Car is shaking really bad

[Patty318]

I have been having nothing but problems with my 1998 318ti, this time I started it this morning and the car was shaking really bad at idle and when I put it into reverse I thought the car was gonna fall apart. After starting a few more times it seemed to get a little better. The rpm stays at about 1000 while in idle. The check engine light was also on and then went off. Does anyone have any ideas as to what this could mean?

I just replaced the alternator and the catalytic converter a little while ago and the car ran fine, but this morning it sounded and felt terrible.

[b.u.ti-ful]

I think you probably shouldn't drive it until you can get the codes read.

Do you know somebody with a code reading computer?

You can also check under the hood for any obvious unhooked sensors, vacuum hoses, oil fill cap, air intake boot.

If you did the alternator, you might have unhooked the MAF connection or ripped the intake boot.

[the awakening]

I have a very similar issue. It happens sporadically but when I start my car the idle will be rough and will the car will tremble, almost like a human shivering, quickly every once in a while. When I put my car into reverse it feels like the car wants to go without me giving it gas. As if the trembling was me pushing the pedal. My car also throws codes, but it is constantly throwing codes, and I am too lazy to stop at my mechanic's on the way home from work for them to be read. Like I said, this happens very rarely, but I would be interested in any solution you find. Please keep the thread updated.

[Platanos]

How about going to autozone to have the codes read. It's free.

[Patty318]

Well I got a chance to have the codes read and they had to deal with the o2 sensors, nothing to do with the engine. But I had my dad look at the car later yesterday and he found that it was one of the sparkplug wires. The wire apparently had dried out and needed to be replaced.

Thank you all for the help, it actually helped me find the problem.