BMW: Rough idle at startup

On Thu, 4 Sep 2003 14:08:35 -0400, "Mike Finch" <com> wrote:
 

When you periodically start the car up, how long do you let it run before
shutting it down? With that young an engine, repeatedly turning it over
without allowing it to come up to operating temperature may be leaving a film
of crud on the o2 sensors...and perhaps even the plugs.

Take it out for a good blast and see what happens the next time you start it
up...

I always let it run until the temperature gauge reaches the middle mark.
The car is kept in an indoor garage so the environment should not be a
factor. I ran the car up to 85 mph briefly last Sunday, returned to the
garage and restarted it on Tuesday with the same problem.

All along, I've been treating this car with TLC and doing things by the
book. I would always warm things up gently before giving it a good run.

Thanks


"daytripper" <com> wrote in message
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it 

On Thu, 4 Sep 2003 16:30:42 -0400, "Mike Finch" <com> wrote: 

Then it sounds like a trip to the dealer to have them dump any error codes is
in order...

I'll take your advice. Thanks for your help!



"daytripper" <com> wrote in message
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On Thu, 4 Sep 2003 14:08:35 -0400, "Mike Finch" <com>
wrote:
 

you have what is called the cold start issue. some have gotten it
corrected by taking it to the dealer for upgraded software. go to
m3forum.com and search on "cold start issue"

Do you disconnect the battery when you park it? If you do, then this
behavior can be similar to what the computer will go through to "relearn"
what it is supposed to do.

I would suggest you drive it a few days in a row, maybe a week or so, to see
if it behaves this way only in the morning, or if it happens every time the
motor is cold, that sort of thing. Once you get a handle on what is going
on, bring it to my house, and I will keep it all powered up and running
fine. Really, you should try driving it for a week or so before you take it
in to get a code dump, then if you find it actually seems to run fine, then
stick it back in the garage and go back to waiting for Saturday to take it
out. I think that what you are noticing will not happen if you drive it more
often. I also think that if I am right, then just accept that it runs a
little rough when you only drive it 4 or 5 days a month.




"Mike Finch" <com> wrote in message
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Apparently, there is a cold start issue with some E46 M3s. I will have the
dealer update the "engine control module" software. Thanks for your help!



"James" <com> wrote in message
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On Thu, 4 Sep 2003 16:30:42 -0400, "Mike Finch" <com>
wrote:
 

Still, no reason to start it up ever other day. If you drive it once
every couple weeks, it would be plenty.