Z3 Intermittent Stalling Issue

[360Guy]

Just purchased a 2001 3.0L Z3 roadster. The car is in great condition with only 75,000 miles. The engine runs smooth as silk but I am having an intermittent stalling issue. I’ve researched the forum but cannot find a thread for this exact issue. Here’s the situation: I will start it up cold and drive it for an hour or so, park it for a short time (half an hour), and as soon as I restart it and slowly drive away it will immediately stall. Sometimes it will idle a little rough when it stalls out, but other times it is idling fine. It always restarts without any further issues. The check engine nor any other warning lights come on when this happens. Again, it seems to be an intermittent problem. Any ideas as to what might be causing this would certainly be appreciated!

 

[colb]

No engine management light on but scan it just to make sure there are no codes set. Usual cause of what you are experiencing is a failing camshaft or crank sensor, start with the inlet cam sensor, not cheap ones, use Bosch or Seimens brands.

 

[t-tony]

You need to get a code reader connected up to the car and see if any fault codes are stored. Where are you located?

Tony.

 

[360Guy]

I just ordered an Ancel BM700 full system diagnostic scanner with the engine adapter. Should have it in a few days and will let you guys know what it may find. Thank you for your help thus far!

I'm located in Homosassa Florida one hour north of Tampa on the west coast. Appreciate you helping a colonist!

 

[t-tony]

I just ordered an Ancel BM700 full system diagnostic scanner with the engine adapter. Should have it in a few days and will let you guys know what it may find. Thank you for your help thus far!

I'm located in Homosassa Florida one hour north of Tampa on the west coast. Appreciate you helping a colonist!

Please keep us posted on your progress.

Tony.

ps. We have a home in Kissimmee.

 

[360Guy]

Purchased the Ancel BM700 code reader that's made for BMW's. Got a 7B activation map cooling fault code showing a P1620 code with the descriptive "map cooling thermostat control circuit signal high" message. I had a new thermostat installed 30 days ago so I'm wondering if the fault code just wasn't cleared. Thinking of clearing it to see if it comes back. Hoping the new thermostat isn't a dud.

The only other fault code that showed up was "Terminal 30 not O.K. on the data stream. Could this be a low voltage situation affecting the fuel pump relay?

 

[NZ00Z3]

Terminal 30 is battery voltage, so it's hot all the time.

Get your wiring diagrams from the "Resources" section of this forum (see blue ribbon at the top of your screen), they could be on the second page. Then work your way through them to see if it would impact the fuel pump relay.

 

[IanA]

Beware transient OBD codes. IME it's best to clear all existing codes before any fault finding and then let the fault re-establish itself in the scanner. That way you can be sure you're dealing with valid "fresh" fault codes.

 

[t-tony]

Good point Ian.

Tony.

 

[IanA]

It can be a bit disconcerting when you connect a scanner for the first time in a while and see about 20 codes !!!

 

[t-tony]

I usually do exactly what you suggested but you can sometimes take it fore granted that someone else will too.

Tony.

 

[360Guy]

HI guys. I went ahead and cleared the codes. Did a re-scan and nothing is showing up fault-wise. I will keep checking to see if they come back. Many thanks for your assistance!

 

[Mr H]

I've just started experiencing the exact same problem! Scanned with a C310 and get a Code 41 "Signal, inlet-camshaft sensor". Any wise words of wisdom or guidance; please!

 

[t-tony]

I've just started experiencing the exact same problem! Scanned with a C310 and get a Code 41 "Signal, inlet-camshaft sensor". Any wise words of wisdom or guidance; please!

It sounds as though you need to replace the inlet camshaft position sensor. But first clear the code and see if the same one returns. To change this sensor I wrote a “How to” guide when I had my Z3, easy job but do not buy a cheap aftermarket sensor they rarely work for long, if at all. Go genuine or OEM part.

Tony.

 

[Mr H]

It sounds as though you need to replace the inlet camshaft position sensor. But first clear the code and see if the same one returns. To change this sensor I wrote a “How to” guide when I had my Z3, easy job but do not buy a cheap aftermarket sensor they rarely work for long, if at all. Go genuine or OEM part.

Tony.

Thank you Tony. yep, cleared code and it returned almost straight away. I've tried looking on here but cannot find your guide: please could you point me in the right direction?

Regards

Simon

 

[colb]

How To Guide - INLET CAMSHAFT SENSOR - REPLACEMENT.

I had to replace my inlet camshaft sensor, again, last weekend and if you find yours needs replacing and aren't sure how to do it, here's how. Firstly, to change it you have to be able to see it. 1. Remove the key from the ignition and put it away from the car. 2. Slacken off the oil filter...

zroadster.org

@t-tony write up.
I would add what has been said before, only replace with an oem part, Bosch or Siemens, cheap brands don't last or don't work at all.

 

[t-tony]

Thank you Col.

Tony.

 

[Mr H]

Thank you Col.

Tony.

Tony

Was that change on a M54 (3.0)? The Bentley book seems to suggest the sensor is located elsewhere?

Regards

Simon

 

[t-tony]

Was on my 2000 year Z3 2.0 but as far as I can see from this video the inlet cam sensor is in the same place, near the oil filter bowl and the cable connects under the inlet manifold. Where does the Bentley book tell you it is?
See this YouTube video.

View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4L_uzDb1hjw


Tony.

 

[Mr H]

Was on my 2000 year Z3 2.0 but as far as I can see from this video the inlet cam sensor is in the same place, near the oil filter bowl and the cable connects under the inlet manifold. Where does the Bentley book tell you it is?
See this YouTube video.

View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4L_uzDb1hjw


Tony.

Just looked again and definitely not there; Bentley says it is "mounted at left side of cylinder head near front" - under the fuel injector rail cover. I'll have a more in depth look over the weekend.

A (hopefully) final question on the subject, if I leave it as is for the time being, apart from the stalling issue, will this cause damage to the engine?

Simon