EML - Running Rough

[md23]

Hi All

Just had oil service last week and only issue found was a leaking power steering pipe which was fixed under warranty on Saturday so all should be running sweet you'd think. Out tonight and dropped a gear to overtake a slow moving jeep and EML comes on and car has no power/starts running like a tractor. Limped along the road for a couple of miles then just as I get near home light goes off/normal service resumed.

Any thoughts on likely cause? Think I'll get it checked out anyway as under warranty but curious to see if anyone else has experienced similar.

Thanks

Mark

[Nords]

They might have reset the SMG with software and the SMG is 'relearning' you? Just see if it does it again...

[NZ_M3]

Nah EML has nothing to do with the SMG .... my guess is perhaps a coil is about to go out in your car so it's throwing a bit of a tantrum - the symptoms sounds consistent with a bad coil.

Take it to a dealer and get them to plug it into the GT1, should show a fault code.

[md23]

Thanks NZ! :thumbs:

Will call them today and see what they say.

Cheers

Mark

[digi]

Hi All

Just had oil service last week and only issue found was a leaking power steering pipe which was fixed under warranty on Saturday so all should be running sweet you'd think. Out tonight and dropped a gear to overtake a slow moving jeep and EML comes on and car has no power/starts running like a tractor. Limped along the road for a couple of miles then just as I get near home light goes off/normal service resumed.

Any thoughts on likely cause? Think I'll get it checked out anyway as under warranty but curious to see if anyone else has experienced similar.

Thanks

Mark

Hi mark,

I think it may be the TPS (Throttle Position Sensor). Cheap T-shape thingy.

Here are some guys that had similar prob to you:

http://m3forum.net/m3forum/showthread.php?p=3810687

There are a few possibles like vaccum hose, pressure reg. ignition coil etc, but I'd get it plugged to read the fault codes.

Its number 2 in realoem:

http://www.realoem.com/bmw/showparts.do?model=BL96&mospid=50641&btnr=13_0911&hg=13&fg=15

[md23]

Thanks Digi

Going in to dealer tomorrow for diagnosis. Will post results when I get back.

Cheers

Mark

[bryce]

Did the car pretty much shut down and not let you rev it or use full throttle?

Mine did this and it turned out to be the o2 sensor in the zorst.

[md23]

That sounds about right Bryce. We'll see what they say when it gets hooked up tomorrow. Bit of a bugger really as was looking forward to a good blast up to Blairgowrie tomorrow...

Cheers

Mark

[md23]

Well, after all that the prognosis is that there's feck all wrong with it! Techy said it might be because they had the airbox out to replace the power steering pipe last weekend and it just had a bit of a wobbly. I'm not convinced but neither am I technically minded enough on these things TBH so I'll just have to take their word for it. The EML in itself doesn't unduly worry me it was the complete lack of power (especially since it happened as I pulled out to overtake). Or does it / can it go into limp home mode when it comes on?

Cheers

Mark

[bryce]

It sounds exactly like what happened to me Mark. My scenario:

Left the house, travelled ~4 miles @ 60 til temp was up to about 75*c, came off a roundabout in 3rd and nailed it when I was at about 3k rpm. It sputtered and totally died. EML light on and I could barely get 50mph out of it. If I used too much throttle it'd die even more. Got home and called the dealer, next day light was off.

They changed the o2 sensor in the exhaust and she's been brand new ever since.

Not sure if this sensor would show up on their computer, but it sounds very similar to what your experiencing. Going into limp mode is just a safety thing for the car, not gonna do any harm if its a silly sensor though!

[md23]

Cheers for that Bryce, it sounds like exactly the same thing. Did you have any recurrence or did it just happen the once and you got the o2 sensor changed? Has been fine since but always at the back of m y mind...

I'll ask the dealer about the sensor.

Thanks again.

Mark

[bryce]

It just did it once, and the EML stayed on til the next day. Got it changed and its sound now.

Let us know how you get on.

[md23]

Sorry for delay in response. Haven't had any problems since so assume the techie was correct re having the airbox off for the power steering pipe replacement...

Mark