BMW Z4 E89 sDrive23i (2010) – Engine cutting out after oil & filter change

[23siaod]

Hi all,

I’m posting this partly to get some thoughts while I wait for a mechanic, but also to share my experience in case it helps someone else.

I’ve got a 2010 BMW Z4 E89 sDrive23i, which was running perfectly before today — no warning lights, no rough running, nothing.

Today I did an oil change and oil filter change using:

• TotalEnergies Quartz INEO MC3 5W-30
• MANN oil filter
• Initially put in about 6 litres of oil

After finishing, I started the car and drove for about 30 seconds, then the engine cut out completely. I restarted it, but it began to choke/splutter and then stalled again.

Now the behaviour is:

• The car will start if I press the clutch
• But as soon as I release the clutch in neutral, the engine cuts out
• It won’t hold idle properly

Because I thought it might be something to do with the filter installation, I’ve since:

• Removed the new filter
• Put the original oil filter and original O-ring back in

Unfortunately, the problem is still exactly the same.

Key details:

• Car was perfectly fine before the oil change
• Issue started immediately after
• No obvious warning lights before it cuts out
• Starts, but won’t idle and stalls quickly
• Same behaviour even after reverting to original filter and O-ring

A mechanic is on the way now, so I’ll update once I know more.

In the meantime, has anyone experienced something similar on an N52 engine / Z4 E89? Possible causes I’m considering:

• Oil level slightly low (only 6L added initially)
• Oil filter housing / seating issue
• Oil pressure or VANOS-related issue after the change
• Something disconnected or disturbed during the job (MAF, vacuum hose, etc.)

Any ideas would be appreciated. I’ll report back once it’s diagnosed.

 

[flybobbie]

Disconnect the maf sensor i think it runs in a sort of basic mode.
See if it runs smoother.
Few things i had with car was cam cover was bowed and oil in spark plug hole 4.
Also had faulty ambient temp. sensor fail behind left wheel arch liner.