engine problem!

[gmcd74]

Recently acquired a 2003 2.5i auto with 173,000. Has been fully serviced. The dreaded 'engine light' has come on today. This follows the car making a distinct knocking over the weekend from what I thought might be knackered transmission mounts/driveshaft centre bearing/drive shaft flex disc, but now seems to be the engine (I can feel the knock with my hand on the rocker cover). The engine itself runs fine, accelerates with no loss of power and idles ok, however, there is a random knock every so often. Its not rhythmical, just random. The car felt as though it wanted to stall when I stopped at a set of lights and the knocking is not evident whilst the car is driving/moving - only when it comes to a stop with the engine running? My best guess is a faulty camshaft sensor? Or possibly crankshaft sensor?

I'd be grateful for any help.

Frustrated of Northants

 

[skelters]

Get the codes read. Anyone close to you with Carly?

 

[gmcd74]

unfortunately not, but I was looking at something like this........ https://www.eurocarparts.com/ecp/p/tools/car-service-tools/diagnostic-tools/diagnostic/?553997350&0&t5_399
Surely it would do the job?

 

[andyf1140]

I've got one of those and it reads the engine codes ok

 

[ph001]

C110+ or C310+ scanner from Amazon if you want to read anything more than standard obdii codes. There are tons of ecu’s for ancillary items on these cars and the basic code readers won’t communicate with the vast majority of them.

Have to say that I think you will be very lucky if your knocking turns out to be a sensor problem though.

 

[wonkydonkey]

It's not trying to swallow its DISA valve is it?

 

[gmcd74]

Quick update - had a mechanic look at it…it turns out to be a knackered torque converter!
Anyone wanna buy a cheap Z4????

 

[ph001]

...what sort of cost are we talking to replace with a used one from a breakers?

 

[gmcd74]

Have been scouring the Internet - can’t seem to find one anywhere!!!

 

[skelters]

What codes did the mechanic get from the car?

If they didn't check the codes you need to get a 2nd opinion.

Torque Converter...
https://rover.ebay.com/rover/0/0/0?mpre=https://www.ebay.co.uk/p/1237440771

 

[mr wilks]

173k 2.5 auto it may be (or have been ) your p& j but any large bill £1k ish :? at this point in its life must question the sense of spending big on it :? at best if it was 100% tiptop it would be worth £2k/£2400 ? Could be time to cut it loose
Interested to hear if its had any routine oil changes to the box over its lifespan as Bmw claim "sealed for life"

 

[gmcd74]

No. they didn't read the codes. Another 'opinion' tonight has come to the conclusion that it could be a problem with the flywheel or locking clutch pate????????
It doesn't seem to ring true with a failed torque converter as there is no vibration during driving - if anything it drives great. But when it comes to a stop it rattles in a random fashion from the bottom of the engine/transmission.
I'll have to get it to a garage where they can lift it & open it up before we decide whether to perform life-saving surgery or not thanks to everyone who has contributed so far.

 

[Lance]

Where are you in Northants? Do you have a local garage that you trust to have a look at it?

 

[gmcd74]

Daventry - I think there is a BMW specialist garage in rugby. I'll call them in the morning. I was hoping it was something like a failed flexdisc or centre support bearing causing a driveshaft to gearbox knock/rattle, but honestly, it's doing my head in with the limitless things it could be.............so off to the experts I guess

 

[gmcd74]

Update.........no problems with the flex plate. Mechanic now believes its engine related but I'm not so sure. The more I read about torque converters, the more I think it could have something to do with the torque converter clutch not disengaging properly and so when the car comes to a stop, it wants to stall.