What is wrong with my car!!!!!!

1137 Views 9 Replies 7 Participants Last post by JK330ci, Apr 4, 2003

JK330ci

Discussion Starter · Apr 4, 2003

This morning I got in my car and started it. Out of no where the engine started revving on its own. It would not stop. Additionally my e-brake light lit up orange and my traction light remained lit as well. Has anyone experienced this issue. I tried letting it sit for the whole day and it happened again tonight. It happens evertime I start the car. When I hit the gas peddle I have no accelleration. What is going on? I called the dealer and now it must be towed!!!!!!!!!!! Anyone with insight please respond asap.

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GSR13

· #2 · Apr 4, 2003

A very similar thing happened to my car.

From everything I can gather, there are three main causes for this. The DBW Potentiometer needs replacing, the Throttle Body needs replacing or there is a short in your Engine Compartment Wiring Harness.

When my car acted up, it would sit there and the revs would hop up and down. The EML Light was on and so was the Brake Light. My problem was the Wiring Harness.

Obviously, your problem could be any of these, or any thing else. It is impossible to diagnose a problem on one of these cars over the 'Net.

The important thing is, you have the car carried to the dealer. If it is the Potentiometer, the problem is a known issue and should be resolved quickly. Good luck.

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Enthusiast

· #3 · Apr 4, 2003 (Edited)

Wow,

My car is in the shop right now for this exact problem! Two weeks ago this happened to me and it was the throttle body. They fixed it and I thought it was okay. Yesterday it happened again, and now they're telling me it's the wiring harness.

Is this common on these cars? Will it become a recurring problem? And what are the chances of more than one of these things happening on the same car? Are they related systems or am I cursed?

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JK330ci

Discussion Starter · #4 · Apr 4, 2003

Sounds like a familiar problem. I will print this and bring it to BMW. Please keep posting!

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mdhyp

· #5 · Apr 4, 2003

I've been in the shop twice the last 6 months getting this problem fixed. they said it was the throttle body. honestly, i don't know what that is, but the dealer hooked me up even though my warranty expired a while back.

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eksath

· #6 · Apr 4, 2003

JK330ci said:
This morning I got in my car and started it. Out of no where the engine started revving on its own. It would not stop. Additionally my e-brake light lit up orange and my traction light remained lit as well. Has anyone experienced this issue. I tried letting it sit for the whole day and it happened again tonight. It happens evertime I start the car. When I hit the gas peddle I have no accelleration. What is going on? I called the dealer and now it must be towed!!!!!!!!!!! Anyone with insight please respond asap.

'

How many miles on your car? Keep us updated,please! I have an '02 330ci which had a 20-30 sec self reving fit at idle. I thought it was dirt in fuel or a stuck Idle control valve but now i will pay more attention if it recurs!

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TheFallen

· #7 · Apr 4, 2003

hmm, getting me worried, i havn't see then issue on my car.. but ****.. that sucks, how u guys alf ix ur issues

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runamuck

· #8 · Apr 4, 2003

My friends 2000 7series had the same problem. Hopefully it won't be much to repair.

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GSR13

· #9 · Apr 4, 2003

The wiring harness issue seems to be late build 2002's and early build 2003's. Apparently, the manufacturer of the Wiring Harness left some exposed wires coming out one of the plugs. Vibration causes the exposed wires to connect and this results in a short.

All three things I mentioned are known issues. Obviously, it could be something else.

I probably would not print this out and take it to the dealer though. Just keep all this in mind, but let the shop do the job. Be very specific in your description of the problem and let them go from there.

It has been my experience that most Service Advisor's do not want you to tell them how to fix the car, just tell them the symptons.

Of course, if you have a good relationship with your SA, that is one thing.

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JK330ci

Discussion Starter · #10 · Apr 4, 2003

In fact, I have a great relationship my dealer and service advisor. The only reason I would print this and bring it to the dealership is to help them and increase their awareness. If they are familiar with the problem up front they will be more helpful as far as customer service and will be able to help those who call in with a panic wondering what happened to their car. I am definately not a mechnic and would never make a suggestion regarding a diagnostic issue with my car. I would venture to think that the SA would be appreciative of the forums and what customers have to say. The outcome could only result in better customer service. However, maybe you are right and I should leave the posts where they belong (on the board). I forgot to mention that I have approximately 8,000 miles on my car. Also a similar event happened to me a few months ago and I restarted the car and it was gone. I suggest to any individuals who have this problem to immediately bring it to the dealership and not wait like I did. However, I made the dealership aware of the problem and they told me to call them immediately if thier was another occurrence. I appreciate everyone help.

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