1990 BMW E30 stalls while driving especially in wet weather.?

Question

If anyone can help me undo this problem. My Bimmer has recently started stalling while im driving especially in wet road conditions. The 'check engine' light also comes up as it stalls. In a more recent event, it also gave me a burning smell.....

Please help and advise

Answer 1

There are 2, possibly 3 related service bulletins.

The first discusses possible problems when moisture gets into the wiring harness at the point that connects to the fuel injection rail (where the main cable plugs into the rail and gets separated into wires going to each injector).

The second is about moisture getting into the 02 sensor cable connector.

The third is a clogged up water drain at the right hand side of the front bulkhead which allows water to get into the control module located just behind the glove box. The water comes from the grilles just below the right wiper.

Of course there could be other reasons. So I suggest that you have the vehicle scanned for faults.

Answer 2

Yes, it does sound like an electrical problem during wet weather...



Or...It could be that water is getting into your air intake. Especially people with cold air (NOT short ram) intake systems because the intake is designed to be farther away from the motor for colder air. Therefore, the intake more vulnerable to water from the road. If you got some serious water in there, it could completely stall your motor, or even worse, kill your forced induction (if applicable) completely.



Even if you dont have a CAI, if some things have been altered, moved, or are gone from their original place, water may get where it couldnt before.



Buy or order a water guard at your local auto parts store, search for one on the internet, or flip through a eurotuner. 10-25 bucks for a plastic-water-proof-but-not-air-tight sack thing that draws tight around your air filter.

Answer 3

Sounds like an electrical problem if it only happens during wet weather. It turns out electricity doesnt function well under water.

Check your main relays. Its only going to stall if it doesnt get fuel. Check the fuel pump relay/fuse, and another thing to check is the crank position sensor. You would be amazed at how well your car runs with a new one.

Answer 4

Rush to BMW agents... today !!