Really need some help

C

charlievaccaro

Newbie
Joined
Jul 10, 2026
Points
1
Okay I’m new here so if it’s in the wrong place I do apologise. I have a 1999 2.8 (the TU) Z3 and it’s got a pesky little problem I cannot diagnose. Essentially the story goes I was sat at idle for 10 minutes yesterday in the heat and set off, as you do, to which I noticed, when I put my clutch in, it began idling really low (300-500rpm). I ignored it and came to the bottom of my hill (about 1 minute away from where I noticed the idling drop) where, when I came to a stop, it cut out. So turned it over to which it started on the button and continued driving (for another minute or so) however, when I began to slow down (10mph) it cut out on me again completely, no lights on the dash, engine off, no power steering, nothing. Left it parked up and returned an hour later where it would then not start. Will crank forever just not catch. I have had an obd in it as there is one at the bottom of the drivers footwell, however a standard pin one and not the 20 pin one in the engine bay. That threw up: Anti Tempering Detection EWS 0000D1. So I originally presumed it was Crankshaft position sensor had worn out because it’s showing all the symptoms but OBD says otherwise and now I’m really really stuck. It’s definitely not fuel related and it’s got no air leaks. Any help at all or even just a point in the right direction would be a great appreciation as I’m currently trying to buy another car and don’t fancy spending unnecessary money on the BMW right now. Thanks, Charlie.
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Dont rule out bad camshaft sensor, duff ones cause extended crank time. Crank sensor either dies or causes the engine to misfire when given throttle, often runs smooth at idle and only shows up when given gas.
 
Quick google brought this up on that code, could be the EWS has lost its sync with the DME and stopped car starting. Resync required with software like INPA, think BMW Scanner 1.4 can do it as well.
 
Duncodin said:
In my day I had a strobe light for timing and a feeler gauge for points and, er, that was it. Didn't have none of this EWS, DME, INPA, PTSD, STD m'larkey. Is it really any better nowadays except for making money for the stealers.
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You're not wrong.
 
Duncodin said:
In my day I had a strobe light for timing and a feeler gauge for points and, er, that was it. Didn't have none of this EWS, DME, INPA, PTSD, STD m'larkey. Is it really any better nowadays except for making money for the stealers.
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On the flip side....in your day you would have needed to write that on a postcard and send it by post. ;)
 
I miss those old days dwell meter timing light and a Gunsons exhaust analyzer.
 
And how many of us built a Sparkrite electronic ignition system...
 
colb said:
I miss those old days dwell meter timing light and a Gunsons exhaust analyzer.
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And an old pair of tights for when the fan belt snapped?
And cars that rusted to pieces after 10 years?
And if they did 60k miles before being scrapped that was seen to be 'good going'?
And if you had an accident you would be killed or definitely maimed for life?
And carburetors which leaked fuel and set fire to the car; or at least needed constantly adjusting?

Ah yes, the good old days!
 
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