Engine cutting out around 4,000 RPMs, engine light intermittent?

Tiny
SM_USIC
  • MEMBER
  • 1997 BMW Z3
  • 1.9L
  • 4 CYL
  • 2WD
  • MANUAL
  • 180,000 MILES
In any gear the engine will cut out around 4,000 RPMs, as if someone unplugged it and plugged it back in, it happens anywhere between 3,500 and 4,100 RPMs and it feels like hitting the rev limiter, the engine light comes on about a second later, I also get an occasional engine light on startup that stays for a day or two then disappears (potentially unrelated).
Tuesday, September 19th, 2023 AT 11:23 AM

7 Replies

Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 47,640 POSTS
The check engine light seems related, it sounds like the fuel filter is clogged. We should run the codes because the computer will store the codes once the light has come on, this guide can help, and I have included the location of the fuel filter and how to change it out:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/checking-a-service-engine-soon-or-check-engine-light-on-or-flashing

Check out the images (below). Please let us know how it goes.
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Thursday, September 21st, 2023 AT 9:36 AM
Tiny
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Thank you very much for the detailed response, I ordered a code reader, and I will also order a fuel filter. Even if it's not the issue it could probably use a change.
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Friday, September 22nd, 2023 AT 2:14 PM
Tiny
KEN L
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Yep, got to start with the easy and obvious things first. Please let me know what happens.
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Saturday, September 23rd, 2023 AT 11:58 AM
Tiny
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  • MEMBER
  • 7 POSTS
Very true, the scanner picked up codes for crank and camshaft position sensors, would clearing the codes and seeing if they come back differently damage the engine?
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Wednesday, September 27th, 2023 AT 8:29 AM
Tiny
KEN L
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No, it shouldn't, I would clear the codes to see which ones come back first and concentrate on those.
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Thursday, September 28th, 2023 AT 10:05 AM
Tiny
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  • MEMBER
  • 7 POSTS
I cleared the codes, and the crank and cam position sensor errors came back, so I replaced them, and it works well. Thank you for all the help!
(Sorry for the late reply)
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Sunday, November 19th, 2023 AT 1:36 PM
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 47,640 POSTS
You are welcome, please use 2CarPros anytime we are here to help.
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Monday, November 20th, 2023 AT 7:25 AM

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