Stalling problem ! - The Unofficial BMW M5 Messageboard (m5board.com)

Nelson · 27th February 2003, 01:49

Has anyone else had this problem in their M5?

While it hasn't happened to me yet, my wife has experienced the following scenario three times now, and our local BMW service centre can't seem to track it down... although they do seem quite happy to keep driving it around in an attempt to duplicate it for themselves.

Engine at full working temperature, Hot day so air-con switched on, turning into a narrow driveway/car park so power steering pump doing its stuff, clutch in and braking so no accelerator.... The engine just dies...

This has certainly curbed my wifes desire to drive the beast, which may be considered a good thing by some, but I did justify its purchase by presenting it as her car.

My initial summation was that if the Aircon kicked in while the Power steering was working hard along with the Alternator, that maybe the this was all too much for the engine at the hot idle speed that it was set to, i.e. the idle was too low. But, the local agent says its not adjustable, and when checked was at 650rpm, which is mid point between the recommended 600-700.

mjlandy · 27th February 2003, 02:24

But I did have it happen with my wife's 328 - would only happen during warm up. Dealer had to reset computer - reload it - claimed bad sensor data was in it ???

TCM · 27th February 2003, 07:13

I have never heard of this happening on an M5 but it has happened to my 540 once or twice. Very strange as the car does not struggle, it just dies very smoothly so much so that you do not realize it has does until you turn the wheel or step on the brake after coasting. Not sure exactly what it is, but it only happened to me when the clutch was depressed.

Suretyagent · 18th March 2003, 18:49

Nelson:

It has happened to me four times in the last week - low speed in first or second gear and the car just dies. However, I didn't have the clutch engaged any of the times it happened, unlike your wife.

It has happened only when I'm cruising slowly and start to turn the wheel. You have described it very well - no chugging or anything, if the power steering didn't go out you wouldn't at first notice the car was no longer running. (Note: the outside temperature has been mild here and I haven't been using my AC)

I also have my Service Engine Light on, the car is down on power and I am scheduled to have the cam sensors replaced today. I'm hoping that will fix all three problems.

Watch my posting "Service Engine Soon" as next week I'll be posting the results of my trip to the dealer. Hopefully the cam sensors replacement will fix the problem.

Please let your wife know that she's not alone. If you didn't have your foot in it all the time the same thing might happen to you too Nelson. (We can't seem to drive this car slowly, can we?)

Derek

Nelson · 18th March 2003, 23:02

Derek,

Thanks for your response. The car's been back twice since, and it seems that I have finally worn the local agents down enough to start running a few tests.

The last time in, they found two air leaks ( presumably around the inlet manifold ), and replaced the 'O' rings in the Vanos system. Apparently they were leaking oil.
They also updated the engine management software with a later release.

While my wife hasn't had the car stall again, that is not conclusive evidence that it is indeed fixed, but the car does seem to sound slightly crisper.

Suretyagent · 18th March 2003, 23:20

Nelson:

Thanks for letting me know what has recently transpired. I'll include this post in the information I'm giving my tech this afternoon.

Derek