97 528i Sensors

[aqwins1025]

I am a newbie to this site and an owner of the 97-528i since 2001. I am now having problems with rough starting, and loss of idle at times when stopping. It has been diagnosed as sensor(s) problems. I've had the crank and cam sensors replaced($325) and still the problem exists. Has anyone experienced the problem and what should I do next ? The BMW
mechanic isn't a dealer, as I'm trying to cut labor chrgs. Now he says it may be another type of O2 sensor. What could this be ? Or am I being ripped off ?

[jeffreyb4me]

While I doubt your being "ripped-off", you my be the victim of a tech. who's over his/her head or a shop that isn't well enough equipped to go further. "Maybes" and "I think it's" get really expensive these days. The sensors that were replaced do fail commonly and would cause the symptoms, but it maybe time to find another shop if the one you're dealing with has to resort to guess work on this problem, they need info. from the car they might not be equipped to get. The shop really needs a MoDiC or GT-1 Diagnostic Unit for any work of this type on E36's or later BMW's. Best to you........................................jeff b.

[aqwins1025]

jeff b.

thanks for your response. The shop showed me the unit they use to analyze the engine..However
I don't know if it is this specific type. I will check..
thanks again...

[rsn48]

I think you are the victim of "false economy." The money you have "saved" by using the "budget" guy is now out the window, if you had used the BMW service technician.

When I bought my pre-owned 528ia, the first thing I did was asked to see the service records on it. When I went through the records on it, I saw the guy kept it up and that put my mind at ease when purchasing the car. I suspect it also made the car higher in trade in value as well, since they could show individuals such as myself the records of the car.

On other cars, I've "saved" money on repairs only to have the budget repair cost more in the long run.