1996 BMW 316i Compact Loss of Power

Not familiar with the 316i but have had 97 M3 which exhibited similar trait. If the car is manual transmission try to gently pull the steering wheel to each direction while trying the key. If the vehicle is an automatic make sure the shift lever is all the way into the park position. In both cases it could be the safety interlock is causing the problem.
Depending on the mileage of the car - and for a 98 at an average yearly rate of 12K per year - I'm guessing the miles are up there, the ignition switch iteself could need replacing. If you have a good shop manual (Bentley) and posses mechanical abilities it is not too difficult.

So, here's what you have to do - it's a frikkin tranny reset!!

Drive in manual mode M5 for 5 minutes at over 60MPH, then switch it to M6 for 1 minute, then back to M5 for 2 minutes, then back to auto.
Note: the car is going to sputter continuously when you have it on M5 for the 5 minutes.

That was it - drove around for 30 minutes afterwards and no issues what so ever!! Unbelievable!!!

you should have the fuel pressure and volume checked with a gage to compare it to specs.the pressure should be 35lbs and the volume should be about 1 pint in 30 seconds.you could have a plugged fuel filter as well.

Try replacing the fuel filter, especially if you've run the tank low. Micron screen has picked up all the **** in the bottom of the tank.

These can be bought at most discount parts huses, e.g. Autozone, Advanced Auto, O'Reilly's, and Pep Boys for about $20.00. Haynes Service Manual:

i am driving a bmw316i 1997model on my dashboord showing this (!)when i am driving could u tell me what does it mean

i dont know about that but if its on that means that you have some senser failing its test maybe wheel speed senser.

on bm it is 1,3,4,2, or on 6 cylinder models 1,5,3,6,2,4.

hook up the fan striaght see if it helps

checked the motorblock gasket?
if there is a little bit of water coming out of your exhaustpipe, that is the problem