What causes the BMW e90 to shake and stall during cold starts?
3 Answers
When the BMW e90 starts in a cold state, it may experience shaking or even stalling. This is likely due to severe carbon buildup in the engine, which requires timely cleaning of carbon deposits on engine components to prevent affecting the vehicle's performance. Here are some relevant details: 1. A cold start refers to starting the car when the engine's coolant temperature is low. Under normal engine temperature conditions, if the engine can start smoothly after several attempts, it indicates the battery is in good condition. If the engine speed gradually decreases after one start, the battery needs to be charged promptly. Regular battery inspection and maintenance are beneficial for ensuring the car can start properly. 2. Generally, engine shaking may also be accompanied by piston knocking, which indicates severe wear between the piston and cylinder wall, often producing an unusually dull knocking sound. Engine malfunctions can lead to issues in the vehicle's powertrain, so it's important to monitor the engine's operating condition closely.
My experience tells me that the BMW E90 cold start shaking and stalling issue is quite common, mainly due to problems in the ignition system. Worn spark plugs or faulty ignition coils are the primary culprits, as these components are prone to issues in low temperatures. The fuel system should also be checked—for example, if the fuel pump pressure is too low, causing insufficient fuel injection, or if the fuel injectors are clogged, blocking the fuel flow. Additionally, if the idle control valve isn't working properly, abnormal air intake can cause the engine to stall. I recently handled a similar case where the owner thought it was a fuel quality issue, but replacing the spark plugs fixed the problem. In short, if you encounter this situation, don't rush to drive—get to a professional shop to read the fault codes and conduct a thorough inspection to avoid safety hazards. Regular maintenance checks on these components can prevent major issues. After all, BMW parts may be expensive, but timely repairs are worth it.
I remember experiencing cold start shaking and stalling with my old BMW, which turned out to be a haunted fuel system. The fuel pump was failing, causing insufficient pressure that made cold starts particularly difficult, or the fuel injectors were leaking, making the mixture too rich. Another issue could be on the air side—a dirty air filter or a stuck throttle body affecting airflow. Then there are sensors causing trouble, like a faulty coolant temperature sensor sending wrong signals and messing with the computer's parameters. I tried cleaning the throttle body and air filter myself, which helped, but it's best to get a thorough check at the dealership. Safety first—don’t force the car to run if it’s stalling; stalling at an intersection can be dangerous. Regular oil changes and air system checks can help avoid this problem.
