HELP: Engine Light on

[Fangs]

OK, I have posted about this problem over the last 6 months... Tech, Ex-Tech you may remember:

http://www.bmw-forums.com/forum/inde...showtopic=7843

Short version, I have replaced all 6 coils and spark-plug boots in two phases (replaced one, then the other 5 two months later after the problem started again) because the engine 'hesitates'. Sometimes it was subtile, sometimes it made me want to stop the engine immediately when the computer cut out a cylinder. Spark Plugs looked OK.

I have also replaced both cam-shaft position sensors, the fuel filter, and air filter. WHAT ELSE COULD THIS BE?!?!?! I have to find a place that can pull the codes in OBD II Generic (the local "BMW SHOP" (dealer is 1.5 hour drive) are a bunch of buffoons - I had to explain to THEM how to pull the codes off my 99 323i) I know pulling the codes will help narrow it down, but I thought I'd try to get a head start.

The really bizzare thing is that Everytime I replace something, it seems to fix the problem - for a month or two. Then similar problems come back. Is every engine electrical component failing at once?!?!?

Pre-coil ignition wires? Computer? Injectors? O2 Sensor? How difficult is it to replace these things? I have replaced the last 5 coils myself...

Starting to lose faith in BMW! ARGH!

[CiscoKid]

still under warranty?

check your plugs and toqure them to 22lb ft

[mankiks323i]

buy yourself a scan tool peake sells them and are good. or try ebay sometimes you will find some there one that will reset check engines lights. If you have one of these it will give you a starting point to check instead of replaceing parts that may or maynot have anything to do with your situation. and save you a ton of money. i had to use mine last week my check engine light came on checked codes said one of my cylinders was misfiring changed coil and reset codes works fine now. i figure i saved at least 150 to 200 dollars instead of taken it to the dealer to tell me this. oh ya the coils need to be the a bmw brand either bosch or i think bremi brand sometimes it may cause your engine problems if they are not the same but not all the time i have bosch but went to dealer they gave me a bremi one i asked them to double check and there parts list was giving them that brand number. i guess bmw will change part manufactures from time to time.....it works no problems

[Fangs]

My 99 is way out of warrenty. I had the car scanned, and It said Cylinder 5 was misfiring - even AFTER I replaced all the coils and boots... ARGH. Oh, and they were Bremi Coils.

The light actually went out on its own the day before I got it scanned. The problem is intermittent, and is really only there when I first up-shift and am at 1800-2000 RPM. Once I get above that, I have never had the problem. It's so STRANGE. I have no idea what to try next...