Q: Why is the car losing power and not accelerating? 1995 BMW 318is

asked by on October 31, 2016

So this has been going on for the past two weeks I start my uncles bmw every monday because of street cleaning so I start the car up and I let it sit for a little bit so the car warms up as soon as I push the clutch in and let off slowly and get on the accelerator and as soon as I get to 2000rpm the car bugs down and starts to make a noise like Im dragging something heavy behind the car and as I let go of the accelerator and let the car roll and as soon as the needle goes below 2000rpm the car stops making the dragging noise and car starts to gain power back and this is in every gear even reverse I replaced the oil filter, fuel injectors, fuel rail, and fuel pump and I still cant diagnose the problem I even replaced the Catalytic Converter and it didnt change anything the mechanic used a OBD 2 sensor and it didnt pick up anything so my conclusion is could it be that I need to replace the oil pressure sensor so the car stops losing power on acceleration? Please help.
My car has a manual transmission.

Throttle Position Sensor Replacement $144.21 - $717.44 Get a Quote
Loss of power Inspection $94.99 - $114.99 Get a Quote

Hello and thank you for contacting YourMechanic. Check the ground wire from the main engine to frame ground to the right side engine mount. If this wire is corroded or loose, this will cause the engine to loose power on acceleration. Also, check the throttle position sensor (TPS) for any damage or loose wire connections. If the wires are all in good condition on the engine and the TPS, then I recommend replacing the TPS. If you need further assistance troubleshooting your vehicle, then seek out a technician, such as one from YourMechanic, to diagnose the vehicle’s loss of power and proceed with any needed repairs.

The statements expressed above are only for informational purposes and should be independently verified. Please see our terms of service for more details

Get an instant quote for your car

Our certified mechanics come to you ・Backed by 12-month, 12,000-mile guarantee・Fair and transparent pricing


Experienced Mechanic?

Earn up to $70/hr

What others are asking

How do I use the HomeLink garage door opener system?
After the HomeLink system has been set up, it is ready to use. All you have to do is press the corresponding HomeLink button on your overhead console, and your garage door will open or close. Tip Even after programming...
How do I properly maintain the sunroof?
Over time, the sunroof can collect dirt in the seal, which can keep the sunroof from operating correctly. It’s a smart idea to periodically maintain the sunroof to keep this from happening. To do o, open the sunroof, and remove...
Car moving slowly after starting
Hi. If I'm understanding correctly, your vehicle crank slowly. It is possible that the alternator isn't charging. I would also suggest having a professional charge and test your battery to see if it meets specifications. If you're asking another question...
How to make a 2004 Scion xB a smoother ride
Those Scion's are rough riding cars. A lot of people don't realize that the number one shock absorbers on their vehicles are the tires. Since tires are rubber and full of air, they end up absorbing majority of the shock...
Anti Brakes light comes on and cruise control quit working at the same time.
Hello there, the ABS and cruise control systems work together and any fault with the ABS will disable the cruise control. The most likely causes of the ABS light is an issue with the control module, ABS sensor, or low...
Car runs great but sometime it won't let you acellarate
It sounds like you may have a transmission problem such as transmission fluid (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/transmission-fluid-service) or possibly a faulty transmission control module. Your car's transmission uses transmission fluid to create hydraulic pressure which allows the transmission to shift gears. When the...
How many motor mounts? 2005 Saturn Relay
Hello - for your model Saturn with the V6, there are 6 motor/transmission mounts (https://www.yourmechanic.com/article/symptoms-of-a-bad-or-failing-engine-mount) in total. For assistance with this task, I would recommend an engine/transmission mount replacement (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/engine-mount-replacement) by a mobile, professional mechanic, such as one from YourMechanic,...
I have Nissan Altima 2003, when I press the gas, won't accelerate. I was slowing down in the middle of the road coz no speed. I w
Hi there. Thanks for writing in today about the acceleration issue with your 2003 Altima. There are many things that could cause this type of problem, ranging from dirty fuel injectors and throttle body components / sensors to minor electrical...
Hello does coils mess up at the same time? How do you know if dealer fix the problem first time
There is a possibility that a coil can fail close to the same time as each other but not likely. The computer will set a code for each failed coil or cylinder. If a different coil fails then you will...

Related articles

Can Sensors Be Cleaned or Do They Need to Be Replaced?
In In most cases, sensors for your automobile will need to be replaced if they fail, but depending on the type of sensor and its location or function, some can be cleaned and reused (https://www.yourmechanic.com/question/can-sensors-be-cleaned-or-do-they-need-to-be-replaced). Sensors can come in many...
Symptoms of a Bad or Failing Top Dead Center (TDC) Sensor
Common signs include the Check Engine Light coming on, car not starting, and engine misfiring or running rough.
How to Replace an Air Cleaner Temperature Sensor
The air cleaner temperature sensor allows the computer to adjust engine timing and air/fuel ratio. A rough idle or "engine lag" are signs of failure.