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[Solved] BMW E46 316Ti compact N42 - Problem with the engine / electrics

Michal2145 23430 17
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How do I fix rough running, intake backfire, camshaft errors and misfires on a BMW E46 316Ti N42 engine after a collision?

The symptoms point to a timing/valve-train problem rather than ignition alone: lock the crankshaft/flywheel and camshafts, verify the timing is set correctly, and check whether the left timing wheel is too shallow or the timing has shifted [#17045448][#17046948] The N42 also has a known issue with the chain tensioner and guide rails, so these should be inspected and replaced if worn because the chain can jump [#17058714] Check oil pressure as well, because the chain runs in oil and low pressure can prevent VANOS from working and from tightening the chain properly [#17037124] If the timing is locked correctly, also verify fuel pressure, since incorrect fuel supply can still cause poor running [#17059094] The thread also noted that the VANOS solenoids had been rubbed by the chain, which supports the idea that the chain or guides are contacting parts they should not [#17048683]
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  • #1 17022972
    Michal2145
    Level 6  
    Posts: 29
    Rate: 13
    Hello, I have questions. E46 316 2003 compact N42B18. Bought after a delicate collision. Problem with engine operation. Gasoline smells from the exhaust, telepie is the driving force when adding gas, it does not run smoothly. Errors crashes from the camshafts (first the suction shaft after the exchange crashes the errors of the two shafts), the ignition loss on the 4 cylinder (new coil as well as swapped places and further the same). The shaft sensor is also listed and the same goes. Although the alternator loads, it crashes the error with its communication. Flashing engine light on the board and no connection to abs. The timing looks tight and well set. The error is still from the blown external temperature sensor. Hint what you can still check in this bike because the ideas are over. Compression tested on all cylinders and wheel 12. I also have a movie with the engine work.
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  • #2 17024681
    zaxdamian
    Level 15  
    Posts: 168
    Help: 14
    Rate: 67
    Injection times, lambda ,. The smell of gasoline is evidence of flooding. The temperature sensor has an effect on the dose.
  • #3 17024700
    Michal2145
    Level 6  
    Posts: 29
    Rate: 13
    After replacing the engine controller with ews and the ignition, fewer cops and do not smell like gasoline but still the same engine work only that sometimes it is so that he does not shoot at the suction collector at all and no improvement at all. And when it comes to lambda, one is broken and the injection times are in the norm
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  • #4 17024777
    zaxdamian
    Level 15  
    Posts: 168
    Help: 14
    Rate: 67
    In the norm, ie what? Connect the temperature sensor. Check the injectors
  • #5 17032038
    Michal2145
    Level 6  
    Posts: 29
    Rate: 13
    After connection, it no longer gives gasoline but continues to collapse into the suction manifold. After checking it, some errors appeared on the computer:
    o 2731 timing. Inlet adjustment
    o 27BB Exhaust Inspection Control
    o 28D7 Communication Alternator
    o 27ED messages to ASC / DSC
    and sometimes ignition on all cylinders and with this ignition on the 4 cylinder
    Added after 1 [hour] 14 [minutes]:
    most likely the fault lies on the side of the organ. After removing the solenoid valve with the serial number 11 36 7 560 462, I noticed a light wiping of one of them. The fault may be a poorly assembled / damaged crop that when the gas is added rapidly starts to fly and wipe the chain.
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  • #6 17034969
    Michal2145
    Level 6  
    Posts: 29
    Rate: 13
    And I have a question whether oil should be lubricated on the oil chain? because if I do, then I do not have it at all
  • #7 17037124
    zaxdamian
    Level 15  
    Posts: 168
    Help: 14
    Rate: 67
    The chain works in oil. Maybe you do not have the oil pressure so you do not adjust the vanos and do not tighten the chain
  • #8 17039720
    Michal2145
    Level 6  
    Posts: 29
    Rate: 13
    And the vanos solenoid can be wiped through the chain if the slide is cracked? Because at low revolutions the engine works nicely and after adding the gas most likely shoots in the intake manifold. After changing the electrovalves with the BMW E46 316Ti Compact N42, looking at them, the bottom one was rubbed and there was no damage on it
  • #9 17043951
    Michal2145
    Level 6  
    Posts: 29
    Rate: 13
    And I have a question about the rooster. Is it properly set because we came to the conclusion that the plant is moved to the exhaust shaft. I also attach a photo
    BMW E46 316Ti compact N42 - Problem with the engine / electrics
  • #10 17045448
    mechanio
    Level 11  
    Posts: 9
    Rate: 6
    The left wheel of the timing is to be replaced, block the flywheel and put a lock on everything you will learn
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  • #11 17045485
    Michal2145
    Level 6  
    Posts: 29
    Rate: 13
    After which it was inferred that the left to exchange?
  • #12 17046948
    mechanio
    Level 11  
    Posts: 9
    Rate: 6
    Because the left wheel is too shallow
  • #13 17048683
    Michal2145
    Level 6  
    Posts: 29
    Rate: 13
    after putting in a lock everything with the plant is okay

    Added after 5 [hours] 4 [minutes]:

    And this is how Vanos (electrovalve) looks like. I will add that both look like that. They were rubbed by the chain when adding gas.
    BMW E46 316Ti compact N42 - Problem with the engine / electrics
  • #14 17051382
    Michal2145
    Level 6  
    Posts: 29
    Rate: 13
    BMW E46 316Ti compact N42 - Problem with the engine / electrics BMW E46 316Ti compact N42 - Problem with the engine / electrics BMW E46 316Ti compact N42 - Problem with the engine / electrics
  • #15 17058714
    marszałekkom
    Level 31  
    Posts: 1614
    Help: 212
    Rate: 502
    This seems to be the engine in which you have to replace the tensioner and guide skids, because the factory has a congenital defect, and through them the chain jumps.
  • #16 17059094
    drdrug
    Level 18  
    Posts: 204
    Help: 25
    Rate: 178
    Timing locks have been installed all 3/4? on the shaft, rollers at the back and front discs? If so, check the fuel pressure
  • #17 17156529
    biem130i
    Level 1  
    Posts: 1
    Hello, I have a question whether the problem was solved by the author of the topic?
  • #18 17156645
    Michal2145
    Level 6  
    Posts: 29
    Rate: 13
    I did not solve the problem and I do not have cars anymore
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Topic summary

✨ The discussion revolves around engine and electrical issues in a 2003 BMW E46 316Ti compact with an N42B18 engine. The owner reports symptoms including gasoline smell from the exhaust, rough engine operation, and error codes related to camshaft timing and ignition loss on cylinder four. Various troubleshooting steps are suggested, including checking the temperature sensor, injectors, and oil pressure for the Vanos system. The owner replaced the engine controller and ignition components, which reduced gasoline smell but did not resolve the engine performance issues. Further investigation revealed potential wear on the Vanos solenoid and timing components, with suggestions to replace the tensioner and guide skids due to a known defect. The owner ultimately indicated that the problem remains unresolved.
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FAQ

TL;DR: BMW E46 316Ti N42 rough running usually traces to timing/VANOS. 3–4 timing locks are required; "Timing locks have been installed all 3/4?" Verify oil pressure, chain guides, sensors, and fuel pressure before replacing parts. [Elektroda, drdrug, post #17059094]

Why it matters: This FAQ helps E46 316Ti N42 owners fix rough running, misfires, fuel smell, and VANOS/timing faults after a collision or service.

Quick Facts

What symptoms did the E46 316Ti N42 show in this case?

Reported symptoms: gasoline smell from exhaust, rough running, and flashing MIL. Misfire on cylinder 4 persisted after coil replacement and swaps. Camshaft-related DTCs logged, plus alternator communication error. No ABS communication was observed after the collision. [Elektroda, Michal2145, post #17022972]

Which fault codes point to timing/VANOS issues on the N42?

Codes 2731 and 27BB indicate inlet and exhaust cam adjustment faults. These appeared alongside 28D7 alternator communication and 27ED ASC/DSC messages. They point to VANOS control or timing chain alignment issues. [Elektroda, Michal2145, post #17032038]

Should the N42 timing chain be oil‑lubricated, and what happens with low oil pressure?

Yes. "The chain works in oil." Low oil pressure prevents VANOS from adjusting and leaves the chain slack. Verify pressure before chasing electrical faults. [Elektroda, zaxdamian, post #17037124]

Can the VANOS solenoids be physically damaged by the timing chain?

Yes. Both VANOS electrovalves showed rubbing from the chain under throttle. Physical damage here explains intake backfire after revs. Replace damaged solenoids and correct the underlying chain guide issue. [Elektroda, Michal2145, post #17048683]

How do I correctly verify and set timing on the N42 after a collision?

Use the full locking toolkit to verify timing, then confirm fueling. 1. Lock the flywheel at TDC. 2. Install cam locks: rear cam blocks and front disc alignment. 3. After all locks are set, measure fuel pressure. [Elektroda, drdrug, post #17059094]

Why does my N42 smell of gasoline and backfire into the intake?

Flooding is indicated by gasoline smell. Check injection times and the lambda sensors. Connect the external temperature sensor, because it affects the fuel dose. [Elektroda, zaxdamian, post #17024681]

Does a broken lambda (oxygen) sensor cause rough running here?

Yes. One oxygen sensor was reported broken in this case. Replace it and re-evaluate behavior before deeper diagnostics. Injection times were reported within normal range during troubleshooting. [Elektroda, Michal2145, post #17024700]

How should I diagnose a persistent misfire on cylinder 4 on the N42?

Coil replacement and swapping did not move the misfire. Next, check the cylinder 4 injector and its wiring. Compression was measured at 12 bar on all cylinders, suggesting good sealing. [Elektroda, Michal2145, post #17022972]

What does alternator communication error 28D7 have to do with no ABS comm?

Error 28D7 (alternator communication) appeared with 27ED messages to ASC/DSC. After a collision, inspect power, grounds, and network lines. Repair electrical issues before blaming modules. [Elektroda, Michal2145, post #17032038]

Is there a known tensioner/guide issue on the N42 that causes chain jump?

Yes. This N42 is known for weak tensioner and guide skids. Replace them to stop chain jumping and restore timing stability. [Elektroda, marszałekkom, post #17058714]

What VANOS solenoid part number is relevant for this case?

The discussed VANOS solenoid carried PN 11 36 7 560 462. The owner noted light wear on one unit after removal. [Elektroda, Michal2145, post #17032038]

If compression is about 12 bar across cylinders, where should I look next?

With about 12 bar on all cylinders, mechanical sealing looks acceptable. Focus on VANOS control, timing alignment, and fuel and spark inputs. Re-verify timing with locks and confirm injector control and sensor signals. [Elektroda, Michal2145, post #17022972]

How do I spot a damaged or shallow timing wheel on the N42?

Mechanic feedback pointed to a shallow left timing wheel. If you see misalignment despite locks, replace the left wheel. This edge case can mislead timing checks. [Elektroda, mechanio, post #17046948]
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