E39 BMW - problem starting then shuddering

vicwatson

Tried starting car earlier wouldn't tick over for a few tries then did and when it felt like the engine was shuddering under the bonnet. moved the car earlier and had no issues at all.

Anyone any ideas what this might be? Can't try it again as i left it at home. will try it later.

Tia

George Dalton

What engine is in it? Had you done any work to it?

vicwatson

No work done. its 1991cc
00 reg

swhyte027

Most Likely it's gone off on a cylinder.Coils a pritty common to go

vicwatson

Cylinder coils?

I started it this a.m. first time but still some shuddering, took it for small spin and seems a bit sluggish - put 2 litres of oil into it and am letting it seep down through the engine to see if it makes a difference - I am clutching at straws !

Any help would be appreciated

Avns1s

vicwatson wrote: »

Cylinder coils?

I started it this a.m. first time but still some shuddering, took it for small spin and seems a bit sluggish - put 2 litres of oil into it and am letting it seep down through the engine to see if it makes a difference - I am clutching at straws !

Any help would be appreciated

Sorry but I had to smile at your "seep down throught the engine" comment.

Seriously though, did it need the 2 litres of oil?? What level was it at before you started to fill it? Remember, overfilling can be as bad as low oil level.

It could be lots of things causing your symptoms. I would be starting with the coilpack as swhyte suggested, which would be no big deal and a common problem. What mileage do you have on the engine?

vicwatson

He he, you can tell I drive cars not maintain them Damn my secret is out !

I think the oil level is ok now, I was told when I bought it when it was 5 yrs old to check the oil once a month (I thought the oil gauge did that for me !)

125 k on the clock

What is a coilpack?

Avns1s

Coilpack is what causes your spark plug to spark.

I would be worried that your oil was low to the point it may have caused greater damage. When was the oil last changed?

vicwatson

Oil was changed at last service, the car has always been serviced regularly (as per green lights fading away) - I'm on the last green light on the dash at moment

swhyte027

Ya I work on bmws daily.the coil pack is on top of the spark plug.if u need someone to check out ur car I would be willing to help you out as I no that engine inside out but it would be handy just to but it on the gt1 diagnostics to confirm if it's a coil or air mass.could possible be a vacuum pipe there is a pipe under the manifold that collapses also.so just ask if ur stuck and it's only a car just have a good xmas

vicwatson

swhyte027 wrote: »

Ya I work on bmws daily.the coil pack is on top of the spark plug.if u need someone to check out ur car I would be willing to help you out as I no that engine inside out but it would be handy just to but it on the gt1 diagnostics to confirm if it's a coil or air mass.could possible be a vacuum pipe there is a pipe under the manifold that collapses also.so just ask if ur stuck and it's only a car just have a good xmas

PM sent - thanks for all the help in this thread so far, Merry Christmas to yis all.

macker64

I believe your problem lies here.

Did you start your car briefly and then switch it off? If so read on...

http://www.bmwland.co.uk/forums/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=63977

Fishtits

Good luck with it.

The E39 was voted the best car in the world.

Until it goes wrong...

The 6 cyl petrol lump is a total nightmare when it gets grumpy.

Mad_Mike

I had an issue recently and thought it was ignition coils
Turned out I had almost run out of petrol and put in €20 worth the night before and they had a "mixup" at the filling station, with some diesel being introduced into the petrol tanks!

My symptoms though were VERY rough running and could not take foot off throttle or let it rev below about 2,500 or it would stop. Also, it was billowing dark smoke from the exhaust!

vicwatson

Ok, after I put the oil in there has been no further issue thus far, car running as per normal, can a lack of oil cause the type of problems I outlined?

Why isn't the oil warning light telling me when the oil gets low?

Cheers

Avns1s

Your oil warning light warns you of low oil pressure.

Your dipstick warns you of low oil level. I think you might need to interview it a bit more regularly.

vicwatson

Avns1s wrote: »

Your oil warning light warns you of low oil pressure.

Your dipstick warns you of low oil level. I think you might need to interview it a bit more regularly.

Cheers, I will do, I'll keep an eye on it each month

Fishtits

Vanos?

vicwatson

Fishtits wrote: »

Vanos?

swhyte027

I replyed to your pms got no further response the oil level sensor will only come on when it's way way to late on your car when u only have between a litre or 2 in the sump that's what the dipstick is for.it goes to show people should check there cars weekly.be it the lights the oil and water and tyre pressures

swhyte027

And further more I can also tell you why your engine is usen so much oil i just done one before the Christmas.and it's a common prob on the petrol bmws.

vicwatson

swhyte027 wrote: »

I replyed to your pms got no further response the oil level sensor will only come on when it's way way to late on your car when u only have between a litre or 2 in the sump that's what the dipstick is for.it goes to show people should check there cars weekly.be it the lights the oil and water and tyre pressures

Thanks swhyte, as per pm I'll contact you in the next week or two.