2002 318ci wont start

[peterohora]

Hey guys, ive a problem with my 2002 318ci 2.0 143bhp.
When I started it this morning the check engine light came on and the car started splutering..I got my local mechanic to check it out and he tried the coils but when he went to start it again it didn't. .he put a diagnostic machine on it and it showed generator communication problem...my mechanic is old school and not up to date with modern cars..I cant afford to go to main dealers so I was wondering does anyone here have any idea as to why it wont start...many thanks in advance

[Gar]

Can you hear the fuel pump when you try to start the car lift the back seat and listen for it

[peterohora]

The pump is working but he doesn't think there is power going to it. he checked the relay fuse and fuses and theres power going to them plus he ran a wire directly from the battery to the pump and it noised then but still wouldn't start

[John_D]

What was the actual fault code? Generator could be a camshaft or crankshaft sensor(pulse generator)

[HealyC]

Timing could have jumped, very normal unfortunately for one of these engines. Would explain why your getting a cam or crank sensor fault. Bring it to someone who knows these engines as you could end up wasting a fortune of dosh with someone who doesn't.

[cambo]

or just sell it conor lol....
as conor said theres a million things that can go wrong on these and if not familiar with the engine ul be out a small fortune plus some indys have second hand parts lien about also saving on buying from main dealer or searching the scrappers

[peterohora]

Thanks guys..going to send it to main dealers in limerick during the week to see whats the problem so ill update ye all once I hear from them..thanks

[Gar]

Bring the vaseline

No decent independents down your way ? main dealer labour rates are crippling

[Valdelisbmw]

sometimes i dont understand people thinking .if U not gonna repair your car in main dealer,why bring it there just to check it? and pay minimum 100e just to get an idea whats broken? and sometimes its not correct answer at all .only my 2 cents .


ill tell u a story which happen last week .some taxi driver brought his passat to main dealer to check why his engine is noisy :huh: he thought its timing belt loose :s car was driving but noisy . left car in and got call later ,they have checked timing and fan belts and all ok.the noise is in gearbox or in the clutch ,was their suggestion,to found whats wrong need to remove gearbox,of course its big money time so he rang me ,can he bring it in and re check .an hour later he towed his car to my place ,they told him do not strat car as its dangerous to drive like this :hehe!::hehe!::hehe!: i couldnt start any work without engine start ,i must hear that noise.so tried to start it but engine wont turn,got jump start and engine dont turned anyway .lift it on the lift and found that engine is seized :surprised: removed gearbox ,no damage at all ,no damage in clutch as well,and it couldnt be gearbox as car was moving easy and without any stopping . removed engine oil sump and found nice picture
IMG_0081.JPG IMG_0082.JPG IMG_0083.JPG
so how did they revved the engine if con rod broke in half ,after broke from piston and piston stuck between crankshaft and cylinder :surprised: and told him not to start engine as its dangerous :hehe!: and was charged 85 euros for this quick check