Engine Performance problem
1999 BMW Z3 6 cyl Two Wheel Drive Automatic 65000 miles
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The problem is when z3 2.8 starts from warm (eg after stopping at a petrol station for a few minutes) it drives sluggishly and very occasionally stalls. Also in cold weather it is harder to start from warm (which causes the airbag light to come on after a few turn-overs). It always starts and drives perfectly from cold. Any suggestions?

The hard hot start could be the purge valve being stuck open, they fail quite often P/N 13-90-1-433-603. As to the airbag light coming on, the car might have an airbag issue and the only recommendation I can make is to see your friendly local neighborhood BMW expert and have the supplemental restraint system inspected.

Thanks for the reply. Would the purge valve being stuck open also cause the sluggishness when being driven after a hot start?

It could because of the raw fuel vapors being introduced into the intake system.

Thanks for your help - it was in fact a faulty cam shaft sensor.

You didn't mention the check engine light being on or that you had not scanned for faults.