E46 M3 limp mode!! HELP :(

deep throat · #1 (**permalink**) 12-05-2007, 04:22 AM

I am about to buy a 02 SMG M3 that is going into limp mode or “safe mode”; I really like this particular car so I was searching the entire forums but couldn’t find anything useful to solve the problem.
Here is what happens usually… As soon as the car hits 100km/hr the RPM drops to 3000rpms and it no longer exceeds this level neither does it go beyond 100km/hr. The car runs smoothly and the gear functions properly before and even when it’s on limp mode. It also idles fine.
We’ve already changed the cats and O2 sensor, as they were both throwing an error on the GT1 system… the stealership also changed the fuel filter suspecting that it might cause such a thing.
Just to mention that the car has SS sport exhaust and ITG air filter…

And it is not throwing any error lights on the speedometer when the limp mode occurs.

Has anyone had this problem before?

AlpinweissM3 · #2 (**permalink**) 12-05-2007, 08:50 AM

My car was having problems going into limp mode about a week ago. Come to find out I had a bad Throttle position sensor. However I was getting an EML light with my problem but it sounds like you are not getting that. Also might want to check the coils but you should be getting an EML light and SES light with those going out as well.

AlpinweissM3 · #3 (**permalink**) 12-05-2007, 09:28 AM

Ok so I just read your thread on another Forum and people were giving you the same causes I was. If it's not any of those I would say walk away from the car if you havent bought it already. These cars can be electrical nightmares and you don't want to be stuck with the bill. I have already had my fair share of electrical problems and I only have 15,000 miles on my car and its had to be towed to the dealer once already.

deep throat · #4 (**permalink**) 12-05-2007, 12:30 PM

I should've mentioned I'm posting this for a close friend of mine...Well we have analyzed the problem and we came to the conclusion that it's got to be the ITB actuator. Also MAF is a huge suspect. The thing is that the car has 30K miles and that's TOO low, low mileage isn't always a plus (from experience) and they tend to "forget" how to move and drive in a way....However, I'm not convinced it's the coils as their syndrome is different from the limp mode (or is it different on the E46 M3?)

No, an M3 with problems is a BIG NO!

AlpinweissM3 · #5 (**permalink**) 12-05-2007, 02:36 PM

Glad to here you have it all worked out. If the coils were going out it could put the car in limp mode plus you would get the EML and SES light.