Hesitation problem

A couple of months ago I took my M3 coupe to the dealer to repair an engine-hesitation problem. The symptom was that the car would "hesitate" intermittently, i.e. there would be sadden, very brief interruptions to driving speed, feeling as if gasoline supply was cut off to the engine for a few fractions of second. The engine light eventually came on, after a few times this happened, so I took the car to the dealer immediately. They diagnosed a malfunctioning camshaft sensor, which was replaced, and reprogrammed the computer module (not sure what the purpose for this was).

The car ran fine for a couple of months ... until this morning when driving to work the problem surfaced again, only this time the interruptions/hesitations were more frequent and intense. I pulled the car over, shut the engine and restarted it after a few seconds. I was then able to drive to work w/out any problems.

I have made another appointment w/ the same dealer to get this looked at again.

Has this problem occurred to anyone else, and if so, can you please tell me what was done to get this permanently fixed ? I would appreciate any input.

I have a 2003 M3 Convertible with 7100 miles. I too have noticed the same issues with my M3. M3 power loses or should I say power jitters or hesitation usually happens around 4500 rpm in 5th gear. The strange thing is that it goes away as soon as you MASH the gas peddle.

You may want to take your M to the dealer and talk to them about the ignition coil. On Wednesday March 22 2006, I received a letter from BMW of America stating that there is a recall on all ignition coils for M3 E46 models from 2000 to 2006. Actually, it’s more of an FYI just in case your ride starts acting funny. Anyway, the bulletin is to inform all with this model that the warrantee for this part has been extend. It also mentions the same symptoms that both of our cars are suffering from.

You may want to take a look at this service bulletin to seen if the symptoms fit your car.

I have a 95 M3, and I have had this problem for a month or so. I have tried:
replacing the mass air flow sensor and coils. No change.
I have been told that both the crankshaft and camshaft sensors could be causing this, but I have not had time to replace these. Next I will try plugs.

One note: I first noticed the problem after I removed the DME (without disconnecting the battery first!!argghh) and installing the stock M3 chip. When I put the BAVAUTO chip back in, the hesitation was still there. I have been told that if a DME goes out, its dead, and won't cause something like a hesitation.


You having any luck? Maybe its your crankshaft sensor.