Intermittent Rough Running & Stalling?

2007 BMW 328XI
140,000 MILES • 3.0L • 4WD • AUTOMATIC
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WOLFGRAM
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
My car will randomly idle rough at low rpms and run rough under acceleration. It will typically die when stopping. If it happens, it’s when the engine is hot and been running for at least 15 minutes in highway driving. Frequently, it will occur while driving and then return to normal. Whenever this happens, the “service engine soon” light will come on and then turn off. I have not had it happen at a time or place when I can check the engine codes, so I’m not sure where to start in diagnosing.
Jun 4, 2026 at 5:22 PM
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STRAILER
  • Experienced Mechanic
  • 55,051 POSTS
It sounds like the engine is misfiring so I would start with a engine tune up and I would also run the codes, they will be stored even if the check engine light is not on. Here is a video to help you get the codes.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LBCpCWEFnTg

It could be a vacuum leak as well, this video can show you how to find one if the engine has one.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xN5pcM-5bso&pp=0gcJCaMLAYcqIYzv

Recommended OEM-equivalent plugs:

NGK ILZFR6D11 (OE)
NGK PLZFR6A11S (updated OE replacement)
Bosch FR7NPP332 (OE equivalent)

Torque: 23 lb-ft (31 N·m)

Check out the images (below). Please let me know what happens.
Aug 1, 2026 at 12:36 PM
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