[jzj]

My brand new 328i coupe has a weird problem that occurs when idling, but only during the first 3-7 minutes after the initial start of the day. When sitting at a stoplight right after beginning the first drive of each day, the tachometer starts fluctuating between 600-1000 RPM and the car starts shaking. No warning lights come on. Usually, the fluctuations don't begin until the second stoplight and they may happen one more time at the next stoplight. After that, the problem disappears for the rest of the day. The symptoms started the day after I took delivery.

After duplicating the problem, checking the car for several days, and discussing the issue with BMW of N.A., my dealer believed that it was likely a fuel quality problem. They suggested that a few tankfuls of Chevron gas would probably take car of it. (I guess the BMW gas they put in wasn't up to snuff!)

A few tankfuls later, I still have the problem, so bad gasoline may not be the issue. I will take the car back to the dealer, but thought I would check to see whether anyone else has experienced and solved a similar issue or has a suggestion of what BMW should investigate next. Thanks.

[Jace_91]

It could just be part of the warmup phase, I was taught by my dealer that the car goes through a 3 stage warm up, the you might be feeling the whaling in the 2nd phase. Is it a violent shaking? or just more than usual.

[mike3000fl]

its brand new?

i would have it in the dealer right now, make them give you a loaner.

they need to make it right.

not sure if the problem is major enough to fall under lemon laws.

[plokij]

used to happen to me frequently, then less frequently, now i haven't noticed it in a while. feels like engine knock to me, something that would happen when changing grades of fuel. california only has 91 octane. the factory may have used 93 or above to perform checkout prior to ship. just a thought.

i wouldn't/don't worry about it.

[jzj]

Originally Posted by Jace_91

It could just be part of the warmup phase, I was taught by my dealer that the car goes through a 3 stage warm up, the you might be feeling the whaling in the 2nd phase. Is it a violent shaking? or just more than usual.

I wouldn't call it violent, but the car rocks noticeably as the RPMs go up and down. I took delivery of the car on August 31 and noticed the problem the next morning.

My dealer checked the car for several days, agreed that the problem exists, but could find no code errors. So they told me to try several tankfuls of Chevron and bring the car back if the problem persists. It is not something I want to experience at the beginning of every day, so I will pursue a solution. Besides, based on my experience with the same engine in my 2009 328i, I know this behavior is not normal.

[Jace_91]

They should definitely find a solution for you, especially considering the car is brand new.

[scrufy]

Originally Posted by Jace_91

It could just be part of the warmup phase, I was taught by my dealer that the car goes through a 3 stage warm up, the you might be feeling the whaling in the 2nd phase. Is it a violent shaking? or just more than usual.

It could just be part of the warmup phase, I was Lied to and snowed- with the smoke going up my arse, by my dealer that the car goes through a 3 stage warm up, the you might be feeling the whaling in the 2nd phase. Is it a violent shaking? or just more than usual.


There, fixed that for you.

[mike3000fl]

drop off your car, get loaner, dont go back until it is fixed.

they want chevron in the tank, they can put it in. not your problem.

they are stalling so you dont try to return the car and get your money back. they want their money for the sale. once you are stuck with it they will fix it and bill bmwna for the work.

[scrufy]

It's like every other car on the road. there is no such thing as a three stage warm up .. jeeze...

[Chriztofor]

Originally Posted by Jace_91

It could just be part of the warmup phase, I was taught by my dealer that the car goes through a 3 stage warm up, the you might be feeling the whaling in the 2nd phase. Is it a violent shaking? or just more than usual.

When you said "I was taught by my dealer" I lost all faith in you.

[90rr]

Originally Posted by plokij

used to happen to me frequently, then less frequently, now i haven't noticed it in a while. feels like engine knock to me, something that would happen when changing grades of fuel. california only has 91 octane. the factory may have used 93 or above to perform checkout prior to ship. just a thought.

i wouldn't/don't worry about it.

same here ... now i use only shell 93 oct. v power . no more shakes

[spanner1751]

My car also has a minor hesitation/stumbling for a few minutes when it's cold. I plan to take it in to the dealer and have them check it out. I haven't noticed the tach fluctuating, though.

[mikechow]

Did a search and end up here. My car does the same thing, but at the end of my drive. This is the 2nd time it happen as I was just pulling up to my destination. The "issue" started just before i was about to shut her down.
I used only Chevron 91 and sometimes Shell if i have to. I'm the only owner and this never happened before until recently. Car is stock. 43.6k mi.

Anyone have an idea what's going on? Im going to call BMW first thing in the AM.

Got a brief vid of it in action with my phone

[blingman]

after seeing that video, thats definately not normal, u need to bring that car back and make them fix it.

[mikechow]

Originally Posted by blingman

after seeing that video, thats definately not normal, u need to bring that car back and make them fix it.

Thanks Blingman.. Yah, i'll def give BMW a call first thing in the AM

[InRage]

I also have the same problem. Feels like the car is going to die but doesn't. If it happens it is after starting in the morning. I put 91 in it since I'm in Cali, 93 is hard to find. Haven't gone in because I just don't have time. Going to see if I can find some gas or maybe a fuel additive maybe?

I have 2011 328 vert

[BlackSheep343]

What brand of fuel are you using?