car problem

[modena]

I have a 2000 bmw z3 and i have been having a problem with it recently. Sometimes it starts hard, and it feels as if I am being robbed of my power at times. Like I accelerate very slowly as compared to a few weeks ago. Sometimes it is better than other times though and sometimes it is really bad. Occasionaly the check engine light comes on. Any ideas?

(I have made an appointment to have it looked at, but that is like 5 days away)

[AlpineJay]

spark plugs?

[modena]

Yea that was what my dad was thinking either spark plugs or fuel injector. Hopefully it is something as simple and cheap as spark plugs!

[adjaw]

Check the air in the tires.

[modena]

how would that make the car hard to start? or make the engine run weaker?

[mechmike0034]

Lacks power and CEL on - you're doing the right thing, even if your appointment is five days out.

[modena]

mechmike - what do you mean by doing the right thing? :)
also, think it could be water in the gas line?

[mechmike0034]

mechmike - what do you mean by doing the right thing? :)
also, think it could be water in the gas line?

Taking it to someone who (hopefully) knows what they're doing for a proper diagnosis. It does sound fuel related, like contaminated fuel, or lack of fuel pressure/flow for whatever reason.

If the CEL is on, I'd be interested in finding out what DTCs (Diagnostic Trouble Codes) are set.

This isn't a Ferrari, or a Fiat, is it? :)

[modena]

its a bmw z3. I added dry gas to it last night, seems to have made somewhat of an improvement, but I suppose I will still take it into the shop tommorrow. Like I cant notice anything wrong with it after adding th dry gas, but that doesnt mean something isnt wrong.

[Merlin]

Ah, greetings fellow Z3 driver.....

After you burn through the tank of gas you have go to a different place to fill up. Every so often you can get a tank of bad gas that will make it run crappy. Outside of that it could be a lot of different things. You are lucky that the light came on. The error code will give them a good starting point. Outside of that a simple tuneup might be all she needs.

[adjaw]

how would that make the car hard to start? or make the engine run weaker?

It has something to do with the Flux Capacitor

[modena]

mechanic said something like it is a cam-valve- timing thing
didnt really understand him but that is what the error light was and that would cause the problem i was having.

[rollhard]

whens the last time you had a tune-up?

[modena]

it ended up being a pulse generator that needed replaced....works well now.
Anyone know what a pulse generator is?

[Grimm]

it ended up being a pulse generator that needed replaced....works well now.
Anyone know what a pulse generator is?
Didn't that used to be called a coil?

[mechmike0034]

Pulse generator might be a camshaft position sensor, or you may have had a problem with the Variocam (variable valve timing) system.

Have a look at this page - scroll down to the VANOS section...

http://www.ukcar.com/features/tech/Engine/vv/vvt_3.htm

[modena]

thanks mechmike, link isnt working but i am going to try it again when i get home

[Merlin]

I just had to have the cam shaft sensor replaced in my Z3. Rather than rob me of power it caused me to stall out. It did make the check engine light come on.

[modena]

merlin, know of any good sites for buy after market z3 stuff, or tuning stuff for a z3, just curious as to what is out there

I def would like to get dvd screen in the visor!

[Merlin]

I have a 1.9 and there is really not too much out there for it. If you have one of the six cylinder models and want to improve performance I would suggest Dinan. They can really improve performance without ricing up the car.

As for the dud screen....you must be on crack as the visor in a Z3 is only 4 inches wide and to mount anything bigger than a cell phone screen would look ridiculous.

And here is a pretty good site for Z3 owners. Reviews of aftermarket parts and the like.....
http://mz3.net/

[modena]

I have a six cylinder 2.5

Yea I know the visors are small but i still think it would be pretty sweet with a 3.5in or 4in screen in one!