[BMW F22]

Here's the story: a few months ago I got the "Engine oil low" light on. I topped it off. A month or two later the "service" light came on. It was time for an oil change. I took it to a local shop and had the oil change done there. After that it was okay for about a week. Then all of a sudden the "service engine" light came on. Since then every now and then when I hit the gas the car would sputter (some vibration can be felt and heard inside the cabin) and then the engine light would come on. Has anyone experience this problem before? I would like to know what could be wrong so I can get around to fixing it... *sigh*

PS- the guy at the shop said there is a tear in the transmission sleeve and that the transmission fluid was leaking a bit. He said I would be okay for a few months (been spending so much fixing things on this car...). Could it be a transmission issue? I'm planning to get it fixed soon but would like to know if that is the issue or if it's something more.

[Cisco661]

most likely a bad ignition coil. i had same rough idle and sputtering

[GoRomeo]

Originally Posted by Cisco661

most likely a bad ignition coil. i had same rough idle and sputtering

hi there, how many miles you got on ur 330i? I havent had any issues...yet

[Cisco661]

its got 66k. car has had torn cylinder head bolt replaced, starter motor replaced, SZL replaced, actuator, and 3 ignition coils replaced. the third one happening yesterday. other than that the car has been great. runs smooth. im the third owner and have had it about 1 year. just out of warranty this past october. all maintenance is up to date.

[GoRomeo]

Originally Posted by Cisco661

its got 66k. car has had torn cylinder head bolt replaced, starter motor replaced, SZL replaced, actuator, and 3 ignition coils replaced. the third one happening yesterday. other than that the car has been great. runs smooth. im the third owner and have had it about 1 year. just out of warranty this past october. all maintenance is up to date.

dang! thats a lot of problems in my opinion for a 330i. Its freaking me out... I have noticed a small leak on my top cover gasket and thats about it... I have 88K miles

[Cisco661]

Originally Posted by GoRomeo

dang! thats a lot of problems in my opinion for a 330i. Its freaking me out... I have noticed a small leak on my top cover gasket and thats about it... I have 88K miles

lol! u got a pic so i can compare to mine? all repairs prior to last ignition coil were done under warranty. other than ignition coils i feel that the other problems really didnt affect the engine. ive read that the torn cylinder head bolt are very common. i would remove cover and visually inspect. also water pump and thermostat fail around 100k

[GoRomeo]

Originally Posted by Cisco661

lol! u got a pic so i can compare to mine? all repairs prior to last ignition coil were done under warranty. other than ignition coils i feel that the other problems really didnt affect the engine. ive read that the torn cylinder head bolt are very common. i would remove cover and visually inspect. also water pump and thermostat fail around 100k

lol thanks for the warning! but yes I will have to check soon. Do you think I have a torn cylinder head bolt in mine?

I have a friend who is a BMW tech I will ask him to help me. I just dont have the tools.

[Cisco661]

yea get him to pull of the engine cover and check it out. have hime check hoses and belts while hes at it.

[GoRomeo]

Originally Posted by Cisco661

yea get him to pull of the engine cover and check it out. have hime check hoses and belts while hes at it.

Thanks will do. I will have him help me change the spark plugs and Vanos too..why not...

Thanks again for your input!

[BMW F22]

I also heard that these cars tend to leak in the transmission area? Called a local (pretty popular) shop and they said that a transmission service is $800.

[GoRomeo]

Originally Posted by BMW E90

I also heard that these cars tend to leak in the transmission area? Called a local (pretty popular) shop and they said that a transmission service is $800.

dang! I wonder if changing the fluid help to avoid this tranny service. But does not BMW says its lifetime. I am confused.

[BMW F22]

^ Hmmm...I will have to ask about that lifetime tranny fluid. Thanks for mentioning that!

[queensfield]

Actually, BMW says to change tranny fluid at 100K miles, eventhough the sticker on the tranny pan states lifetime. When u do the fluid change, drop the filter and pan, and change the mechatronic sleeve at the same time.

[E90Alex]

Definitely check the coil. I believe my car had the same problem cisco's car had and it resulted in sputtering and weird noises when I would accelerate.

[MrQuickR1]

Although I have the 328, I have been getting similar symptoms at 62+k
Mainly felt when it's still cold the most. Today made me say F it and going to buy all 6 coils and plugs and go from there.
Hitting the gas lightly after getting off for a second to go around a bend, back on gas and it cuts out real quick like it's choking or "sputtering"
No lights at all but could be the beginning stages before the light is activated.
Found the coils online for 246 shipped all 6 @ ecstuning.com

[djjasper]

Originally Posted by MrQuickR1

$246 shipped all 6 @ ecstuning.com

That's a good deal! Easy DIY too.

[MrQuickR1]

Originally Posted by djjasper

That's a good deal! Easy DIY too.

Yea it isn't bad, Actually I ordered through autohausaz.com 10 bucks more free shipping, the other one was tacking shipping on in the end so either way its good.
all 6 ngk plugs were just ordered from rockauto.com. $9.82 per plug which the cheapest other than that found was $15/16 so I had to do it!

I hope the sputtering issue gets resolved OP, nothing worse than having that feeling of just smashing it into a wall and walk away. I get that every other day for 3 months now. Let us all know how it goes, I will report back after I install and drive for about a week or so for a more accurate report.

[HurtsMyWorld]

My 335i felt like what you described. Car vibrated real bad when driving and reduce power light came on. Went to dealer thinking it was plugs or a coil. But turned out to be cylinder 6 fuel injector was bad. Look into that area if no one has mentioned it.

[HurtsMyWorld]

Originally Posted by BMW E90

I also heard that these cars tend to leak in the transmission area? Called a local (pretty popular) shop and they said that a transmission service is $800.

That also better be a complete rebuild for 800 bones. BMW changes out the fluid for less than 150 if I'm not mistaken.

[BMW F22]

Originally Posted by HurtsMyWorld

That also better be a complete rebuild for 800 bones. BMW changes out the fluid for less than 150 if I'm not mistaken.

They said it's replacing the sleeve, fluid, pan, some small parts for $800. Another shop quoted $550 so I'm probably gonna go that route.

[BMW F22]

Originally Posted by HurtsMyWorld

My 335i felt like what you described. Car vibrated real bad when driving and reduce power light came on. Went to dealer thinking it was plugs or a coil. But turned out to be cylinder 6 fuel injector was bad. Look into that area if no one has mentioned it.

I'll ask them to take a look. Thanks for mentioning it!

[BMW F22]

Originally Posted by MrQuickR1

Yea it isn't bad, Actually I ordered through autohausaz.com 10 bucks more free shipping, the other one was tacking shipping on in the end so either way its good.
all 6 ngk plugs were just ordered from rockauto.com. $9.82 per plug which the cheapest other than that found was $15/16 so I had to do it!

I hope the sputtering issue gets resolved OP, nothing worse than having that feeling of just smashing it into a wall and walk away. I get that every other day for 3 months now. Let us all know how it goes, I will report back after I install and drive for about a week or so for a more accurate report.

Thank you! I'm making an appointment for next week to get it fixed. I'll update you guys.