M40 316i Spontaneously Dies when Diagnostic Connected

Need technical Q/A then you're in the right place

Moderator: martauto

User avatar
omera60
E30 Zone Newbie
E30 Zone Newbie
Posts: 22
Joined: Fri Aug 28, 2020 4:04 pm
Location: Istanbul/Turkey

Post Fri Feb 02, 2024 9:23 pm

Hi All,

I have a quick question.

Sometimes after connecting my 01/1990 E30 316i to diagnostics (doesn't matter what brand or type, even ISTA is included). After some time on diagnostics (couple of minutes) my revs just start to jump and down once or twice and then the engine dies. After this happens I turn the key off and then on again. It starts right back up no problem.

After the stall, when I log into the error memory it shows 2 errors:

- Fault Code 1: DME Error
- Fault Code 3: EKP Relay

However, these will disappear on the next start.

I have a good spare DME and it does the same on that one as well. EKP Relay I have a couple and I changed that as well as the DME Relay but it made no difference.

There is no stall issue otherwise, meaning no diagnostic use = no problem.

Any ideas on this issue?

Many Thanks,
Omer