Rough start post actuator replacement

kawstik · 06-05-2016, 01:41 AM

Hey all,

My 2008 M3 was the smoothest starting car I've ever owned, especially after my Stage 2 BPM tune (cat delete warmup start). It was like clockwork. Insert key, push start, turn, turn, vroom. Whether the car was warm or cold, whether it was 95 or -05, she fired up exactly the same every time (62k miles).

That said, I recently had to have my actuators replaced (covered under EasyCare warranty), and ever since, it struggles to fire up during cold starts. It always starts on the first button press, but it's a 5 second struggle instead of the 1 second two-turnover fire up I'm used to (warm starts are fine).

I thought it might be shitty gas, but I'm on my 3rd tank (Shell, BP, and Exxon) and I've run both a Chevron Fuel System Cleaner and an Amsoil PI through the system with minimal improvement.

I've searched the forums regarding this issue, pretty extensively, to no avail.

Has anyone experienced similar issues? My warranty isn't proactive, meaning something essentially has to break before action is taken.

Thanks in advance!

RickP · 06-05-2016, 06:30 AM

Have you tried re-flashing you BPM tune? Could the dealer/mechanic have overwrote your BPM tune with stock?

yidgyi · 06-05-2016, 08:23 AM

Also have this issue. Curious if anyone knows why.

Beemdog · 06-06-2016, 03:13 PM

Since it happened right after your actuators were replaced, one would suspect an assembly error. I had a similar issue with my old Nissan Z where the mechanic had left clamps loose after a recall repair leading to minor intake air leaks. A 5-second struggle to start isn't normal so it may be valid to take the car in on that alone. I would check all the plenum clamps for proper tightening and inspect as many other hose connections in the plenum area as possible. Cold start requires a rich fuel:air mixture so any intake air leaks are likely to cause hard starting when cold.

06-05-2016, 01:41 AM	#1
kawstik Lieutenant 605 Rep 438 Posts Drives: E92 M3 6MT Join Date: Jan 2014 Location: Pittsburgh, PA iTrader: (13)	Rough start post actuator replacement Hey all, My 2008 M3 was the smoothest starting car I've ever owned, especially after my Stage 2 BPM tune (cat delete warmup start). It was like clockwork. Insert key, push start, turn, turn, vroom. Whether the car was warm or cold, whether it was 95 or -05, she fired up exactly the same every time (62k miles). That said, I recently had to have my actuators replaced (covered under EasyCare warranty), and ever since, it struggles to fire up during cold starts. It always starts on the first button press, but it's a 5 second struggle instead of the 1 second two-turnover fire up I'm used to (warm starts are fine). I thought it might be shitty gas, but I'm on my 3rd tank (Shell, BP, and Exxon) and I've run both a Chevron Fuel System Cleaner and an Amsoil PI through the system with minimal improvement. I've searched the forums regarding this issue, pretty extensively, to no avail. Has anyone experienced similar issues? My warranty isn't proactive, meaning something essentially has to break before action is taken. Thanks in advance! __________________
	Appreciate 0 Tweet Quote

06-05-2016, 06:30 AM	#2
RickP Lieutenant 165 Rep 418 Posts Drives: E92 M3 Comp/DCT Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: Chi-town iTrader: (0)	Have you tried re-flashing you BPM tune? Could the dealer/mechanic have overwrote your BPM tune with stock?
	Appreciate 0 Quote

06-05-2016, 08:23 AM	#3
yidgyi ///M 237 Rep 703 Posts Drives: 2013 E92 M3 ZCP Join Date: Oct 2015 Location: Northern VA iTrader: (0)	Also have this issue. Curious if anyone knows why.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

06-06-2016, 03:13 PM	#4
Beemdog Woof! 352 Rep 1,323 Posts Drives: '11 M3 ZCP LeMans Blue Join Date: Mar 2014 Location: Sonoma Cownty, CA iTrader: (0) Garage List 2005 Dodge Viper [9.00] 2011 BMW M3 E92 [9.50] 2009 Ducati Hypermo ... [10.00]	Since it happened right after your actuators were replaced, one would suspect an assembly error. I had a similar issue with my old Nissan Z where the mechanic had left clamps loose after a recall repair leading to minor intake air leaks. A 5-second struggle to start isn't normal so it may be valid to take the car in on that alone. I would check all the plenum clamps for proper tightening and inspect as many other hose connections in the plenum area as possible. Cold start requires a rich fuel:air mixture so any intake air leaks are likely to cause hard starting when cold.
	Appreciate 0 Quote