text: Re: 540 '98 WAS fine before Inspection (archive)
  Posted by Bob on December 10, 1999 at 22:25:38:
  In Reply to: 540 '98 WAS fine before Inspection posted by Why oh why did I trust the dealer ??? on December 09, 1999 at 23:20:20:
  : Just a few days back I took my '98 540A in for its 2nd Inspection I and it's not been the same since.
  : It ran flawlessly before the visit but it's really not at all well since the dealer's "work" on it.
  : Twice in 4 days now it has stalled repeatedly when starting. This was after leaving it in a parking lot for 1/2 hour or so.
  : The first time, the "Check Engine" light came on but went off after about 50-75 miles. Yesterday while leaving it sitting for 10 minutes it refused to run for more than a few seconds when first started. I was forced to hold the throttle down for about 30-60 seconds of 2000 rpm to keep it running so I could drive home. During this the "Check Engine" light came back on and remains on.
  : I called the service writer who took the car in for the Inspection and asked to know what service bulletins were applied. He replied: 310198 and 122199.
  : I guess at this point I wonder just what I should do next. Quite understandably (I think) I don't really want to return the car to the dealer since (IMHO) their work screwed it up in the first place.
  : Plus, I really doubt there is any way to reverse these service bulletins so I'm probably going to waste 2-4 hours in a fruitless visit.
  : Is the secret here to NOT take your car in for service (I mean if you are happy with it) ? That sure seems to minimize the value of BMW's 3 year service plan.
  : Does anyone have any suggestions ?
  : Thanks for any and all help.
  : Ross Cook
  Check the spark plugs. Is everything tight and properly connected and grounded? Still take it to the dealer and let him put it up on the computer. The error code should show up. It is stored even after the light goes off. Sometimes ,too, when a mechanic changes the fuel filter, if he is not careful to clean off the outlet connection, dirt can get in the line and clog the injector. They too have internal filters and it is this that gets blocked.