Questions and Answers

BMW 323i Has No Acceleration Q. I have a 1998 BMW 323i convertible. The car has no pick up. It takes up to a minute or more to just reach 60 mph and don't even think about passing someone on the highway. It just started now for about two weeks. The car has 86,000 miles. There are no engine codes and no transmission codes.

New tune up, fuel pressure is good, back pressure is good, cleaned fuel injection system, decarbonized intake and exhaust valves, decarbonized combustion chamber and pistons. The car idles as smooth as new. All in all it's now $400.00 and still the same problem. if you can provide any help it will be greatly appreciated.

Thank you,
Ruben

A. Well, if you are sure it is not an engine problem, we have to look at the transmission. It is possible the transmission is not downshifting to FIRST gear and you may be starting out in SECOND, or even THIRD gear. It is also possible the torque converter is bad.

BMW has an "Emergency Shift Program" that may have been activated. This is very much like a Fail-Safe mode. If this is the case there will be a code stored in the Transmission Control Module.

Another thing to check is the transmission fluid level. Make sure the fluid is in good condition and up to the proper level. Then I would put a vacuum gauge on the engine, you may have a clogged catalytic converter or other exhaust restriction.

Without Dipstick