Low Power+service engine light

[Bim325is]

I have an 1988 325is. Lately I've been getting a service engine light coming on for a few seconds (20) or so. The car doesnt seem to have as much power as it used to it seems like its hessitating while I accelerate. The idle is steady must of the time and the car wont stall. Any ideas of where should I start looking at?

[njtech]

check for cracks in the intake boot, these have been known to cause problems. make sure the oil dipstick is pushed all the way in.

[PushinTheEnvelope]

I just got my 87 325i and it had similar problems. turned out it was a cracked intake manifold gasket and there was a vacuum leak into the engine. Not sure if this is your problem but if so, then when you open the hood and turn the car on, you will hear the high-pitched sound of air rushing in, and you will also hear the exhaust system pulsating in rhythm with the air leak.

[detour54]

Originally posted by PushinTheEnvelope@Feb 7 2004, 12:38 PM
I just got my 87 325i and it had similar problems. turned out it was a cracked intake manifold gasket and there was a vacuum leak into the engine. Not sure if this is your problem but if so, then when you open the hood and turn the car on, you will hear the high-pitched sound of air rushing in, and you will also hear the exhaust system pulsating in rhythm with the air leak.

If this is your case, Bim325is, it should be a fairly easy DIY.

[Bim325is]

I thank you for your help. I'll check those as soon as I get the car to start again. I suspect a fuel delivery problem, perhaps a relay or worst the pump. The relay is my first choice since I cant hear the pump when the ignition switch is in the on position. Before this all happened the pump was making a high pitch noise. thanks

[Bim325is]

By the way...does any one know how to check a relay other than using a jumper wire?

[Fox]

lambda sensor