Engine Malfunction! Reduced power

[Mahmood07]

Hey guys, I took out the M3 (62k Miles) for a spirited drive today and was pushing it hard. I suddenly got the Engine Malfunction warning with reduced power. I felt the car shaking a bit and I thought that my engine was gone. I quickly stopped by the side of the road and turned the car off. When I started it again the warning was gone but I think there was still a shake in the engine. I drove back home slowly and nothing happened.

Could this be the bearing issue? Or bad spark plugs (I have never changed them)? Any ideas?

[Eau Rouge]

When that happens, shutting off then restarting about a minute later should clear up the problem. A tech told me it isn't uncommon for an oxygen sensor to cause that to happen. If it happens again within a few days, take in for service.

[Petros]

The bearing issue will likely throw a piston out of the engine long before throwing an error code. Your best bet is to scan the car and see the codes. That will indicate possible causes of the problem.

[Mahmood07]

Originally Posted by Eau Rouge

When that happens, shutting off then restarting about a minute later should clear up the problem. A tech told me it isn't uncommon for an oxygen sensor to cause that to happen. If it happens again within a few days, take in for service.

Originally Posted by Petros

The bearing issue will likely throw a piston out of the engine long before throwing an error code. Your best bet is to scan the car and see the codes. That will indicate possible causes of the problem.

Thanks guys, I'm glad it doesn't look like its the bearing issue. I will take it in to the dealer to read the codes.

[tinman831]

Originally Posted by Mahmood07

Thanks guys, I'm glad it doesn't look like its the bearing issue. I will take it in to the dealer to read the codes.

Any autoparts store will read your codes for free. Bmw will charge you I believe.

[nks_bb]

Vacuum sensor was the culprit for me. Just happened less than a month ago and they figured it out (knock on wood) on the 3rd trip to the dealer. Hasn't happened in 2 weeks!!! Get the codes scanned.

[italyix]

Engine shaking sounds also like a bad throttle valve actuator. I had the same symptoms when one of the two went bad. Scan codes and see what it is.

[BPMSport]

Originally Posted by Eau Rouge

When that happens, shutting off then restarting about a minute later should clear up the problem. A tech told me it isn't uncommon for an oxygen sensor to cause that to happen. If it happens again within a few days, take in for service.

I wouldn't listen to that tech anymore...

[Ich_liebe_mein_Auto]

This could be as stupid as Idle air valve...

[Peahi]

Mine was the idle control valve. Sigh.

[V1.47fan]

Originally Posted by Mike Benvo

I wouldn't listen to that tech anymore...

And rather listen to you, the same guy who recommends the the SSP clutch packs, amongst other bs you spew. Lol

[Mahmood07]

Ok so I got the report from an indy shop regarding the faults. They said that they need to replace the Fuel Pump, Conveyor Unit, and Ignition Coil #4. REPAIR ESTIMATE: $975 for Parts & Labor

Here are the faults that they came up with:

- IGNITION #4 FAULT AFTER CAT

- OXYGEN SENSOR BANK (1)

- FUEL SYSTEM LAMBDA CHARGE 1 & 2

- FUEL PRESSURE CONTROL

- FUEL PRESSURE SENSOR


My question is, does this sound right? I haven't heard of many problems here with the Fuel Pump. Also would this cause an engine malfunction warning and Limp mode?

For now, I took the car home and everything still runs like normal. Not sure if this is a serious issue.

[LucWerkz]

Originally Posted by Mahmood07

Ok so I got the report from an indy shop regarding the faults. They said that they need to replace the Fuel Pump, Conveyor Unit, and Ignition Coil #4. REPAIR ESTIMATE: $975 for Parts & Labor

Here are the faults that they came up with:

- IGNITION #4 FAULT AFTER CAT

- OXYGEN SENSOR BANK (1)

- FUEL SYSTEM LAMBDA CHARGE 1 & 2

- FUEL PRESSURE CONTROL

- FUEL PRESSURE SENSOR


My question is, does this sound right? I haven't heard of many problems here with the Fuel Pump. Also would this cause an engine malfunction warning and Limp mode?

For now, I took the car home and everything still runs like normal. Not sure if this is a serious issue.

Those errors happened to me twice. First time I had to replace the low pressure fuel sensor which was an easy DIY. It's a $70 part and located right behind the air box and just screws off and on. You have to be careful though and relieve pressure from the tank to prevent fuel from spraying everywhere. Second time one of my ignition coils went out. It was a $90 part and you'd just pull out the coil as if you were changing a spark plug. Best of luck!

[TexasSpartan]

Same symptoms here and was the low pressure fuel sensor.

[Mahmood07]

Originally Posted by Red_Baron

Those errors happened to me twice. First time I had to replace the low pressure fuel sensor which was an easy DIY. It's a $70 part and located right behind the air box and just screws off and on. You have to be careful though and relieve pressure from the tank to prevent fuel from spraying everywhere. Second time one of my ignition coils went out. It was a $90 part and you'd just pull out the coil as if you were changing a spark plug. Best of luck!

Originally Posted by TexasSpartan

Same symptoms here and was the low pressure fuel sensor.

Thanks for the explanation guys. It sounds like the fuel pump could be fine and it's just the sensors that need replacing. I'll point that out to the shop and maybe save some money.

[jzyaa]

I have the same issues this morning.
I put 104 octane booster for my car ( always put 93 + 104booster). The gas paddle is totally gone. No boost at all when pressing gas. I had to stop the car and let engine cool and restart. I don't know what's the causes yet but I'm afraid auto shops might charge me a lot to fix the problem. (Last time a BMW shop charges me $300 to change brake pads) sad

[kb9uwu]

Originally Posted by jzyaa

I have the same issues this morning.
I put 104 octane booster for my car ( always put 93 + 104booster). The gas paddle is totally gone. No boost at all when pressing gas. I had to stop the car and let engine cool and restart. I don't know what's the causes yet but I'm afraid auto shops might charge me a lot to fix the problem. (Last time a BMW shop charges me $300 to change brake pads) sad

Just have the guys at autozone fix it.

[roastbeef]

spark plug interval is 37,000 miles. might be time to swap those while they are under the hood.

[Wyattearp]

Originally Posted by Eau Rouge

When that happens, shutting off then restarting about a minute later should clear up the problem. A tech told me it isn't uncommon for an oxygen sensor to cause that to happen. If it happens again within a few days, take in for service.

This happened to my car this morning. Although the car was not shaking it just had reduced power as I rolled into a parking spot. I can't afford to leave my car in its current location over night, but I am hesitant to drive it also. I have an appointment Thursday and I can leave the car in my garage until then.

Just curious, for those who have had this happen, shut the car off and the malfunction went away, were you able to drive again or did the warning come back almost immediately. Or is it recommended that I just get it towed? I have about 30-40mi of driving to get it home then to the shop on Thursday.

Cheers,

[Eau Rouge]

Originally Posted by Mike Benvo

I wouldn't listen to that tech anymore...

It's been a while...

Even if I wished too I could not as the tech in question has moved on during the intervening timeframe, but you left me wondering about your own take.

[Eau Rouge]

Originally Posted by Wyattearp

This happened to my car this morning. Although the car was not shaking it just had reduced power as I rolled into a parking spot. I can't afford to leave my car in its current location over night, but I am hesitant to drive it also. I have an appointment Thursday and I can leave the car in my garage until then.

Just curious, for those who have had this happen, shut the car off and the malfunction went away, were you able to drive again or did the warning come back almost immediately. Or is it recommended that I just get it towed? I have about 30-40mi of driving to get it home then to the shop on Thursday.

Cheers,

In my case, there was that single instance in 2013 when the car was about a year old.

[Wyattearp]

Originally Posted by Eau Rouge

In my case, there was that single instance in 2013 when the car was about a year old.

That is good to hear, thanks for the reply. Just topped it off with some fresh gas and I am going to head home and see what happens!