I recently bought a BMW E36 318i, but it has an M42 engine. When the vehicle is cold it constantly switches off but once it warms up a little it runs perfectly. What could be the cause of this please?

Dave C

• 1050 Answers
• Posted on Apr 06, 2009

SOURCE: 318 timing chain setting m42 engine with out bmw tools

Remove the cam cover, remove the spark plugs, turn the engine to number 1 TDC, put a pencil in spark plug hole number one and twist the crank back and forth and make doubly sure you are at TDC. Now loosen the four bolts at the front of each cam sprocket, check TDC again with the pencil and rocking the crank, now take the pencil and lay it across the flats at the back of each cam. Twist the cams very carefully so that the pencil sits flat on each cam square. Snug up the sprocket bolts and use the pencil to check TDC again! Now check the cams again. Repeat the procedure until you have the cams flat and the engine at TDC.

Testimonial: "worked perfect"

SOURCE: Eml and diagnostic problems

As for the limp mode unless you have an expensive diagnostic system this usually has to be done by BMW (anything to get ya to a dealership!!). The comms problem, is the key turned in the ignition?

SOURCE: 1984 Jaguar xj6 runs rough on cold start and fuel

Hello Drankin ;
The causes of this particular problem can be that of many . Is this car a daily driver or a garage queen ? I would attack this problem by ruling out the items with the lowest cost first . Please note that the info below are some of the steps I would take at tackling this problem .

a) Check that your oil filler cap is on tight and that the seal is good .
b) Check the electrical connections to be certain nothing is loose .or disconnected .
c)If the car has been sitting, run it for a while and try to empty the tank of that old gas . I would refiill it with new gas and fuel injector cleaner .
d) I would change the fuel fiter with a new one .You must do this with the engine depressurized and off with both filler caps open .
e) You could also check for air leaks at the intake manifold .
f) How is your exhaust ? Is it leaking ?Is it blocked at the ends ?
g) Check the the Butterflies on the Air-Flow-meter . Make sure that they open and close easily . There are spray on cleanes for this . Do not hone the openings .
h)Relace the charcoal cannister .
i) I would do a compressionon all 6 cylinders
j)Check the fuel pump for proper pressure or replace it .
k) At the emission's station check to see what is the idle mixure and you may need to have the idle mixure adjusted on the airlow meter .
L) Check/ Rule - Out the Auxillary air valve .
m) Check/ Rule - Out the Fuel Injectors .
n) Check/ Rule -Out the Coolant temperature Sensor
o) Check/ Rule - Out the Air Temperature Sensor
p) Check/ Rule - Out the Thermotime Switch

I hope that this has been helpful to you .

SOURCE: BMW 318i M42 Engine tapping and other noise. Have video

could be the oil pump. Had the same problem w/ E 30. Installed a pressure gauge and check performance at different speeds. Pressure was consistently low against specs. Change the pump . . problem gone.

Rod Wallberg

• 494 Answers
• Posted on Feb 21, 2010

SOURCE: 2006 Dodge Gr. Caravan. Loud humming noise upon

Misalignment of the belt, incorrect belt, worn or loose tensioner, Too tight of an adjustment (many service centers do this on purpose so when the belt breaks in it becomes properly adjusted, I do not believe in this philosophy), The belt is actually one long belt called a serpentine belt.....