losing power under acceleration - BMW Forum

kevpobrien · 12-15-2008, 05:16 AM

Hi, I have a BMW 316i compact with 104000 miles on the clock. Its not running very well at the moment, doesn't accelerate smoothly when i put my foot down, seems to have a flat spot. It has a full service history. Also since I had it serviced about a month ago it doesn't start instantly like it used to, sometimes I have to turn it over for quite a while before it fires up? Any help would be appreciated guys.

marti5 · 12-15-2008, 01:17 PM

When did you last change the fuel filter?

thekid · 12-15-2008, 07:54 PM

Fuel filter is a good place to start, could cause all of these problems. Whether your replace it or not also use some 44k fuel injector cleaner or something similar, if the filter is old some crude could be building up, if it is newer it will help rule out problems further on in the fuel system.

kevpobrien · 12-16-2008, 02:47 AM

Thanks for the quick reply mate, will give the fuel injector cleaner a try first and go from there. Cheers

kevpobrien · 12-16-2008, 02:48 AM

fuel filters not been changed since i had it which was about 60000 miles ago?

marti5 · 12-16-2008, 03:02 AM

Thats way to long, I do mine every 20,000.

kevpobrien · 12-17-2008, 05:41 AM

do you know how much it would cost to replace fuel filter, and is it a job that i could take on myself (bearing in mind i'm no mechanic!)

marti5 · 12-17-2008, 11:04 AM

Its a DIY job, you can actually do it with the tools that come with the car, if you have a full set that is! as for the cost of one depends where you get one from and what country your in.

yours is situated under the car under #22 in the diagram:

RealOEM.COM * BMW E36 316i HEAT INSULATION AND AIR DUCT