BMW 318i E90 misfiring cylinder 3... Already had parts thrown at it... Fault finding and repair...

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Hi
Right, let me tell you right now, that this was a long video for such a simple repair...🤦‍♂️
But hey... it is what it is... 😋
So, this 318i came to me after a few parts fitted, and not fixed a misfiring on cylinder number 3...
After so in depth checks, the issue was a simple...
Oh well...
Follow me on this video to find out what was the problem and how to resolve it.
Hope you enjoy the video.
Any questions or comments put them below.
Like always, thank you for watching!

[@emonchito]

The best diagnostic video I've ever seen! Congrats man! I suffer the same with my n43. Lovely, brilliant video, don't stop recording you've helped a lot of people I'm pretty sure!

[@LMAutoRepairs]

☺️ Thanks! Glad it helped! 👍👍👍

[@djeros666]

This engine injection is very troublesome almost every engine with these injectors I have seen suffer from misfire.. I am in the process of diagnosing my N43 for the same issue, I have eliminated coils and spark plugs now that I have swapped them with new ones. Next is the injectors. ->> also wanna say it’s always worth checking the vanos selinoinds as they are cheap to fix (wither clean them or swap them) and could also cause rough run. -> Another one to check is the MAS as this also can cause it.. Good luck 🍀

[@gpalcone]

Brilliant job ! I wish i could bring my car to you. I have the same problem on my N43 engine.

[@matheosantoniou8783]

GREAT JOB well done best video i have seen so far i have a question for you does the 318i E90 2010 model have vanos non return valves if it has can you locate them for me please thanks.

[@MrMaxeemum]

It looks like injector no.3 is the initial fault which then fouled the plug causing cyl 3. to become wet with unburnt fuel. This fuel will then contaminate the oil as it passes the rings so an oil change is definitely recommended. I hope the wetness in 3 was just fuel / carbon and not oil but this would need to be monitored. great work as usual.

[@LMAutoRepairs]

☺️ 👍👍👍

[@tschuuuls486]

And if you just continue driving like this, the fuel will cause the oil to wash away on the cylinder walls and completey ruin the honing, and eventually scratch the cylinder wall. Common issue on AMG engines (M113 with silitech cylinder lining).

[@rickd6421]

Great video Luis. I love case studies like this.. carrying out tests to eliminate probable issues and finding other issues along the way. Fantastic stuff! :) Look forward to your next challenge

[@LMAutoRepairs]

☺️ Thanks! For watching and for your comment! 👍👍👍

[@elzermokoena2427]

Thanks for a great video and the thought process. I can also agree that the car needs funds to completely fix the problem. The root cause is mechanical, the misfire will return after a while since there's an excessive oil leak in cylinder no. 3, which will overtime cover the spark plug electrodes and prevent it from firing. Another thing that needs to be replaced is the leaking injector. Thanks again for these great videos

[@mr.t2585]

Agree. Washed cylinder can cause all kind of mechanical problems. cooked rings, valve seating.. And this cheap 10usd china compression tester is a toy. Values measured are always the same, try to borrow or buy good one and then check compression. No way that 3rd cylinder full of oil shows the same 10bar value like the 1st one.

[@LMAutoRepairs]

Indeed need a better compression gauge/tester... But I disagree that this tester gives always the same results... Unfortunately knowing people and my experience is, that this will not get any more money spent, at least untill it fails again... I also agree that the excessive oil will isolate the spark plug soon or later... The owner was informed and advised of what is needed to be done on this... ball on his side now...🤪 🤪 👍👍👍

[@user-jg6vw3em9f]

Hi Luis. I’m pleased you managed to finally identify and resolve the rough running of the engine with a set of quality spark plugs. The car overall needs urgent servicing which you have already identified some of the faults. Great video as always. Keep up the good work 😊

[@LMAutoRepairs]

☺️ Agree... Thanks, for watching and for your comment! 👍👍👍

[@redmer9]

I literally have same issues on my 320i And I got new spark plugs put in but I still having same issues, I bet they used bosh plugs and sent me on my way. Amazing video, can learn a lot from this. Well done 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼

[@LMAutoRepairs]

😊 Thanks! 👍👍👍

[@MattyEngland]

Morning Luis. Thanks for another Sunday morning vid. Perfect timing as always 🙂👍Gives me an excuse for another cuppa lol.

[@LMAutoRepairs]

☺️ 👍👍👍

[@gabrielherda3714]

Spot on like usual!!!! Well done 😊

[@LMAutoRepairs]

Thanks! 👍👍👍

[@mstar011]

great video i used your video and explanation with my BMW thanks!!!!

[@LMAutoRepairs]

☺️ That's great! 👍👍👍

[@kevinpalmer7452]

Another brilliant diagnosis

[@LMAutoRepairs]

☺️ Thanks! 👍👍👍

[@beluxauto5968]

I am not trying to be that " smartass " Luis because it happened to me 5 years ago on a Audi but I was thinking why you don't check for spark. Believe you me. I have never forgotten my own neglect. Great stuff Luis. Edit, I just remembered that last year I changed plugs on a Volvo and I drove the car outside without any problem and when the client picked it up only 3 cylinders were working.

[@LMAutoRepairs]

☺️ 🤷‍♂️ 🤪 👍👍👍 Hope it makes sense... 😉

[@topbonnet8122]

Had similar on 118i, who would of thought tiny little differences would have caused this, but they have, when I contacted my go to supplier (SDL) NGK spark plugs where there only choice as to where Eurocar parts, so why the customer was supplied’Bosch’ spark plugs I’ll never know

[@alwaysinmotion1]

didn't have to buy a new injector. Just ultrasonic clean it. Did that to my impala. Had #6 misfire for the longest time, checked plug, coil, compression, all good and finally decided to clean the whole injector rail in the ultrasonic cleaner. Runs like a new car now. Even with 600000 km.

[@billsmith756]

WRONG ! BMW uses a Piezo injector and its not possible to refurb or properly clean them - the values change resulting in further issues

[@matejanosvarga4478]

Good job Luis, dont worry about making the wrong-ish call. I am definitely not your engine guy but the injector leakdown and the oil on the spark plug is surely an issue. You fixed it spot on for now but were right in seeing something coming...

[@LMAutoRepairs]

Agree... 👍👍👍

[@bilalmheich9734]

Amazing job , thx for this great videos , you are a very good and pro technician Thx a lot

[@LMAutoRepairs]

☺️ Thanks! 👍👍👍

[@mantaskozikis6276]

Thanks for video Luis👍💪

[@LMAutoRepairs]

☺️ 👍👍👍

[@user-fi5dq5zu1c]

Brilliant

[@LMAutoRepairs]

☺️ Thanks! 👍👍👍

[@JonathanWilson-hn3ok]

Great video, as have the same issue. The oil that's fouling the plugs would indicate a new head gasket?

[@Telstar_1]

Really interesting trouble shooting, thanks.

[@LMAutoRepairs]

☺️ 👍👍👍

[@titustitus6198]

Great and very honest video , thumbs 👍!

[@LMAutoRepairs]

☺️ Thanks! 👍👍👍

[@funkiwikid6106]

Excellent video. This is exactly how trouble shooting goes. The manual never tells you that every car comes with a few red herrings. The BMW owners manual never mentions these cars come with a whole trunk full of red herrings. And how smart have we really got when the computer can't tell you one of the oldest motor maladies ever, fouled spark plug?

[@user-js7ip7hf1u]

Well done Boss I have really appreciated

[@LMAutoRepairs]

☺️ Thanks! 👍👍👍

[@SulfuricInk0]

Pressure control valve? it could be letting oil from the engine into the airbox/inlet manifold and fouling the plugs, which would caouse a misfire and unburnt fuel.

[@cardiaglexia995]

Very good luis👍👍👍.

[@LMAutoRepairs]

😊 Thanks! 👍👍👍

[@bmwchn8653]

I think there is no problem with the cylinders, because the spark plug stopped ignition, back pressure could not be obtained, the pressure at the bottom carried the oil up.

[@ariannacampbell4658]

As youve said before.always start with the basics.

[@LMAutoRepairs]

☺️ 👍👍👍

[@arianhazizaj6052]

Great job👏🏻👍🏻

[@LMAutoRepairs]

Thanks! 👍👍👍

[@UssGo]

Friend have the same problem, he has cylinder 1 misfire and also the denox sulphurized..

[@Zazi254]

Great video man

[@LMAutoRepairs]

Thanks! 👍👍👍

[@electronic7979]

Very helpful video

[@LMAutoRepairs]

Thanks! 👍👍👍

[@daveast01]

Top video. Thanks

[@LMAutoRepairs]

☺️ 👍👍👍

[@HanifEFIMechanical]

Good work

[@LMAutoRepairs]

Thanks! 👍👍👍

[@NickoDim]

No need for compression test with that much oil in the cylinder. However, been there, done that. Fowled plug due to bad injectors and or fuel and looking in all the wrong places. Fact is in this type of work we tend to go for the big problems and sometimes miss the obvious. Had a Renault laguna thia summer with a no start condition. Car went around to four other shops and nobody changed the plugs. Put 4 new plugs in it and it started right away. Just wondering if Cylinder 4 will be in this condition soon probably.

[@MartiansChronicle]

Great diagnosis. The Bosch plugs are listed as compatible for these engines (N43) but they're not. It's best to buy the NGK one's from the dealership as there are lots of fakes out there too.

[@LMAutoRepairs]

😊 👍👍👍

[@watfordbadshahscricketclub9730]

That slap on the forehead made me laugh my ass off. There has been soo many times that I have done that myself lol

[@LMAutoRepairs]

😅 And I used that clip many times after...lol 👍👍👍

[@shakeelsss]

If you use a fuse loop and an amp clamp also the ignition as a sync you would be able to determine with a scope once the firing order is identified which injector is leaking .That would save you a lot of time and it is accurate.

[@LMAutoRepairs]

True... But not everyone has a scope... Thank you for watching and for your comment! 👍👍👍

[@neilmurphy845]

That's why sometimes it's just best to start simple and keep it simple just unplug a coil and swap them around and do the same with the spark plugs if it still misses after that that way there's no confusion.

[@LMAutoRepairs]

Indeed... I went a bit of track... but got there in the end...🤪 👍👍👍

[@bryanauto1954]

Good day Sir please make a video resetting dme working hours on e90s or f series thank you

[@user-qt2rc7qb8n]

شكرا جزيلا

[@QDance777]

I heard you saying: resetting adaptation values. Can you explain how you reset the values for this car? Thank you!

[@LMAutoRepairs]

Done with the scan tool... 👍👍👍

[@johnjones607]

I have a e92 320i, water pump would over run and drain battery, so replaced that, found the ecu was drowned so replaced that, got a misfire on cylinder 4, mixture contoll problems, has compression tests, smoke tests, plugged into a snapon tool thing and just reading misfire on 4, moved coils around made no difference always on 4, bought 4 new injectors, and 4 new plugs, still same issue, massive misfire on 4, pumping out black smoke from the exhaust thats coated my wall of the house throughout all the testing, adaptation resets etc. Getting some new coil packs today, so far ive spent £1500 and still have the misfire. Car is undriveable, just billows black smoke, no power whatsoever. Was also getting a lot of smoke from engine bay under the water pump.....its not the rocker cover gasket as i changed that 2 weeks ago due to what i thought was it leaking....but the smoke may well be from oil leaking elsewhere onto the exhaust manifold or cats. Proper weird. Probably gonna have to scrap it.

[@LMAutoRepairs]

A shame given up now... 👍👍👍

[@johnjones607]

@@LMAutoRepairs I know, im completely miffed by it. Im going to pull the plugs again and recharge the battery as thats only 11.6v and the car wont even start, just cranks. Si im thinking maybe a mix of low battery, dirty plugs maybe. If that fails....gonna take inlet manifold off and check the state of the inlet...if thats ok....then im getting a Jag lol. 3.0 v6, bullet proof apparently!

[@benoitbourdaire4194]

I will try on all your videos if I have to. Please take my Renault espace !

[@mardina1a]

The first step to check a gasoline engine is checking spark plugs.but any way you found the solution just spent a little bit effort.good job

[@LMAutoRepairs]

And found all the other issues on the way... If I would have started by the spark plugs, would have missed all the rest...🤪 Thank you for watching and for your comment!

[@alexdragomirescu5084]

Ah! Gotta love the gasoline engines. Some sparks, air filter, fuel filter and some oil and you're good to go! 👍

[@LMAutoRepairs]

😅 👍👍👍

[@richardkhoza2878]

Gold

[@LMAutoRepairs]

☺️ 👍👍👍

[@gregjones8501]

Sometimes it’s just that simple. Can you do a video of how to code injectors using the autel?

[@LMAutoRepairs]

I will at the next opportunity... 👍👍👍

[@pavelhorak1888]

Hello, I have N43 320i and problem like you, but on cyl2, shaking engine only when cold first start. First 10sec ok, than shaking. More cold, more shaking. If I start engine again, problem is out. Operational smooth values on cylinder 2 goes over -1000 and MIL lights up. New BMW spark plugs (4pcs), swapped coils between all cylinders, new injector, new IGBt transistors in DME. New hydraulic lifters. Combustion space is clean. Now, there no MIL light, but shaking is still present. Cyl2 rough run value peaks about -500 and then calm down after 30sec. Injector 3 is very slightly leaking, but problem is everytime only on cylinder 2. I do everything like you, but no fix. Is normal if cylinder 3 leaking, the cylinder 2 operates with mixture (over -500....-1000....-1200....) for good smoothness? After a 30 seconds all normalized. I am totally confused. Thank you.

[@LMAutoRepairs]

One cylinder poor combustion can affect the next in the firing order... But, have you checked compression on that cylinder? 👍👍👍

[@pavelhorak1888]

@@LMAutoRepairs hello, yes. compression are 15-15,5bar on each cylinder. After all I decide to test the injectors on the tester machine and will see...Spark plugs are quite black, especially on 2nd cylinder, so there is rich mixture.

[@LMAutoRepairs]

👍

[@neilmurphy845]

Are all BMW 4 cylinders like that because they just don't seem to be very good at least the diesels are not but I don't know are the newer ones any better It's just something I've read before.

[@uktravelvlog123]

I have same problem. i do all things as showing in video but. I’m still struggling with this problem.

[@timmehlittleloud2251]

I'll be surprised if it doesn't come back in. Same scenario with the new Audi/VW direct injection junk. Misfires caused by leaky injectors and oiled plugs. Washing the bores with neat petrol. Screws the rings and even cracks or holes the piston skirts. Nothing to really be seen with the boroscope, except maybe a bit oily in the cylinder. Relative compression tests seem to show better than the normal method. Not always shows low compression but oil does find it's way back up and foul the plug and misfire returns. I suppose the excess oil getting up helps disguise during the test. Last one I saw a month or so ago was 19 plate A3 with 19k on the clock. Quality 👍 With regard to the difference in the spark plugs, I've seen bad misfires on diesel land rovers when the copper injector washers are the wrong thickness. I mean like 0.2mm too thick. You wouldn't believe it.

[@LMAutoRepairs]

Agree that it will come back... Owner was advised, ball on his side...🤪 I have a video for a renault dci, where someone put 2 copper washers on one injector, and indeed was missing... 😅 👍👍👍

[@DameAndThatGame]

Wish me luck, im chasing an misfire cylinder 1, only under load tho, 2 -3k rpm, plugs and spark done so far, i have injectors next, but after that, stumped

[@LMAutoRepairs]

Check compression as well... just in case... 👍👍👍👍

[@DameAndThatGame]

@@LMAutoRepairs im too scared lol

[@LMAutoRepairs]

😅

[@min119garage2]

Hi,how can i reach you sir.want to ask something about dsg7 dq200

[@LMAutoRepairs]

Hi I have videos on those... Search the channel... 👍👍👍

[@gcaro22]

Wet spak plug is the damage?

[@LMAutoRepairs]

Can be an indication of something not right... 👍👍👍

[@jackiemay9471]

hi luis when i swap coils i always swap the plug if i move the fault i then move the coils only back to see it the fault moves with it or not even if a new plug had been fitted move it because NEW stands for NEVER EVER WORKS untill proven

[@LMAutoRepairs]

☺️ 👍👍👍

[@milivojelijeskic7078]

Great video, i have the same problem on my n53b30a engine. Its driving me crazy, change the sparks, coils, nox sensor, still check engine light is on, now I order six new injectors, if it still continues to missfire I I'm gonna set him on fire the whole car 😂

[@LMAutoRepairs]

😅

[@shif9992]

Hey men did you fixt it? I have the same problem on my car bmw 318i. I did change my 4 spark plugs, 4 coils, air mass sensor and 4 full injector still the car is miss fire on 2 cilinder.... did you fixt it???

[@milivojelijeskic7078]

@@shif9992 yes I did. It was lambda sensor on exhaust after cat. My car has two of them, for bank 1 and bank 2. For bank 2 was the problem 4,5,6 cylinder. And now I'm mad at myself how didn't figure it out before. When you have this problem its constantly reporting missfire and its moving, sometimes 4th, 5th or sixth cylinder.

[@shif9992]

@milivoje lijeskic it can be the lambda sensor. But the misfire is not moving form cilinder to a another cilinder. It stays on cilinder 2 for 2 weeks now. Do any have a idea ?

[@tamerlanmm]

Do you fix problem? I have this problem i can t fix

[@gz1719]

I have a problem in my citroen c4 2016 i was fixing the solenoid elctrovalve finished fixing it , i tried to turn on the engine ,the car won t start a fuse blew up i change it the engine starts but the car give us messages engine and gearbox fault need repair I puted on scanner there are 17 bsi fault so how should i fix this problem

[@LMAutoRepairs]

The faults should show you the way... 👍👍👍

[@gz1719]

The transmission stays at 3 eme did the bsi need a reprograming or an electronic fault??

[@neilmurphy845]

I think that they replaced the spark plug and they drove it a long time with it broken and the injector then got a chance to overfuel the engine and over time wear it out when it comes to codes you have to think as the saying goes who came first the chicken or the egg.

[@LMAutoRepairs]

Indeed...😅 👍👍

[@shakeelsss]

If the cylinder was running lean most likely the ignition coil was overworking as a result being damaged.

[@heshamismail427]

I have just bough a used 318i automatic 2010 and it had a yellow engine light. Diagnosed with misfiring in 2 cylinders, needs spark plugs and coils. Also needs water pump change. Exhaust manifold needs refitting as has been worked on before and it is leaking smoke so causes noise. The engine light is not always there, but I could smell petrol from the exhaust. It also sounds like this car. How bad are these faults? if the car company will fix them should I keep the car or try to return it?

[@VV-wl8gb]

What happened with that car after all?

[@heshamismail427]

@@VV-wl8gb it's been totally fine for 8 months now, just found out the diagnosis wasn't very accurate, changed spark plugs and flushed system, found out that exhaust mainfold has been played with and not fitted properly, re-fitted, and its' been ok. but now there is some oil leak :D so waiting to see what is wrong now

[@dzeremidzeremi4232]

Hi mate I got similar problem but mine is cylinder 4 misfire but only on cold start ones it's warmup up it drives like a dream car please can u help thx?*

[@LMAutoRepairs]

Hi Have you checked compression?

[@dzeremidzeremi4232]

@LM Auto Repairs but compression would be there all the time right? Not only on cold start

[@LMAutoRepairs]

@@dzeremidzeremi4232 Possibly... material expansion due to heat can or does influence compression... You need to check what is failing due to heat... It can be something else, and injector, a coil, a spark plug... you need to start testing somewhere... 👍👍👍

[@winmaung68]

Hi Sir, is it possible to request your service for my car?

[@mrgrumpy5116]

I would check oil level for overful, then exhaust emissions, and suspect oil ring on number 3 🤔

[@LMAutoRepairs]

☺️ 👍👍👍

[@claudiupopescu5560]

Hello. I have a BMW 318I and the problem is that when cold it runs smooth but when warm it starts shaking. The error gave me a miss wire 3 and 1. Can you tell me what it is? Thank you.

[@LMAutoRepairs]

🤷‍♂️ You need investigate what is happening on those 2 cylinders... it is impossible to guess what is wrong without proper testing... 👍👍👍

[@claudiupopescu5560]

@@LMAutoRepairs ok...i understand...could the engine be broken? Thank u!

[@LMAutoRepairs]

@@claudiupopescu5560 Again... impossible to say... You really need to check and test thoroughly... Any suggestion I would give, would be me guessing... and guess is no good...🤪 👍👍👍

[@claudiupopescu5560]

@@LMAutoRepairs Ok Thank you very much

[@heshamismail427]

Hi guys I have just bough a used 318i automatic 2010 and it had a yellow engine light. Diagnosed with misfiring in 2 cylinders, needs spark plugs and coils. Also needs water pump change. Exhaust manifold needs refitting as has been worked on before and it is leaking smoke so causes noise. The engine light is not always there, but I could smell petrol from the exhaust. It also sounds like this car. How bad are these faults? if the car company will fix them should I keep the car or try to return it?

[@anapaulapereira3255]

👌👍

[@LMAutoRepairs]

Thanks! 👍👍👍

[@dylan3657]

plug looked like valve guide seal leak

[@LMAutoRepairs]

☺️ Possibly... 👍👍👍

[@hamzahajjaj4106]

Where do you get the electrical schematics?

[@LMAutoRepairs]

In this case was HGS... 👍👍👍

[@hamzahajjaj4106]

@@LMAutoRepairs thank you. If I want the Renault one, where I can get them. Thank you 🙏

[@LMAutoRepairs]

Google will help you... There is some PDFs about with diagrams... Otherwise access to systems like HGS might help... 👍👍👍

[@hamzahajjaj4106]

@@LMAutoRepairs thank you

[@GraditelMacedonia]

So, new head gasket, injector and injector gasket for no.4 injector. Also that catalic is fulfiled with oil.

[@LMAutoRepairs]

Probably... 👍👍👍

[@GraditelMacedonia]

@@LMAutoRepairs true, if spark plug is like that...then...

[@aymenmohamed1134]

👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@LMAutoRepairs]

☺️ 👍👍👍

[@n.shiina8798]

this car might be back soon. the leaky injector would kill the new plugs soon enough just like the ones you replaced and if the owner keeps just changing plugs, it will ruin the engine from fuel dilution at some point

[@LMAutoRepairs]

Agree... it did not came back yet... But the owner was informed and advised... Up to him... 👍👍👍

[@n.shiina8798]

@@LMAutoRepairs let's hope he did the right thing. N42/43/46 might be a finicky engine but they're quite good for daily drive car. would be sad if the owner ruined it

[@va7052]

Made in Slovenia coils😃

[@LMAutoRepairs]

😅 👍👍👍

[@uktravelvlog123]

Hi guys i have same problem with my 318i cylinder 1 any one have proper Solution?

[@LMAutoRepairs]

Have you watched the video? 👍👍👍

[@uktravelvlog123]

Yes

[@uktravelvlog123]

What i do next

[@alenmihelcic8267]

You must know, much duel destroy sparkplug, and overheating katalitic konv. Or give vode po420, insuficijent cat.

[@LMAutoRepairs]

☺️ 👍👍👍

[@matthewjohnston5145]

Another prime example of something new doesn't mean it's good

[@LMAutoRepairs]

☺️ 👍👍👍

[@autoSRI]

This car will be back for a cylinder 4 misfire soon if he won’t replace the injector as it will foul the plug

[@LMAutoRepairs]

Agree... the owner was advised of all the issues... ball on his side...🤪 👍👍👍

[@autoSRI]

@@LMAutoRepairs that wasn’t meant as a dig at you, you can only do what the customer wants to pay for

[@LMAutoRepairs]

@@autoSRI I know... I was just pointing it out as well... 👍👍👍

[@clueless6559]

Do they drop them off to you Luis and run off because they can't fix them😄

[@LMAutoRepairs]

Pretty much...😅 👍👍👍👍