Ok you back yard mechanics, look at this

[Drkenigma1]

Ok problem car cranks but won't start. The first problem started with the alternator and trans/fail/safe. Then the battery wouldn't hold a charge. I checked the spark plugs and fouled/nasty a couple of them burned. Something was telling me to pull and check the crankcase sensor Pic #1 is the sensor, Pic #2 are plugs 5-8, pic #3 are plugs 1-4? Plug #4 is burned, wet, and fouled Any comment and or help????

[wallyx5]

When did you buy this X?

[Werewolf]

CPS sensors failed b/c the seal fails and oil comes into the eletrical plug. Normal sort of but yours looks extra gunky

If your plugs are fouled, do you have residual of the oil in the plug wells (i.e. VCG leaks)?

Is the OBD throwing codes? Get a reader and check em out

Do you have any service history? Seems like a lot of problems but no background information

[Drkenigma1]

Does anyone know the resistance for the crankcase sensor and for the camshaft sensor? I walked to a local mechanic and he tested the crankcase sensor and seems to think it is OK. He thinks my problem might be fuel related. To answer the questions, I bought my "X" two years ago and it is an '01. I failed to get an accurate service history. I have oil in #4 cylinder. And the OBD II and Peake reader isn't throwing codes. It just seldom starts and when it does runs rough until it shuts down. Any suggestions. It all started after the trans fail safe and then the charging system until it shut down.

[WVMTNBIKER]

First, get rid of the four tipped plugs. The big "plug"(no pun intended) for these spark plugs is that they have more area for the spark to actually spark to. Wrong. I've read that the spark actually wonders around the tip of the plug looking for the best place to arc and you end up with a poor spark.
Go get some OEM plugs or some from BavAuto.com. I can't speak to the sensor but it sure doesn't look good.

Not being a smart arse, but your engine bay looks to be rather dirty too. If you are replacing plugs, wires, sensors then why not do a bit of engine bay cleaning too? Sorry, just me I guess. A clean engine bay to me is a good indicator of how much the owner cares about the heart of the beast.

[Drkenigma1]

I these are NGK OEM plugs. A far as cleaning the engine bay I do agree but I just came back from a 1600 mile trip to hot and dusty Pheoniz,AZ. I'm still researching and I have a lot of information and trouble shooting to do before I give up. Remember the orignial problem started with the Trans fail safe code with the alternator. But earlier than that the upper radiator hose blew while traveling back from AZ requiring thermostat housing, thermostat, and upper hose to be replaced. I'll keep you all updated on the progress.

[dkl]

Both NGK and Bosch are OEM plugs. They should have the BMW mark on them in addition to the NGK or Bosch branded marks.

[Dannyell]

Have you replaced the alternator or battery?

[amacman]

be sure to clean the threads down in the plug hole , those plugs have corrosion on the thread , so the head will have deposits .
I usually clean/polish the threads of an old plug with an oily rag and thread it by hand down each plug hole cleaning frequently until it glides smooth .

[Drkenigma1]

I replaced the alternator first then the battery. Somewhere in between these problems happened and I think the code was erased. If I can isolate th problem the plugs will be changed too. Thanks for the tip regarding the threads for the plugs. My main objective is to get her running. Don't want to spend stealer money. I'm sure that the sensors are the original equipment