[corvitus]

Hi guys,

Bit of background first.

Last year I was experiencing multiple oil leaks from the usual places along with power loss and half engine light between 2000-3000 RPM. The power loss issue would go away if I took my foot off the accelerator and then accelerated more slowly.

I then did the following work.

- Redid the VCG, Vacuum Pump and Oil Filter Housing seals
- Replaced spark plugs (NGK cheapies, not Iridium)
- Replaced 1 ignition coil that was throwing a misfire error with another Bosch coil

Here is my current situation

- My leaks have stopped
- My idle is rough, particularly on first start-up where it hovers around 600RPM for the first 1-2 minutes of my ride
- The car sputters/stumbles slightly when I rev it the needle drops below 1000rpm
- I have a minimum lift exceeded valvetronic error which I never had before
- Whenever I brake (irrespective of gear or speed) my car jerks 2-3 times as if it is shifting gears (without fail). The only time it doesn't happen is if I put the car in sport mode which keeps the car in M2 at the lights which has lead me to believe its a transmission thing

I'm looking for some feedback on the following questions

1. Does it seem odd that my valvtronic went as soon as I did the VCG? Is there a chance they didn't connect something properly?

2. Is it worth getting my mechanic to take the VC off to check without going in there to replace those parts?

3. Given that my VCG is pretty new does it make sense to reseal it without replacing it?

4. Is there any chance the spark plugs / coil I added are causing some of this given that they were the only other thing done?

5. I noticed another person had this "kicking" at brake and he replaced his spark plugs and the problem went away

6. Is there anyone in Melbourne that would be willing to take a look at this with me? Mechanics seem to have NFI and basically want to start doing all sorts of work until they find it.

[Socket]

Originally Posted by corvitus

Hi guys,

Bit of background first.

Last year I was experiencing multiple oil leaks from the usual places along with power loss and half engine light between 2000-3000 RPM. The power loss issue would go away if I took my foot off the accelerator and then accelerated more slowly.

I then did the following work.

- Redid the VCG, Vacuum Pump and Oil Filter Housing seals
- Replaced spark plugs (NGK cheapies, not Iridium)
- Replaced 1 ignition coil that was throwing a misfire error with another Bosch coil

Here is my current situation

- My leaks have stopped
- My idle is rough, particularly on first start-up where it hovers around 600RPM for the first 1-2 minutes of my ride
- The car sputters/stumbles slightly when I rev it the needle drops below 1000rpm
- I have a minimum lift exceeded valvetronic error which I never had before
- Whenever I brake (irrespective of gear or speed) my car jerks 2-3 times as if it is shifting gears (without fail). The only time it doesn't happen is if I put the car in sport mode which keeps the car in M2 at the lights which has lead me to believe its a transmission thing

I'm looking for some feedback on the following questions

1. Does it seem odd that my valvtronic went as soon as I did the VCG? Is there a chance they didn't connect something properly?

2. Is it worth getting my mechanic to take the VC off to check without going in there to replace those parts?

3. Given that my VCG is pretty new does it make sense to reseal it without replacing it?


4. Is there any chance the spark plugs / coil I added are causing some of this given that they were the only other thing done?

5. I noticed another person had this "kicking" at brake and he replaced his spark plugs and the problem went away

6. Is there anyone in Melbourne that would be willing to take a look at this with me? Mechanics seem to have NFI and basically want to start doing all sorts of work until they find it.

You seem to have a few issues going on there

Oil leaks
Power/idle/smooth acceleration etc issues
Valvetronic error
Kick on braking

Sounds like replacing the VCG, OFHG and Vac pump fixed the oil leaks, nice

The kick on braking is likely to be a transmission problem, rather then spark plugs

The other issues with rough idle etc are likely to be associated with the fueling (fuel pump, injectors etc) ignition (coils, spark plugs, leads etc) combustion (valves, timing etc) or tune (if you have one)
Could be any or all of these and is really impossible to say without you logging the car (3rd gear pull to redline x3 logged on MHD app)

Most workshops have no idea. You need to take it to a workshop that specialises in BMWS such as Eastern BM


To your specific questions
1. Possibly. If you have concerns take it back to the place that did the work
2. ? to check everything is connected properly? not sure where you mean here.
3. Gaskets are one use only and need to be replaced
4. Sounds like you were having engine problems before so doubt these issue are due to replacing the spark plugs and one coil
5. I have never heard of spark plugs causing brake kicking. Worn transmission yes, spark plugs no
6. You need someone who has the proper diagnostic tools to have a look at your car. The car has a built system to help pin point problems but needs the right tools and expertise to read and make sense of the codes. As mentioned there are a few workshops in Melb (Eastern MB, Worx, Southern BM) that can help

Good luck

[F31B48]

Originally Posted by corvitus

Hi guys,

Bit of background first.

Last year I was experiencing multiple oil leaks from the usual places along with power loss and half engine light between 2000-3000 RPM. The power loss issue would go away if I took my foot off the accelerator and then accelerated more slowly.

I then did the following work.

- Redid the VCG, Vacuum Pump and Oil Filter Housing seals
- Replaced spark plugs (NGK cheapies, not Iridium)
- Replaced 1 ignition coil that was throwing a misfire error with another Bosch coil

Here is my current situation

- My leaks have stopped
- My idle is rough, particularly on first start-up where it hovers around 600RPM for the first 1-2 minutes of my ride
- The car sputters/stumbles slightly when I rev it the needle drops below 1000rpm
- I have a minimum lift exceeded valvetronic error which I never had before
- Whenever I brake (irrespective of gear or speed) my car jerks 2-3 times as if it is shifting gears (without fail). The only time it doesn't happen is if I put the car in sport mode which keeps the car in M2 at the lights which has lead me to believe its a transmission thing

I'm looking for some feedback on the following questions

1. Does it seem odd that my valvtronic went as soon as I did the VCG? Is there a chance they didn't connect something properly?

2. Is it worth getting my mechanic to take the VC off to check without going in there to replace those parts?

3. Given that my VCG is pretty new does it make sense to reseal it without replacing it?

4. Is there any chance the spark plugs / coil I added are causing some of this given that they were the only other thing done?

5. I noticed another person had this "kicking" at brake and he replaced his spark plugs and the problem went away

6. Is there anyone in Melbourne that would be willing to take a look at this with me? Mechanics seem to have NFI and basically want to start doing all sorts of work until they find it.

It migh pay to recheck the 2 coil earth wires. (Brown wires bolted to the cylinder head) which are just next to the spark plugs and coils.

And also check the cylinder head earth cable which goes from the right side of the cylinder head to the right hand strut tower. These earths are quite often left loose when doing the rocker cover and cause the symptoms you are describing.