E39 Cold Weather Performance

[MartyMoose]

Great forum guys. I am new to it and I really appreciate all of the quality advice.

That being said I recently purchased a 1997 540iA - my first BMW. I have noticed that with the dropping tempuratures here in Minnesota the engine seems to have some performance issues until it warms up. By performance issues I mean a time delay from gas pedal to acceleration and what may be best described as intermittent acceleration delays in lower gears. Once the engine warms up, these problems no longer exist.

Does anyone know if this is a common problem to BMW's or a sympton of a larger issue? The only time I had this problem with another vehicle it was partially clogged fuel injectors and it happened more often than just cold weather.

Any input is greatly appreciated.

[Eric S.]

Originally posted by MartyMoose@Dec 8 2004, 12:10 PM
Great forum guys. I am new to it and I really appreciate all of the quality advice.

That being said I recently purchased a 1997 540iA - my first BMW. I have noticed that with the dropping tempuratures here in Minnesota the engine seems to have some performance issues until it warms up. By performance issues I mean a time delay from gas pedal to acceleration and what may be best described as intermittent acceleration delays in lower gears. Once the engine warms up, these problems no longer exist.

Does anyone know if this is a common problem to BMW's or a sympton of a larger issue? The only time I had this problem with another vehicle it was partially clogged fuel injectors and it happened more often than just cold weather.

Any input is greatly appreciated.

[snapback]245799[/snapback]

Hi Marty. This is Cousin Eddie, and yes that's REAL tomato ketchup!!

Anyway, congrats on your new 540. Despite what you said about the quality advice on this forum, I have none to offer you regarding your question - I just couldn't resist replying to "Marty Moose". The only thing I can tell you is that you definitely have a throttle cable (a mechanical linkage ot the throttle). Beginning in 1999, the throttle became totally elctronic, drive-by-wire. So keep that in mind as you listen to (hopefully) more helpful diagnoses.

[CosmosBlack]

I know mine is drive-by-wire and it sucks.
Throttle response is slow compared to the cable.