Started then cut out

[Flyingfifer]

Hello folks,

Went out to the car this afternoon (sat for either 24 or 48hrs) temps were around 2.5 degrees, not raining but probably a bit humid. Tried to start the car which it did however it almost immediately died after a bit of a splutter. Turned off then turned the ignition back on after several turnovers on the starter she started with again a bit of a splutter but it levelled out. Car revved fine and no lights on the dash, the car is about 45miles from empty.

Drove the car for a while and it was totally fine, run up through the revs with no issue, up and down gears no problems, stopped (once the car was warm) and turned off and turned back on started no problem!

First time I have had any issues like this however I did feel like the car has been a tiny (almost impossible to spot) bit slow to start recently or once started just the smallest (again almost unnoticeably) hesitant when starting.

3.0si E86 now on 92k miles (shes due her next service in 4000 miles and is serviced at my local specialist without fail as required)

Im thinking spark plugs? any one have any suggestions? I will see how she starts tomorrow from cold again but I filled her up with fuel tonight.

[Trav]

Have a search around vanos solenoid threads and videos, sounds simillar. I think these can be cleaned.

[Mr Tidy]

It might be worth looking at your battery - my E86 had it's first new one last year when it reached 11 years old.

Dying batteries seem to cause all sorts of electrical issues on BMWs of this era.

[Flyingfifer]

Have a search around vanos solenoid threads and videos, sounds simillar. I think these can be cleaned.

I was wondering about this, thanks for the suggestion, is it still a possibility on the N52 engines?

It might be worth looking at your battery - my E86 had it's first new one last year when it reached 11 years old.
Dying batteries seem to cause all sorts of electrical issues on BMWs of this era.

I'll have a look, not sure how old my battery is tbh!

[Trav]

Have a search around vanos solenoid threads and videos, sounds simillar. I think these can be cleaned.

I was wondering about this, thanks for the suggestion, is it still a possibility on the N52 engines?

It might be worth looking at your battery - my E86 had it's first new one last year when it reached 11 years old.
Dying batteries seem to cause all sorts of electrical issues on BMWs of this era.

I'll have a look, not sure how old my battery is tbh!

Yes I would think so. The double vanos is controlled by oil pressure from an inlet and exhaust solenoid. I had remembered reading about it along with Vanos failures in early engines, prior to buying my car. Thats what made me think about it when I saw your post. I think there should be plenty of information if you have a search on here. It seemed like something that was not too dificult to check and didnt mean buying anything. Unless you break something of course...ouch.

[road warrior]

I had a lumpy tickover when I first got my 2.0. After an oil change it settled. I ignore the long oil changes and change at 5k, it's all very well the manufacturers saying 12000 or whatever but still like Vanos needs clean oil and quite frankly it's the life blood of the engine. Compared to the problems it prevents it's cheap.

[Flyingfifer]

Yes I would think so. The double vanos is controlled by oil pressure from an inlet and exhaust solenoid. I had remembered reading about it along with Vanos failures in early engines, prior to buying my car. Thats what made me think about it when I saw your post. I think there should be plenty of information if you have a search on here. It seemed like something that was not too dificult to check and didnt mean buying anything. Unless you break something of course...ouch.

Awesome I'll have a look, I remember reading a few of those posts myself and I think you're right its not overly difficult to check
IIRC there is a really good guide on checking the VANOS

I had a lumpy tickover when I first got my 2.0. After an oil change it settled. I ignore the long oil changes and change at 5k, it's all very well the manufacturers saying 12000 or whatever but still like Vanos needs clean oil and quite frankly it's the life blood of the engine. Compared to the problems it prevents it's cheap.

Thanks for the reply, agreed as well I was always super sharp on the oil changes when I used to run Jap Turbo cars

[Sharpy1975]

defo change your battery first, or get it checked. I had some issues driving along then warning lights would flash all over the place. Checked battery and voltage was low. Changed battery and no problems since