Engine stalling

Asked by Aprilbd53 Jul 29, 2012 at 01:16 AM about the 2002 BMW 3 Series 320i Sedan RWD

Question type: Maintenance & Repair

I was driving on the road than the engine just cut out. Try to restart, engine idle for a few seconds  and than dies. I  
bought this car brand new and it is the first time this happen to me. Car has over 360 000 km on clock.

17 Answers

2,865

Get the DTC's checked with a scan tool but it sounds like a Crank angle sensor issue

19 people found this helpful.
9,685

Sounds like a fuel pump issue I am not very familiar with a 320i but It sounds like the fuel pump failed on your vehicle. I would check fuel pressure. Hope this helps

10 people found this helpful.
1,865

It's either A. battery issue B. alternator or c. fuel pump. If it starts then dies and won't start again, it's the battery. If it starts and kind of runs but loses power, alternator. If it starts but won't run and all the electronics work, it's the fuel pump.

43 people found this helpful.
1,865

It could also be the mass airflow sensor going bad.

23 people found this helpful.
310

If it starts for a few seconds then stalls again it may be the coil if it has a single coil. When a coil gets hot its internal resistance builds and it can short out. When that happens it will often start for a few seconds but will either conk out on its own or when you step on the gas. Sometimes when the engine is cool it will actually work normally until it gets hot again.

31 people found this helpful.
320

Mine starts well at first, then at some random time, the engine stops. When I start it immediately after it stops, it doesn't start. I have to wait for 30 minutes to 2 hours to try again. Sometimes when I start after this waiting, the gearbox light comes up, and it changes gears in an awful way. Sometimes nothing happens, it will behave normal. 2002 318i

32 people found this helpful.
570

I have a 2008 325i and dies at random mainly stop signs or turns but turns right back on?? Just bought 60 k miles

46 people found this helpful.
500

@GuruTTBS2 - have you found a solution to this issue? I am experiencing exactly the same symptoms and my BMW mechanic says they cannot see anything wrong with the engine...

22 people found this helpful.
50

find a small shop that can scan European. my last scanner, the one with me now, is a bit over $10k, but even us small shops can afford a decent scanner with extras. Ask for codes, particularly concerning VENOS. That is most likely on most of the issues. Then ask the guy if he would at least look at some videos on the computer concerning such, would he and how much. Give the little guy a try. 1.5k at some bmw shops.

5 people found this helpful.
500

Thanks, I’ve found the issue. Replaced low pressure fuel sensor and fuel pump and it works like a charm now!

28 people found this helpful.
240

Hi guys first time here I have an 07 320i msport just bought it a few months ago car was driving perfect and suddenly engine light came on car stalled . Towed it to garage and had a new ecu fitted car came back drove fine for 3 days and same problem light came on and car stalled went back to garage and they reset the engine light could not find any fault on the diagnostic scanner car came back drove for 2 days and now same problem. I have spent a couple of thousand on this now and still can't pin point the problem has any one else had a problem like this at this stage I feel like scrapping the car but my wife loves it too much any help would be greatly appreciated

23 people found this helpful.
30

Would all of this wonderful advice apply to a 335d as well?

3 people found this helpful.
50

Hi. I have a 120i bmw 2009 automatic. Sometimes when the car comes to almost a stop and I accelerate again, the car stalls. Not sure what the problem is. Can someone assist

5 people found this helpful.
160

I Have a BMW 318 N42 engine, its starting perfectly then cuts off after 40 seconds while jerking. When I try to start again it will immediately start to jerk then cuts off again..ANY ADVISE?

16 people found this helpful.
30

Same that happened to me car completely shut up and it was the crank or cam sensors and I replaced both and car worked normally, then after some time I was driving and I pressed the gas pedal a bit to hard not that hard just a little bit then I noticed the rpms were high and the velocity was at like 40mph and would go past that so I pulled over and it wouldn’t turn on anymore I also replaced the fuel pump early and now the pump sounds like it’s spitting and then turns off what can it be the throttle position sensor, a transmission issue or fuel pump issue ?

3 people found this helpful.
40

Hi from a little old lady with a series 3 BMW 2004 with a random stalling problem. Either the engine stalls and the battery light comes on, momentarily or sometimes lights up like a Christmas tree and have to stop and restart it. I am retired and live in a rural area and really need this car and little money to replace it or pay a huge garage bill. Read all on here and got depressed but fortunately spent a lot of time working on old cars when I was a kid with my dad and picked up a few tips. Car does not do a lot of miles but it is 6 miles to the nearest shop! So, I lifted the bonnet and hit everything that looked electrical with WD40 getting a marginal improvement. Thought I would try another tip on here Redex! 11 miles to the shop, thought I would give it a try. Then thought have a look at the battery, opened up the compartment and noticed the cover on the positive lug had a bit of heat warping. Took it off, leads and lugs did not look damp but felt a bit damp. hit the leads with the WD40 and the lugs, closed up and set off. Guess what? Half way there and no problems all the way there, no problems, thought get the Redex anyway, filled up popped it in and can only say Flew home! though it could be a fluke, so left it a while and went for a drive absolute magic! Not saying this is your answer but with all the wet weather and an aged car give it a go before you try replacing everything and/or the car. Still going fine!

4 people found this helpful.
20

How much does it cost the Replaced low pressure fuel sensor and fuel pump?

2 people found this helpful.

Your Answer:

3 Series

Looking for a Used 3 Series in your area?

CarGurus has 1,230 nationwide 3 Series listings starting at $2,900.

Postal Code:

CarGurus Experts

  • #1
    Robert Charlson
    Reputation
    3,900
  • #2
    apbimmer98
    Reputation
    3,080
  • #3
    Abu Luca
    Reputation
    2,980
View All

Find great deals from top-rated dealers

Search

Related Models For Sale

Used BMW M3
7 Great Deals out of 72 listings starting at $14,995
Used BMW 5 Series
17 Great Deals out of 298 listings starting at $5,299
Used Mercedes-Benz C-Class
76 Great Deals out of 1,391 listings starting at $3,500
Used Lexus IS
19 Great Deals out of 414 listings starting at $4,400
Used Ford Mustang
51 Great Deals out of 1,662 listings starting at $5,977
Used Mercedes-Benz E-Class
37 Great Deals out of 568 listings starting at $4,900
Used BMW M5
40 listings starting at $25,990
Used Chevrolet Corvette
24 Great Deals out of 667 listings starting at $10,989

Content submitted by Users is not endorsed by CarGurus, does not express the opinions of CarGurus, and should not be considered reviewed, screened, or approved by CarGurus. Please refer to CarGurus Terms of Use. Content will be removed if CarGurus becomes aware that it violates our policies.