N42 engine issues?

Post Fri Mar 25, 2011 11:12 pm

Picked up a cheap E46 318i with N42 engine.
Every now and again it puffs out a fair whack of White smoke.
Only lasts for maybe 20 seconds at most but its quiet thick smoke.
No overheating issues or signs of oil/water mixing etc.
Has an annoying flat spot when pulling out of junctions unless the revs are built up before letting the clutch out in which case its fine.
Had codes read and all clear.
It had a new fuel filter and fuel line at BMW about a month ago but not sure if that was related to this problem or not.
Im going to pick up oil,plugs and filters for it tomorrow and give it a service.
Does the N42 engine have a CCV similar to the M43 engine?
Are these symptoms of a knackered CCV?

Post Sun Mar 27, 2011 5:17 pm

Anyone know?

Post Sun Mar 27, 2011 8:42 pm

Bit unusual for there to be no fault codes how does the engine sound any unusual noises , with the engine running is the oil cap been vacuumed down.

Post Sun Mar 27, 2011 9:44 pm

I took the top engine covers off to get access to the plugs,PITA that was.
Plugs were obviously old but looked to be in good condition although number 3 smelt slightly of fuel?
One of the earth leads that bolt to the rocker cover for the coil packs had been bolted down with a bolt that was 5mm too long so wasnt getting any real connection so ive redone that

There is a small breather pipe that connects onto the TB-MAF pipe that was split so ive replaced that.
Still havent picked up the service bits for it yet so ive no idea if any of the above have made a difference yet.

The engine makes no unusual noises and the oil filler cp looks new,not checked if its being sucked down.

Post Sun Mar 27, 2011 9:53 pm

Mate i have nothing of value to add.

Wish i could help,
I will ask my tame BMW trained (15 years) now ownes his own independent BMW/Mini place, mate. I will let you know what (if anything) i find out tomorrow

Post Sun Mar 27, 2011 10:22 pm

Dezzy wrote:Mate i have nothing of value to add.

Wish i could help,
I will ask my tame BMW trained (15 years) now ownes his own independent BMW/Mini place, mate. I will let you know what (if anything) i find out tomorrow

Was hoping Barry would see this post and offer his input too

Post Sun Mar 27, 2011 10:53 pm

I thought he would have cleared this up too.

If he doesnt then i will deffos ask tomorrow

Post Sun Mar 27, 2011 11:29 pm

Very hard to tell from the look of the plugs not really sure why but the platinum and iridium plugs can show no visual faults but have seen them cause major flat spots on some of the vag stuff

Regards

Post Wed Mar 30, 2011 6:32 pm

Super common for the n42's to jump timing teeth. Would explain why it's pretty gutless. Approx 186 for absolutely everything from BMW. Pretty straight forward to do as well but you will need the timing kit. And the sump though autodata says remove, there is no need.. Crank bolt is on bloody tight though!

Post Wed Mar 30, 2011 8:28 pm

badassyas wrote:Super common for the n42's to jump timing teeth. Would explain why it's pretty gutless. Approx 186 for absolutely everything from BMW. Pretty straight forward to do as well but you will need the timing kit. And the sump though autodata says remove, there is no need.. Crank bolt is on bloody tight though!

Its not gutless,infact it goes pretty well.
Ive fitted new plugs,air filter,fuel filter and oil and filter change and its much better now.
Still has a tiny flat spot when its warmed up but is perfect when cold?
When swapping the air filter over I could smell the MAF.
It has a faint burnt wire type smell suggesting to me that it could be knackered?
Certainly made a difference doing the service though.