E90 325iSE Flat Spots - BMW 3-Series (E90 E92) Forum

hdickson · 11-04-2005, 05:23 AM

Bought new E90 325iSE in March this year. Noticed a number of flat spots in engine, most noticable at 3200 - 3400rpm. Dealer has updated software a number of times and changed various air filters. Problem still present but BMW (UK) and supplying dealer now claim fault is fixed and refuse to do any further work on car. Dealership principal advised me to look into legal action. If you have the same problem try writing to: -

The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders, Forbes House, Halkin Street, LONDON, SW1X 7DS

Problem is to do with VANOS system in engine. Hopefully by writing to their regulatory body in the UK, BMW will admit problem and replace faulty cars. Problems affect most/all 325's, don't let your dealer put you off by saying it is an isolated problem. Check out the web and you will see how widespread the problem is. Good luck!

David325Australia · 11-04-2005, 07:13 AM

i am pleased to report that my 325 does not seem to have any flat spots. power and torque delivery is terrific.

iam also sorry to read about your problem but unless it is country or production run specific, it doesn't affect all 325 thankfully.

i hope you find a quick resolution to your problem

Hornet · 11-04-2005, 08:04 AM

I did a quick search and found this thread: http://www.e90post.com/forums/showth...=325+flat+spot

saalim · 11-04-2005, 10:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hdickson

Bought new E90 325iSE in March this year. Noticed a number of flat spots in engine, most noticable at 3200 - 3400rpm. Dealer has updated software a number of times and changed various air filters. Problem still present but BMW (UK) and supplying dealer now claim fault is fixed and refuse to do any further work on car. Dealership principal advised me to look into legal action. If you have the same problem try writing to: -

The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders, Forbes House, Halkin Street, LONDON, SW1X 7DS

Problem is to do with VANOS system in engine. Hopefully by writing to their regulatory body in the UK, BMW will admit problem and replace faulty cars. Problems affect most/all 325's, don't let your dealer put you off by saying it is an isolated problem. Check out the web and you will see how widespread the problem is. Good luck!

Very noobish question: What do you mean by a "flat spot"?

jhbodle · 11-04-2005, 01:00 PM

My early E90 325i SE had the same problem when I bought it. I knew it was going to be fixed in a software update so I waited until CIP19 was available at my local dealer and booked it in. Took them 2 days, but they fixed the problem completely. The moment I drove it from the workshop, I stuck it in 2nd gear from 2000rpm and floored it all the way past 4000 - seamless and a very big difference to what it was before.

I don't think they've applied the software on your car properly. How long did it take? They should have had it for 2 days.

jhbodle · 11-04-2005, 01:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by saalim

Very noobish question: What do you mean by a "flat spot"?

A flat spot in the rev range is where the engine seems to 'hesitate' for a moment before regaining power and accelerating again, almost as if you have released the accelerator for a split second and then reapplied it.

MMVI · 11-04-2005, 01:16 PM

I have it..

It is particularly noticeable when the engine is cold.
When accelerating and after about 2.2.5 there seem
like quite a considerable lump in the engine, and then another
one higher up.

I have another fault too. Do you brakes make a continuous tone
most easily heard (obviously when going slow) a bit like a wine glass but sharper.

Has the patch fixed it.
I am going to book mine in.

jhbodle · 11-04-2005, 01:24 PM

The hesitation fix is for the one at around 3000rpm. If you have hesitation at around 2000rpm then you may just be lugging the engine...

...but get it booked in at the dealer for the latest CIP update - it fixes the problem.

jhbodle · 11-04-2005, 01:26 PM

Oh and by the way - the engine does seem quite weak during break-in...don't worry, it gets much stronger after 1200 miles or so.

My brakes dont make any noise...

MMVI · 11-06-2005, 03:19 AM

I've checked, it is around the 3000 mark.

carl_d · 11-06-2005, 10:58 AM

I also drove a demo 325 in UK before and after new software and the flat spot was done!

Quote:

Originally Posted by jhbodle

My early E90 325i SE had the same problem when I bought it. I knew it was going to be fixed in a software update so I waited until CIP19 was available at my local dealer and booked it in. Took them 2 days, but they fixed the problem completely. The moment I drove it from the workshop, I stuck it in 2nd gear from 2000rpm and floored it all the way past 4000 - seamless and a very big difference to what it was before.

I don't think they've applied the software on your car properly. How long did it take? They should have had it for 2 days.

carl_d · 11-06-2005, 11:00 AM

Also, are you all using Shell Optimax 98 RON. Its also makes a big difference.

jhbodle · 11-06-2005, 01:05 PM

Carl_d makes a good point. I've only ever used Shell Optimax because its the only petrol in the UK to give the 98RON needed for the car to perform to BMWs specifications.

11-04-2005, 05:23 AM	#1
hdickson New Member Drives: E90 325iSE Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: East Renfrewshire Posts: 1 iTrader: (0)	E90 325iSE Flat Spots Bought new E90 325iSE in March this year. Noticed a number of flat spots in engine, most noticable at 3200 - 3400rpm. Dealer has updated software a number of times and changed various air filters. Problem still present but BMW (UK) and supplying dealer now claim fault is fixed and refuse to do any further work on car. Dealership principal advised me to look into legal action. If you have the same problem try writing to: - The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders, Forbes House, Halkin Street, LONDON, SW1X 7DS Problem is to do with VANOS system in engine. Hopefully by writing to their regulatory body in the UK, BMW will admit problem and replace faulty cars. Problems affect most/all 325's, don't let your dealer put you off by saying it is an isolated problem. Check out the web and you will see how widespread the problem is. Good luck!

11-04-2005, 07:13 AM	#2
David325Australia Lieutenant Colonel Drives: E90 325i 6sp Auto Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Melbourne Australia Posts: 1,833 iTrader: (0)	i am pleased to report that my 325 does not seem to have any flat spots. power and torque delivery is terrific. iam also sorry to read about your problem but unless it is country or production run specific, it doesn't affect all 325 thankfully. i hope you find a quick resolution to your problem __________________ Jet Black E90 325i Step, heated black leather seats, dark wood trim, sports suspension, 17" 161 style mixed tyres, sun roof, sports steering wheel, logic 7, business nav.

11-04-2005, 08:04 AM	#3
Hornet First Lieutenant Drives: E92 320i Join Date: May 2005 Location: Finland Posts: 385 iTrader: (0)	I did a quick search and found this thread: http://www.e90post.com/forums/showth...=325+flat+spot

11-04-2005, 01:00 PM	#5
jhbodle Lieutenant Drives: E92 335i M Sport Individual Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: UK Posts: 543 iTrader: (0) View jhbodle's Garage	My early E90 325i SE had the same problem when I bought it. I knew it was going to be fixed in a software update so I waited until CIP19 was available at my local dealer and booked it in. Took them 2 days, but they fixed the problem completely. The moment I drove it from the workshop, I stuck it in 2nd gear from 2000rpm and floored it all the way past 4000 - seamless and a very big difference to what it was before. I don't think they've applied the software on your car properly. How long did it take? They should have had it for 2 days.

11-04-2005, 01:16 PM	#7
MMVI Rank Outsider Drives: E92 325i MSport 19" Silver Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: UK Posts: 208 iTrader: (0)	I have it.. It is particularly noticeable when the engine is cold. When accelerating and after about 2.2.5 there seem like quite a considerable lump in the engine, and then another one higher up. I have another fault too. Do you brakes make a continuous tone most easily heard (obviously when going slow) a bit like a wine glass but sharper. Has the patch fixed it. I am going to book mine in.

11-04-2005, 01:24 PM	#8
jhbodle Lieutenant Drives: E92 335i M Sport Individual Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: UK Posts: 543 iTrader: (0) View jhbodle's Garage	The hesitation fix is for the one at around 3000rpm. If you have hesitation at around 2000rpm then you may just be lugging the engine... ...but get it booked in at the dealer for the latest CIP update - it fixes the problem.

11-04-2005, 01:26 PM	#9
jhbodle Lieutenant Drives: E92 335i M Sport Individual Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: UK Posts: 543 iTrader: (0) View jhbodle's Garage	Oh and by the way - the engine does seem quite weak during break-in...don't worry, it gets much stronger after 1200 miles or so. My brakes dont make any noise...

11-06-2005, 03:19 AM	#10
MMVI Rank Outsider Drives: E92 325i MSport 19" Silver Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: UK Posts: 208 iTrader: (0)	I've checked, it is around the 3000 mark.

11-06-2005, 11:00 AM	#12
carl_d Member Drives: 325i M-Sport Join Date: May 2005 Location: UK Posts: 336 iTrader: (0)	Also, are you all using Shell Optimax 98 RON. Its also makes a big difference.

11-06-2005, 01:05 PM	#13
jhbodle Lieutenant Drives: E92 335i M Sport Individual Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: UK Posts: 543 iTrader: (0) View jhbodle's Garage	Carl_d makes a good point. I've only ever used Shell Optimax because its the only petrol in the UK to give the 98RON needed for the car to perform to BMWs specifications.