Expert: Don Berlan - 7/2/2010

Question
Recently my 93 318is(M42 5 speed) started stumbling when starting from rest with the A/C on.  No codes are currently set in the Motronic ECU.(Readout is 1444)  The car has 288K mi on it and has never had a new clutch. Normally with the A/C on a little more throttle is required to start from rest....but recently it has seemed to be stumbling or bogging.  After there are some rpms on the tach it seems OK.....but I'm concerned that a problem is developing and since no code is set I don't think it is the engine....so where to look next??

Answer
The vehicle has many miles on it.To just throw out an idea to you would be hard.If the basics(ie,compression,spark,fuel pressure)are checked an look good and the engine is leak free.Checking the plugs,filters would be a step.Then you have adjustments on the throttle body that can be checked.A no code situation would send me more towards maintenance items(plugs,coils,boots) it could get really costly