BMW 320d E46 Won't Start? Troubleshooting Guide.

'Hello, I'm having the following problem. Last week, I was driving my BMW 320D E46 on the highway and noticed that it wasn't accelerating properly. I was forced to pull over to the shoulder, where it continued to run smoothly at idle, but even with full throttle, the engine speed wouldn't go above 3000 RPM. However, after a few seconds, it improved, and I was able to continue driving (I had this problem once before in March, but it hasn't happened since, without me doing anything. At that time, I was using regular diesel). It started accelerating normally again and I drove about 3 km at speeds of 180-190 km/h on the highway. Then, it stopped accelerating completely, the engine stalled, and wouldn't restart.'


I then had:

• Have the error memory read. No errors found.
• Since I've been using vegetable oil in my car for a month, the fuel tank was filled with diesel.
• Diesel filter replaced.
• Pre-charge pump checked. OK.
• Diesel lines flushed.
• Injector nozzles were loosened to check if diesel fuel was reaching them. OK.
• Started the engine with the starter pilot, but it didn't increase in RPM, so it stalled.

I'm at my wit's end.
It would be great if someone had a good tip or perhaps experienced the same problem and could help me out. The car is equipped with a Bosch...
Equipped with a VP44 diesel pump, which is known by Bosch to be very reliable. The car has a mileage of 92,000 km and an engine power of 100 kW.

Thank you in advance.

over-cross

over-cross wrote:

The car is equipped with a Bosch... Equipped with a VP44 diesel pump, which is known for its reliability according to Bosch.

Did you forget an "un" there?
You would typically expect to see the opposite, although the VP44 is also used in some light commercial vehicles and buses.

Hello,

Unfortunately, the VP44 pump is very sensitive to running dry and insufficient lubrication. I wouldn't even use biodiesel in a VP37 pump.
Try loosening each of the banjo bolts on the fuel lines one by one until diesel starts to bubble out. Start with number 1, then 2, 3, and 4. Then tighten all the bolts again and try starting the engine. If the pump isn't completely broken and everything else is okay, the car should start. Also, you should check the voltage at the fuel shut-off valve.

Hi,

If the ESP is empty, I would strongly advise against attempting any further ignition cycles.
First, make sure to properly bleed the fuel pump and fuel system. Otherwise, you risk damaging your fuel injection system.

Best regards, Rainer.

I assumed the diesel would reach the pump, but did I miss something?

/viewtopic.php?t=3979&view=next

Uli S. has a link to it.

Hello!
The VP44 is so sensitive that in some vehicles (e.g., some or all 2.5 V6 engines from the VAG group), the engine can be shut off by the control unit even before the fuel tank is completely empty.
If you want to do something really good for your VP44 after completely emptying it (which I understand you've already done), get a used fuel pump from any gasoline-powered car (don't be surprised) from a junkyard or somewhere similar. Connect this pump, after the filter, in the engine bay to the return line (this is important!). Run the engine until no more air bubbles come out of the filter, then reconnect the return line. The fuel system will then be completely bled. Only the injector lines need to be bled separately; if they are empty, you'll need to use the starter motor to do this, but that doesn't affect the pump, just the battery.

Best regards,

Dominique.

Hello,

For the VP44 pump to be drawing air on the suction side, something must have gone seriously wrong.
My recommendation regarding the organ only concerned bleeding the pipes.
@over-cross, is the filter's bleed screw tightly closed?

Based on my experience, I'm guessing it's a pre-charge pump.
On the E46 M47, it's located underneath the car, approximately at the level of the driver's seat.
Have you checked the pre-charge pressure? It should be at least 4 bar.

What kind of car is that nice vehicle?

Hello,

I received a message that the ESP is now broken/malfunctioning.

Best regards, Rainer.