[Swervin_Mervin]

Hi all, been directed here with my problem and haven't found anything via search so here goes:

Had my 2006 E91 330i now since early Dec 2012 but it's developed a very annoying and potentially dangerous problem. At low speeds the 'box (or something else) seems to get confused and on application of the throttle it cuts all power dead!

Last week as I went to pull out of a layby I tried 4 times to set off. Foot off brake, car creeps, press throttle and it stops dead!

Local Indy previously reset a few things and it seemed to help but I can't keep having everything reset every month, so anyone any idea what's going on?

It's pretty serious when you're almost half out of a layby with a 44t Artic bearing down on you, or partway into a roundabout!

[ska///235i]

Maybe Eccentric Shaft Sensor...pretty common on 2006 330s

http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=814611

[BoogeyMan'sBMW]

Can you be a bit more specific? Does the car/engine turn off or is the throttle just becoming unresponsive?

[Swervin_Mervin]

Engine doesn't shut off, no. It's almost like a severe Traction Control cutting in and just cutting all power. When I lifted back off the throttle it picked up drive again and started creeping.

This has only happened once from standstill I would say. Previously it's manifested itself on low speed turns at junctions (not sure what gear in would be in but my guess would be low speed in 2nd). In those instances it was a brief cut of power/drive and then it seemed to right itself and kick back in.

It happens maybe once every 1-2 weeks, so not on every journey.

[nate5ks]

Did the Indy mechanic scan for codes?

[Swervin_Mervin]

He did and I don't remember anything worth mentioning coming up. I seem to recall something about the Footwell Control Module but I'm sure that was something to do with it needing updating.

I'm dropping it in next week for them to hook it up and see if any codes come up.

[nate5ks]

Your FRM has nothing to do with this. It may need a DME software update.

[Swervin_Mervin]

Ok, quick update.

No fault codes. Only a couple of minor updates required e.g. PDC

The problem hadn't re-occurred at all though...until tonight. Went to enter a roundabout and bam, dead stop. So had to abort that entry and booted it at the next opportunity and slithered round like a lunatic!

[shotoverhill]

This is exactly what has happened to me, mine is a May 2007 E90 Saloon 330i - any luck finding a solution?

Originally Posted by Swervin_Mervin

Engine doesn't shut off, no. It's almost like a severe Traction Control cutting in and just cutting all power. When I lifted back off the throttle it picked up drive again and started creeping.

This has only happened once from standstill I would say. Previously it's manifested itself on low speed turns at junctions (not sure what gear in would be in but my guess would be low speed in 2nd). In those instances it was a brief cut of power/drive and then it seemed to right itself and kick back in.

It happens maybe once every 1-2 weeks, so not on every journey.

[Swervin_Mervin]

None whatsoever so far chap!

Just done 2000mi in France and had it on a couple of occasions coming off roundabouts. Thankfully no one behind me!

Someone did suggest a tear in the MAF hose so I'm going to check that out myself. Otherwise could maybe just be a dodgy sensor that's on its way out but not enough to yet throw a fault?

[shotoverhill]

I've been running Shell V Power and it has improved matters, at least I think so, but not eliminated altogether. If find a fault I'll post here to let you know, otherwise fingers crossed it doesn't happen turning right from a junction in front of fast approaching traffic.

Originally Posted by Swervin_Mervin

None whatsoever so far chap!

Just done 2000mi in France and had it on a couple of occasions coming off roundabouts. Thankfully no one behind me!

Someone did suggest a tear in the MAF hose so I'm going to check that out myself. Otherwise could maybe just be a dodgy sensor that's on its way out but not enough to yet throw a fault?

[StealYourFace]

Does just the engine die, or does it lose all electrical power?

[shotoverhill]

Originally Posted by StealYourFace

Does just the engine die, or does it lose all electrical power?

Engine fails to respond, revs stay at tickover, almost like a severe and temporary 'limp home mode' which lasts for just a few seconds. Electrical power seems fine.

I'm still not sure if it's the engine or gearbox?

[Swervin_Mervin]

Yep, same here. It's like a severe Traction Control cutting in and generally (for me) only happens when the car is properly warmed up

[smellthebeans]

Vanos sensors?