QuestionThanks a ton for you guidance...
Yeah, I finally figured out that it didn't have a distributor. Hello... McFly is there anyone home... LOL
Air filter has been replaced.
Fuel Pressure appears to be great.
Fuel Filter has been replaced.
Oxygen sensor condition/age is unknown, but the car has 144K and it's likely not been replaced.
Restricted Exhaust, not sure and am I wrong in assuming this is not likely the problem because the problem was intermitant up until lately.
Not sure if the intake boots are torn/displaced, it's been dark every time I've been able to work on it, but will verify this weekend.
I can hear significant air movement under the intake, so a leak is a distinct possibility.
Plug condition was wet when checked and appeared to be fuel, but as mentinoed lighting was not the best.
Cleaned throttle body and all exterior moving parts.
Not sure where the idle valve is?
Mass airflow meter was cleaned, I think. Is it in the air filter housing?
Here's where we are now. After receiving your response I removed the air filter housing and cleaned surface areas the two sensor in the air filter houseing with carb cleaner. one was hooked to what appears to be vacuum hoses. The other was hooked to wires and the actual sensor was a thin metal reed surrounded by plastic. Also pulled the air intake cowl and again cleaned the throttle body. Removed and inspected the throttle body position sensor at least that is what I think that is what it is called? Put it all back together and it still ran rough, rich and was still spitting and sputtering. However after a few minutes of letting it attempt to idle it slowly began to idle somewhat normal. I was able to drive it home. It's still running rich and I have this gut feeling the problem is still there.
Thanks again for all your wisdom!
maj
(Mike)
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The text above is a follow-up to ...
-----Question-----
Vin #BJ90857 BMW 525i Salon 145K miles.
I realize you mentioned 1999 or later, however the other person is maxed out on questions. If you can help it would be greatly appreciated.
Just bought the car and ran great for a few weeks. However when you stepped on it, the car would accelerate fine, but would start to spit and sputter afterwards. It would then slowly begin to idle and drive normal. I changed plugs and it went away, full power and no sputter. A few days later and without warning it began to spit and sputter any time the gas was pushed. It idles a little rough and doesn't have any power.
I'm not at all familiar with the location of components. I've purchased the distributor cap, rotor, plug wires, etc. However, I cannot seem to find the distributor? It is not on top and the plug wires seem to lead into the firewall.
So, what do you think are the most likely causes for the lack of power, spit and sputtering? Also, where in the heck is the distributor?
Sincerely appreciate your time!
Thanks, Happy New Year and take care.
maj
-----Answer-----
Mike, I've got some bad news. Your engine doesn't have a distributor. Ignition timing is controlled by the engine computer. You have an M50 motor. You should have six individual ignition coils correct? For your lack of power complaint you need to check some basics. Air filter condition? Fuel Pressure? Fuel Filter condition/age? Oxygen sensor condition/age, Restricted Exhaust? Intake boots torn/displaced. Plug condition (is it wet with fuel?) and color. Check throttle operation and clean it. Same with idle valve. Mass airflow meter operation and condition.
-Evan
AnswerMike, I would hunt down that air leak that I believe you have with a smoke machine if possible or a can of brake cleaner or the like. If everything checks out then look to the O2 sensor. The Back to the Future reference is appreciated. Do you have a check engine light on?
-Evan
