BMW 320d E46 engine 'flutter'

My 2005 E46 320d ES has a frustrating flutter/slight hesitation between approx 1700 and 2200 or 2300 RPM - noticeable at about 30mph in 3rd or at around 70mph in either 5th or 6th when cruising (the car does not have cruise control). I’m hoping you can perhaps offer some advice, please?

Whilst I can feel this hesitation/slight flutter/mild surge there is no noticable effect on the Rev Counter. I'm wondering whether there is a turbo issue? The car accelerates strongly, however.

BMW took a look and found no apparent swirl flap issue at the last service, failing to find any cause on first examination. The car has covered 64,000 miles, has FBMWSH and I have extended the warranty since I bought it BMW Approved in 2008. The dealership is quoting a £90 hourly rate for investigation which they say would be refunded if the problem covered by the warranty (I've purchased the highest level of cover).

All other aspects of the car are very pleasing. I have tried adding (appropriate) Redex to no avail. I bought the car at 28,000 miles and avoid supermarket fuel, generally using a standard Shell or BP diesel.

Asked on 1 November 2011 by schneip

Answered by Alan Ross
Well firstly we would suggest that all air/vacuum pipes be checked for looseness /damage etc.

Then if all ok the next thing would normally be a diagnostic check.

If however you do not wish to do that then you could check out the MAF (mass air flow)sensor. If ok then check the APP (accelerator pedal position ) sensor.
After that there are many other sensors (which is why a diagnostic check is sometimes the better option).

One other one to check would be the EGR (exhaust gas re circulation)solenoid.
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