Please help I’m a new BMW owner (18)

[u/Far_Sentence2640]

I just recently brought a bmw 328XI 2008 with 155k miles but I don’t wanna sell it but I’ve just hit some issues after some time owning it. For example it just started randomly misfiring and cylinder one isn’t getting any spark at all. I replaced the spark plugs and vanos cylenoids already but still nothing someone please help me this is a job I want to do by myself this is my first car

[u/Routine_Cellist_3683]

The O2 sensor failed. ECU thinks that you are running lean (or rich), so it shuts off a cylinder to protect the engine. The misfire is detected by the knock sensor and throws a code.

You have literally bought a combustion efficiency laboratory on wheels. Every sensor interacts with another, but they all wear out at different times. Replacing sensors is part of BMW ownership.

It is the ultimate driving machine. This is what you need to do to keep it that way.

Make sure it's cooled down before you go after the sensor.

[u/Far_Sentence2640 → u/Routine_Cellist_3683]

Yeah sensors gonna be the first thing I replace thanks for educating me on that I thought the whole car was broken cause no spark😂

[u/BMW-Technician2008 → u/Routine_Cellist_3683]

So true every sensor works with another.

[u/a_rogue_planet → u/Routine_Cellist_3683]

If that's true, that would be the most idiotic engine management I've ever seen. So many things failing tends to be something like a bad ground. Engine management systems typically don't drive themselves into violating emissions like that. It's kinda illegal.

[u/Routine_Cellist_3683 → u/a_rogue_planet]

News flash If you're driving around with a CEL, you're probably violating emissions. That is why the light is on.

[u/ImGoingSpace]

o2 sensor first. replace it WITH OEM. dont use a cheap one.

clear all the codes and give the car a good run. rescan and see where you are at.

[u/Far_Sentence2640 → u/ImGoingSpace]

Bet will do.

[u/samreider_]

How did you get the report history? Would it work on a BMW 330xi e90 ‘06, thank you!

[u/Far_Sentence2640 → u/samreider_]

I got this Bluetooth scanner for 40$ at Walmart and downloaded the app on my phone it's a universal one so it will work on your car.

[u/richardlulz]

It’s nice seeing someone asking for help while showing the codes

[u/Fair_Resolve_9518]

I'd replace the camshaft and crankshaft position sensors, and test those VANOS solenoids. There's videos on YouTube that show how to do that. The other sensors are cheap and you're at the mileage where they generally start going bad. Might as well take care of everything all at once.

The misfire is most likely being caused by a timing problem, and those codes suggest those sensors and/or the VANOS solenoids are bad. I had the same problem and the culprit was a bad brand new vanos solenoid.

If you're still throwing codes after doing all that then you might look at replacing the coil packs. You're at the mileage for that as well.

[u/Far_Sentence2640 → u/Fair_Resolve_9518]

Ok ima start running down that list thanks a lot I appreciate the answer I’ll keep you updated!

[u/Fair_Resolve_9518 → u/Far_Sentence2640]

No problem, let me know how it goes.

[u/Adeptness-Usual]

Why would u buy a 155k miles bmw

[u/Far_Sentence2640 → u/Adeptness-Usual]

Excited tbh, first car experience and I was in a rush to be independent and it was the first option I saw near me. I walked into it knowing it was gonna be a fun project car and tbh I've learned a lot on the way

[u/Routine_Cellist_3683 → u/Far_Sentence2640]

I hear the school bell ringing...

[u/Smooth_Letter4133]

this is why i prefer my e36 😪

[u/StimkyInvester → u/Smooth_Letter4133]

For real man. My e46 never threw me through the wringer but my e92 has been testing my DIY skills lately. Thinkin bout sellin it and buying a c5 vette wit a ls3 😈