Do you own a BMW that does not hold a steady idle and vibrates uncomfortably every time you come to a halt at a traffic signal? This is a very common problem in most vehicles and it is usually known as ‘rough idling.’ If you are experiencing rough idling and stalling, then you are not alone because even though BMWs are high-performing vehicles sometimes they experience this problem.
The good news is that rough idling can be resolved easily if you have the right information or know where to take it to get back your smooth ride. Let’s look at the causes and remedies of rough idling and where you can get your BMW on the right path.
What Is Rough Idling?
If a car is running roughly, then it is clear that there is a problem with the engine. You will always experience some jerkiness, and hear some unusual sounds, and you may even observe that the car does not perform as it used to. Rough idling is common when your BMW is in “park” or when it is stationary and it cannot sustain a steady rhythm. If this problem is not rectified it could lead to more severe performance problems and fuel economy could also be affected.
The causes of a rough idle can be numerous, especially in highly refined cars such as BMW. So, let’s pay more attention to the most popular ones.
Common Causes Of BMW Rough Idle And How To Deal With Them
- Check and Replace Spark Plugs and Ignition Coils: First of all, check the spark plugs and ignition coils, these are the simplest things to check. If they appear rusty or have cracks, it is usually very cheap and easy to replace them and this will solve the problem of rough idling and restore the overall performance of the engine.
- Inspect the Fuel Injectors: If possible, clean the fuel injectors with a cleaner, if not, then consult a mechanic to have them cleaned or changed. This can guarantee that fuel is being distributed properly, and it can make rough idling problems a thing of the past.
- Look for Vacuum Leaks: Check vacuum hoses for cracks or other signs of wear and tear. If they’re damaged in any way you should have them replaced with new ones. But if you do not find anything, a mechanic can perform a vacuum test in order to find those hidden leaks.
- Clean the Throttle Body and MAF Sensor: Throttle body and MAF sensor cleaning increases airflow and the precision of the air-fuel mixture. As long as you don’t use the wrong cleaning solution on these parts, you should be just fine.
- Run a Diagnostic Test: If your check engine light is on, get an OBD-II scanner to read any codes that might be stored. These codes can give good information on what is causing the rough idle.
Seek Professional Assistance
If you have any doubts as to the correctness of the following steps or the rough idling lingers after attempting some of the easy repairs, it is better to call on a BMW specialist. There are many reasons why a car may develop rough idle and a mechanic can diagnose the problem and repair it quickly.
Why Should You Trust Heynneman European For Your BMW Repair Needs?
At Heynneman European, we understand the BMWs from the interior as well as we do the exterior. We have experienced mechanics who can handle rough idling problems and other related problems and we use computer-aided diagnostics to locate the problem within a short time.
Our aim is to give our customers the best service possible in order to get the best out of their car. Situated ideally for European car owners in San Rafael, CA, Heynneman European is where to turn if you have a BMW problem that requires professional assistance. Our professionals also attend to drivers from nearby places like Fairfax, Corte, Larkspur, Kentfield, Mill Valley, and San Anselmo, CA. We know how much you love your BMW, and that is why we are here to ensure it runs as smoothly as it can. Schedule your next service appointment now!
* White BMW M3 Car image credit goes to: DarthArt.