E46 330ci cuts out after ignition

[JoShich]

So my 2003 330ci has been sat on the drive for a few months. Have replaced the battery as it was completely flat and topped up fluids before attempting to fire her up for the first time.

It started first time no struggles, however after about 5 seconds of idling it cut out. I’ve tried giving it some revs to keep it alive but it’s pretty rough and once you take your foot away it just cuts out again. Many attempts but the same issue occurs. It tries to keep idling and will rev slightly to try and keep going but will ultimately just end up cutting out.

I’ve scanned it with my OBD reader and surprisingly no fault codes. Also unplugged the MAF sensor to see if it would idle ok without it plugged it but still the same issue.

Just looking for some guidance on where to start looking, any help is appreciated thank you. Please note, I’m very much inexperienced when it comes to cars but I’ll be capable of some moderate DIY. Thank you!

Edited by JoShich on Tuesday 7th February 15:33

[Scrump]

I have moved this to the home mechanics forum where I think you are more likely to get the right advice, hope you don’t mind.

My first thought is the fuel, lots of stuff about petrol going bad because of ethanol, but no idea if it happens that quickly.

Welcome to PH.

[JoShich]

Scrump said:

I have moved this to the home mechanics forum where I think you are more likely to get the right advice, hope you don’t mind.

My first thought is the fuel, lots of stuff about petrol going bad because of ethanol, but no idea if it happens that quickly.

Welcome to PH.

No worries thank you. I know that before I was daft enough to leave it sat for so long there was practically fumes left in the tank so I gave it a few litres over the weekend.

[Scrump]

Not the petrol then. Hopefully some others with more knowledge will be along soon.

[E-bmw]

If you turn the ignition on without trying to start it, can you hear the fuel pump priming under the rear of the car?

It should run for a few seconds & then cut out unless you try to start the car.

[Defcon5]

Immobiliser?

[Caddyshack]

The e46 can have fuel pump relay issues. Might be worth chucking in a new one to be certain. Ours failed on that

[JoShich]

E-bmw said:

If you turn the ignition on without trying to start it, can you hear the fuel pump priming under the rear of the car?

It should run for a few seconds & then cut out unless you try to start the car.

Before ignition there is a faint whirring coming from it. Once turned to ignition there doesn’t seem to be much if any noise coming from it and that was with the seat pulled up so I could get an ear to it. I would imagine there should be a constant noise from it once the engine is running?

[Funk]

My E46 330Ci kept cutting out, in the end it seemed new cam sensors sorted it after the codes were cleared: https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...

Edited by Funk on Tuesday 7th February 17:40

[Caddyshack]

Funk said:

My E46 330Ci kept cutting out, in the end it seemed new cam sensors sorted it after the codes were cleared: https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...

Edited by Funk on Tuesday 7th February 17:40

Actually, reading the fault codes is the best idea.

[Funk]

Caddyshack said:

Funk said:

My E46 330Ci kept cutting out, in the end it seemed new cam sensors sorted it after the codes were cleared: https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...

Edited by Funk on Tuesday 7th February 17:40

Actually, reading the fault codes is the best idea.

Yes - that was what lead to the cam position sensors as the culprits but it wasn't until the faults were cleared that it finally resolved it. Howver, OP says they have no codes stored.

[JoShich]

Caddyshack said:

The e46 can have fuel pump relay issues. Might be worth chucking in a new one to be certain. Ours failed on that

Were your symptoms similar, could turn over the engine have it idle for a few seconds then cut out?