Good Evening, I really need some help and cannot find any information on this issue. IO have a 1999 323i E-46 with MB52 Engine. Lately it has been cold in Calgary (-30* ish) I do not have a block heater to plug in my car. I started the car up it hesitated but did turn over and start, I then smelt fuel and quickly opened the hood to discover the Fuel injector closest to the front was spewing Fuel out of a small hole on the side of it (see picture) I quickly turned off the ignition, started the car and it did the same thing. no engine codes came up and the car seemed to run without stumbling. I let the car sit for about 2 hours and tried again: this time the car started normally and the injector was no longer leaking whatsoever. I then tried to start the car in the cold again today and now ALL 6 injectors are spewing fuel out of the small hole in the side, I can't see this being normal, I mean the car runs fine but I am afraid to drive it cause of a potential fire issue. It also does not look like it could be a seal issue as it is not leaking from the seals...can an expert help me please???
never heard of this before, but you shouldn't drive the car or trying to start the car knowing it's leaking fuel. replace the injectors with new ones and write to BMW NA to explain the situation. They may cover your cost. This is definitely not normal.
I'm having the same problem. It's been around 0 deg F.
I haven't checked them all - only the 1st one that's visible with the cover on... It appears mine may have been seeping fuel - possibly not as bad as OP's??
It does seem to stop after a while - that, or the heat of the engine is evaporating the fuel immediately...
I have the same problem with my injecors on my 01 - 325 xit although I thought it was seeping through the O rings, replaced them, thought it was cured and it happened again on Sunday.
I'm in Red Deer, I bought my car in Dallas almost 2 years ago.
Have you figured out your problem yet?
Hard fix ... well im beat , never heard of this happening around here and we see some pretty low temps.
Realoem shows same part # for US and EURO cars so might be something in how the US injectors are made ?
Anyone know what purpose that "hole" serves? Im thinking failsafe pressure release.
That hole can very well be a pressure release valve or something, like you said. And it could malfunction in colder temperatures.
I drove my last E46 through the winter and havent noticed any problems related to that. I've yest to drive my new E46 in the winter. I'll let you know how it goes.
So just to update everyone with regards to the leaky injectors from the thread posted above. There is nothing broken with your cars! I had been advised by my BMW mechanic that the problem lies with the injector itself where parts of the housing shrinks in the cold. Once the vehicle is warmed up after some driving the injectors will return to its proper state and stop leaking. Changing your seals will not fix the problem. BMW updated these injectors using a better material that doesnt shrink in extreme cold temps after 2003. I was able to get my hands on 2003+ injectors for my car and I no longer have this problem. Good luck everyone! For the time being... turn your vents to circulate mode and low fan speeds to prevent the fumes from entering the cabin. Your windows will fog abit but you'll be able to drive and the leak will stop once the temp needle hits center. Once the fumes die off in your engine bay you can open your vents and heat on again.
Hi I believe Im having a leaky injector as well. My car is a 2004 330i. The issue im having is not when the engine is cold but when i drive and park the car for a while. Since you mentioned the new injectors are 2003+, shouldnt I have the new injector design? perhaps my problem is the o rings?
Any suggestions? is there a way to diagnose a leaky injector?
ill Try Driving this way with the vents closed but when i left it to idle a HUGE puddle of fuel engine light on and misfiring like a mother..
So im gonna try starting her up idle for about 2 minutes then start driving .. hopefully it wont Explode =( .. Im planning on installing a block heater ,.. is this a good idea ?? or will it help the situation
well im assuming the cylinder is getting flooded with fuel but normally it runs great , and the plugs got changed about 15,000km ago ...it stays rough and the engine light comes on but then it goes away after a few miles of warm driving once the leak stops but it really doesnt like the leak .. both 330i and 330ci.... same **** ..
When changing injector O-rings also change the air distribution manifold O-rings they will also be old and crusty. Check your intake boots for tears. Vacuum leaks can cause misfires.
Same problem in Minneapolis. Below about 20° the injectors leak, front one is the worst. Not a problem in warmer temps and after it warms up. Parts geek sells rebuilt injectors with the updated material that can hold up to colder temps.
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