It's all gone a bit Peter Tong

UK forum for general and technical discussion about the Z3 roadster
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macca
Joined: Fri 13 Aug, 2010 21:29
Posts: 603

  Z4 sDrive20i M Sport
Location: wisbech

It's all gone a bit Peter Tong

Post by macca »

Took the Z out today, had a brilliant ride out, pulled into drive and switched off. Thought I better put electric roof up so restarted engine. It was like the flight deck of a 747, warning lights all over. I eventually got it started and it runs like a bag of crap. I have no idea what the problem is, I think I'll have to take it to a specialist, unless you know different ??
swamper
Joined: Thu 13 May, 2010 17:14
Posts: 1866

  M roadster S50
Location: Mossley

Post by swamper »

1st thing i'd do is check the battery connections
the badness makes me do it...!

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macca
Joined: Fri 13 Aug, 2010 21:29
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  Z4 sDrive20i M Sport
Location: wisbech

Post by macca »

swamper wrote:1st thing i'd do is check the battery connections
Ummm, interesting, what makes you think that Swamper?
swamper
Joined: Thu 13 May, 2010 17:14
Posts: 1866

  M roadster S50
Location: Mossley

Post by swamper »

i had a similar thing with mine......all the lights on as i tried to fire her up......and she wouldn't fire ...after a few attempts the lights started to flicker on and off.........looked in the boot and the terminal was loose ...just sounded similar
the badness makes me do it...!

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macca
Joined: Fri 13 Aug, 2010 21:29
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  Z4 sDrive20i M Sport
Location: wisbech

Post by macca »

Ok, thanks, it's worth a try.
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Titan
Joined: Fri 01 Apr, 2005 20:20
Posts: 4002

  Z3 roadster 2.2i
Location: North Yorkshire

Post by Titan »

If it's not the battery terminal connector (which is very plausible) it could be chaffing wires behind the instrument binnacle.
Have a read of THISthread esp @Guest (Mike Fishwick) 14 October 2008 10:42
Image :devil:
macca
Joined: Fri 13 Aug, 2010 21:29
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  Z4 sDrive20i M Sport
Location: wisbech

Post by macca »

Titan wrote:If it's not the battery terminal connector (which is very plausible) it could be chaffing wires behind the instrument binnacle.
Have a read of THISthread esp @Guest (Mike Fishwick) 14 October 2008 10:42
Wow, that took a bit of reading Titan. There could be something in that as my alarm has bee playing up for weeks. It goes of if I use the key fob but not if I use the key !!
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Titan
Joined: Fri 01 Apr, 2005 20:20
Posts: 4002

  Z3 roadster 2.2i
Location: North Yorkshire

Post by Titan »

macca wrote: It goes of if I use the key fob but not if I use the key !!
IIRC if you use the key, the car is locked but not alarmed :puzzle:
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macca
Joined: Fri 13 Aug, 2010 21:29
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  Z4 sDrive20i M Sport
Location: wisbech

Post by macca »

Titan wrote:
macca wrote: It goes of if I use the key fob but not if I use the key !!
IIRC if you use the key, the car is locked but not alarmed :puzzle:
That's probably why the alarm doesn't go off because it's not switched on by using the key in the door.... I must be a :dunce:
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Titan
Joined: Fri 01 Apr, 2005 20:20
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  Z3 roadster 2.2i
Location: North Yorkshire

Post by Titan »

Random intermittent alarm activation can be caused by local RF transmissions such as taxis or police cars.
Would this be a possibility?
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macca
Joined: Fri 13 Aug, 2010 21:29
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  Z4 sDrive20i M Sport
Location: wisbech

Post by macca »

I don't think so as it does it every time I set the alarm, plus we haven't seen a police car in our village since they stopped using Ford Anglia's...lol
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Titan
Joined: Fri 01 Apr, 2005 20:20
Posts: 4002

  Z3 roadster 2.2i
Location: North Yorkshire

Post by Titan »

macca wrote:I don't think so as it does it every time I set the alarm, plus we haven't seen a police car in our village since they stopped using Ford Anglia's...lol
Try driving at 90mph and see if it makes a difference (to the presence of police cars)
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J1SUA
Joined: Tue 01 Feb, 2011 20:19
Posts: 234

  Z3 roadster 1.9i

Post by J1SUA »

Does this happen anywhere else or just at home?

If just at home someone has a RF transmitter that is jamming your car. Sometimes it is this fishing equipment sender. Happened to me
swamper
Joined: Thu 13 May, 2010 17:14
Posts: 1866

  M roadster S50
Location: Mossley

Post by swamper »

how did you get on macca :?:
the badness makes me do it...!

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macca
Joined: Fri 13 Aug, 2010 21:29
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  Z4 sDrive20i M Sport
Location: wisbech

Post by macca »

Well I've checked the battery connections and what wiring I could get to and all seems ok. The lights that come on and stay on are the automatic gearbox problem light and the dsc warning light. The engine also sounds as if it's firing on 4/5 cylinders? It will start after about 3/4 sec's turning over.
macca
Joined: Fri 13 Aug, 2010 21:29
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  Z4 sDrive20i M Sport
Location: wisbech

Post by macca »

Ok, I've run a diagnostic and it comes up with 2 faults:

P0335 & P0727

Reading up, these 2 are connected ( I think) I found this:

The P0727 code is a universal code, so it is used by most manufacturers, including BMW. Its technical description is "Engine Speed Input Circuit No Signal," caused by a lack of data for the engine speed input circuit.

Engine Speed Input Circuit
The Crankshaft Position (CKP) sensor monitors engine speed, sending its data to the Engine Control Module (ECM). The ECM sends this data on to the Transmission Control Module (TCM). Code P0727 is the result of the TCM not receiving the signal from the ECM.

Causes
The cause could be a fault with the CKP sensor and its circuit to the ECM or problems between the ECM and TCM. In the first instance it is worth checking the electrical connections on the sensors, ECM and TCM for damage, moisture or dirt.

Now where do I find these sensors?
macca
Joined: Fri 13 Aug, 2010 21:29
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  Z4 sDrive20i M Sport
Location: wisbech

Post by macca »

I've been reading through a lot of stuff on other BMW forums and this appears to be a common fault. It always points to the cam shaft position sensor but when replaced it makes no difference. It seems most of the time it's the ecu getting confused. What would happen if I disconnected the battery for 5 mins? Anything? Nothing? Or other problems? Just a though.
I will be taking in to the auto electrician this week if I can't find an answer.
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pingu
Joined: Fri 30 Apr, 2004 16:01
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  M roadster S50

Post by pingu »

macca wrote:Now where do I find these sensors?
Crankshaft sensor is at 10 o'clock (radiator, fan, water pump pulley and belts removed)

Image

I'd check the connections. If all OK, I'd remove and test with an analog ohmmeter by passing a piece of metal through the gap and look for a pulse.

But then again, I'm a skinflint who would spend three days fixing a £5 watch :shock: .
Pingu
Bill-
Joined: Sat 21 May, 2011 10:57
Posts: 305

  blank.gif
Location: Brands hatch

Post by Bill- »

yes Macca deffo disconnect your battery for at least 10 mins, this resets a lot of the sensors on the car. I did it on a E34 i had & the results were good, it wont hurt a thing do it :)
Bill-
Joined: Sat 21 May, 2011 10:57
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Location: Brands hatch

Post by Bill- »

& macca its PETE TONG :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol:
macca
Joined: Fri 13 Aug, 2010 21:29
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  Z4 sDrive20i M Sport
Location: wisbech

Post by macca »

pingu wrote:
macca wrote:Now where do I find these sensors?
Crankshaft sensor is at 10 o'clock (radiator, fan, water pump pulley and belts removed)

Image

I'd check the connections. If all OK, I'd remove and test with an analog ohmmeter by passing a piece of metal through the gap and look for a pulse.

But then again, I'm a skinflint who would spend three days fixing a £5 watch :shock: .
Thanks Pingu.
macca
Joined: Fri 13 Aug, 2010 21:29
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  Z4 sDrive20i M Sport
Location: wisbech

Post by macca »

Bill- wrote:& macca its PETE TONG :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol:
Thanks bill, it was supposed to be a bit of a play on the name, sorry.
Thanks for the tip.
macca
Joined: Fri 13 Aug, 2010 21:29
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  Z4 sDrive20i M Sport
Location: wisbech

Post by macca »

Disconnected the battery for 10 mins and..........no difference, so off to the garage tomorrow. Will give you an update tomorrow.
macca
Joined: Fri 13 Aug, 2010 21:29
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  Z4 sDrive20i M Sport
Location: wisbech

Post by macca »

Dropped it off this morning just had a phone call stating the gearbox computer is not talking to the ECU. They think it's a wiring problem and will have to check it all out. Already run a bill up of £200 + and that's without fixing the problem !!!! Will update you all later.
macca
Joined: Fri 13 Aug, 2010 21:29
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  Z4 sDrive20i M Sport
Location: wisbech

Post by macca »

They are keeping the Z in hospital for a few days as they still can't pin point the problem.... :cry:
macca
Joined: Fri 13 Aug, 2010 21:29
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  Z4 sDrive20i M Sport
Location: wisbech

Post by macca »

Right, I took the Z'd to a local indi (never used them before and never will again, read on). I took it in 8 days ago and they said they would run a diagnostic and find out what the problem was. I told them I had already done that and told them the faults and codes. Yes but we have "special equipment". They rang me later and told me exactly what I told them!!!, that'll be £35 + vat then please. Ok say's I, now fix it. After several visits and phone calls to them through the week, they had worked on it a grand totally of 1 1/2 hrs. I told them they have 2 hours to find the problem today or I will remove the car and not pay the bill. 2 hours later, phone rings "hello, we've found the problem, a loose connection on the gearbox and a duff camshaft sensor" that'll be another £375.62 please.
What kind of fault finding do you use I say's, considering the faults said faulty camshaft sensor and no communication being recieved at the gearbox and it takes you 3 1/2 hrs to find them???
These kind of people rip the non clued up people off. I have to pick the car up tomorrow night, I can't wait to talk to the owner and tell him what I actually feel about his ranch, sorry I was thinking about cowboys then.
macca
Joined: Fri 13 Aug, 2010 21:29
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  Z4 sDrive20i M Sport
Location: wisbech

Post by macca »

Picked the car up tonight and asked to see the old sensor they replaced. Ummm, we can't find it, it must have been put in the "burn bin".
Ummm, very convenient.
Where is the exhaust cam sensor located on my Z'd so I can check they have changed it?

Sorry for the moaning, but I hate shoddy customer service as I actually work in that type of job.
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lebigmec
Joined: Sun 17 Oct, 2010 13:04
Posts: 221

  Z3 roadster 1.9i
Location: Downham Market, Norfolk.

Post by lebigmec »

Macca, it sounds like you've had a hell of a time with these lot. Who are they, so that I can avoid them? If you don't want to post it here for all to see, please PM me, if you would. Thanks. I hope the probs are sorted now..
macca
Joined: Fri 13 Aug, 2010 21:29
Posts: 603

  Z4 sDrive20i M Sport
Location: wisbech

Post by macca »

lebigmec wrote:Macca, it sounds like you've had a hell of a time with these lot. Who are they, so that I can avoid them? If you don't want to post it here for all to see, please PM me, if you would. Thanks. I hope the probs are sorted now..
You have pm
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XVar
Joined: Thu 24 Mar, 2011 17:58
Posts: 475

  Z3 roadster 2.8
Location: Derby

Post by XVar »

lebigmec wrote:If you don't want to post it here for all to see, please PM me, if you would.
I don't see why they should get any sort of protection from loss of business, they certainly don't sound like a place where I'd want to take my car. I say name and shame them!
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1997 2.8 Z3 | Gallery Thread
Mr Silver
Joined: Wed 25 Feb, 2009 09:34
Posts: 360

  Z3 roadster 3.0i

Post by Mr Silver »

Location of Exhaust cam sensor. Open the bonnet. On your left hand side see the top of the engine closest to the top of the radiator. Run your hand (palm towards the engine) across the top front of the engine just there. Your fingers should find a wire. This wire is plugged into the Exhaust cam sensor.

It will be difficult to detect if it has been replaced. A mirror might help. Best of luck, hope this helps.



Regards
macca
Joined: Fri 13 Aug, 2010 21:29
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  Z4 sDrive20i M Sport
Location: wisbech

Post by macca »

Mr Silver wrote:Location of Exhaust cam sensor. Open the bonnet. On your left hand side see the top of the engine closest to the top of the radiator. Run your hand (palm towards the engine) across the top front of the engine just there. Your fingers should find a wire. This wire is plugged into the Exhaust cam sensor.

It will be difficult to detect if it has been replaced. A mirror might help. Best of luck, hope this helps.



Regards
Thanks, I'll have a look tomorrow.
macca
Joined: Fri 13 Aug, 2010 21:29
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  Z4 sDrive20i M Sport
Location: wisbech

Post by macca »

XVar wrote:
lebigmec wrote:If you don't want to post it here for all to see, please PM me, if you would.
I don't see why they should get any sort of protection from loss of business, they certainly don't sound like a place where I'd want to take my car. I say name and shame them!
The trouble is I can't prove anything yet so it could be classed as libel !!
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