328 E36 Stalling/power Loss

[john.c.sanderson]

I have had a 328 e36 for the last 2 years. recently it has started stalling when idling, for example when dipping the clutch to engage second gear when negotiating junctions and when stationary and turning the steering wheel (when the engine is under load from the power steering pump). It goes through periods of doing it 3-4 times in one journey, to not doing it for a month or so.

Also the cars performance is not what it used to be, it doesn't acceletate as fast as it did. Even if revving the engine in neutral there is a bit of a lag before it starts to pick up.

If any one has any suggestions could you please let me know.

Thanks

John

[VIEN46]

i had a similar problem also, my car wouldnt hold it's idle after i rev it pass 3000 rpms. so when i come to a complete stop the car would just stall. then when i start it back up it, the engine would turn over but wouldnt hold it's idle shuts off immediately. i would have to keep gasing to keep the engine running. i took it to the shop and they said i need to replace the air mass flow sensor becuse it was giving too much gas not enough air. it was like $600 part and labor , but i found the part on ebay for like $50 bucks. simple installation, less than 10 mins. car runs great now.

[Silverstreak]

Hi I also have a 328is and have had it for 2 years! My car does not have these problems but I have learned a lot about them from doing mods and trial an error on my car. The bad idle and stalling could be from a vacuum leak, a bad Idle Control Valve (ICV) or as the other person said MAF. It is most likely a bad ICV though. These can be fixed quite simply but getting to them is the hard part! Unless you have already done it I suggest taking it to a good mechanic as it involves removing the throttle body, maf, injectors, intake manifold and then a bunch of vacuum lines etc, it is not a easy job! The way to fix the ICV is to spray high pressure air into it to get the gunk out. IF there is no gunk then you will need a new one!

For a vacuum leak listen to any hissing noises coming from anywhere on your car. Have somebody start and turn off the car as you stand listening under the hood. You will hear a hissing noise eaier with teh car off and the noise will slowly go away.

If it's the MAF then DO NOT get overchargerd liek the other poster. $600 for a MAF and labor is NUTS, that's how much I'd pay for a clutch install lol. THe MAF can be replaced in 5 minutes with only a flat head screwdriver!

Hope this helps you and good luck!