Vanos didn't solve it?

[cparker]

Are you getting any O2 sensor codes?

http://forum.e46fanatics.com/showthr...105&highlight=

No, I don't have any codes.

[cparker]

FYI, the technical info posted at the link above is BMW service information bulletin (SIB) 12 08 05.

Would be interesting to see cparker here go that route (software update) prior to new O2's, tho it still wouldn't explain the issue with kpro's car.

OP: what's your mileage?

Kpro: still questioning whether yours got the appropriate update. The tech doing the work has to be very specific about what he/she requests of the system, as described in SIB 12 08 05.

94k

[aurelius]

At 94k, you're a little early for new pre-cat O2's but not by much. See if you can get the DME update before you install them. If you use an indie BMW shop, be sure they have the right equipment. Do you have after market (ie Dinan, etc.) performance software?

[cparker]

I do not have any aftermarket software.

[aurelius]

Let us know which you do first (O2's or software) and your results, etc.

[Cadeez]

Coming in late here but...I'm having a similar issue with the power loss, plus some odd "rattle" activity at startup/shutdown. Is it standard procedure for a shop to update the DME software prior to installing aftermarket software? I have the Dinan Stage 1 software and I will be doing the Beisan seals and rattle kit this weekend, my car has 83k on it, too early for the O2's to be bad?

[aurelius]

...I'm having a similar issue with the power loss, plus some odd "rattle" activity at startup/shutdown. Is it standard procedure for a shop to update the DME software prior to installing aftermarket software? I have the Dinan Stage 1 software and I will be doing the Beisan seals and rattle kit this weekend, my car has 83k on it, too early for the O2's to be bad?

Update will overwrite Dinan but Dinan will let you re-flash for free. I've done it. FYI, the Dinan dealer in question will likely charge you labor for it. I was also charged for the s/w and then later refunded after Dinan authorized it. Which made no sense considering the shop doing the re-flash had done the original Dinan installation but that's the way it went down. I also had to hound them for the refund but that had nothing to do with Dinan directly.

Can't say I know what the shut-down rattle comes from but mine does it too. Seem to recall my '01 ZSP also did.

If you shop around, you should be able to get the BMW DME update for about $100, possibly even at a BMW dealership. Which is cheaper than 2 new O2's. But since the OP (cparker) has already ponied up for new O2's and he is near replacement mileage for them anyhow, it'll be interesting to see if the DME update becomes a moot point once those are installed.

Keep in mind indie shops with Autologic or similar can update you to the latest BMW spec. You are not limited to BMW dealerships for this. Prior to doing so, you might check out the E46 car/key work sheet to see if you want anything changed while the car is connected to the Autologic or dealer computer.

[cparker]

I will be installing the 02 sensors first. There have been many accounts of the update fixing the issue, and many speculate that it's because the "old" software doesnt handle aging sensors well so if I swap them out and see that it fixes the problem then we will know for sure that the problem originates with the failing sensors and is exacerbated by the programming.

[Cadeez]

That's a fine bit of info there sir, thank you for the follow up. We'll see how she runs after I do the Vanos, and I'll wait to hear about the OP's O2's as well before I opt for the DME tune.

[cparker]

I pulled my intake boots, DISA, and idle control valve. I don't have any cracks in the lower intake boot, I cleaned the intake control valve (which was pretty cruddy), and the DISA seams to be ok. It makes some noise when I twist the vane around but it operates smoothly.