[gpropa]

I just bought my 2006 330i one week ago. I got a crack in the windshield two days after I bought it. Two days ago I was low on fuel and the range went to about ten miles. I re-fueled ( premium ) and was on my way. It ran fine that day and the day after; until that night. I got out of dinner and went to my car and when I started it, it took many more turns than usual to start the engine. Once the engine turned, the tach dropped to idle and then felt like it was going to bog out if I didn't give it gas. Then, while shifting gears it felt like when I put my foot on the gas it burped before accelerating. It took more time to start the second time after I got it home, waited a while, then tried again. I started it this morning by flooring it in second after I hit the start/stop button. I ran it on the highway for a while to try and blow some of the suspected gas out. When I got to a light, I had to give it gas to prevent it from stalling. Then it was idling fine in my driveway, when I got it home. I just went out to start it and it won't turn and it smells like an exhaust smell. The service engine soon light came on while driving the highway. I guess it senses the misfire. It ran fine on the highway, but even when shifting from 4th to 5th, I could feel it putter a tad before the tach got high enough to start supplying the engine with power; no problems when cruising. What is wrong with my new ( used) car. It has 51,000 miles on it, so I smell an issue. It's in my driveway now and it won't start.

[NiVeDh]

Maybe the clutch is giving out. I'm not sure though. Maybe someone more knowledgeable can chime in.

[JSpira]

Wow, I can't imagine letting the tank get that empty.

That CAN'T be good for the engine (apparently, based on your post, it isn't).

Good luck. Sounds like a visit to the dealer's workshop will be in order.

[gpropa]

Maybe a fuel pump or injector is clogged??? I just got it started, but I'm not going to drive it until I go home from the shore. I guess I'll have to drive it right to my BMW service guy.

[ilia]

My guess is (and it is strictly a guess) that the fuel filter needs to be changed. When you let the fuel get that low all of the particles left since 2006 get sucked in the fuel line and the filter gets clogged. Just my 2 cents and good luck!

[LoCalM5]

You may have also done some damage to your cats by letting the fuel get that low.

[darkphantom]

you still have warranty right? take it in if you can

[gpropa]

The warranty is up at 50k it had 50,500 when I bought it and 51,500 now. Anyone know someone with a heart of gold who works BMW service in the Philadelphia region? I think it's a fuel filter that needs changing.

[JSpira]

Originally Posted by gpropa

The warranty is up at 50k it had 50,500 when I bought it and 51,500 now. Anyone know someone with a heart of gold who works BMW service in the Philadelphia region? I think it's a fuel filter that needs changing.

I don't think you need someone with a heart of gold for this repair but rather a certain amount of competence.

Did you look at BIMRS?

[gpropa]

I know a BMW tech in town who is good. Between the windshield and this, I'm not off to a good start. Thanks for the help. Does anyone know if I can get it certified with 51k on it?

[JSpira]

Originally Posted by gpropa

Thanks for the help.

Happy to help. I saw a listing on the BIMRS site for someone who may not be too far from you as well.

Originally Posted by gpropa

Does anyone know if I can get it certified with 51k on it?

Certified for what? If you mean as in a CPO from a BMW dealer, you can't certify a car you already own to begin with. That's for used cars that are being sold to new owners or for a car coming off lease where the owner has decided to purchase it as a CPO (when the car qualifies, of course).

[pacman]

Originally Posted by JSpira

Happy to help. I saw a listing on the BIMRS site for someone who may not be too far from you as well.


Certified for what? If you mean as in a CPO from a BMW dealer, you can't certify a car you already own to begin with. That's for used cars that are being sold to new owners or for a car coming off lease where the owner has decided to purchase it as a CPO (when the car qualifies, of course).

maybe he meant extended warranty/maintenance?? i dont think he would be eligible now anyways..

[gpropa]

I meant extended maintenance. It's probably too late. Well, Monday morning early, I've got to fire it up and drive 90 miles to my BMW serviceman. Wish me luck. Thanks for all the feedback.

[sly1types]

I really doubt it is the filter. I would guess it is bad gas. Where did you get the gas? At a good chain station? Where you usually do?

Or it might be your fuel pump as the problem started when the car was starting. Even a really clogged filter might only reduce the flow by a few %.

I have ran my cars down to 10 or 15 till empty many times. I usually fill up at 20-30 till empty.

[ENINTY]

Originally Posted by sly1types

I really doubt it is the filter. I would guess it is bad gas. Where did you get the gas? At a good chain station? Where you usually do?

Or it might be your fuel pump as the problem started when the car was starting. Even a really clogged filter might only reduce the flow by a few %.

I have ran my cars down to 10 or 15 till empty many times. I usually fill up at 20-30 till empty.

I agree w/sly1. Might be water in the gas. Fuel filters are really hard to clog, besides it's part of the fuel pump and costs about $300 to replace.

[gpropa]

I'll know tomorrow ( if I can get it home ). If you need to refill your tank before it gets to a certain numerical mileage count, then it shouldn't indicate you have that much fuel left. Another way to get me to bring my car in to a licensed, authorized yadayadayadayada..... yeah yeah yeah. It's my third and they all hemorrhage cash. Bull.

[IlliniDave]

I've had similar problems with my 06 330i (bought with 41kmi; now has 45kmi) in the last few weeks. My car was stalling as I was turning through a stop light or accelerating through 1st/2nd gear.

First time I took it in, SA mentioned they measured 15% alcohol levels in my gas. We filled with premium and added the BMW fuel system cleaner and seemed to be the solution......

until.......

it died again when my wife was driving it. Error messages that popped up were consistent with an electrical issue (TPMS, DTC, DSC) but also had a transmission error. Currently in shop to get a thorough assessment.

My gut feel is it has something to do with the fuel pump, but what do I know.....

All this after I got the cylinder head replacement to fix the valve lifter ticking issue.

I've told the sales mgr at my dealership that if I have to come in there one more time for an engine issue, I'll be leaving with a different car.

[ElRedOne]

Originally Posted by gpropa

The warranty is up at 50k it had 50,500 when I bought it and 51,500 now. Anyone know someone with a heart of gold who works BMW service in the Philadelphia region? I think it's a fuel filter that needs changing.

Take it to Black Forest Auto in Phoenixville. Heyward Meyers, who owns the shop, knows more than many dealer techs, and he is extremely honest.

[rotaryboy]

Ya as others have said doubtful it's the filter. I'm leaning towards gas. Keep us posted.