1999 323i Mysterious Behavior

[ekhaw]

Hello everyone,

Any input here is greatly appreciated. Lately, usually after being driven at least for 1 four, my 323i has difficulty starting (engine turns with check engine light on - problem is intermittent and not always) but after a few tries, it will eventually start (check engine light off - engine so smooth as though nothing happened). My mechanic said the diagnosis is a failing cam sensor. Problem became worse as it died on the freeway yesterday! I restarted it without any difficulty. Question is can a failing cam sensor kill the engine? Took it in for a 2nd opinion and was told by this mechanic that cam sensors don't do that. Since the car is running so smoothly after restarting with the check engine light off, there is no way this could be diagnosed until it actually happens. He thinks it is a sticky fuel pump but not sure. For safety, I just don't feel confident driving the car on the freeways now. Anyone who has experienced intermittent problem such as this, please let me know or any other suggestions are welcome.

PS: My apologies for posting this incorrectly in the E36 forum. It is a E46 model.

[clarkinc]

The Cam positioning sensor will cause it to shut off, but I would imagine that it would be more frequent than that. Was the second opinion from a Dealer or Euro shop? The reason I ask is that alot of mechanics outside of the beamer arena don't realize that the E46 has two sensors; one intake and one exhaust. Both of which has their own distinct behavior when it fails.

[bad man working]

It all depends on what engine management system it's using some do some don't cam sensors are a common fault in BMW and you could have 2 faults ay the same time if the fault memories say cam sensor then get that done and go from there