Signs of a Damaged Fuel Injector in BMW

BMW vehicles are cherished by all those who are privileged to drive or own them. They’re known for their impressive performance and high levels of endurance. However, it’s important to keep in mind that just like all other vehicles and man-made machines, parts tend to degrade, corrode, and wear out over time. Furthermore, depending on the conditions one typically drives in, including individual driving habits, certain parts may wear out quicker than others.

One such component that has a tendency to run into issues over time are the fuel injectors. Fuel injectors perform a very important function for your BMW; they spray a precise amount of fuel into the combustion chamber to allow combustion and ignition processes to occur optimally. In this article, we’ll talk more about what you can expect from failing fuel injectors so that you can act quickly and/or preventively.

Is This Problem Unique to BMW Vehicles?

As we mentioned before, all vehicles tend to run into similar problems over time; however, some vehicles are prone to failure of certain parts over others. Depending on the year and model of the BMW vehicle, fuel injectors may be one of the components to fail sooner than others, or to run into performance issues over time. Although not unique to BMW vehicles, fuel injectors are one of the components that may fail prematurely in BMWs.

Common Symptoms of Damaged or Clogged Fuel Injectors

Whether you own or lease a BMW, it’s important to be able to detect the signs of fuel injector failure in your own car. Here are some of the more common signs of fuel injector malfunction or failure that you should be aware of:

Acceleration Issues

Fuel injectors that aren’t performing properly don’t propel the correct amount of fuel into the chamber, which poses difficulties accelerating. You might notice stalling, misfiring, or other troublesome symptoms alongside acceleration stumbling.

Problems Starting

Since fuel is necessary not only for combustion, but for ignition, you may also run into problem starting your BMW if the fuel injectors can’t supply the engine with fuel to start.

Bucking or Surging

Bucking and surging is often experienced during acceleration. Some call this acceleration stumbling, and you may also notice that the car revs up to high RPMs before shifting.

Lowered Fuel Efficiency

Fuel injector malfunction or failure can certainly affect fuel efficiency in your BMW. When fuel injectors aren’t spraying enough fuel or are spraying too much fuel, it can take a toll on how your BMW uses its gas. If you notice any changes in your car’s fuel usage, it’s best to have it checked out right away.

Emissions Problems

When your BMW’s fuel isn’t burning properly, it can certainly take a toll on your car’s emissions. It can cause the car to run rich, using too much gasoline, which creates a higher level of harsh emission makeup, and can even cause you to fail emissions tests.

Rough Idling

Rough idling can be due to many different performance issues and component failures. Fuel injector malfunction can cause your BMW to idle roughly, and should be followed up on right away – particularly to rule out other potential causes.

What You Can Do to Prevent Fuel Injector Failure

Fuel injectors need to be maintained like any other vehicle component. Fuel injectors can become clogged or wear out over time, so it’s important to be sure to take maintenance seriously. Here’s what you can do:

• Hire a BMW specialist to perform maintenance and repairs
• Check the various components of the fuel system regularly, especially:
  • Fuel injectors
  • Fuel filters
  • Fuel pump
• Follow up on any concerning symptoms your BMW experiences right away
• Keep an eye out for any of the aforementioned symptoms specifically related to the fuel system and fuel injectors

How We Can Help You

Here at Bavarian Performance Specialist, we take automotive repair and maintenance seriously, and particularly take pride in our BMW specialized skills. If you have experienced any of the symptoms related to fuel injector damage, clogging, or failure, it is imperative that you bring your BMW in for an inspection right away. Please look over our website to learn more about our services, or call us directly to schedule an inspection of your fuel system.

* BMW 320d Sedan image credit goes to: servickuz.