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Home/Cars/BMW/3 Series/E90/E91 (2005-2012)/why does my BMW 3 Series E90/E91 (2005-2012) shudder when accelerating?

why does my BMW 3 Series E90/E91 (2005-2012) shudder when accelerating?

BMW 3 Series E90/E91 (2005-2012)

Severity: mediumDifficulty: medium3-5 hours
3 min read
540 words

Problem Statement

## Problem Statement The BMW 3 Series E90/E91 (2005-2012) is experiencing shuddering during acceleration, indicating potential issues with the drivetrain or engine components.

Repair Time
3-5 hours

Safety Warnings

  • ⚠Safety Warnings:**
  • ⚠Disconnect battery before working on electrical systems.
  • ⚠Allow engine to cool before beginning work.

Symptoms

  • •Shuddering or vibration felt during acceleration
  • •Noticeable loss of power or acceleration response
  • •Increased engine noise or irregular engine behavior
  • •Possible engine misfire or check engine light illumination
  • •Vibration felt through the steering wheel or chassis

Diagnostic Steps

  1. 1Scan the vehicle's OBD-II system for any stored error codes.
  2. 2Inspect the engine mounts for wear or failure.
  3. 3Check the condition of the driveshaft and universal joints (U-joints) for play or damage.
  4. 4Examine the transmission fluid level and condition; look for signs of contamination.
  5. 5Perform a visual inspection of the exhaust system for any loose components or leaks.
  6. 6Test the ignition system components, including spark plugs and coils, for proper operation.

Solution

Solution

1. Preparation

  • Gather necessary tools and parts.
  • Disconnect the negative battery terminal to ensure safety during repairs.

2. Inspect and Replace Engine Mounts

  1. Raise the Vehicle: Use a jack and jack stands to securely lift the vehicle.
  2. Remove Undertray: If applicable, remove any undertrays to access the engine mounts.
  3. Support the Engine: Use an engine hoist or jack to support the engine from above.
  4. Remove Engine Mount Bolts: Unscrew the bolts securing the engine mounts to the engine block and chassis.
  5. Replace Mounts: Install new engine mounts and torque the bolts to the manufacturer's specifications (typically around 40 Nm).

3. Inspect Driveshaft and U-joints

  1. Visual Inspection: Check for any visible damage or excessive play in the driveshaft and U-joints.
  2. Replace U-joints: If damaged, remove the driveshaft, replace the U-joints, and ensure proper alignment when reinstalling.
  3. Torque Driveshaft Bolts: Ensure all bolts are tightened to specifications (typically around 25 Nm).

4. Transmission Fluid Check and Replacement

  1. Check Fluid Level: Remove the transmission dipstick and check the fluid level.
  2. Change Fluid: If fluid is low or dirty, drain the old fluid and replace with the manufacturer-recommended fluid.
  3. Replace Filter: If applicable, replace the transmission filter during fluid change.

5. Inspect Ignition Components

  1. Remove Ignition Coils: Take off the ignition coils for access to spark plugs.
  2. Replace Spark Plugs: If worn, replace spark plugs with new ones, ensuring proper gap settings.
  3. Reinstall Coils: Reattach ignition coils and ensure they are seated correctly.

Verification

After completing the repair, verify that the issue has been resolved:

  • Test the affected component to ensure it functions correctly
  • Check for any error codes or warning lights
  • Monitor the vehicle for a few days to ensure the issue does not recur

Prevention Tips

To prevent this issue from occurring again:

  • •Follow the manufacturer's recommended maintenance schedule
  • •Address warning signs early before they develop into major issues
  • •Use quality parts and fluids recommended for your vehicle
  • •Keep detailed records of all repairs and maintenance

Tools & Equipment Required

  • OBD-II scanner
  • Socket set
  • Torque wrench
  • Engine hoist or jack
  • Transmission fluid pump

Parts Required

  • Engine mounts
  • U-joints (if necessary)
  • Transmission fluid
  • Transmission filter (if applicable)
  • Spark plugs

Additional Information

Repair Time

3-5 hours

Difficulty

medium

Severity

medium

Tools

5 items

Parts

5 items

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