somewhere if there is a air leak in the filler cap it affects the running of the car or am I going mad? anyway just thinking out aloud as you filled up it started soon after

 

[Dino D]

My local eurocarpaarts has a sensor in stock and are open in the morning £36.99.......will go tomorrow and get one....

Just make sure it's OEM quality ( I think it's Siemens or Bosch or maybe another German company). Sensors and MAF's made by other companies fail early or don't work to begin with.
I think it was @t-tony that posted up pics of a sensor from a motor factors that was in fact a Bosch part but had the logo grinded off so the motor factors could sell it as 'OEM' quality and not branded (which would be a higher price of course!)

 

[windym]

Hi I had cam sensor problems including starting, gauge needles all over the show and bad running, the thread below shows how to change the sensor. I used an OE by Delphi £52 from Eurocarparts.

https://zroadster.org/threads/self-test-mode-on-z3-new-camshaft-sensor.12806/

Andy

 

[MRH1966]

Just a quick update...........All fixed!!!........cam sensor was knackered........seams to be running fine now.........just taken for a short blast up and down the road and no misfire and ticking over as it should.............shows how different the problem can show it's self on different cars.......
Just need to sort out the sticky throttle and change the gearbox oil!!!!!!
Thanks everyone for your input.........