Electrical problem
2001 BMW 330 6 cyl Two Wheel Drive Automatic 75000 miles
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I just changed the fuel filter thinking that was what it was. It would idel really rough at like 2500 RPM's and I figured that it had a dirty fuel filter. Now it won't stay on. Which it was doing that before you would turn the key and it would start but it would just die when the RPM's got to 1000. I am thinking that it might be a bad spark plub now, because the EML light is coming on. DO you think that is it? The service engine light was already on and I have been trying to look this up and I am hoping that it is not the fuel pump but I really don't know what that would have to do with electrical.

There is a possibility that the problem is the throttle motor and the engine wiring harness. There is a bulletin for this issue and it requires a replacement throttle motor and engine wiring harness as well as the proprietary BMW software to correct.

I have the same exact problem with my 2001 BMW 330 CI (92k miles). The thing is that it was working perfectly 15 minutes ago and when I got into the car and try to start the engine it wouldn't stay on for more than 1-2 seconds after it goes to 1k rpm it turns off as if it lacks gas(after several attempts it would not even staty on at all. I was wondering if you found out about this problem? I am soooo worried about the car now it drives me crazy!!!

BMW service bulletin 12-10-02 covers this issue and you might need to go to a BMW pro to get it properly diagnosed and repaired.

Is it possible that I can diagnose the problem with a proper device? If so what kind of a device must be used and how? Thank you so much for the help!

Autozone, Pep boys and Kragen all will be able to scan the car for generic faults for you for a small fee or for free. This is probably the easiest way to go, if this does not work you might have to seek out a BMW expert to get it back up to speed.