Check Engine Light/mild Misfire

[top_driver]

can anyone help me narrow down what the problem could be. i'v a limited set of funds aside for it so have to do it logical and what is most necessary

starting off i had leaking brakes so the engine was sucking in some overflowed brake fluid the brakes themselves master cylinder and brake booster are leaking been having a lot of misfire issues but check light never stayed on this long. but few weeks ago was driving gently and it came on so decided to plug the hose leading to break booster ( i generate enough leg power to brakes so it's safe) and it is still on also the spark plugs become really sooty and they are not old. the maf seems fine there are no other vacuum leaks what do you think i'm dealing with i'm thinking new plugs might do the trick since i sealed the leak

[top_driver]

it is an e46 bmw

[1ozzy]

You have disconnected your brake booster!!!
Get your car repaired before you kill someone!!!

[top_driver]

i have indeed however it does not remove the capability of brakes.. it is the comparison to having power steering and none power steering the manual force has to be more. don't think i didn't make sure i could stop in both easy and hard braking situations i tested and practiced in a safe zone/area first

[top_driver]

but yes i intend on doing the job soon as i have moved from dublin to wicklow where i have a safe place to dump brake fluid

[TWR]

Blooming heck Top, you still having trouble with that 46? the booster as you call it (Servo) If there's a leak here it needs to be removed, either replaced aong with the Master Cylinder, check the pipes for "Hair Line Cracks" have you checked the wheel cylinders? are the back plates dry all around? regards your plugs, take them out clean & replace, the car is running RICH get a dio test done.

[top_driver]

haha ye still having problems seems to be the trend for all my bmw well i cleaned spark plugs put back in took back out was sooty again cleaned but forgot about them and solution i used caused a reaction and rust because i forgot to take out of solution after a few mins. all my vacuum pipes are new from the mass airflow to intake my oil separator etc all those were replaced

[TWR]

With the time / problems you are having regards the running of this cai I would suggest a Dio Test, not sure of your prices over there but the last one I had done was with parts for my son's car around £70, you can mess about with all unnecessary things to improve or find the cause without success, the dio test will pick it up straight away. the Cylinder that shows yo the Sooty Plug, are the plug lead Ends tight? is the plug lead a good one? the carbon within the lead could be cracked.

[top_driver]

A diagnostic test here is 50 just to put it on the computer nothing else. When you say plug lead what do you mean the coil pack or the wires connecting to it

[derekpara]

Hope you don't mind me asking but do you intend to do the work yourself, TD ?

[top_driver]

i do but i have to wait till have a ramp sorted. i'v done engine swaps and engine work before but i usually worked on what i believed to be wrong and i'm usually right just that this one i think could be one of the sensors playing up but i don't necessarily think by it being faulty just dirty as a result from fouled plugs due to brake booster leak

[top_driver]

ok so i got my brother to get me a diagnostics at his garage handy as he is a panel beater/mechanic lucky the garage allowed it it turns out to be an 02 sensor at the cat