Or your voltage issues are causing the misfire.

When was the last time you checked your coolant and oil levels? While I agree with the diagnosis and ideas so far, it'* always wise to check that as well, considering you have the 'vulnerable' drivetrain (L36).

ok guys,

Out in the garage to check this out. So far all looks good. I have checked the oil, coolant, battery connections, ground on back side of ecm, altenator, coil pack connections, and I also ohmed out coils. Pack 1-4 = 6.14K, Pack 2-5 = 6.08K, Pack 3-6 = 6.15K. I also have pulled the connector off the end of the ecm and it looks good as well. So far nothing standing out thats say'* it might be the cause. that'* ok...I still need to check connection'* at starter and ground on the engine block. I have the new fuel filter to install as well. thanks for chiming in Willwren. My oil and coolant is fine. Back at it to get the other stuff done. Thanks again guys !

Ok guys

All connections checked. All are in very good to great condition. I did not see any corrosion at all. cleaned up battery connections anyway. Replaced fuel filter. All looks good......so the obvious question is.......what next? thanks in advance.

Beemer dude.

Ignition wires and/or plugs. Make sure to use GM wires.

Whatever the issue, I think it'* something more conventional as opposed to a PCM problem.

Cheers,

We need to get a scantool on the car.

Are you talking about a ODB 2 scan tool ?

Willwren,

Please advise. I don't have a scan device. In my previous post I have had it scanned twice. Once today when it popped the check engine light, and a week ago when the local mechanic had it. Today it displayed a P0306 code, which I was told by Autozone was a misfire on #6. Last week It showed P0301, and P0305. thanks, but can you lead me a little here. Thanks again everybody !

BMW, do this (above) if you would, just to eliminate this as a potential problem.

Then pull the plugs and report their condition to us.

It really doesn't have the symptoms of a plug problem, since your miss is moving cylinders, but it'* a good diagnosis step.

agreed....there are enough IL members around to help get this thing scanned

oh ya and the Bolts for the Coil packs are a 5.5 mm

OK, so I've dug a little deeper to try and get this resolved. Here'* some diagnosis steps as recommended by the '97 FSM. These are basic and should not be any different for your '96. In order of listing:

Sensors/System:

- Check your Heated Oxygen (O2) Sensors. Since you don't have a scantool to check the response times, pull the rear manifold one and look for a white powdery coating (silicone contamination). This contamination can cause a false rich condition signal and cause the PCM to reduce fuel delivery, causing severe driveability problems.

- Check your TPS (Throttle Position Sensor) and related wiring

- Check the MAF Sensor and related wiring. Clean MAF sensor carefully with some alcohol and a cotton swab if dirty.

- Check the EGR valve for a sticking pintle.

Fuel System

- Check the fuel pressure

There'* more, but this is a bunch to do for now.