Help, E46 sluggish

[sangkuriang]

Hi all and sifus, Humbly reporting that my ride E46 320 (2 litre model, Jap spec 2001) has no power. Its not a problem in the morning, only after it travels certain distance and engine temp stabilised and restarted for next journey (after stopping for breakfast or something) that this happen. When pressing the accelerator, the car is not responding and the RPM revved to 2,000 to 2,500 RPM only. Further movement in AUTO mode only initiated by d car dropping down the gear to move forward and continue cruising, still no pulling/pushing experienced. This is weird as if somehow fuel/air mixture issue or something else. Please advise what should I check (other than the OBC) like ignition coil, spark plug, engine oil, air mass sensor, camshaft sensor, clutch plate. The car was serviced 7,000km ago and regular items changed are oil filter, fuel filter (very dirty), air filter.If any of you sifus/friends out there ever experienced these, please share and enlighten my mood.Thank you in advance.

 

[veedub]

If not mistaken, it should be the air flow sensor problem, i faced this problem once on my Japan spec 1.9L, the only usable RPM range is about 3000, if you press further, the car is car refusing to go, then no accelaration at all, going up hill also a problem.
about RM 950 for mine, but better go n OND than only u change it, coz not cheap..

 

[dalcross]

supercharge it

jk, is the car in 'limp home' mode? exclamation mark next to the gear indicator? happens to me sometimes

 

[sangkuriang]

Thanx Veedub and already checking the part number but to wait since might not solve the prob.

Latest update. This morning went checking the spark plug. The so called (used only 15,000km) NGK BMW ori part was very dirty with carbon and have them replaced with Bosch platinum, RM35 a piece, come to RM210. Reasonable since negotiated for zero RM labour cost (goodwill/good faith from my mech. and the guy was carrying it through heavy rain), what a commitment. Now she starts singing again, felt the power flow and delivery so much better than the old NGK BMW plugs. But caution, since phobia sets in, to monitor for several days and will update the forumers again.

Still keep my mind open on the air flow mass sensor, will change if need be.

Thanx guys.

 

[sangkuriang]

Dalcross, true, its a "limp home mode" but in a totally wrong direction since I'm limping off to work BUT the exclamation mark near the gear indicator did not flash in my car, unless I pulled the plug off from the sensor body. Once put back, everything ok, infact computer code checking also indicated acceptable air mass through various sensor points (2 points I think).

 

[chris2000]

sangkuriang

Did changing the plug solve the problem?? Or you changed more things?

A friend's car had similar problem. Need help from you since you have the same problem.

 

[sangkuriang]

Chris,
Not really, the problems still comes only after restarting the car after the engine achieved optimum temperature. But at least now, its okey if teh engine restarted when its cold. So not a problem to go and back from works.

I have not changed the Mass Air Flow sensor yet. Expensive and may not solve the issue. Will try swapping with some friends lonce I got the opportunity.