Engine Performance problem
1997 BMW Z3 4 cyl Two Wheel Drive Manual
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My car started dying while driving, like it was starved for fuel. It would sputter, I would clutch it and rev it to keep it running and could get from point a to b, even though it might die a few times in the process. I installed a new fuel filter, still experiencing the same difficulties w/1 change...It doesn't seem to do this if I don't run the A/C? I know it sounds weird, so I was wondering if maybe its the fuel pump. Car has just over 69k. Is this a do-it-yourself undertaking? Much thanks in advance. J-Vet in Tex.

If its the fuel pump I don't think you'll make it to point B. Lets try the idle speed control valve, throttle position sensor and the MAF sensor and if it has an EGR valve check that too -won't hurt to check the fuel pressure.

The fuel pump will present with these issues and it is inside the tank. The A/C issue seems a little weird. Begin the diagnosis with checking fuel pressure and delivery and cleaning of the idle air control valve. By the way, is the check engine light on or off?

Hi, did you find out what the problem was ? This sounds very much like the issue I have with my car (except the ac part).

regards

The vent valve is often the cause of this issue and the part# is 11-15-7-501-567. It is located on the top of the intake manifold.

Thanks for that Dr. Hagerty. I expect this can cause the car to be ok for a few miles and then to start to misfire and stall.

It can cause all kinds of mischief.

I am having some problems locating the crankcase valve (trying to verify the part's number so I buy the right one).

The engine I have in my Z3 is taken from a '91 325i. Those engines have a similiar valve as the one you suggested, dont they?

When you request advice, there is a reasonable assumption of truth in communication present. You initially reported the vehicle as a stock four cylinder BMW automobile. When there are modifications performed that deviate from the stock configuration, it makes it anybodies guess as to what your problem is.

PostPosted: Thu Jul 17, 2008 4:38 pm Post subject: 1997 BMW Z3 fuel pump
Engine Performance problem
1997 BMW Z3 4 cyl Two Wheel Drive Manual

Good luck!

Sorry about the confusion but I did not specify anything about what sort of car I had, only that my problems were of similiar nature. The initial description of the problem came from someone with a 4 cyl engine z3. I only posted to check if he had found the solution to the problem.

I have been everywhere looking for someone with a problem similiar to mine and this description seemd to fit it quite well.

Of course I should have mention that my engine is different (my bad) and after more research it seems that my engine (M50) does not have this valve and I am still trying to find the culprit.

Thanks for the help.