1999 BMW Z3 Problem with warm starts

Tiny
MWWARDY
  • MEMBER
  • 1999 BMW Z3
  • 6 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 65,000 MILES
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?
Wednesday, August 13th, 2008 AT 3:30 AM

5 Replies

Tiny
DOCHAGERTY
  • MECHANIC
  • 9,603 POSTS
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.
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Wednesday, August 13th, 2008 AT 7:33 AM
Tiny
MWWARDY
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
Thanks for the reply. Would the purge valve being stuck open also cause the sluggishness when being driven after a hot start?
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Wednesday, August 13th, 2008 AT 8:40 AM
Tiny
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It could because of the raw fuel vapors being introduced into the intake system.
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Thursday, August 14th, 2008 AT 12:27 AM
Tiny
MWWARDY
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
Thanks for your help - it was in fact a faulty cam shaft sensor.
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Thursday, August 28th, 2008 AT 9:55 AM
Tiny
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  • MECHANIC
  • 9,603 POSTS
You didn't mention the check engine light being on or that you had not scanned for faults.
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Thursday, August 28th, 2008 AT 8:59 PM

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