Engine stuttering at idle

Rainbow · 06-23-2009, 08:24 AM

Hi there

First time poster and long time lurker. Need some help on a problem that I have been having

Car: E92 335
Mods: FMIC, DCI, catback exhaust, OCC
Parts changed in the last 3 months: 2 HPFP, all six injectors, o2 sensors, spark plugs
Fuel used: Shell V-Power 94 Oct

For the parts that were changed, error codes were triggered and the dealer replaced them under warranty

Recently, the engine has developed a slight stutter. At idle, it will drop to 500 rpm for about 1-2 seconds and then back to 700 rpm. It happens mostly at cold starts and once the engine is warm, the frequency of occurrence is less ie once in a blue moon

Car is normally fine when you drive/ floor it, no issues with power delivery etc. In one or two instances, while on partial throttle, the rpms dropped and engine felt like it was fuel-starved but again only for 1-2 seconds

Occasionally, when idling and waiting at say traffic lights, this symptom appears and again only for 1-2 seconds

It does not trigger any codes whatsoever

Dealer is at a lost....any thoughts on what could be causing this?

tks!

ianthegreat · 06-23-2009, 08:51 AM

Sounds like the fuel pump again, sorry. Just as a suggestion, try something other than shell. If you have Chevron there, use that. I had one hiccup in 21k miles where my pump almost went on me and it only happened a month after using Shell. I switched back to Chevron and haven't had an issue since.

May have no scientific relation, but still a weird coincidence.

cincy335i · 06-23-2009, 10:57 AM

It has been discussed many times before to no avail. You can

to find some other threads on this, but there are really no hard fast answers. I actually started a thread about the same thing a number of months ago. Many people have this, it happens, and there is no rhyme or reason for it. It is not the fuel pump necessarily, as you never get the long cranks or reduced power, or any other HPFP symptoms.. I have discussed it many times with my SA at BMW and they can't tell me why either. Sorry there is no difinitive answer.

BavarianBullet · 06-23-2009, 12:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cincy335i

It has been discussed many times before to no avail. You can

to find some other threads on this, but there are really no hard fast answers. I actually started a thread about the same thing a number of months ago. Many people have this, it happens, and there is no rhyme or reason for it. It is not the fuel pump necessarily, as you never get the long cranks or reduced power, or any other HPFP symptoms.. I have discussed it many times with my SA at BMW and they can't tell me why either. Sorry there is no difinitive answer.

As smart as BMW likes to think they are with "Efficient dynamics" etc they sure seem to be stumped pretty frequently by such things as the yet-to-be-resolved HPFP issue (3 years?), odd idling problems etc. Considering the resources a company that size could bring to bear to fix these problems I have to wonder why something like the HPFP is still a problem.

cincy335i · 06-23-2009, 01:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BavarianBullet

As smart as BMW likes to think they are with "Efficient dynamics" etc they sure seem to be stumped pretty frequently by such things as the yet-to-be-resolved HPFP issue (3 years?), odd idling problems etc. Considering the resources a company that size could bring to bear to fix these problems I have to wonder why something like the HPFP is still a problem.

+1000

Rainbow · 06-23-2009, 08:50 PM

tks for the responses guys.

I am aware of the other threads but like you mentioned, the common causes are either the HPFP, coils, plugs, injectors and 02 sensors. With the exception of the coils, all have been changed. Dealer is reluctant to change the coils without an error code and given that the problem is intermittent, it is hard to diagnose

Dealer is trying other approaches (not sure what) so will see how that goes

Meanwhile, if anyone has any other suggestions, pls do chime in

tks!

MNR0 · 06-24-2009, 01:12 AM

Check out your PCV system. If it is faulty, you will need replacement rocker covers. My idle did just that (esp. when cold) and am currently waiting on new rocker covers from Germany

Rainbow · 06-24-2009, 02:37 AM

Tks MNRO. BTW, so that I understand your term rocker cover, is that the same as cylinder head cover?

Rainbow · 06-25-2009, 08:11 AM

anyone know if there is a SIB on the rocker cover/ valve cover replacement?

tks!

ianthegreat · 06-25-2009, 08:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BavarianBullet

As smart as BMW likes to think they are with "Efficient dynamics" etc they sure seem to be stumped pretty frequently by such things as the yet-to-be-resolved HPFP issue (3 years?), odd idling problems etc. Considering the resources a company that size could bring to bear to fix these problems I have to wonder why something like the HPFP is still a problem.

More than likely they contracted w/ someone to make hundreds of thousands of these things. It would be a waste of their time and money to throw those in the garbage to develop a new one. Business as usual.

meinauto · 07-08-2009, 09:24 PM

any updates on your? Has your valve cover been replaced? Problem fixed?

bimmer_335 · 08-08-2009, 02:45 PM

ok I have the exact same issue. Last HPFP was changed on my car with around 12k miles.... now it stands at 37k... the deal is I just started getting this issue... Today I was at the dealer for oil change and he stated it could be fuel pump. I will have to drop the car off during the week so that they can diagnose this.

Its a pity... I hope the new fuel pump is the answer as SA stated it has been redesigned. I definitely need to shop for extended warranty !!!!

yowhuddupb · 08-08-2009, 03:24 PM

i have the same problem occasionally. i actually have a recently replaced fuel pump as well. but i think it started happening when i put my exhaust on. i want to say its because i had to disable the driver-side muffler flap actuator thing is the reason why the idle is stuttering.

AlpineG05 · 08-08-2009, 03:47 PM

i have the same damn issues its annoying could be misfires but who knows i've had my car looked at four times and nothing has been fixed.

branabolic · 08-08-2009, 06:06 PM

mine does the exact same thing when cold. i've never had a long crank.

GrandMaster_B · 08-08-2009, 10:08 PM

I had the same problem and they weren't able to fix it. (09 335, 4,200 miles, bone stock)

SES light on 6 times due to misfires (only during idle after cold start) and 4 trips to the dealer...
1) 6 injectors replaced
2) HPFP replaced
3) ECU software update
4) "Bad" battery replaced. Tested gas sample (this tankful was BP 93) w/ no issue.

They've agreed to buyback the car... probably because I got codes every time.

GrandMaster_B · 08-08-2009, 11:06 PM

To clarify, they said they would "replace" the car. This week I should find out the details.

iE92Beasst · 08-09-2009, 10:23 PM

I had the same problem with my gto when i had it, put the stock airbox back on and see if it works properly. Worked for my old car

My .02

06-23-2009, 08:24 AM	#1
Rainbow New Member 3 Rep 5 Posts Drives: 335 SBlack Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Asia iTrader: (0)	Engine stuttering at idle Hi there First time poster and long time lurker. Need some help on a problem that I have been having Car: E92 335 Mods: FMIC, DCI, catback exhaust, OCC Parts changed in the last 3 months: 2 HPFP, all six injectors, o2 sensors, spark plugs Fuel used: Shell V-Power 94 Oct For the parts that were changed, error codes were triggered and the dealer replaced them under warranty Recently, the engine has developed a slight stutter. At idle, it will drop to 500 rpm for about 1-2 seconds and then back to 700 rpm. It happens mostly at cold starts and once the engine is warm, the frequency of occurrence is less ie once in a blue moon Car is normally fine when you drive/ floor it, no issues with power delivery etc. In one or two instances, while on partial throttle, the rpms dropped and engine felt like it was fuel-starved but again only for 1-2 seconds Occasionally, when idling and waiting at say traffic lights, this symptom appears and again only for 1-2 seconds It does not trigger any codes whatsoever Dealer is at a lost....any thoughts on what could be causing this? tks!
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06-23-2009, 08:51 AM	#2
ianthegreat Colonel 60 Rep 2,314 Posts Drives: n54 Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Pittsburgh/Houston iTrader: (1)	Sounds like the fuel pump again, sorry. Just as a suggestion, try something other than shell. If you have Chevron there, use that. I had one hiccup in 21k miles where my pump almost went on me and it only happened a month after using Shell. I switched back to Chevron and haven't had an issue since. May have no scientific relation, but still a weird coincidence.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

06-23-2009, 10:57 AM	#3
cincy335i Lieutenant 77 Rep 418 Posts Drives: '08 Black Saph 335i coupe 6mt Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Cincinnati, Ohio iTrader: (0)	It has been discussed many times before to no avail. You can to find some other threads on this, but there are really no hard fast answers. I actually started a thread about the same thing a number of months ago. Many people have this, it happens, and there is no rhyme or reason for it. It is not the fuel pump necessarily, as you never get the long cranks or reduced power, or any other HPFP symptoms.. I have discussed it many times with my SA at BMW and they can't tell me why either. Sorry there is no difinitive answer.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

06-23-2009, 08:50 PM	#6
Rainbow New Member 3 Rep 5 Posts Drives: 335 SBlack Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Asia iTrader: (0)	tks for the responses guys. I am aware of the other threads but like you mentioned, the common causes are either the HPFP, coils, plugs, injectors and 02 sensors. With the exception of the coils, all have been changed. Dealer is reluctant to change the coils without an error code and given that the problem is intermittent, it is hard to diagnose Dealer is trying other approaches (not sure what) so will see how that goes Meanwhile, if anyone has any other suggestions, pls do chime in tks!
	Appreciate 0 Quote

06-24-2009, 01:12 AM	#7
MNR0 Private First Class 3 Rep 152 Posts Drives: 335i (also own an LS1) Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: AUSTRALIA iTrader: (0)	Check out your PCV system. If it is faulty, you will need replacement rocker covers. My idle did just that (esp. when cold) and am currently waiting on new rocker covers from Germany
	Appreciate 0 Quote

06-24-2009, 02:37 AM	#8
Rainbow New Member 3 Rep 5 Posts Drives: 335 SBlack Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Asia iTrader: (0)	Tks MNRO. BTW, so that I understand your term rocker cover, is that the same as cylinder head cover?
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06-25-2009, 08:11 AM	#9
Rainbow New Member 3 Rep 5 Posts Drives: 335 SBlack Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Asia iTrader: (0)	anyone know if there is a SIB on the rocker cover/ valve cover replacement? tks!
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07-08-2009, 09:24 PM	#11
meinauto Private 5 Rep 89 Posts Drives: E92 335 Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Malaysia iTrader: (1)	To MNRO any updates on your? Has your valve cover been replaced? Problem fixed?
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08-08-2009, 02:45 PM	#12
bimmer_335 Major 177 Rep 1,123 Posts Drives: 540 mSport Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: In the middle of nowhere, TX iTrader: (1)	ok I have the exact same issue. Last HPFP was changed on my car with around 12k miles.... now it stands at 37k... the deal is I just started getting this issue... Today I was at the dealer for oil change and he stated it could be fuel pump. I will have to drop the car off during the week so that they can diagnose this. Its a pity... I hope the new fuel pump is the answer as SA stated it has been redesigned. I definitely need to shop for extended warranty !!!!
	Appreciate 0 Quote

08-08-2009, 03:24 PM	#13
yowhuddupb Stuntin'. 22 Rep 583 Posts Drives: //Mtrey/K7 GIX600 Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: LA/Santa Monica iTrader: (4) Garage List 1998 Prelude [0.00] 2008 335i [0.00]	i have the same problem occasionally. i actually have a recently replaced fuel pump as well. but i think it started happening when i put my exhaust on. i want to say its because i had to disable the driver-side muffler flap actuator thing is the reason why the idle is stuttering.
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08-08-2009, 03:47 PM	#14
AlpineG05 hi 129 Rep 1,140 Posts Drives: Alpine White G05 Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Bakersfield, Cali iTrader: (1)	i have the same damn issues its annoying could be misfires but who knows i've had my car looked at four times and nothing has been fixed. __________________ 2022 M Sport G05 Jb4, CTS catless dp, M performance exhaust, bms intake, IND goodies, Maxton kit
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08-08-2009, 06:06 PM	#15
branabolic Major 24 Rep 1,037 Posts Drives: e92 335i Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: so. new hampshire iTrader: (5)	mine does the exact same thing when cold. i've never had a long crank. __________________ i'm not addicted to boost, but i sure am more fun when i'm on it.
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08-08-2009, 10:08 PM	#16
GrandMaster_B - 0 Rep 58 Posts Drives: '10 E90 335i Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Philly iTrader: (0)	I had the same problem and they weren't able to fix it. (09 335, 4,200 miles, bone stock) SES light on 6 times due to misfires (only during idle after cold start) and 4 trips to the dealer... 1) 6 injectors replaced 2) HPFP replaced 3) ECU software update 4) "Bad" battery replaced. Tested gas sample (this tankful was BP 93) w/ no issue. They've agreed to buyback the car... probably because I got codes every time. __________________ '10 E90 335i / Le Mans / Saddle / Aluminum / 6MT / M Sport / Premium / Navigation / Logic7 / Heated Seats
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08-08-2009, 11:06 PM	#17
GrandMaster_B - 0 Rep 58 Posts Drives: '10 E90 335i Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Philly iTrader: (0)	To clarify, they said they would "replace" the car. This week I should find out the details. __________________ '10 E90 335i / Le Mans / Saddle / Aluminum / 6MT / M Sport / Premium / Navigation / Logic7 / Heated Seats
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08-09-2009, 10:23 PM	#18
iE92Beasst Youngest 335i Owner + Jb3 map 7 = Me 0 Rep 15 Posts Drives: 2007 335i Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Rockwall, Texas iTrader: (1) Garage List 2007 335i [0.00]	I had the same problem with my gto when i had it, put the stock airbox back on and see if it works properly. Worked for my old car My .02 __________________
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