328i running issues

[Simon]

First time my E36 has ever let me down....

Runs perfect from cold, but once given a run and switched off, restarting has it running lumpy, cutting out and just generally running like crap.

Changed the temp sensor and fuel relay so far, but no difference...anyone have any ideas?

[Simon13]

plug her in, could be MAF, cam sensor playing up or lambda sensor maybe

[Simon]

Cheers Si...typically when the garage plugged it in, they couldn't get the fault to occur

I have a spare MAF...perhaps I will try changing that to see if it makes a difference.

[Simon]

Question for you too...is the lambda sensor on an alpina exhaust in a different location to the standard system? Bagged myself a full alpina system for it.

[Simon13]

no it uses the same manifolds as the 328i, so same locations on lambda as in one on each manifold. The alpina system is just different after the flange.

Did you get the little link pipes with the exhaust? They connect the system to the manfolds. As the exhaust is the same for LHD and RHD cars.

Is it a system off a 3.0 or 3.2 car? they're different but i know the difference! Will sound good on the 328i i had a 3.0 system on my old 328 touring

[Simon]

I'll be honest...I can't remember which it came from...

Got the link pipes and the olive.

[Simon]

Came from a car that blew it's engine at the ring. Guy was putting a S50 engine into it.

[Simon13]

the "o" ring gaskets are the same as a 540i e34 parts iirc thats how big the bore size is over stock 328!

[Ant]

Check the breather system Simon, Fooked cyclon valve will behave as described.



BMW DIS will show a code for excessive crankcase pressure as the tension on the PCV valve goes up but Snap On and most aftermarket scanners don't list it

A gurgling dipstick tube is another give away

Hope ya well

[Simon]

Thanks Ant. Would this cause it to cut out clean though? It sometimes just cuts out, and refuses to start...as if the fuel feed is just being cut.

Runs perfect for about half hour, but then runs awful.

[Simon]

Just thought I'd update this, it was the crank angle sensor that was causing my problems.

[Bela]

Was going to suggest crank sensor, those symtons sound exactly like the problems I had.

Which sensor did you go for as a replacement?

My original sensor lasted 3yrs+ from when I got my car, but the replacement lasted only a year with the current one starting to play up less than a few months in.

[Simon]

The one I replaced it with is a VDO sensor.

[Bela]

I think I have the same one, will need to check with my mechanic.

Hope it goes well now