entityx

As soon as I turned on my car this morning, I noticed something was wrong. The exhaust tone was a lot deeper and more raspy. I have the SW bypass, and have had the car for 8 months now, so I have a pretty good idea of what it should sound like.

Also, on the freeway the car felt sluggish and didn't accelerate like it normally does. I've noticed over the past couple days that the oil measurement tool fluctuates quite a bit. On some occasions it shows above the half way line, on others it flashes below the minimum line, even when at full operating temp.

Everything was running fine last night. On my way home I visited my normal gas station and filled up with 91.

Could bad gas be the is the reason for all these symptoms? My car's ECU been mapped by EVOMS for 91. I'm pretty sure I filled up with 91, but maybe I hit 87 by accident?

My car is at the dealership right now, I've asked them to flush some of the gas out of the tank to take a look. Any other ideas? I'm Pretty worried right now...

996FLT6

Can be bad gas , maf going afoul, catalytic converter going bad ,exhaust leak ,intake manifold leak, O2 sensors. Had it all cept cat. Hope it's nothing big. Mike

entityx

Thanks Mike. In all those instances (except gas) did warranty/CPO cover replacement?

Eddie - RPW

Well, If you hear the exhaust sound different, hard to believe it has anything to do with bad gas... check your exhaust system for leaks, cracks, and also a broken/ clogged catalyst converter.
A bad cat would cause all symptoms you describe.

996FLT6

Only thing that was done under warranty was when my intake manifold hose(s) popped due to spinning backwards in gear. Never brought in the car for other stuff because had an indie. Besides when it broke it away post warranty period. Never had cat issues because I was using catbypass. Mike

Jamie_GT3

In BMW land those symptoms signify a bad exhaust side cam position sensor. Sometimes throws a CEL sometimes doesn't. May be related, may not be...

entityx

Thanks for all the feedback guys. The dealer just called and said they couldn't find anything wrong with the car, no fault lights etc. The oil was a little dirty but not anything significant.

I'm a little bit confused at this point. I forgot to mention that I have a PSE carnewal remote installed - i'm wondering if somehow the exhaust valves aren't opening all the way. I don't think this would explain the sluggish acceleration I experienced, though.

tcsracing1

could be the plugs are due for a change?

entityx

I asked the dealer the same question, they said highly unlikely. What's bizzare is this change happened overnight while the car was sitting.

M3EvoBR

check the exhaust side ...

996FLT6

How thorough was the dealer with inspection? Was it more than just hooking up to the computer to look for faults? Don't know much about the exhaust flappy thing but does a solenoid open and close it. Maybe it's broken. So it's sluggish from idle on or past 4k rpm? Mike

996FLT6

Also did they pump out the gas for ya if it's 87 or 91 like u mentioned. Why don't u just go to sonoma raceway's finest pump station and put in some high octane fuel and see what happens. There's also gotelli's in San Bruno that sells high octane unleaded gas in 5 gallon containers(it's vp brand). Mike

entityx

The car is at Carlsen and my understanding is they know their way around GT cars. They are going to test the valves and also do a pressure test. They also had the car on the lift and didn't find any visual issues with the exhaust.

Would you mind telling me the indy shop you took your car to, just in case?

entityx

I'm still waiting to hear back on the gas. They want to keep the car overnight, I'll probably just head to that one gas pump in Woodside if its not resolved tomorrow.

hlee1169

Sunol gas station is good too.