Engine / Exhaust Problem

I recently purchased a E36 316i 97/P. 2 weeks now and i am having some
problems with either the exhaust or engine. Basically the engine is
blowy, and the rev counter is below 1 at rest. IT feels as though the
engine is about to shut down, and has done once or twice.

Kwik-fit originally thought it was an exhaust problem; the catalytic
converter, which my personal mechanic sort of agreed with. But AA said my
engine needs tuning? I took my car to a BMW specialist, who said it is
neither it's some sort of engine valve which controls air pressure?
Upon discussing this with my mechanic he said this is rubbish, and its not
a valve? What should I do? Any ideas anyone?

Any one know any good BMW mechanincs in West London?

> I recently purchased a E36 316i 97/P. 2 weeks now and i am having some
> problems with either the exhaust or engine. Basically the engine is
> blowy, and the rev counter is below 1 at rest. IT feels as though the
> engine is about to shut down, and has done once or twice.

It SHOULD be below 1000 rpm. I suspect you have a vacuum leak.

> Kwik-fit originally thought it was an exhaust problem; the catalytic
> converter, which my personal mechanic sort of agreed with. But AA said my
> engine needs tuning? I took my car to a BMW specialist, who said it is
> neither it's some sort of engine valve which controls air pressure?
> Upon discussing this with my mechanic he said this is rubbish, and its not
> a valve? What should I do? Any ideas anyone?

Kwik Fit, the AA! Heavens, don't let them anywhere near your BMW. More
harm is done to BMWs by well meaning non-BMW mechanics than any other
cause. Find a good local BMW / German specialist.

> Any one know any good BMW mechanincs in West London?

See my site's review page.

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Web : http://www.unixnerd.demon.co.uk - The Ultimate BMW Homepage!
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If anyone needs a competent BMW mechanic in the Bristol area of the UK
contact me and I will be pleased to sort you out.

T

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"Stretcho" > wrote in message
lkaboutautos.com...
>I recently purchased a E36 316i 97/P. 2 weeks now and i am having some
> problems with either the exhaust or engine. Basically the engine is
> blowy, and the rev counter is below 1 at rest. IT feels as though the
> engine is about to shut down, and has done once or twice.
>
> Kwik-fit originally thought it was an exhaust problem; the catalytic
> converter, which my personal mechanic sort of agreed with. But AA said my
> engine needs tuning? I took my car to a BMW specialist, who said it is
> neither it's some sort of engine valve which controls air pressure?
> Upon discussing this with my mechanic he said this is rubbish, and its not
> a valve? What should I do? Any ideas anyone?
>
> Any one know any good BMW mechanincs in West London?
>

Stretcho wrote:
> I recently purchased a E36 316i 97/P. 2 weeks now and i am having some
> problems with either the exhaust or engine. Basically the engine is
> blowy, and the rev counter is below 1 at rest. IT feels as though the
> engine is about to shut down, and has done once or twice.
>
> Kwik-fit originally thought it was an exhaust problem; the catalytic
> converter, which my personal mechanic sort of agreed with. But AA said my
> engine needs tuning? I took my car to a BMW specialist, who said it is
> neither it's some sort of engine valve which controls air pressure?
> Upon discussing this with my mechanic he said this is rubbish, and its not
> a valve? What should I do? Any ideas anyone?
>
> Any one know any good BMW mechanincs in West London?

BMW are porbably talking about an idle control valve which, I believe,
is something like an electronic device which pumps air into the engine
to control the idle.
If anyone ever tells you your cat is out then run away quick.

In article outautos.com>,
Stretcho > wrote:
> I recently purchased a E36 316i 97/P. 2 weeks now and i am having some
> problems with either the exhaust or engine. Basically the engine is
> blowy, and the rev counter is below 1 at rest. IT feels as though the
> engine is about to shut down, and has done once or twice.

> Kwik-fit originally thought it was an exhaust problem; the catalytic
> converter, which my personal mechanic sort of agreed with. But AA said
> my engine needs tuning? I took my car to a BMW specialist, who said it
> is neither it's some sort of engine valve which controls air pressure?
> Upon discussing this with my mechanic he said this is rubbish, and its
> not a valve? What should I do? Any ideas anyone?

Pretty well all these sort of faults will be stored in the engine ECU, and
can be read by a code reader. For which you'll need a decent garage. And
your mechanic should know this...

> Any one know any good BMW mechanincs in West London?

AMC
668-678 Garratt Lane
London
SW17 0NP
020 8944 9966

--
*Why is it considered necessary to screw down the lid of a coffin?

Dave Plowman London SW
To e-mail, change noise into sound.

Trunky wrote:
> If anyone needs a competent BMW mechanic in the Bristol area of the UK
> contact me and I will be pleased to sort you out.
>
> T
>
Hi Trunky, I've been trying to send you and email ... but with no luck.

I live in the Bristol area and could do with pointing in the general
direction of a good mechanic. Can you give me another email addy or
maybe email me at -
just remove the obvious :-)

Hope to hear from you.

--
Regards

Steve G