Engine keeps dying when first starting it up

[elliesmith]

I bought a 2005 3.0i about a year ago and have found multiple problems with it, some of which I have fixed. The problem that seems to not go away is that I start it up, it will run for a little bit, then die. Turn the ignition off, back on again, starts right up, runs for a little, stalls but then keeps running, but then dies again. I may have to do this 3 or more times before I can feel comfortable that it will not die while I am driving it. Which has happened before. Then it is fine for the duration of the drive. Someone suggested it was the master or motherboard? If so, is that costly to fix?

 

[bigwinn]

Any codes popping up at all?

I had an issue with a 3.0 where the DME engine management software was bad- that caused the car to stall etc

I reflashed the software and it sorted the issue

 

[D.Bryce]

Unplug the maf sensor and if it runs fine you have an air leak somewhere, just had this issue with mine on the m coupe.

 

[elliesmith]

No codes coming up but then again, I will have to get my manual out to see how to check that.
Just started it up to see. It died once but then stalled 3 times. Not sure why, but the dashboard light that comes on if it stalls when driving is the one with the circle arrow around a Triangle Warning sign. I know that is for Traction control but not sure why it's the one that comes on. It goes away if you turn off the engine and restart.
I will try unplugging the MAF sensor and see if anything improves, thanks for the suggestion.

 

[Zedebee]

No codes coming up but then again, I will have to get my manual out to see how to check that

To check for codes you will need a code reader that plugs into the ODB2 port underneath the dash on the right hand side, or take it into a friendly garage which has diagnostics. Creator 310+ is good for reading most BMW codes and clearing some of them on the Z4, but others are available.

 

[bigwinn]

No codes coming up but then again, I will have to get my manual out to see how to check that.
Just started it up to see. It died once but then stalled 3 times. Not sure why, but the dashboard light that comes on if it stalls when driving is the one with the circle arrow around a Triangle Warning sign. I know that is for Traction control but not sure why it's the one that comes on. It goes away if you turn off the engine and restart.
I will try unplugging the MAF sensor and see if anything improves, thanks for the suggestion.

Same symptoms as mine

I’ll go back and see if I can find the codes that was popping up but it was EML related

I spent ages looking for air and fuel leaks to no avail