Bmw z3 running bad

[zedonist]

It's a bluetooth or wifi adapter that you plug into the OBD and use an app such as Dashcommand on your phone or tablet. You need a wifi version for iPad / iPhone and Bluetooth for android phones / tablets. You will also need the round converter cable. But in total should cost no more than a tenner.

Where are you located out of interest?

 

[Jlp]

I'm in Bolton area up near Manchester just been looking at eml and they look like they only work vehicles 2001 onwards mines 2000 bmw z3 1.9 I don't think it will work will have to research it some more thanks any way

 

[zedonist]

Mines a 1998 1.9 and it works

 

[billz]

Our 3.0 wouldnt read on the Engine OBD conector. My mech cleaned the pins up then it started to work. He told me it is usually an issue if they are not used often. He is a recognised BMW indie and has all the BMW software. So maybe the pins just need cleaning

 

[Jlp]

Ok it's worth a punt only £10 for elm because I have an iPhone which would be best app to use with elm thanks Jason

 

[Jlp]

By the way my z3 has both obd terminals 16pin under dash and 20 pin under bonnet so will get an eml and try it thanks

 

[Jlp]

Mechanic has got data cable from snap on direct and is comming down tonight said he will find out what wrong with z3 maybe I shouldn't slate him seems like he's going to sort car out yippie I hope he does.

 

[oldcarman]

Here's hoping for a result finally!! JIM

 

[Jlp]

Lets hope so what it was with mechanic is he employs 6 lads at garage and 2 of them have been off for a week so it was all hands on deck but because he's doing z3 for me in his own time to keep cost down I've been shoved to one side understandable but at least he's getting on with it he quite knowledgeable on bmw as he owns new shape x5 and 535msport so I should be in safe hands will let know outcome soon thanks Jason

 

[Jlp]

Finally my mechanic has been down plugged in obd reader and it came back as misfire cylinder 1 and 4 and camshaft sensor failure so my mechanic has ordered coil pack and plugs and sensor and is fitting them Monday so should be back in the z next week yippie !!!

 

[GazHyde]

Another victory for the humble code reader. Really is an essential for everyone's toolkit!

 

[t-tony]

Great news Jason. Hope you're up and running soon mate.

Tony.

 

[zedonist]

The misfire will be caused by the cam shaft sensor as it controls firing timing. I would ask him to fit this first, may save you a fair bit of money.

 

[billz]

The misfire will be caused by the cam shaft sensor as it controls firing timing. I would ask him to fit this first, may save you a fair bit of money.

2nd that

 

[Jlp]

Hi everybody yes my mechanic plugged his snap on obd reader cost about £2000 bit expensive for me to buy one I have 2 obd readers
and they won't work with z3 £30 ones and he had to get a cable from snap on to z3 but never mind I know what's wrong now and that's half the battle won thanks for your support will let u know how I get on when he checked with just ignition on it said misfire cylinder 1 and 4 and camshaft sensor fail but when we got it running it just came up as misfire on 1 and 4 ht leads r new so-mechanic said he will fit a new coil pack and good quality plugs so hopefully will be back on rd soon

 

[zedonist]

This might help your mechanic, on cars with a timing belt a cam shaft sensor fault normally means the belt has stretched, which causes the timing to be out and the engine to misfire, remedy change the timing belt.

On the Z3 you have a timing chain, these do not stretch, therefore when you get a cam sensor fault on a Z3 it is the sensor that is faulty and as a consequence produces a misfire.

I would suggest taking the car for a short 20 minute drive to see if the fault returns, if not I would suggest it as an old stored code, and fit the cool pack.

 

[t-tony]

What you say re chain stretch may not occur on a Z3 but I does often happen with Nissan, Vauxhall and Toyota cars. Usually due to lack of servicing (oil changes). And it produces exactly that fault.

Tony.

 

[zedonist]

I agree Tony a stretched timing chain would give the same result, but it is less likely on the Z3, can't rule it out though as you say, lets hope the last owner of JLP's was not a Nissan Owner too

 

[Jlp]

Hi thanks lads like I said when car was running cam shaft sensor code did not show up again but misfire cylinder 1 and 4 showed again so mechanic said it was more likley coil pack and plugs so he said he will change these first and if fault persist he will change camshaft sensor putting in decent parts not cheap ones don't want fault comming back in a couple of months with cheap parts so will see after Monday what happens.

 

[Jlp]

Just say as well lads bought car 1 month ago sold as seen 2 lady owners from new full bmw service history 71000 miles she's half decent thanks Jason