Why is the car losing power and not accelerating? 1995 BMW 318is

ANSWER : Hello and thank you for contacting YourMechanic. Check the ground wire from the main engine to frame ground to the right side engine mount. If this wire is corroded or loose, this will cause the engine to loose power on acceleration. Also, check the throttle position sensor (TPS) for any damage or loose wire connections. If the wires are all in good condition on the engine and the TPS, then I recommend replacing the TPS. If you need further assistance troubleshooting your vehicle, then seek out a technician, such as one from YourMechanic, to diagnose the vehicle’s loss of power and proceed with any needed repairs.

ANSWER : Hey there, thanks for writing in about your 2013 BMW 650i. Solutions have been found to problems similar to yours, but two vehicles with the same symptoms may still require different repairs. Your best bet is to have an experienced technician look over the vehicle in person and diagnose yours individually. A certified technician from YourMechanic can come to your car’s location to conduct a comprehensive inspection of your car to pinpoint the problems and resolve this correctly. You could also try calling your local BMW to see if there is any updates on possible recalls for the problem you are experiencing.

ANSWER : Hi there – based on the symptoms you describe, I suspect that either the throttle position sensor or the fuel pump (or fuel pump relay) are failing. The result is either incorrect throttle position reported to the engine computer, or inadequate fuel pressure to fire the injectors. I recommend a car is stalling inspection by a mobile, professional mechanic, such as one from YourMechanic, who will come to your location, diagnose this problem, give you an accurate assessment of damage and cost estimate for repairs.

ANSWER : Most of the engine components should be covered for 100 thousand miles. This isn’t just factory policy, this is US law. Any component that could be part of the emission control system has to be covered and that would include the EPC. EPC (Electronic Power Control) is the name of the "drive by wire" system that regulates the accelerator. There is no longer an accelerator cable, throttle opening is now regulated by the engine controller according to the signal that is detected when you step on the accelerator. Take your car back to the dealer and they should be happy to take care of it for you. But years from now, when your car is out of warranty, consider saving time and money by contacting Your Mechanic for service and repairs.

ANSWER : Hello. It sounds like you may have a sensor issue going on with your car. Most of the time when something like this occurs it is caused by a throttle position sensor that is not working properly. It can also be caused by worn out fuel system or ignition system parts but it is most commonly a sensor. I will usually install my scan tool and drive the vehicle while monitoring what the sensors are doing. This would tell me if there is a sensor issue going on. If the sensors are reading correctly then I inspect the ignition system and also test the fuel pressure. If you are looking to have this loss of power checked, consider having a YourMechanic certified technician come to your home or office to diagnose why it is losing power.

ANSWER : The only way to determine if the collision caused damage is to carefully MEASURE the alignment and, as well, the frame dimensions using a tram. If those steps have not been specifically taken, what the mechanics have told you about "no damage" is meaningless. If the dealer has told you there is a problem with the steering rack, there very well could be and that possibility should be investigated. If the rack is faulty, it should be repaired or replaced. There is not supposed to be any clunking noises when you turn the steering wheel. The fact that there is a noise indicates a problem. The noise could be due to a problem with the strut bearing that allows the strut to turn freely with the steering knuckle, a defective tie rod end, a sway bar link or component and so forth. If you have hydraulically (not electric) assisted powered steering, loss of power assist could be due to a fault with the pump, the pump drive belt, or rack. Based on what you are describing, I would recommend you request a steering inspection – intermittent loss of assist and the responding certified mechanic will pinpoint the origin of the noise, as well as the cause of loss of assist, and get the required repairs implemented. With regard to the possibility of damage to the suspension and/or frame due to the collision, the ONLY way to determine that is to have those components measured using the appropriate tools and having in hand the Factory Service Manual which contains every relevant frame measurement for reference. You CANNOT visually look at a vehicle and determine if it is straight and undamaged because some of the specifications are measured within tens of thousandths of an inch (toe, for example) or tiny fractions of a degree (wheel camber). A carefully selected shop with trained individuals will have to perform such an inspection. If you have further questions or concerns, do not hesitate to re-contact YourMechanic as we are always here to help you.

ANSWER : A flashing oil light is typically a sign that either the oil level is low, or the computer has sensed a lack of oil pressure. I hope it isn’t the case, but usually when an engine starts to lose power (like when a battery starts to run down), that can be a sign of the engine beginning to seize up. With the oil light flashing for that period of time, the check engine light coming on, and the engine not wanting to turn over, I’m afraid the engine may have seized. A certified YourMechanic technician can come to your location to perform a Check Engine Light is On Inspection on your vehicle and diagnose this issue for you.

ANSWER : Hello. It sounds like you may have an issue with your throttle position sensor. This sensor sends a reference voltage to your power-train control module, which uses that to determine ignition timing and fuel trims. If the power-train control module is not detecting the proper signal from the throttle position sensor, the engine may not accelerate properly. It’s probably a good idea for you to have a professional mobile mechanic come to your location and complete a car is slow to accelerate inspection first, so they can pinpoint what is causing this issue to occur and they will recommend the right repairs be completed.