As a proud owner of a BMW 328i, you relish the purr of its engine, the smooth handling of sharp bends, and the envious glances from passersby. But even this marvel of German engineering isn’t immune to issues.
One problem that tends to irk many owners is trouble with the ignition coil, an integral part of ensuring your car’s optimal performance. BMW 328i Ignition Coil Problems such as engine misfiring, engine wobbling, violent shaking, etc. are not just frustrating, but also instantly alarming for any owner.
When these issues become a stuttering cough or worse, a silence, it’s time to raise eyebrows. So, let’s explore everything you need to know about these potential ignition coil hiccups and how they could affect your drive.
Read also: BMW Ignition Coil Problems
BMW 328i Ignition Coil Problems
In scenarios where an out-of-the-blue misfiring issue manifests or if you notice erratic fluctuations in engine power while cruising down the open road – remember your BMW 328i is attempting communication.
It’s imperative as a responsible owner to understand the understated messages relayed by your car that hint towards potential ignition coil problems. Let’s see what are the common issues experienced by owners.
Issues After Spark Plug Replacement
Several BMW 328i owners have been distressed lately due to an unusual problem. They reported that their car’s engine began to misfire and run unevenly after they installed new spark plugs and coils.
Even going back to the original parts did not rectify the situation. Additionally, they observed a check engine light displaying: P0305- Cylinder 5 misfire detected; P0302- Cylinder 2 misfire detected; P0300- Random multiple misfire detected.
In these circumstances, we recommend ensuring that the new spark plugs were properly gapped, which they were in this case. If there was no misfiring before the change of plugs and coils, it’s plausible that other problems might be at play here.
The error codes won’t automatically reset themselves, and if you’re unable to clear them using your scanning tool, it may not be sophisticated enough – although this is making quite a significant assumption.
It would also be beneficial to physically compare your old plugs with the new ones for identical height and general dimensions if you haven’t done so already. Similarly, compare numbers with your old plugs if possible.
Try reinstalling your new coils to see if any sit higher than others once fully plugged in. Lastly, inspect your plugs and wiring for potential wiring issues, such as a pushed-back pin or damaged wire.
Related: Will Oil on Spark Plugs Cause Cars Not to Start?
Engine Rumbling and Wobbling
A few BMW 328i owners suddenly noticed the car engine started to rumble and wobble over a period. They tried to solve the issue by replacing a coil and plug themselves, but it didn’t resolve the problem. Specialist mechanics found multiple cylinders misfiring and recommended replacing all coils and plugs, a costly solution.
Still, recognizing the possible dire consequences of neglecting such a problem and willing to ensure their safety while driving, they decided to proceed with the suggested fix.
Once the coils and plugs were replaced, there was an immediate noticeable improvement in engine performance. The obnoxious rumbling sound had disappeared, replaced by the characteristic smooth hum expected from BMW engines.
Riding once again became a pleasant experience instead of an arduous journey fraught with anxiety about potential breakdowns midway. However, even though this ordeal had ended on a positive note, it made these owners realize something crucial, car maintenance wasn’t something one should try to handle without professional guidance unless they had sufficient mechanical knowledge themselves.
Car Shaking with Check Engine Light On
BMW 328 owners reported the car engine shakes violently with the check engine light on. This type of issue was previously reported to be related to ignition coil issues. This could be the third coil failure, accompanied by an oil leak, potentially from the gasket. The gasket was replaced two years ago, and online research suggests leaks could cause coil problems.
An imminent failure might also occur with the vehicle’s spark plugs, which could further compound the coil problems. Spark plug troubles often tie back to failing ignition coils or oil leaks causing degradation over time. A misfire and sub-par performance of the car could be indicative signs of these issues.
The latest check engine codes indicate a cylinder misfire as well. Truly, this suggests an urgency to get it fixed before causing any significant internal damage to engine parts that may result in costly repairs down the line.
Further inspection of fluid levels has confirmed a slow leak is happening – possibly related to gasket failure too early on its life cycle, despite being replaced only two years ago: maybe due to poor installation or an inferior product used during maintenance service.
Related: How To Fix Car Shakes After Ignition Coil Replacement: A Step-By-Step Guide
How to Test BMW 328i Ignition Coil
Testing your car’s ignition coil might seem daunting. However, with the right process, you can systematically diagnose issues swiftly and accurately. Let’s see the process of testing the ignition coil in the BMW 328i.
To begin, identify and locate the ignition coils in the engine compartment. You’ll usually find these cylindrical parts laid out along the engine block. Disconnecting the battery is a crucial safety measure before proceeding further with other steps.
After disconnecting the battery, carefully detach the wiring connector from the ignition coil. A word of caution: Handle it gently, as it tends to be quite brittle due to constant exposure to heat over time.
For testing purposes, grab your multimeter. Set it to read resistance (the Ohms setting). Begin by taking readings between primary winding terminals and then move on to secondary windings.
Record these readings based on manufacturer specifications. Typically, for a functioning BMW 328i ignition coil, your primary winding reading should be between 0.5 and 2 ohms while secondary windings should display between 6,000 – 10,000 ohms.
Last but not least, if you notice abnormally high or low readings outside these parameters, this may indicate BMW 328i ignition coil problems which would require immediate attention and probable replacement.
BMW 328i Ignition Coil Replacement Process
If you’re facing BMW 328i ignition coil problems, replacing the old component with a new one can bring an ideal solution. Begin by detaching the engine cover to reach out for the ignition coils. The cover is held by a few screws; unscrewing them would suffice to remove it.
Next, identify the faulty ignition coil. There might be multiple coils; glance carefully at each for any visible signs of wear or damage, leading to a defective function.
Once you’ve located the problematic coil, disconnect its wiring harness connector by gently pressing down on the tab and pulling away. Gradually pull out faulty ignition coil/s ensuring not to damage other parts.
Now introduce a new BMW 328i ignition coil by carefully inserting it into place. Follow this by re-attaching wire harnesses and screws for security.
Finally, connect back the battery and replace the engine cover securely. A proper replacement can prolong engine life, and guarantee smoother operation while preventing potential BMW 328i Ignition Coil Problems down the line.
Final Words
The BMW 328i ignition coil problems can lead to significant performance issues and potential safety risks. These issues are not isolated incidents but have been reported by numerous owners worldwide. However, with regular maintenance and immediate attention to any signs of trouble, such as misfires or reduced fuel efficiency, these problems can be mitigated.
BMW owners should always use quality replacement parts for long-lasting solutions. If you are experiencing any concerns with your ignition coil, seek professional help promptly to ensure smooth operation and longevity of your vehicle.
