BMW E46 Performance Issues

Asked by Alec Nov 03, 2018 at 04:16 PM about the 2003 BMW 3 Series 325i Sedan RWD

Question type: Maintenance & Repair

So I am new to the BMW world. I'm a Volvo tech so
a lot of things translate but I've never encountered
an issue like this before. Basically the car runs
great if I am just driving normally. If I run the car
hard, I can notice a lack of power. At about 5k rpm
at full throttle (usually 2nd or 3rd gear) it will
severely bog down and will have a clicking noise.
Then the car will run very rough until I restart it and
it's fine until I put a lot of load on it again. I do have
a CEL for secondary air injection but since that is
emissions based you would think it wouldnt affect
performance. Spark plugs and coils are new. Fresh
oil change. I havent checked specifically for
vacuum leaks but usually you would hear one if it
was substantial enough to cause performance
issues, and that doesnt account for the clicking
noise. What else should I check?

2 Answers

Alec answered 6 years ago

Yes, it appears to be working properly. No signs of wear and it is intact. I held my stethoscope to it and it didnt sound abnormal.

Mark helpful

Alec answered 6 years ago

I can smoke it when I go back to the shop on monday. But what could the clicking noise be?

Mark helpful

Your Answer:

Related Questions

  • BMW E46 Performance Issues 2 Answers

    So I am new to the BMW world. I'm a Volvo tech so a lot of things translate but I've never encountered an issue like this before. Basically the car runs great if I am just driving normally. If I ru...

    2003 BMW 3 Series 325i Sedan RWD

    -

    Maintenance & Repair

  • 2004 bmw 325i e46 p2883 code 1 Answer

    i have a 2004 bmw 325i e46 that is throwinga code for p2883. i have made a few replacements and repairs and havent solved the problem. in general i just want to hear some feedback on things to check...

    2004 BMW 3 Series 325i Sedan RWD

    -

    Maintenance & Repair

  • living with a 2000 BMW 328ci (e46) 1 Answer

    so i bought a e46 328ci and i was wanting to know what are some things i can do to make this amazing little car last for as long as it can mechanically

    2000 BMW 3 Series 328Ci Coupe RWD

    -

    Maintenance & Repair

  • BMW E46 330Ci Automatic Convertible 2002 2 Answers

    We have a BMW E46 330Ci Automatic Convertible 2002. It has engine splutter/hesitation/bogging on pull away, low revs, under a load, only when warm not when cold, over 2000 rev runs perfect. We have...

    2002 BMW 3 Series 330Ci Convertible RWD

    -

    Maintenance & Repair

  • Bmw e46 automátic shifts only 1st and reverse 1 Answer

    Hi , May friend has a bmw e46 99 automatic, and he was driving and got hit no driver side he changed the rear suspensión but the car now only shifts 1s Gear and and reverse a mecánicos salidos that ...

    1999 BMW 3 Series 328i Sedan RWD

    -

    Maintenance & Repair

3 Series

Looking for a Used 3 Series in your area?

CarGurus has 1,176 nationwide 3 Series listings starting at $1,995.

Postal Code:

Shortcuts

Search BMW 3 Series Questions

CarGurus Experts

  • #1
    Robert Charlson
    Reputation
    3,950
  • #2
    apbimmer98
    Reputation
    3,100
  • #3
    Abu Luca
    Reputation
    2,980
View All

Find great deals from top-rated dealers

Search

Related Models For Sale

Used BMW 5 Series
19 Great Deals out of 321 listings starting at $4,500
Used BMW M3
8 Great Deals out of 90 listings starting at $15,995
Used Mercedes-Benz C-Class
98 Great Deals out of 1,455 listings starting at $3,799
Used Lexus IS
25 Great Deals out of 311 listings starting at $5,900
Used BMW M5
56 listings starting at $26,800
Used BMW X3
43 Great Deals out of 1,013 listings starting at $4,995
Used Ford Mustang
65 Great Deals out of 1,259 listings starting at $4,995
Used Mercedes-Benz E-Class
30 Great Deals out of 496 listings starting at $5,700
Used BMW X5
47 Great Deals out of 1,134 listings starting at $3,995
Used Chevrolet Corvette
29 Great Deals out of 1,060 listings starting at $15,871

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.