I would start by figuring out the misfire and then see what happens with the cog light. I never had cog light come on from a misfire but I***8217;m sure it***8217;s possible. Swap the coils and see if misfire follows to another cylinder to see if it***8217;s bad coils.

 

Did you scan the transmission computer? It will have codes that tell you what the issue is. Many cheap scanners only connect to the engine DME and do not talk to the transmission computer.

 

The only time I ever had the cog of death it was from the MAF being disconnected, ran ok but the cruise wouldn't work.

 

A bad battery can cause issues

 

Agree with above. Start by checking your battery; weak batteries can cause all sort of odd electrical gremlins while seeming to start the car without issue. Next try disconnecting the MAF to see if the car runs better. Jfoj has noted that maf issues can cause transmission failsafe. Note that in failsafe the transmission will only run in third and four gears (i.e. little acceleration from stops). If not the battery or maf, you'll want to read engine and transmission codes. Most ODBC readers cannot read transmission module so see links in armenh7's sig for info on BMW tools that can (e.g. PA Soft). BTW, when I encountered failsafe (on flooded roadway), nothing would clear the transmission fault until reset via PA Soft; though apparently this is not always the case. GL

 

! mark next "D" (gear sign)

OP, your car is in the limo mode. The engine computer (DME) does this to prevent damage to either the engine and/or the transmission. The first step in diagnosing a problem is to scan both the engine computer (DME) and the transmission computer (EGS) for codes. How many miles on the transmission fluid and filter? Concur that a week battery can cause all sorts of problems. How old is the battery in the car?

Find a reputable indie shop that specializes in bimmers at www.bimrs.org.

 

Hey guys I really appreciate all the advice and replies. I will check her battery first and get go from there and check the items you guys mention.

 

Hey Guys quick question .......

What is the best way to check the battery? Do I just take it out and take it to AutoZone and have them run a test on it or can I just swap out the battery from one of my other cars and see if that will fix the issues am having and if so then I can just go buy a new battery ?

Thanks again for your advice.

 

Yes, AutoZone will run battery load which is most reliable test. However, you can start with onboard diagnostics (search this forum for how to) which can show obvious issue. I know of no mid to low cost ODBC scanner that read the transmission module. Do you have access to laptop? If so, I used BMW Scanner/PA Soft from above link and $14 cable from eBay. The other software linked has more sophistication but may be more difficult to install. Otherwise, BMW indies can check the codes.

 

Thanks Bidno for the info and your help, I do have a laptop so maybe I might try getting the transmission codes if there is not a issue with the battery.

 

As soon as I saw "...only about a 5 mile round trip.", I thought, that's gonna cause problems. No car should be run on short trips, unless taken on longer ones, to charge the battery and fully warm up the engine. Installing a good battery will help clear up issues, if not all.

 

Yeah your right about the short trips and battery charging, also the battery is over 4 years old.

 

Update: Autozone ran a test on the battery and said it needed a charge before they can run a good test on it, so I left it with them and came back the next day after they charged it.

They ran the test at 75% charge and the better tested NO GOOD. So I will be buying a new battery Friday but when I got home I took a good battery out of one of my other cars (lower CCA's) and started the 328i and the exclamation point that came up next to the D gear selector on the dash is GONE.

I let the car run for about 15 mins and took it for a short drive and the exclamation point has not came back. But the car still runs like crap misfire's on 3,5 and 6 now. I will try to hunt down these misfires.

Does anyone know if putting a 250 CCA lower battery will still make it run like crap ?

Again thanks guys for your help and advice.

 

Does anyone know if putting a 250 CCA lower battery will still make it run like crap?

No, it won’t affect how the engine runs. The battery’s main functions are to start the car and provide electrical power when the engine isn’t running. Once the engine starts the alternator supplies the electrical power to the car and charges the battery.

Read this.
https://blog.firestonecompleteautoc...leteautocare.com/batteries/everything-you-need-to-know-about-car-batteries/amp/

 

I don***8217;t think the battery is the reason the car is running poorly. I never seen a battery cause a misfire, maybe the cog light but not misfire. If your battery is bad, might as well get another anyway, but It seems like you have a few problems

 

I don't think the battery is the reason the car is running poorly. I never seen a battery cause a misfire, maybe the cog light but not misfire. If your battery is bad, might as well get another anyway, but It seems like you have a few problems

Yeah I was thinking the same.

I had a small episode with the gear symbol, running terrible, no power, etc, a few weeks ago - but realized my lower intake boot had gotten pulled off the intake manifold.

Might be worth checking for no major air leaks, etc, under the hood.

Thanks case600 am going to start taking a good look at it this weekend hopefully I can find something.

 

I had a small episode with the gear symbol, running terrible, no power, etc, a few weeks ago - but realized my lower intake boot had gotten pulled off the intake manifold.

Might be worth checking for no major air leaks, etc, under the hood.

 

Have you read jfoj***8217;s misfires thread?
https://forum.e46fanatics.com/showthread.php?t=897616

 

Have you read jfoj's misfires thread?
https://forum.e46fanatics.com/showthread.php?t=897616

Yes I have and thank you , Wish I had a smoke machine because something is telling me that tracking down this misfire is NOT going to be fun. I have did some move some coils and spark plugs around but still getting the same misfires.