Engine management light?

JUNE POLLOCK

MEMBER
2008 BMW 318I
2.0L
4 CYL
2WD
MANUAL
117,000 MILES

Hey. I have the car listed above SE model (approximately 117,000 miles on clock) which has engine management light on. Scan showing misfire on cylinder 3 (low compression) and traction control light flashing on the dash. Spark plugs and coil pack have both been replaced. Made no difference in doing so. Recent gasket cover seals kit replaced also. Any ideas? Could any of this be linked to wheel speed sensor? How about the cylinder? Cylinders have been swapped over to determine if spark plug issue. Fault stayed with cylinder 3.

Kind regards,
June

7 Replies

KEN L

MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
47,640 POSTS

The problem is the cylinder 3 (low compression). This needs to be fixed before the car will operate correctly. Here is a guide to help you see why the compression can be low.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/the-reasons-for-low-compression

and

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/symptoms-of-low-compression

I would do a leakdown test to see where the problem is either the intake/exhaust valve or the piston rings or piston failure. Let me know so I can help by giving instructions on how to fix the problem.

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Tuesday, May 2nd, 2023 AT 9:18 AM

JUNE POLLOCK

MEMBER
4 POSTS

Thank you Ken L. I will pass this info on to the mechanic and update you accordingly. I believe there has been little progress made with the car, however they are more confused than ever not. Update to follow ASAP.
Kind regards,
June

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Tuesday, May 2nd, 2023 AT 11:47 AM

KEN L

MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
47,640 POSTS

Sounds good please let us know.

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Wednesday, May 3rd, 2023 AT 11:21 AM

JUNE POLLOCK

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4 POSTS

So, I don't know for what reason the guys said they changed coil pack again and the car ran like a dream for 5 minutes, now it's showing fault in 1 and 3?

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Wednesday, May 3rd, 2023 AT 12:17 PM

KEN L

MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
47,640 POSTS

Does the cylinder still have low compression? You may have a broken valve spring causing the problem. If the compression is good, I have seen a cracked spark plug cause the misfire issues. We need to confirm the low compression or not though before we can continue.