318is seems sluggish

[Mastermind833]

i was wondering what could be wrong with my car, its tuned , but it feels like it has lost some power and it doesnt respond when u floor it. also what is the oxygen sensor for and the check engine light , if anyone can help me thanks

 

[Mastermind833]

also i have been hearing a noise like a clicking noise coming from the engine that wasnt there before , could anyone please help me thanks

 

[outperformit 36]

The Oxygen Sensor is a sensor which reads the exhaust mixture when exiting the motor. If you have a bad O2 sensor then your car will not run like it should because the fuel system is getting faulty readings from the ecu.
Ill put it this way: Your motor needs the right fuel/air mixture to run at full potential. The O2 sensor tells the ecu how well the motor is burning the fuel. I have a feeling you had your ecu checked and the diagnostic pinpointed the problem to the sensor. Bottom line is if that is the case then get the o2 sensor replaced...soon.
Clicking, as in a rubbing/knocking noise could be the timing chain tensioner, if the noise is coming from the front left of the motor. Also have this checked out because you dont want to neglect the timing chain, it will teach you a very expensive lesson.

 

[Mastermind833]

what exactly is the timing chain tensioner? what do i have to do to fix it?

 

[Mastermind833]

the check engine light is on , and when i give it gas it feels like it doesnt respond and like the pedal feels funny, also sometimes kinda gets stuck and you have to push it hard? could this be vanos related? i have a 1993 318is

 

[outperformit 36]

The tensioner is the device which keeps the chain at the correct tension for the crank to cam spec. If
your tensioner becomes loose then you probably will begin to here it. I would say to just put some good penitrating oil in your system such as z-max for the next few oil changes,but Im not sure that the tensioner is your problem. If I were you I would have it looked at.
I dont think that your vanos would cause crummy pedal feel, It could, but I doubt it.

 

[MikeB325i]

What octane gas are you using? If you are hearing a "pinging" sound, it could be related to the quality of the gas you're putting in the tank. Lower octane gas could also account for your car feeling sluggish and not accelerating as quickly as it should.