Stuck 500 miles from home. Misfire Cyl 6. Help!

Mike1261 · #1 07-18-2019, 04:24 PM

2006 E53, 3.0i

3 weeks ago we had a particularly hot day in Florida, and on a 150 mile drive I suddenly lost power when Cyl 6 shut off. Managed to stumble home with many restarts of the engine.

Replaced the Coil on 6 and didn't have any further issues.

Now we are in Macon GA and it's another particularly hot day with 500 miles of continuous driving under our belt. Cyl 6 is misfiring again. Worse than before. Can't even limp around this time.

There's an auto parts store around the corner, so I'm thinking of buying some tools and pulling the spark plug to see how it looks.

The car has been running beautifully otherwise. It seems to be related to the extremely hot (97+ degree) weather and extended use of the vehicle.

Can anyone think of anything to suggest before I haul this hunk of junk to the shop and pay through the nose to diagnose this?

Sponsored Links

andrewwynn · #2 07-18-2019, 05:28 PM

I had similar on wife's car and Lucas fuel treatment cured it.

I did start with new plugs though. If I was in your spot a 5/8 socket to remove the plug and clean the plug or buy a new plug (or set). Then some injector cleaner. Good stuff.

Mike1261 · #3 07-18-2019, 05:51 PM

I ran Techron through it a couple months back.

Pulled all the spark plugs sitting in a bank parking lot with overpriced tools from O'Reilly next door. #6 is black and hideous looking. The rest are ok.

Deciding the feasibility of replacing a fuel injector in a bank parking lot... lol

oldskewel · #4 07-18-2019, 06:08 PM

If things are marginal enough that it was running earlier and now does not, it may be possible to put your best looking plug in #6, put the hideous plug in #1, and see if it will get you to a better place to fully solve the problem.

EDIT - well, unless the bank parking lot is in fact your best option in the vicinity. I can imagine worse.

And more thinking about it ...

Does it make sense for things to not run due to one bad cylinder (from any cause)?

Could it be that you have a weak old fuel pump as the real problem, and the slightly off-nominal #6 fuel injector is causing clear problems in #6, but you've actually got low fuel pressure causing the engine to not run? What's the mileage on the fuel pump? If the original pump was replaced, when and what brand?

Mike1261 · #5 07-18-2019, 06:12 PM

I am luckily a 5 minute walk to a parts store so I replaced the plug entirely but it's not helping.

Just bought a compression tester just to rule that out.

Only other thing I can think of would be fuel injector. Nobody around here stocks them though. Maybe Macon BMW but they're not gonna be open till tomorrow.

EODguy · #6 07-18-2019, 06:13 PM

I used this and what a difference!!

Although it was the "Mercedes" brand same company and for the love of God don't get it on you....

Sent from my SM-A730F using Tapatalk

Elkman · #7 07-18-2019, 06:23 PM

Did you clear the codes after the new spark plug? The DME will cut off the fuel injector to a cylinder that has multiple misfires, clearing the code will turn it back on.

Effduration · #8 07-18-2019, 06:53 PM

I would get a free code scan at autozone to see if there are any codes. How did you determine it is a misfire on cyl 6? I would be reluctant to throw too may parts at it. without diagnosing. It really could be anything.

Also you can borrow a compression tester from Autozone /Advance Auto, etc. for free.

Inspect intake boots.
swap coils with neighboring cylinders and see if misfire moves

As a back-up I would search for a "vetted" Independent mechanic in the area on BIMRS.org

Mike1261 · #9 07-18-2019, 07:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Elkman

Did you clear the codes after the new spark plug? The DME will cut off the fuel injector to a cylinder that has multiple misfires, clearing the code will turn it back on.

You, my friend, just saved me having the car towed 400 miles with AAA, and having to jump through hoops claiming trip interruption from them.

Cleared the codes and we are golden! Smooth as buttah... But I did learn my compression in Cyl 1 is 160 and in 6 it's 120, so that sucks. That's why my plug fouled. But this will get us on the road again!

I owe you so many beers! If you're ever in Orlando let me know!

And to Effduration: I carry a cable and INPA on my laptop always, so I pull the codes myself and reset it as well :-)

Thanks for the tip on where to find a good BMW mechanic!

Elkman · #10 07-18-2019, 07:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mike1261

You, my friend, just saved me having the car towed 400 miles with AAA, and having to jump through hoops claiming trip interruption from them.

Cleared the codes and we are golden! Smooth as buttah... But I did learn my compression in Cyl 1 is 160 and in 6 it's 120, so that sucks. That's why my plug fouled. But this will get us on the road again!

I owe you so many beers! If you're ever in Orlando let me know!

Glad I could help, I have gotten help here in the past.
I have a youtube link for you, Others and I have done this with success. He recommends 1 oz. per cylinder I used a lot more.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_Vo4fm0JDPY

This is what you need. (DO NOT PUT IN GAS TANK)
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Genuine-BMW...YAAOSwmUFb-~5x

Sponsored Links