Recently there was a post here regarding the EML light and loss of power on a 318 E46. My wife's car developed the same problem and on a diagnostic computer, it said Valvetronic unit. I phoned BMW and got a huge quote to supply and fit a new unit. I got other varying suggestions one being to try the coil packs!
However, I was on the phone with Mark (BMW breaker Straffan) regarding a different matter and I explained my problem. Straight away he said your problem is an air pipe at the top of the engine underneath the plastic engine cover. He said these pipes are flimsy and often collapse. He was bang on. A similarly sized sturdier pipe from another engine fitted and the car is running fine ever since.
I have put this post here so that people don't
When your car is being serviced next it would be worth your while to check the condition of the pipe or consider changing it for a sturdier one before the car lets you down.
However, I was on the phone with Mark (BMW breaker Straffan) regarding a different matter and I explained my problem. Straight away he said your problem is an air pipe at the top of the engine underneath the plastic engine cover. He said these pipes are flimsy and often collapse. He was bang on. A similarly sized sturdier pipe from another engine fitted and the car is running fine ever since.
I have put this post here so that people don't
- (A) get ripped off or
- (B)don't spend a lot of time and effort chasing a problem!
When your car is being serviced next it would be worth your while to check the condition of the pipe or consider changing it for a sturdier one before the car lets you down.
