Troubleshoot your BMW - BMW Software EG

Source: ​http://www.bimmerzone.com

​This section provides basic symptoms of problems that may affect your car. We hope that this section will have owners identify in general what kind of problems they are facing, but we still recommend that the vehicle be brought to an authorized dealership for a through inspection.

ENGINE

 
Engine does not rotate at start
 

• Battery is not well connected or corroded or faulty.
• The starting circuit be disconnected or loose.
• Starter motor failed.
• Engine ground strap is disconnected or broken.

 Engine hard to start when cold

• Battery is not well connected or corroded or faulty.
• Air filter could be dirty or clogged.
• Spark plug failed.
• Fuel injection or Ignition system failure.

 Engine stalls

• Fuel filter plugged.
• Fuel tank vent and pipes may be blocked or restricted.
• Spark plug failed.
• Fuel injection failure.

Engine does not idle properly

• Vacuum leak at throttle body, intake manifold or hoses.
• Air filter could be dirty or clogged.
• Spark plug failed.
• Timing chain/belt not well tensioned.

COOLING SYSTEM
Overheating

• Coolant level is low. 
• Thermostat needs to be replaced.
• Expansion tank pressure cap failed.
• Temperature gauge inaccurate.

Overcooling

• Thermostat needs to be replaced.
• Viscous coupling faulty.
• Temperature gauge inaccurate.

Coolant leak

• Damaged hose and/or clips.
• Faulty pressure cap.
• Core plug leaking.
• Radiator core leak.

 FUEL & EXHAUST SYSTEMS
Fuel consumption high

• Tire under inflated.
• Air filter is dirty.
• Ignition system faulty.
• Fuel injection system faulty.

Excessive noise or fumes

• Leaking exhaust system or faulty joints.
• Muffler or pipe needs to be replaced.

STEERING & SUSPENSION
Tire wear is uneven and excessive

• See Tires

Wheel wobbles and vibration is present

• Tires are out of balance.
• Wheel might be damaged.
• Wheel bolts loose (CHECK IMMEDIATELY).

Instability

• Wheel alignment incorrect.
• Tire damaged.
• Shock absorbers need to be replaced.
• Wheel bolts loose (CHECK IMMEDIATELY).

Power steering problem

• Check power steering fluid. 
• Power steering fluid hoses maybe clogged.
• Power steering pump to be replaced.