E36 318i M44 engine

[Anandp]

Recently i acquired an E36 BMW 318i (M44) twin-cam 16v, manual transmission car and i'm baffled with why i'm experiencing erractic engine idling and fuel mixture burning very rich. Over the weekend after plugging into the Modic tester, it showed that my O2 Lambda sensor was faulty or not functioning properly. I replaced this unit and the Modic test readings came out as all OK.But i'm still experiencing erratic idling as the RPM tends to idle between lets say 1200rpm to 900rpm at standstill. I know that my consumption has risen too as my driving is considered rural driving (i.e) highway driving to Cyberjaya.Has anyone experienced something like this before? What are other possible solutions? Would servicing the trottle body help in rectifying this problem?It's a lovely car to drive, but i'm just a little disheartened by this problem as it's beginning to feel that no one is able to solve this problem.

 

[fabianyee]

any problem with the MAF...???
or is there an ICV for the M44... ?

 

[c-square]

Haven't heard of M44. Must be imported model? :dunno:

 

[fabianyee]

Originally posted by c-square@Feb 22 2005, 06:50 PM
Haven't heard of M44. Must be imported model? :dunno:

M44 is the 318is.... 96 and above....

 

[koryong]

Originally posted by Anandp@Feb 21 2005, 10:27 PM
It's a lovely car to drive, but i'm just a little disheartened by this problem as it's beginning to feel that no one is able to solve this problem.

Wanna sell, ah ? :yes:

 

[Anonymous]

is this an ori m44 car or transplanted one?

 

[elwine30]

if it's a 4 door, 318iS. Then it's a original IS. The ex-owner is my e30 ex-owner's car.

I think i asked b4 anyone wants to buy.. ahhahahaa

 

[Anandp]

Hi Guys,

Yes this is an original E36 M44 318is, 4-door. It was imported from the UK. Unfortunately, she is not for sale, as she is my best buddy and i've invested alot on her. She is running on Bilstein shocks and more to come.

I'm currently in S'pore to buy spare parts and boy it's about 30% to 40% cheaper and i'm talking original BMW parts.

I've just blown money buying the Air Mass Sensor, Idle Control Valve, Idle trottle switch and just last week I changed the O2 lambda sensor. Crank shaft sensor was changed in 2003 as i've the service history of the car.

I just hope this will rectify my idling problem and fuel mixture problem.

Anyway, thanks for all your suggestions, which i took into consideration and i'll let you know the results next week, once i hook them on.

Currently i'm moaning about my bank account balance. Koyak aleady.

 

[kevster30]

Anandp,

Do let us know how she turns out, if not, join us for TT sometime and we can look into it together. BTW, where are you located?

 

[Anandp]

Am looking for a replacement 2nd hand CAT for the exhaust on my M44.

The clown of a mechanic broke the existing CAT (i.e bromite honey comb) saying that my idiling problem could be related to the "CAT being sumbat" Anyway, the box is still attached but i'm experiencing exhaust back-flow.

Have inquired for a AC Schnitzer, Remus or Sebring second hand CAT box, and they freaking cost over RM 1,000. A buddy of mine in Spore who drives a manual 316i, changed his box to a 2nd hand AC and it came up ro S$400, though his was the whole exhaust system.

Would anyone have an alternate suggestion on what I can replace this hollow box with. Would a bullet help? What are my other alternatives?

 

[Anandp]

Hi Kevster,

i'm located in KL. Thanks Kev, will keep your suggestion in mind.

 

[Anandp]

have change the MAF, Idle control valve and trottle switch. Idling problem seems to have stopped, but i'll only find out in the next few days as i drive the car.

Can anyone tell me what is the ideal CO level for a car. initially before changing the MAF, my CO was reading above 7%. after changing the MAF, the CO is hovering between 4-5%, according to the CO meter reading.

The mechanic mentioned that CO is supposed to be around the 1 to 2% level.

When he removed the O2 sensor, the tip of the sensor was black. By right it is supposed to be kind of brownish in colour. Hence the conclusion is, fuel is still burning rich. Have changed all sensors known to my knowledge.

Someone suggested removing all electronic contact points like the MAF connector and spraying contact cleaner solution.

Since the catalytic convertor has been taken out, could this lead to this problem.

Can anyone suggest what to do next, or who can help.

thanks

 

[koryong]

Unless you're terribly environmentally-conscious, you can replace your cat with a good custom-made mid-box.

Go check out JFA Motors in Sunway (Jaafar) - the guy's a genius with exhaust systems.

 

[Anandp]

Fuad,

Thanks for your question on fuel consumption on my M44.

As you would have read above, i've changed the MAF(Mass Air Flow Sensor), TPS (Trottle Position Switch) and Idle Control Valve (IDV).

Somehow it seems to have worked. The erratic idling that i was experiencing has disappeared and my CO reading is back to 1.5%.

On a full tank, i get about 620km, as i'm not driving in traffic jams. My driving is highway most of the time. In most day, my driving speed is consistent as i'm cruising around 100 to 110km/h. there is the occasional 210km/h. Even if i'm driving the car hard, my consumption drops to about 530km for a full tank. Hope this answers your question Fuad.

Cheers

 

[ersalle]

620km (Rural) down to 530km(Urban) ,worth driving it man. Keep the car!! And take good care of it, i was dreaming for this E36 318is M44 in Singapore. But in Singapore most of the 4 doors are auto's except for some of the Coupe's which are manuals. By the way Anand where u get the parts? Eng Soon huh hehehehe

 

[Anandp]

Yep, Eng Soon it is.

I guess i'm one of them lucky ones to get a manual. thanks mate.