BMW Cylinder numbering scheme

Yadlik · 01-23-2007, 05:58 AM

I have a 2000 BMW 323i. The "service engine soon" light came on. I had the codes read and they said a "misfire in #2 cylinder." How do I know which the #2 cylinder is? Are the numbered by firing order? Front to back, back to front? Any help would be greatly appreciated!

Yurick · 01-23-2007, 08:09 AM

Yadlik,
The cylinders are numbered in sequentially 1 through 6, front to back of the motor. The firing order is not sequential, but it sounds like it is irrelevant to your problem.

Yadlik · 01-23-2007, 08:13 AM

Thank you Yurich! So as I am standing at the front of the car with the hood open - the second cylinder back is the #2 cylinder (not the one "hidden" up by the firewall). Brilliant.

Yadlik · 01-23-2007, 08:15 AM

Sorry! Thank youYurick!

Jeron · Jeron's Garage

So, back to your issue. BTW, your car is an E46.

I would clear the code and see if it comes back. Check / change your plugs.

There is a recall on some early E46 coils. You should be able to find the method to determine if yours were recalled.

grafhky52 · 01-24-2007, 04:34 AM

CHECK YOUR SPARK PLUGS. I WILL PUT MONEY ON A CRACKED SPARK PLUG. IN THAT CASE BEING THE YEAR( NOT KNOW YOUR MILEAGE) I WOULD REPLACE ALL PLUGS AND THE BOOTS OFF THE COILS

Yadlik · 01-24-2007, 04:53 AM

95k miles - spark plugs were probably the originals. I changed the spark plugs, but still have the knock, and am now going to change the coil on that cylinder.... So you think the boot might be the culprit and not the coil itself? That is a lot less expensive. Should I try just the boot first?