ÜberMpower

Ive just bought a 1998 E36 SMG Convertible with only 36,000 miles one owner and full bmw/specialist history.However my problem is this: in between gearchanges the car misses as though it has a plug lead breaking down it stutters and farts but once it choses its gear all is well and it pulls like a steamtrain. It isnt the blip in between down changes that im on about.It also does it in the kickdown mode,its as if it cant make its mind up. Ive just had it to a local specialist for an inspection 2 and asked them to look at it! Im not convinced by there answer that they all do it and thats what they are supposed to do. I had a similar problem with a renault turbo which turned out to be a duff pluglead.Does anyone else know of this or have any suggestions please?

High there brighty welcome to ÜberMpower!

Sorry to hear about your troubles mate, most common issue is with the E36 is the vanos but not sure if that would be the cause of your problem, you say you took it for an inspection II and wasn't convinced with their answer, may i ask what it was they suggested was wrong and how they come to that conclusion,

I will ask about and see what i can find out for you!

the customary thing is to say high in the New Members Introductions but i can understand your just looking for answers but i'm SURE more people will be willing to help if you introduce yourself first mate!

All the best fixing the motor and i'll see what i can find out!

Oh if you do go and say Hi which i hope you do post some pics up of the E36 mate, sounds like it could be a nice one with such low mileage!

_________________
"M Abteilung Über Alles", Translates "M Division above all."

Thats the problem mate! they said it was fine but sureley it cant be? I didnt test drive any other SMG'S before buying this one,so im only taking there word that its fine.Obviously if something is wrong, i want to fix it before i knacker something else! I have only driven trucks with smg boxes and they dont stutter like this is..Aside from the stutter i cant fault it. It doesnt seem to have any Vanos issues(no strange noises idles fine etc) I just wondered if anyone else has an e36 smg and could tell me what there's drives like?

Although the SMG on E36's isn't a particulalrly brilliant bit of kit, I don't think what you describe is normal. Did your local specialist do an on-board diagnostic checks?...as it could be absolutley anything. Plugs / leads / coil packs seem a sensible starting point.

_________________
Remember....idiots are only alive because it's illegal to shoot them

The only thing that springs to mind is on the E46 i would go for the maf and i'm guessing the e36 could be the same, thats where i would start as its a cheap thing to do and at best it could cure your problem and at worst clean your maf!!!

there is a topic on here how to clean your maf for the E46 and iirc there is one for the E36 i'll have a look for them if your interested bud, let me know!

Another thing is smg pump might be on its way out or what about the throttle is it fly by wire like the E46 or a throttle cable? there are a few things, its so hard to say!

It just being the way the E36 SMG drives i've never driven one so can't say for sure but doesn't sound normal!

_________________
"M Abteilung Über Alles", Translates "M Division above all."

Tbh it could be anything from coil pack to your clutch or even a sensor on it's way out?

SMG I was a very troublesome system on the E36.

Not sure where in the country you are but give Mike a bell @ A-L Tuning or Gee @ AATechnik (who is the site sponsor) as between them there isn't much they don't know.

They share the same workshops.

_________________

Everyone has photographic memory, some just don't have the film..

If the problem only occurs when changing gear it is unlikely to be anything other than SMG or clutch related I would have thought.

Maybe SMG relay, SMG pump, self-adjusting clutch, electrical connection to do with SMG.

You say it stutters and farts, does it actually feel like a misfire or is it rather just a hesitatation in picking up drive?

_________________
I'd rather have a straight six than a bent eight.

Yes its definately a missfire the clutch doesn't slip or judder.

In that case, as has been already suggested, you are looking at a part-load misfire which could be caused by MAF, coils, sensor(s), there are so many sensors (CAM, throttle, Exhaust, Crank etc..) it's impossible to advise without running proper daignostics to eliminate.

_________________
I'd rather have a straight six than a bent eight.

Thanks very much for the links you gave me, i emailed Mike at AL TUNING who has suggested it is the gear recognition switch on the back of the gearbox.' I am now fairly convinced that he as correct. I looked back into the service records and found that BMW actually did some work on this in 2001 and re soldered some of the wiring!! I assume something has come loose again and i am looking to get it sorted asap.I will keep everyone informed on my progress.Thanks again..

No worries mate, hope you get it sorted.

_________________

Everyone has photographic memory, some just don't have the film..