I have an '89 325i convertible with 62K miles on it. I'm having an odd problem when I attempt to start the engine. About every tenth time I try to start it, it turns over but will never actually fire off. It doesn't seem to matter whether it is hot or cold, and it can turn over FOR EVER and never start. Then you turn the key one more time and it starts right up. A friend suggested it might be the starter solenoid, which I understand is not an easy swap out. Any suggestions??
Problems Starting
- Thread starter jvr5000
- Start date
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What you probably saw was a inline check valve being put in top of the fuel tank from one of the primary fuel pump lines (under the inspection panel lid, under the back seat)
Helps maintain fuel pressure while the engine is hot, and off.
http://www.bmwe34.net/E34main/Trouble/535ihot_start.asp
Though that link is specific to the 5 series, I'm not sure which line is the supply line on the e30 off hand.
Helps maintain fuel pressure while the engine is hot, and off.
http://www.bmwe34.net/E34main/Trouble/535ihot_start.asp
Though that link is specific to the 5 series, I'm not sure which line is the supply line on the e30 off hand.
+1 to everyone else's comments, but I have something to add.
On the later e30's (like yours) there is a main engine loom plug located under the intake manifold. It is a push and twist job, and was put in by BMW to simplify removing the motor. Problem is they have a habit of corroding and cause the exact problem you describe. Give the plug a good clean out with electrical contact cleaner, etc and then see how you go.
If it still happens, then I have had a similar problem and it turned out to be a faulty starter motor which is a 30 min job to replace. Also check the main engine and fuel relays under the plastic cover on the LHS of the engine bay near the main fuse box.
On the later e30's (like yours) there is a main engine loom plug located under the intake manifold. It is a push and twist job, and was put in by BMW to simplify removing the motor. Problem is they have a habit of corroding and cause the exact problem you describe. Give the plug a good clean out with electrical contact cleaner, etc and then see how you go.
If it still happens, then I have had a similar problem and it turned out to be a faulty starter motor which is a 30 min job to replace. Also check the main engine and fuel relays under the plastic cover on the LHS of the engine bay near the main fuse box.
Thanks to all for the suggestions; I have been investigating several of them but have not found the specific cause just yet. In the meantime, my car has developed another unusual and likely related condition that might shed some light on the original problem. When driving, the engine will completely die. It doesn't happen when stopped, but rather when traveling at normal speed. The first time it happened, I pulled over and restarted the car after a few tries. The next time, I pushed the gas pedal and the car just skipped a beat and started going again. Very odd sensation. Does that sound like my fuel pump going out? If so, are they a nightmare to change out? I believe mine is in the fuel tank.