Problem Starting My M4 GTS

bdogk · 06-26-2017, 06:42 PM

I was at our local German Auto-fest over the weekend. After parking on grass for 4 hours under 29 Celsius hot sun, I started my GTS to cool the interior before departing. The car idled for about 30 seconds, then died. I spent the next 15 minutes trying to restart it, but it would not hold idle. This was most embarrassing as my GTS was the lone one there and I was surrounded by numerous BMW, Mercedes and Porsche's on display. The thought went through my mind that I may need to have it flatbedded, and get the front spoiler/apron damage.
Luckly, after at least a dozen restarts, it finally fired up.
Many of us suspect it was some kind of vapor lock. But I didn't think it can happen nowadays with all the electronics and high-pressure fuel system.
Anyone experienced this?

M4_GTS · 06-26-2017, 07:47 PM

Maybe you are not driving it enough. I would take it out no less than once every 2 weeks.

jpdchicago · 06-26-2017, 08:55 PM

No issues so far...1,500 miles+
Went to two car shows under the same conditions and no issue starting.

schnell325 · 06-26-2017, 10:09 PM

Did you scan it for codes? No idea if any would show up though

BarryB · 06-26-2017, 11:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jpdchicago

No issues so far...1,500 miles+
Went to two car shows under the same conditions and no issue starting.

Same here

Bashful · 07-02-2017, 03:11 PM

ditto, car shows, or sometimes left sitting for extended periods of time at home....no issues.

bdogk · 07-05-2017, 07:17 PM

I sent the problem to the GTS chief engineer in Germany who I met on our M Tour. He in turn consulted his head engine guy. They both confirmed that it's likely condensation in the fuel tank which got into the fuel. They suggested that I keep the fuel tank full if storing the car for any length of time. I will also bring the GTS into my dealership to see whether any error codes show up. Will keep all posted.

jpdchicago · 07-05-2017, 09:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hjk

I sent the problem to the GTS chief engineer in Germany who I met on our M Tour. He in turn consulted his head engine guy. They both confirmed that it's likely condensation in the fuel tank which got into the fuel. They suggested that I keep the fuel tank full if storing the car for any length of time. I will also bring the GTS into my dealership to see whether any error codes show up. Will keep all posted.

That could totally be the reason. I always fill up my tank if I know I am not going to use the car for a while. I have two motorcycles as well as toys and always make sure tanks are filled up and ad stabill over the winter. Thanks for keeping us posted as you offered. Could be something else.

06-26-2017, 06:42 PM	#1
bdogk First Lieutenant 300 Rep 357 Posts Drives: M2CS,M4GTS,'21-X3 Join Date: Apr 2015 Location: Canada iTrader: (0)	Problem Starting My M4 GTS I was at our local German Auto-fest over the weekend. After parking on grass for 4 hours under 29 Celsius hot sun, I started my GTS to cool the interior before departing. The car idled for about 30 seconds, then died. I spent the next 15 minutes trying to restart it, but it would not hold idle. This was most embarrassing as my GTS was the lone one there and I was surrounded by numerous BMW, Mercedes and Porsche's on display. The thought went through my mind that I may need to have it flatbedded, and get the front spoiler/apron damage. Luckly, after at least a dozen restarts, it finally fired up. Many of us suspect it was some kind of vapor lock. But I didn't think it can happen nowadays with all the electronics and high-pressure fuel system. Anyone experienced this?
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06-26-2017, 07:47 PM	#2
M4_GTS Lieutenant Colonel 1153 Rep 1,523 Posts Drives: M4 GTS Join Date: Apr 2016 Location: Vancouver iTrader: (0)	Maybe you are not driving it enough. I would take it out no less than once every 2 weeks.
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06-26-2017, 08:55 PM	#3
jpdchicago Major 1359 Rep 1,394 Posts Drives: M4 CSL, X3MC Join Date: Feb 2016 Location: Chicago area iTrader: (0)	No issues so far...1,500 miles+ Went to two car shows under the same conditions and no issue starting.
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06-26-2017, 10:09 PM	#4
schnell325 Bored at work.... 890 Rep 5,391 Posts Drives: 2016 F82 M4 GTS//2022 M235iGC Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Comox Valley iTrader: (8)	Did you scan it for codes? No idea if any would show up though __________________ Grey Matter:2008 E92 M3:608/425. SG/PS SOLD! Dark Matter:2015 F80 M3:495/505. SOLD! Anti Matter :2016 F82 M4 GTS What next?!? A 2022 M235i GC- I must be getting old
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07-02-2017, 03:11 PM	#6
Bashful Private First Class 161 Rep 137 Posts Drives: Some Germans Join Date: Jan 2016 Location: Canuck iTrader: (0)	ditto, car shows, or sometimes left sitting for extended periods of time at home....no issues.
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07-05-2017, 07:17 PM	#7
bdogk First Lieutenant 300 Rep 357 Posts Drives: M2CS,M4GTS,'21-X3 Join Date: Apr 2015 Location: Canada iTrader: (0)	I sent the problem to the GTS chief engineer in Germany who I met on our M Tour. He in turn consulted his head engine guy. They both confirmed that it's likely condensation in the fuel tank which got into the fuel. They suggested that I keep the fuel tank full if storing the car for any length of time. I will also bring the GTS into my dealership to see whether any error codes show up. Will keep all posted.
	Appreciate 0 Quote