DarrenW
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 posted on 2/2/09 at 09:11 PM |
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Tin top woes
Well, ive had the car just over 3 years with virtually no bother at all and now its all happening at once.
Got bumped in October. Car has to go back in for bodyshop rectification work. Have also been left with a knackered exhaust (will repair cheaply
though).
Developed a hot starting issue 2 weeks ago that needs sorting (E46 320D - Freelander TD4's apparently suffer the same). I have to get the
following checked - codes read, fuel pump relay, cam sensor, fuel pump, injectors leaking????
Was on business last week, parked up in hotel and some bugger has reversed into me and driven off. No details, no CCTV footage! Left me with dented
bonnet and n/s wing plus smashed indicator. Insurance will cover it but i have to pay £320 excess. Took it to bodyshop and they said its easy repair
and they will also paint the o/s wing to match the paint in. Bad news here is that my wife bashed that wing 18 months ago so ill be getting stung for
a new wing as well.
Probs facing at least £1000 bill, maybe more if my injectors are knackered. What rotten luck. And to top it all it will be going to main dealer (BMW)
for the body repairs soon and i bet it wont start for them - im sure they will happily volunteer to repair the starting issue for me and relieve me of
mega££££'s.
Rant over for now!
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omega0684
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| posted on 2/2/09 at 09:14 PM |
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its jinx'd, bin it!
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roadrunner
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| posted on 2/2/09 at 09:19 PM |
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I was thinking of getting a 320D touring, but i will get an A4 instead.
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Jubal
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| posted on 2/2/09 at 09:30 PM |
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Nightmare. Our E46 320D developed similar starting probs and it turned out to be injectors. It's also had a new pump, new turbo and lots of
little bits done. Last week the aircon went again, last time it went was because it threw a belt when the pulley on the crank went west. Lord knows
what the issue is this time - I've been too ill and it's too cold to look. However, it's done 140k so far and I'm keeping it
till it dies  Despite the hassles from time to time it's locost tin top motoring now the indies know their way around these things.
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DarrenW
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| posted on 2/2/09 at 09:33 PM |
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I love the car and it sbeen great since ive had it. Bodywork prangs are just one of those things. When i get it back it will look fantastic.
I uess the starting trouble is no real reason to get worried but i wish i knew what it was. Its done 96K miles now and i want to keep it for a few
more years. Its surprising how many similar cars appraoch 100K and have little niggles.
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Jubal
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| posted on 2/2/09 at 09:53 PM |
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I think it's cheap motoring even when the cost of fixing the niggles is accounted for. At a few hundred a year on average for repairs it's
nothing compared to what you'd lose in just depreciation on a newer car. Other running costs are the same.
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owelly
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| posted on 3/2/09 at 03:46 AM |
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Hold on for a minute!! It's very unlikely that all four injectors have failed! I suspect it's one of them with excessive leak-past.
I'm assuming it's a CRD? If one injector is passing through to the return, then the pressure in the rail won't be high enough to do
the business. I have just had that problem with my Range Rover! (a spurt of Easy-Start worked to get mine started!). Garage wanted to fit 6 new heater
plugs and 6 new injectors. Injectors were £200 EACH! All in, about £1900!!
I pulled the return pipe off the top of all the injectors and switched the ignition on. Don't try to start the engine. The little electric pump
tries to build up pressure in the rail but struggles due to the leak-past. On mine, number 5 injector was weaping out of the return hole. I got the
injector refurbed for £89 at a local place. To be honest, I got them to take it out, refurb it and put it back in for me! It cost me an hours labour
but I get to stay warm......
[Edited on 3/2/09 by owelly]
http://www.ppcmag.co.uk
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britishtrident
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| posted on 3/2/09 at 09:03 AM |
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These injectors can be an absolute swine to get out -- I have heard tails from a BMW contact of new heads being required because the injector
won't come out.
Apparently the trick is to pour eith a can of coke or some strong vinegar over the area a leave to soak for 24 hours -- if the injector pulls out
with a few hots fine if it dosen't walk away from it. as the threads on the injector will strip.
However in fairness these engines are almost unbreakable in other respects.
[I] “ What use our work, Bennet, if we cannot care for those we love? .”
― From BBC TV/Amazon's Ripper Street.
[/I]
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DarrenW
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| posted on 3/2/09 at 02:11 PM |
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Ive had codes read today. Only fault code was low fuel pressure at start up.
Live data showed correct fuel pressure when engine was running (around 570 bar). The indy was able to operate the pre-supply pump from his box of
tricks and commented that the pump is fine. He has suggested that the fault will be with the injectors and to start with leak off test (he has told me
how he does them).
Im sceptical that his tests prove beyond doubt that the pre-supply pump is ok. I wasnt able to see the cranking fuel pressure (im told it has to be at
least 3.7bar). Ive been led to believe warn pumps or faulty relays can reduce the pressure, however he did say the pump sounded normal and not at all
overly noisy.
He also asked me if the car was revving out OK, suggesting if it doesnt reach red line then it points more to faulty injectors. I was convinced it
was, however he tried it and it wouldnt go past 4K (with tester plugged in). On drive back it was reaching red line no probs at all. The car runs well
when it does start. Got me puzzled.
Ill do the leak test first and take it from there.
[Edited on 3/2/09 by DarrenW]
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