Need assistance with new 1991 318is!

[riverdale21]

A number of problems are occurring with my new car, I need a immediate diagnose on some problems but others can wait.

Car is a 1991 318is 5 speed it is a RHD U.S. model.

1. Engine is stumbling at idle and will nearly stall.
2. After driving, if I come to a complete stop the engine will stall. (Heel toe downshifts are only fun on the track.)
3. Engine bogs at any throttle input 3/4's or more of full throttle, and engine cannot rev past 5200 due to full throttle bog regardless of engine gear.
4. A hose (appears to be a vacuum line) hanging from rear passenger underside of car just behind rear wheel. Hose appears to not have any port to connect to end of it and it does not appear to have been severed.
5. Steering wheel requires more effort turning left than right.

Would like some help ASAP if possible so I don't have to drive home like that.

[///M42 sport]

check the fuel pump, intake hoses
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SYNTHETIC WEED

[riverdale21]

Checked the intake hoses, I noticed there was a hose disconnected that ran from under the intake tube to what appeared to be the side of the block. I reconnected it and still the same trouble. Stumbling idle.

[M-technik-3]

Mileage ? I don't know much on M42 or M44's but are the plug wires good and general tune up? Fuel filter? Plugs? Are you just purchasing? tell seller to knock off some cash.

Where are you cause we are left hand drive? Driver sits on left side and drive on right side of road.

[Stu]

For the idle issues, check the ICV, TPS, o2 sensor, and vacuum leaks (could be simple as an intake boot crack).

The issue with steering could be due to alignment or a wheel bearing that's on its way out.

[Fuggly Stick]

Re: Need assistance with new 1991 318is!

4. A hose (appears to be a vacuum line) hanging from rear passenger underside of car just behind rear wheel. Hose appears to not have any port to connect to end of it and it does not appear to have been severed.

I think this is just a drain for the trunk or sunroof.

[riverdale21]

I just bought the car the day before. I had the owner knock off $700 because of the work that needed to be done to it. It's in immaculate condition aesthetically in and out. I will post some pics later.

Tomorrow I am going to do a full tune on it. New spark plugs, oil change, new brake pads, new abs sensor in the rear, new belts. I also ordered a BMP design service and reset computer for it. I cant wait.

As far as the surging and near stalling at idle I sprayed some brake cleaner on the idle control valve and the throttle body that seemed to work. I also poured some Sea Foam into the gas tank. So far im still having trouble with the 3/4 to full throttle power delivery it hesitates a little.

Thanks for the prompt replies. I'll keep posted if I am still having troubles after the tuneup.

[e30Matt]

Try running another can through using the vacuum line off of the FPR, and see if that makes an improvement anywhere.

Could the steering issue be rack related? I've seen a few iS that have had steering racks replaced.

[///M42 sport]

as for the steering, did the PO replace the tie rods or anything upfront?
________
Wendie 99

[///M42 sport]

Re: Need assistance with new 1991 318is!

4. A hose (appears to be a vacuum line) hanging from rear passenger underside of car just behind rear wheel. Hose appears to not have any port to connect to end of it and it does not appear to have been severed.

I think this is just a drain for the trunk or sunroof.

yeah, just the trunk drain.
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Bmw M88 History

[riverdale21]

I think I may have found the reason for my 3/4 or more throttle problems. My catalytic converter was clogged. I found this out while driving around bedding my brakes after a brake job. The engine sounded like it was misfiring when i was starting in low gears and acting real sluggish and throttle inputs were hesitating for a while. So as I drove down the street I looked in my rear view mirror and saw happy flaming chunks of catalyst shooting from my tailpipe. I guess that Sea Foam dislodged a big chunk of carbon from my engine and lodged it right in the already paritally clogged catalytic converter. When I pulled over to inspect the underside my exhaust was glowing so red hot it looked like I had neons on my car.

Hopefully I can get my new exhaust and cat installed tomorrow and hopefully that will cure what ails my car. As a bonus I got to follow the tow truck riding in my brothers brand new 1999 A4 1.8t QMS. Good stuff.

[riverdale21]

I just noticed an error with my origional post. It is a US spec LHD model. DURP!

[318daily]

Didn't take long for you to get intimate with your 318is. Keep it up ! :)

That's a great car you got there.