Laking Power

[robkeen76]

Hi all, A new Beemer owner, picked up a 1998 E36 316i compact(probably not the best place to start) and its lacking power in 3rd and 4th gear, between 2000-4000rpm, over 4000 and its fine. Been doing a bit of reserch and possiby???? either lambda sensor or MAF, any hints or pointers highly appreciated. Also any clues as to where I can get wishbone rear bush brackets??? Many thanks in advance,
Rob

[saltshaker185]

did it have more power before?

[robkeen76]

sorry am not sure, its got a stupid loud exhaust, which is blowing slightly aswell! Also the RH wishbone bush has eroded which leaves me with my hands full!

[saltshaker185]

chances are is what you are feeling is when the vanos system is kicking in you feel the extra power and are expecting more power down low... you say your exhaust is going out, then there may be an exhaust leak which will make you lose torque downlow also. simply put you have the smallest engine bmw's ever put in a car so theres not much power to work from to start off with...

let us know if you have any other questions about this problem, or another.

[jmo69]

If by lambda sensor you mean o2 sensor, it would show a check engine light and you'd get the code with a OBDII scanner. I'd check for vacuum leaks and cracks in the intake boot causing you to run lean. +1 on the smallest engine, lowest power but great fuel mileage.

[donleycott]

1997 BMW 328i 220k miles, starts up great and runs ok when not under strain, when u get on the gas at low rpm the engine flattens out = no power, it sometimes backfires. CEL comes on, codes say oxygen sensors but I recently put universal O2 sensors in.. Spark plugs and coils and fuel filter are new also.

Any advice would be appreciated